DE102015214654A1 - Battery assembly and vehicle having such a battery assembly (II) - Google Patents

Abstract

Suggested is u.a. a battery assembly (3), comprising a battery carrier (5) of a battery housing (4) forming a base, to which battery carrier (5) two or more cell modules (9) are fastened and interconnected electrically, wherein at least between two adjacent cell modules (9) a heat exchanger (12) is arranged, which by means of connecting pieces (20, 21) of at least one flow and at least one return within the battery case (4) with associated receiving elements (24, 25) fluidly connected or connectable fluid lines of a fluid circuit, and wherein the Connecting piece (20, 21) together with the receiving elements (24, 25) form releasable quick connectors.

Description

The invention relates to a battery assembly according to the combination of features of claim 1 of the invention. According to claim 12, the invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular hybrid or electric vehicle, with such a battery assembly.

Hybrid or electric vehicles are operated by means of a rechargeable electric energy storage, as a traction battery. During the recharging of the battery, especially in a fast charge, high power losses are recorded, which can lead to a high thermal load of the battery. To counter this situation, a temperature of the traction battery is required, which is accomplished for example by means of a cooling device. In that regard, with the DE 10 2010 007 975 B4 a charging station for an electrical energy storage of a motor vehicle proposed, which charging station comprises a cooling device with at least one connectable to a motor vehicle cooling line for supplying a coolant to the traction battery. Here, the traction battery is to have a cooling module with at least one cooling channel, wherein during the charging process, the coolant supplied by the cooling line of the charging station to be passed through the cooling channel of the traction battery. The connection of the cooling line of the cooling device of the charging station with the vehicle-side connection for the cooling module of the traction battery via a coupling.

In addition, it is known that at an operating temperature of the traction battery over 40 ° C their life reduced and below -10 ° C, the efficiency of the same decreases. Furthermore, the temperature difference between the individual battery cells should not exceed 5 ° C. To ensure these boundary conditions, it is known to incorporate the traction battery in a vehicle-side cooling system. The battery-side cooling module is integrated in a low-temperature cooling circuit of the motor vehicle, wherein a thermal manager ensures that an ideal operating temperature range is maintained. Such an ideal operating temperature range is, for example, 20 ° C to 30 ° C. Moreover, the temperature manager regulates the temperature of the same in the said temperature range in all operating states of the battery system, in particular also during the driving operation of the motor vehicle. From the DE 10 2008 059 969 A1 is a cooling module is known, which is plate-shaped as a heat exchanger and is thermally conductively connected within a battery housing with the individual cells of the battery. Starting from the heat exchanger, coolant line sections lead into an area outside the battery housing and are connected there via detachable coupling elements in a fluid-tight manner to the vehicle's air conditioning system. As the direct connection between the said coolant line sections and the heat exchanger is effected, this document is silent about. However, due to public prior use, it is known to attach coolant lines by means of manually mounted pipe clamps to connecting pieces of the heat exchanger fluid-tight. This measure is complicated because this tool must be provided, which also requires correspondingly large space for handling. In addition, if there is a possible incorrect assembly and resulting penetration of a clamp in the battery system, the same disassemble, since there is electrical hazard potential.

On this basis, it is an object of the invention to provide a battery assembly, which is simple and inexpensive to produce and in particular allows a comfortable manual assembly of fluid lines to a heat exchanger of the battery assembly within a battery case of the same. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a vehicle, in particular hybrid or electric vehicle, with a battery assembly of the type described above.

The object is achieved by a battery assembly, with a bottom forming battery carrier of a battery case to which battery carrier attached two or more cell modules and electrically interconnected with each other, between two adjacent cell modules at least one heat exchanger is arranged, the means of connecting piece at least one flow and at least one return within the battery housing with associated receiving elements of fluid lines of a fluid circuit is connected fluid-tight or connectable, and wherein the connecting pieces together with the receiving elements form releasable quick connectors.

Under a quick connection is understood according to this invention, a fluid-tight connection between two tubular ends of a fluid line, which is effected solely by axial mating, in particular manual mating of said ends. Further manual joining measures, such as, for example, by means of mechanical fastening elements, which in particular require tools, are therefore unnecessary. By this measure, the fluid-tight connection of the fluid lines to the heat exchanger within the battery case is advantageously simplified. Furthermore, savings in particular manufacturing time and material are recorded.

The subclaims describe preferred developments or refinements of the invention.

According to a particularly practical embodiment of the invention, the connecting pieces are each tubular and inserted into a tubular receiving element of the associated fluid line or inserted and positively connected or connectable with each other.

For the realization of said positive connection of the respective connecting piece preferably forms a starting from the outer circumferential surface of the same radially outwardly directed, circumferential locking element, which corresponds to the receiving element associated and radially inwardly directed counter-detents.

More preferably, the present preferred circumferential locking element is formed integrally with the connecting piece, resulting in savings in material and manufacturing time.

According to a particularly simple and functionally reliable embodiment of the counter-latches they are formed by a fixable on a base part of the receiving element and in assembly the connecting piece at least partially encompassing Klammerteil, which clamp part comprises a resiliently shaped, bow-shaped body, which then by a middle bracket portion and both ends each one bar leg is formed, wherein at the free end of each stirrup leg each one of said counter-detents is formed.

Preferably, the mating pawls are arranged opposite the pliers and directed towards each other. In assembling the clamp part with the base part of the receiving element and the connecting piece, the counter-latches pass through corresponding openings in the wall of the base part of the receiving element and thereby fix the connecting piece axially on the receiving element. The bow-shaped base body of the clamp member is preferably guided transversely to the longitudinal direction of the receiving element in a guide groove of the base part of a first operating position "I" corresponding to a basic position and in which the middle bracket portion of the bow-shaped body radially spaced from the outer contour of the base part of the Receiving element is arranged and the counter-detents are in latching position to the locking element befindlich, in a second operating position "II", in which the middle bracket portion of the bow-shaped base body is arranged at or near the outer contour of the base part of the receiving element. This has the advantage of easy accessibility and manual handling of the clamp part to a possibly necessary release of the positive connection. For this purpose, the two each form a ramp to the middle strap portion of the bow-shaped base body and the counter-rests supporting stirrup leg. The ramps are based on the base part of the receiving element such that as a result of displacement of the clamp part of its first operating position "I" in its second operating position "II" the counter-detents are moved radially apart and the locking of the same with the locking element of the connecting piece is released.

As the invention further provides, the connecting pieces are preferably arranged at an angle "α" directed away from the battery tray, whereby in particular the manual connection of the fluid lines to the respective associated connection piece of the heat exchanger is facilitated with minimized space requirement. Particularly advantageous is an angle "α" has been found, which is selected from a range of 10 ° to 30 °. Said angle "α" is preferably about 15 °.

As far as the at least one heat exchanger is concerned, in the present case it is preferably plate-shaped, as a result of which it advantageously conforms with a large surface area to the two adjacent cell modules which are each formed with a plate-shaped contact surface.

The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular hybrid or electric vehicle, with a battery assembly of the type described above.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment schematically illustrated in the drawings. However, it is not limited to this, but covers all embodiments defined by the claims. Show it:

1 very schematically a motor vehicle equipped with a battery assembly according to the invention,

2 the said battery assembly in a perspective view,

3 an exploded perspective view of a consisting of two cell modules and a heat exchanger assembly unit,

4 the assembly unit after 3 during assembly,

5 the detail "Z" after 2 .

6 a sectional view of a quick connector between the heat exchanger and a fluid line according to the section line "AA" after 5 .

7 the detail "Y" after 6 .

8th the fast connection after 6 and 7 in a perspective Einzelteilzeichnung with a heat exchanger side provided connecting piece and a fluid line side provided receiving element for the connecting piece,

9 an individual perspective view of a base part of the receiving element,

10 a perspective individual view of a staple part of the receiving element,

11 a view of the front side of the receiving element 9 with the representation of the clamp part, which is in a first operating position or basic position, and

12 a view of the front side of the receiving element 9 with the illustration of the clamp part, which is in a second operating position.

1 shows first a vehicle 1 , in this case motor vehicle, with an electric motor 2 as a drive motor and with a traction battery forming a battery assembly 3 , According to this embodiment is thus a purely electrically operated motor vehicle 1 , Of course, a so-called hybrid vehicle, which is next to one or more electric motors, is also covered by the invention 2 also has an internal combustion engine (not shown in the drawing).

According to 2 indicates the battery assembly 3 a battery case 4 with a battery carrier forming a bottom 5 on, the present trough with a support bottom 5a and upwardly facing support walls 5b is trained. This form of battery carrier 5 corresponds to the preferred form with respect to a waterproof battery case 4 , The battery carrier 5 is a merely schematically illustrated cover element 6 assigned, which on the free end faces 7 of the trough-shaped battery carrier 5 put on and by means of in 2 illustrated hollow cylindrical centering bolt 8th centered and not illustrated by drawing, the centering pins 8th is bolted through penetrating screws. To seal the joint, a ring seal, not shown in the drawing, is preferably provided. More preferably, at least the battery carrier 5 a casting of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

However, the invention is not limited to said preferably trough-shaped battery carrier 5 but also detects a battery carrier 5 , which is substantially plate-shaped and accordingly said support walls 5b not shown (not shown in the drawing).

The battery carrier 5 is present with eight cell modules 9 equipped, which are interconnected electrically, each with four cell modules 9 to a module group 10a . 10b are summarized and each module group 10a . 10b from two assembly units 11 consists. Every assembly unit 11 exists according to the 2 to 4 from two, merely exemplifying cuboid cell modules 9 between which a plate-shaped heat exchanger 12 is preferably made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The two cell modules 9 each assembly unit 11 including the heat exchanger 12 are under mediation of the front of the two cell modules 9 arranged first and second module carrier 13 . 14 non-positively by means of not graphically illustrated screw on the battery tray 5 respectively its carrier floor 5a established.

The first and second module carriers 13 . 14 according to this embodiment have a substantially X-shaped shape ( 3 and 4 ) and are each preferably formed by a substantially sheet-metal bent and / or stamped part. The free thighs 15 the X-shaped module carrier 13 . 14 are 90 ° to the respective cell module 9 formed angled and each have a mounting hole 16 on. The two cell modules 9 are by means of in 4 more apparent, the mounting holes 16 the adjacent module carrier 13 . 14 and assigned through holes of the two cell modules 9 and the heat exchanger 12 passing through fixing screws 17 interconnected ( 4 ). Here, the mounting screws are based 17 at one end by means of her screw head 18 on a free leg 15 of the first module carrier 13 and at the other end by means of a nut 19 on a free leg 15 of the second module carrier 14 axially. Preferred is said nut 19 as a so-called weld nut with the leg concerned 15 of the second module carrier 14 joined by welding materially.

How the particular 3 it can be seen, the heat exchanger 12 two connecting pieces 20 . 21 on, which allow the heat exchanger 12 in a known and thus not graphically illustrated fluid circuit of the vehicle 1 , Especially in a cooling circuit of the same. In said cooling circuit is preferably a low-temperature cooling circuit. Said fluid circuit or cooling circuit is of a cooling medium, which for example, consists of water and glycol, flows through. A connecting piece 20 is in the so-called supply and the other connecting piece 21 integrated or integrated into the so-called return of the cooling circuit. 2 shows in this respect the battery carrier 5 including the cell modules 9 during the assembly of the battery carrier 5 with cable sections 22a . 22b ; 23a . 23b the fluid lines of the flow and return of the cooling circuit. For the present four heat exchangers 12 the battery assembly 3 are both for the forward and the return each two line sections 22a . 22b ; 23a . 23b with two receiving elements each 24 . 25 for the fluid-tight connection of the same with one associated connection stub 20 respectively. 21 inside the battery case 4 intended. The recording elements 24 . 25 , are manufactured as separate components and at each line section 22a . 22b ; 23a . 23b preassembled.

How the particular 6 it can be seen, are the connecting pieces 20 . 21 at an angle "α" from the battery carrier 5 away, ie upwards to the cover element 6 directed, whereby the connection of the respective receiving element 24 . 25 said line sections 22a . 22b ; 23a . 23b the fluid lines of the flow and return of the cooling circuit is facilitated. In experiments, an angle "α" of 10 ° to 30 °, but preferably an angle "α" of about 15 ° has proven.

At the other end are the line sections 22a . 23a of the flow and the pipe sections 22b . 23b the return combined and each by means of a coupling element 26 . 27 connected to non-illustrated connection lines of the said cooling circuit. In view of this, the two coupling elements 26 . 27 through the carrier floor 5a of the battery carrier 5 passed outwards so that even when the battery housing is closed 4 a connection and a release of the connection is made possible (not shown in the drawing).

According to the 5 to 12 form the respective connecting piece 20 . 21 of each heat exchanger 12 and the respective associated receiving element 24 . 25 the line sections 22a . 22b ; 23a . 23b the fluid lines a detachable quick connector. As already indicated above, according to this embodiment, a quick connection means a fluid-tight connection between two tubular ends of a fluid conduit, which is effected solely by axial mating, in particular manual mating of the said ends. Further manual joining measures, such as, for example, by means of mechanical fastening elements, which in particular require tools, are therefore unnecessary.

The present is therefore the connecting piece 20 . 21 tubular and according to the directional arrow 28 in 5 by axial movement of a tubular receiving element 24 . 25 plugged into the same ( 6 . 7 ). The connecting piece 20 . 21 and the associated receiving element 24 . 25 are interconnected in a form-fitting and fluid-tight manner. Said fluid tightness is achieved by at least one, in the present case two preferably elastomeric ring seals 29 causes, in the receiving element 24 . 25 are used and form a unit with the same. In the assembly of connecting pieces 20 . 21 and receiving element 24 . 25 support said ring seals 29 both on the inner contour of the receiving element 24 . 25 as well as on the outer contour or outer circumferential surface of the connection piece 20 . 21 off ( 6 . 7 ).

For the realization of said positive connection has the connecting piece 20 . 21 a starting from the outer lateral surface of the same radially outwardly directed, circumferential or in the manner of an annular flange in one piece with the connecting piece 20 . 21 trained locking element 30 on. The connecting piece 20 . 21 is preferably made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy and is so far material with the heat exchanger 12 educated.

The locking element 30 corresponds to two the receiving element 24 . 25 assigned and radially inwardly directed mating latches 31 . 32 , The counter-latches 31 . 32 are thereby by a at a base part 24a . 25a of the receiving element 24 . 25 fixable and in assembly the connecting piece 20 . 21 at least partially encompassing bracket part 33 formed (see esp. 7 - 10 ). Both the base part 24a . 25a as well as the clamp part 33 are preferably made of a plastic, more preferably produced by a plastic injection molding process.

According to 10 includes the clamp part 33 a spring-trained, bow-shaped body 34 by a middle bracket section 34a as well as both ends at the same then each a bar leg 34b . 34c is formed. At the free end of each stirrup leg 34b . 34c is in each case one of said counter-latches 31 . 32 formed, which are arranged in the present case, as it were pincer-shaped opposite and directed towards each other.

In the assembly of the clamp part 33 with the base part 24a . 25a of the receiving element 24 . 25 is the bow-shaped body 34 of the clamp part 33 transverse to the longitudinal direction of the receiving element 24 . 25 in a in the outer circumferential surface of the wall 35 of the base part 24a . 25a trained guide groove 36 slidably guided. Here enforce the counter-latches 31 . 32 corresponding openings 37 . 38 in the wall 35 of the base part 24a . 25a ( 8th - 10 ). Will the receiving element 24 . 25 according to the directional arrow 28 in 5 axially on the connection piece 20 . 21 attached, presses the locking element 30 due to the same trained suitable slope the counter-latches 31 . 32 with hanger arms 34b . 34c radially apart or spreads said bar arms 34b . 34c and subsequently positions behind the counter-latches 31 . 32 , whereby these spring back in the sequence and so the connecting piece 20 . 21 axially on the receiving element 24 . 25 establish. During the axial sliding of the receiving element 24 . 25 on the connecting piece 20 . 21 occurs at the same time the ring seal 29 of the receiving element 24 . 25 in fluid-tight operative connection with the connecting piece 20 . 21 ( 6 . 7 ).

For the possible release of the positive connection between the locking element 30 and the counter-latches 31 . 32 respectively between the connection piece 20 . 21 and the receiving element 24 . 25 is the bow-shaped body 34 of the clamp part 33 from a first operating position "I" into a second operating position "II" ( 6 . 7 . 11 ). The first operating position "I" corresponds to a basic position of the clamp part 33 in which the middle bow section 34a the bow-shaped body 34 radially spaced from the outer contour of the base part 24a . 25a of the receiving element 24 . 25 is arranged and the counter-latches 31 . 32 in the manner described above in locking position to the locking element 30 of the connecting piece 20 . 21 are located.

As a result, preference is given to manual radial application of a force "F" on the middle bow section 34a to the connecting piece 20 . 21 down ( 12 ) is starting from said first operating position "I" or basic position of the bow-shaped body 34 into the second operating position "II" convertible, in which the middle bracket section 34a the bow-shaped body 34 at or close to the outer contour of the receiving element 24 . 25 is introduced. The two of them at the middle temple section 34a the bow-shaped body 34 subsequent and the counter-latches 31 . 32 carrying hanger arms 34b . 34c each form a ramp 39 . 40 from (see esp. 10 ). The ramps 39 . 40 are based on the base part 24a . 25a of the receiving element 24 . 25 or at least one within the guide groove 36 of the base part 24a . 25a trained support bar 41 from that, due to displacement of the clamp part 33 from its first operating position "I" in its second operating position "II" the counter-latches 31 . 32 moved radially apart or spread and the locking of the same with the locking element 30 of the connecting piece 20 . 21 is solved ( 12 ). As a result, the receiving element 24 . 25 contrary to in 6 shown directional arrow 28 axially from the connection piece 20 . 21 subtracted from.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

vehicle

2

electric motor

3

battery assembly

4

battery case

5

battery carrier

5a

support floor

5b

support wall

6

cover element

7

Front side (support wall 5b )

8th

centering

9

cell module

10a

module group

10b

module group

11

assembly unit

12

heat exchangers

13

first module carrier

14

second module carrier

15

Leg (module carrier 13 . 14 )

16

mounting hole

17

fixing screw

18

screw head

19

nut

20

Connecting piece (flow)

21

Connecting piece (return)

22a

Line section (flow)

22b

Line section (return)

23a

Line section (flow)

23b

Line section (return)

24

receiving element

24a

base

25

receiving element

25a

base

26

coupling element

27

coupling element

28

arrow

29

ring seal

30

locking element

31

opposite catch

32

opposite catch

33

clamp part

34

body

34a

middle bow section

34b

stirrup leg

34c

stirrup leg

35

wall

36

guide

37

opening

38

opening

39

ramp

40

ramp

41

supporting web

"Α"

angle

"I"

first operating position (clamp part 33 )

"II"

second operating position (clamp part 33 )

"F"

force

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102010007975 B4 [0002]
• DE 102008059969 A1 [0003]

Claims (12)

Battery assembly ( 3 ), with a battery carrier forming a bottom ( 5 ) of a battery case ( 4 ) on which battery carrier ( 5 ) two or more cell modules ( 9 ) and interconnected electrically, wherein between two adjacent cell modules ( 9 ) at least one heat exchanger ( 12 ) is arranged, which by means of connecting pieces ( 20 . 21 ) at least one flow and at least one return within the battery housing ( 4 ) with associated receiving elements ( 24 . 25 ) fluidly connected or connectable to fluid lines of a fluid circuit, and wherein the connecting pieces ( 20 . 21 ) together with the receiving elements ( 24 . 25 ) form detachable quick connections. Battery assembly ( 3 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting pieces ( 20 . 21 ) each tubular and into a tubular receiving element ( 24 . 25 ) of the associated fluid line plugged or plugged and positively connected to each other or are connectable. Battery assembly ( 3 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that for the realization of said positive connection of the respective connecting piece ( 20 . 21 ) a starting from the outer circumferential surface of the same radially outwardly directed, circumferential locking element ( 30 ) formed with the receiving element ( 24 . 25 ) and radially inwardly directed counter-pawls ( 31 . 32 ) corresponds. Battery assembly ( 3 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the latching element ( 30 ) in one piece with the connecting piece ( 20 . 21 ) is trained. Battery assembly ( 3 ) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the counter-latches ( 31 . 32 ) by a at a base part ( 24a . 25a ) of the receiving element ( 24 . 25 ) fixable and in assembly the connecting piece ( 20 . 21 ) at least partially encompassing bracket part ( 33 ), which bracket part ( 33 ) a spring-elastic, bow-shaped base body ( 34 ), which is separated by a central bow section ( 34a ) as well as both ends at the same then each a bar leg ( 34b . 34c ) is formed, wherein at the free end of each stirrup leg ( 34b . 34c ) each one of said mating pegs ( 31 . 32 ) is trained. Battery assembly ( 3 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the counter-detents ( 31 . 32 ) are arranged opposite one another and directed towards one another in the manner of a pincer, and in the assembly of the clamp part ( 33 ) with the base part ( 24a . 25a ) of the receiving element ( 24 . 25 ) and the connecting piece ( 20 . 21 ) corresponding openings ( 37 . 38 ) in the wall ( 35 ) of the base part ( 24a . 25a ) of the receiving element ( 24 . 25 ) and the connecting piece ( 20 . 21 ) axially on the receiving element ( 24 . 25 ) establish. Battery assembly ( 3 ) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the bow-shaped base body ( 34 ) of the clamp part ( 33 ) transversely to the longitudinal direction of the receiving element ( 24 . 25 ) in a guide groove ( 36 ) of the base part ( 24a . 25a ) is displaceably guided, of a first operating position "I", which corresponds to a basic position and in which the middle bracket section ( 34a ) of the bow-shaped basic body ( 34 ) radially spaced from the outer contour of the base part ( 24a . 25a ) of the receiving element ( 24 . 25 ) is arranged and the counter-latches ( 31 . 32 ) in detent position to the locking element ( 30 ) are in a second operating position "II", in which the middle bracket section ( 34a ) of the bow-shaped basic body ( 34 ) at or near the outer contour of the base part ( 24a . 25a ) of the receiving element ( 24 . 25 ) is arranged. Battery assembly ( 3 ) According to claim 7, characterized in that the two of them (at the central strap portion 34a ) of the bow-shaped basic body ( 34 ) and the counter-latches ( 31 . 32 ) carrying hanger arms ( 34b . 34c ) one ramp each ( 39 . 40 ), the ramps ( 39 . 40 ) on the base part ( 24a . 25a ) of the receiving element ( 24 . 25 ), that due to displacement of the clamp part ( 33 ) from its first operating position "I" in its second operating position "II" the counter-latches ( 31 . 32 ) are moved radially apart and the latching of the same with the locking element ( 30 ) of the connecting piece ( 20 . 21 ) is solved. Battery assembly ( 3 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the connecting pieces ( 20 . 21 ) at an angle "α" from the battery carrier ( 5 ) are directed away. Battery assembly ( 3 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the angle "α" is selected from a range of 10 ° to 30 °, preferably 15 °. Battery assembly ( 3 ) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the at least one heat exchanger ( 12 ) is plate-shaped. Vehicle ( 1 ), in particular hybrid or electric vehicle, with a battery assembly ( 3 ) according to one of claims 1 to 11.

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