DE102017216519A1 - Heat transfer element, tempering device and battery housing with at least one heat transfer element - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat transfer element (1) for a temperature control device for a vehicle battery, in particular an e-vehicle, comprising at least one hollow profile-like element (2) with a substantially rectangular cross section, which defines an interior (2.1) which can be passed through by a liquid, at least one on at an open end of the hollow profile-like element (2) for closing the hollow profile-like element (2) arranged end element (3, 4), wherein in the at least one end element (3, 4) at least one connection (3.1) for connecting a supply and / or drain line is provided, wherein the closing element (3) for closing over an edge region (2.4) of the hollow profile-like element (2) pushed and with the hollow profile-like element (2), in particular mechanically connected.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a particular plate-shaped heat transfer element for a temperature control device for a vehicle battery, in particular an e-vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a temperature control device for a composite of one or more battery modules vehicle battery and a battery case for receiving a vehicle battery composed of one or more battery modules for a vehicle.

Technical background

The increasing electrification of vehicles, especially automobiles, and the simultaneous customer desire for a high range of such vehicles require the development of powerful battery concepts. The battery of electric vehicles, in short E-vehicles, is the crucial component for the range of e-vehicles. The battery, which consists of one or more battery modules, is usually placed in a crash-proof designed battery housing and mounted under the floor of an e-vehicle.

The performance of a battery depends on the influences such as charging and driving cycles, time of use, environmental influences and mechanical loads. In the context of these factors, the module temperature, i. H. the temperature of the battery modules a crucial role. The battery loses power when the ambient temperature is too high or the heat generated when charging or discharging the battery can not be dissipated from the battery modules. The battery also loses power when outside temperatures drop too much in winter weather conditions. In this case, the battery modules must be heated to ensure the performance.

Different cooling systems and their arrangement for dissipating heat from the battery modules or from the interior of the arranged in a battery housing battery modules are known from the prior art, s. for example, the German patent application DE 10 2014 202 162 A1 , Important requirements of the temperature control device or heat transfer elements are that this takes up little space, placed close to the battery modules and is sealed. To ensure tightness and economy, the temperature control device or heat transfer elements must consist of a few components. There is room for improvement in this regard.

Summary of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a heat transfer element for a temperature control device for a vehicle battery, in particular an e-vehicle, which can be produced economically and reliably.

This problem is solved by the features of patent claim 1.

Provided according to the invention is a particular plate-shaped heat transfer element for a temperature control device for a vehicle battery, in particular an e-vehicle, which defines at least one hollow profile-like element having a substantially rectangular cross-section which defines a passageway through a liquid interior, and at least one at an open end of the hollow profile-like Element for closing the hollow profile-like element arranged end element, wherein in the at least one end element at least one connection for connecting a supply and / or drain line is provided, said closing element pushed to close over an edge region of the hollow profile-like element and with the hollow profile-like element, in particular mechanically is connected.

The inventors have found that by a relatively simple structure, a particular plate-shaped heat transfer element can be produced process-reliable and economical with an effective heat transfer. In the simplest embodiment, the heat transfer element may consist of at least one hollow profile-like element with a substantially rectangular cross-section and a closing element arranged at least on one side for closing the hollow-profile-like element open on both sides. The opposite open side can be closed, for example by appropriate shaping of the material at the end of the hollow profile-like element, for example by squeezing and / or joining, in particular gluing or welding. In order to provide a sufficiently high heat conduction, the hollow profile-like element consists of a metal, preferably of steel, stainless steel or aluminum. Sheets or strips made of steel or stainless steel can be mass-produced and cost-effectively formed into a slot profile. The slot profile can then be reproducibly sealed, wherein the leak test can be carried out easily automated, are joined by a longitudinal seam by welding or flanging to form a closed hollow profile. The end section, In particular, the substantially rectangular cross-section of the hollow profile-like element can already be considered in the course of shaping a slot profile or alternatively finally provided in a final step, for example by a defined squeezing, wherein a defined interior (inner dimension) remain for passing a liquid got to. Alternatively, in particular when using aluminum as the material, a hollow profile-like element with a substantially rectangular cross-section can be produced by means of seamless drawing or extrusion. As a result of the manufacturing process, the corners of the rectangular cross section do not necessarily have a right angle, ie r = 0.0 mm, but in the context of the invention, radii in the corners of up to r = 4 mm can also be included. In order to operate lightweight, depending on the embodiment and dimension of the plate-shaped heat transfer element, the wall thickness of the hollow profile-like element is less than 0.5 mm, in particular between 0.1 and 0.4 mm. If steel is used as the material, it can also be provided with an inorganic coating, in particular with a metallic corrosion protection coating based on zinc, aluminum or tin. To further save weight, the end element made of plastic, preferably made of a plastic injection molded part or an injection molded part made of fiber-reinforced plastic. Plastic injection-molded parts and injection-molded parts made of fiber-reinforced plastic can be mass-produced, cost-effectively and individually manufactured and enable the integration of multiple functions in one component.

The connection of the end element with the hollow profile-like element is subject to high requirements with respect to the tightness over the entire service life of the heat transfer element. This must also be ensured under varying loads, with relevant parameters being: ambient temperature, temperature of the vehicle battery or of the battery module (s) of the vehicle battery, pressure within the temperature control system (cooling / heating) and the ambient pressure. In order to meet these requirements and to withstand these stresses, according to the invention, the closing element is slid over an edge region of the hollow profile-like element in order to close it and is connected to the hollow profile-like element, in particular mechanically.

According to a first embodiment, the closing element is connected by means of latching with the hollow profile-like element. Particularly preferably, at least one nose integrated on the closing element is in engagement with at least one opening corresponding to the edge region of the hollow profile-like element. In particular, at least two lugs are integrated on the closing element. The noses can, without much effort, be integrated into the closing element in the course of injection molding.

According to a further embodiment, the closing element has a circumferential groove, in which the edge region of the hollow profile-like element is accommodated. Characterized in that the edge region of the hollow profile-like element is received in the circumferential groove of the closing element in particular substantially positive fit, the connection between the hollow profile-like element and closing element is carried out particularly reliable.

According to a further embodiment, sealing means are provided between the edge region of the hollow profile-like element and the closure element, in particular in the form of an adhesive and / or at least one sealing element. The provision of an adhesive not only has a sealing effect, but also increases the stability and reliability of the particular mechanical connection between the hollow profile-like element and end element by an additional material connection. Alternatively or additionally, a sealing element, for example an O-ring or other suitable elements, may be used for sealing.

According to a further embodiment, the at least one end element has at least one web projecting at right angles from the end element, which is in particular integrally formed with the end element or is connected as a separate component to the end element and projects into the hollow profile-like element for deflecting the liquid within the hollow profile-like element. Depending on the design and dimension of the plate-shaped heat transfer element, one or more webs may be arranged within the hollow profile-like element, which or force a deflection of the liquid and thus a substantially complete flow through the interior of the hollow profile-like element, whereby the efficiency of the plate-shaped heat transfer element can be increased. On the web or on the webs structures, such as bulges can be provided, which can in particular the flow velocity of the liquid in the entire interior of the hollow profile-like element can be made uniform. The web or the webs are formed integrally with the end element, for example, in a short design of the plate-shaped heat transfer element. Alternatively, in particular with a longer design and dimension, the web or the webs can be designed as additional parts or components and in particular be connected to the end element. To increase the stability is the web not only dimensioned such that the height of the web substantially corresponds to the clear height of the inner dimension of the hollow profile-like element and thereby rests against the inner wall of the hollow profile-like element, but in addition cohesively, for example glued to the inner wall.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, in each case a closing element for closing the hollow profile-like element is arranged at both open ends of the hollow profile-like element. Compared to closing the open side by appropriate shaping of the material at the end of the hollow profile-like element, for example by squeezing and / or joining, in particular gluing or welding, the provision of a second closure element can provide a process-assured and substantially dense and maintenance-free plate-shaped heat transfer element become.

According to a further embodiment, the first terminating element has a connection for connecting a supply line and the second terminating element has a connection for connecting a discharge line. Preferably, the two end elements are designed to be identical, which per design and dimension only one geometry must be made, which in turn has a cost-effective effect. It may be advantageous that the inlet and / or the outlet is accessible on both sides. As a result, the inlets or outlets of several heat transfer elements can be connected to one another and the heat transfer elements can be integrated into the (cooling) circuit in parallel.

According to a further embodiment, the closing element provides means for fastening. These can preferably already be integrated in the course of the production of the closure element, for example in the form of through holes for receiving screws, bolts, pins, etc. and / or attachment areas, which are designed to receive, for example, clips, in particular a mechanical, preferably detachable connection to provide with adjacent parts or components.

A significant advantage is the modularity of the plate-shaped heat transfer element according to the invention. Due to different designs and dimensions of the plate-shaped heat transfer element different geometries of battery modules can be cooled and / or heated in the later use different geometries of battery modules with the same geometry of the end elements respectively the heat transfer elements. Thus, the dimension of the plate-shaped heat transfer member can be designed precisely for the area occupied by a battery module or a plurality of battery modules. In particular, the hollow profile-like element or at least one of the hollow profile-like elements of the heat transfer element can cover one or more battery modules.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a temperature control device for a vehicle battery composed of one or more battery modules, which can be arranged in a battery housing, through the temperature control device, a liquid is durchleitbar comprising one or more heat transfer elements according to at least one of the aforementioned embodiments, through which the liquid for receiving and discharging the heat generated by the battery module (s), a pump for circulating the liquid, a condenser for controlling the temperature of the liquid under heat, a conduit for circulating the liquid containing the pump, the condenser and the heat transfer element (s) fluidly interconnected and in particular forms a closed system. This system has a high cooling capacity, can be flexibly adapted to the available installation space and is maintenance-free. The above list is not to be considered as conclusive, since of course also other elements, components and / or units may be part of the tempering. The tempering device can cool the vehicle battery depending on the (set) operating temperature as well as heat.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a battery housing for accommodating a vehicle battery composed of one or more battery modules for a vehicle, comprising a box, which is formed by a frame and a bottom, which provides an interior area for the vehicle battery, a cover for covering the Box, and at least one heat transfer element according to at least one of the aforementioned embodiments. The above list is not to be considered exhaustive, since of course also other elements, components and / or units may be part of the battery case, such. As consoles or other elements for connecting the battery case to the underbody of a vehicle, transverse and / or longitudinal stiffening profiles etc ..

The particular plate-shaped heat transfer element according to the invention is versatile due to its configuration, so that in connection with the battery housing or the heat transfer elements under the bottom of the battery case, between the bottom of the battery case and the battery modules or between the battery modules and the lid and / or can be arranged above the lid.

list of figures

• 1): ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Wärmeübertragungselements in perspektivischer Darstellung a) und in b) einen Querschnitt durch B-B in 1a),
• 2) ein Ausführungsbeispiel des Wärmeübertragungselements in einem Teilschnitt durch A-A in 1a),
• 3) ein alternatives Ausführungsbeispiel des Wärmeübertragungselements in einem Teilschnitt durch A-A in 1a),
• 4): ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Batteriegehäuses in einer perspektivischen Teilansicht und
• 5): ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Temperiervorrichtung in einer schematischen Darstellung.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an illustrative drawing. Identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals. It shows:

• 1 ): An embodiment of a heat transfer element in a perspective view a) and in b) a cross section through BB in 1a) .
• 2 ) An embodiment of the heat transfer element in a partial section AA in 1a) .
• 3 ) an alternative embodiment of the heat transfer element in a partial section through AA in 1a) .
• 4 ): An embodiment of a battery case in a perspective partial view and
• 5 ): An embodiment of a temperature control in a schematic representation.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

In 1a) is an embodiment of a plate-shaped heat transfer element ( 1 ) is shown in a perspective view. The plate-shaped heat transfer element ( 1 ) comprises a hollow profile-like element ( 2 ) having a substantially rectangular cross section ( 1b) ), which a durchleitbaren of a liquid, in particular cooling liquid interior space ( 2.1 ), and in each case one at both open ends of the hollow profile-like element ( 2 ) for closing the hollow profile-like element ( 2 ) arranged end element ( 3 . 4 ). The final element ( 3 ) has a connection ( 3.1 ) for connecting a supply and / or discharge line, not shown here. In the 1a) Plotted arrows symbolize the flow direction of the liquid in the use of the heat transfer element. A footbridge ( 5 ) forces the liquid, in particular cooling liquid inside the interior ( 2.1 ) to a diversion. The hollow profile-like element ( 2 ) consists of a metal, in particular a steel coated with a corrosion protection coating or of a stainless steel or of an aluminum, and has a wall thickness ( d ) between 0.1 and 0.4 mm. The final elements ( 3 . 4 ) consist of a plastic, preferably of a plastic injection molded part or of an injection molded part made of fiber-reinforced plastic. The connection ( 3.1 ), both for the inlet and the drain line is formed in this example in the form of a hole into which a line can be inserted. The hole is fluid technically with the interior ( 2.1 ) of the hollow profile-like element ( 2 ) in connection. Inside the hole inside circumferential seals, z. B. be provided in the form of O-rings and / or a lock for sealing connection of the line. Alternatively, the hole can also be designed with an internal thread and an external sealing surface. The design opening / hole has the advantage that it requires a small space, so that several heat transfer elements can be used almost directly next to each other in subsequent use. In an alternative embodiment, the connection for connecting a line can also be designed in the form of a spout, via which the line can be pulled over it. According to this embodiment, it is possible to use lines having a larger cross-sectional area compared to the aforementioned embodiment and, associated therewith, less flow resistance. The connection of the line to a spout could be secured permanently by means of a clamp or a union nut.

2 ) shows an embodiment of the heat transfer element ( 1 ) in a partial section AA in 1a) , For closing the open sides of the hollow profile-like element ( 2 ) is or are the final elements ( 3 . 4 ) over an edge region ( 2.4 ) of the hollow profile-like element ( 2 ) and with the hollow profile-like element ( 2 ), in particular mechanically, preferably by means of latching with the hollow profile-like element ( 2 ), wherein particularly preferably at least one of the closing element ( 3 . 4 ) integrated nose ( 3.8 . 4.4 ) in engagement with at least one in the edge region ( 2.4 ) of the hollow profile-like element ( 2 ) corresponding opening ( 2.5 ) stands. The final element ( 3 . 4 ) has a circumferential groove ( 3.9 . 4.5 ), in which the edge region ( 2.4 ) of the hollow profile ( 2 ) Element is particularly reliable recorded. For sealing, an adhesive ( 6 ) between the edge region ( 2.4 ) of the hollow profile-like element ( 2 ) and the final element ( 3 . 4 ), in particular the adhesive ( 6 ) within the circumferential groove ( 3.9 . 4.5 ) of the closing element ( 3 . 4 ), in particular in the foot region of the groove ( 3.9 . 4.5 ), wherein a part of the edge region ( 2.4 ) from the outside and inside of the adhesive ( 6 ) is surrounded.

3 ) shows an alternative embodiment of the heat transfer element ( 1 ) in a partial section AA in 1a) , Compared to 2 ) is not an adhesive ( 6 ) are provided for sealing, but there are sealing means in the form of sealing elements ( 7 ). 3 ) shows the positioning of the sealing elements ( 7 ) between the edge region ( 2.4 ) of the hollow profile-like element ( 2 ) and final element ( 3 . 4 ), in particular in the head region of the groove ( 3.9 . 4.5 ) of the closing element ( 3 . 4 ) each have a sealing element ( 7 ) between the outer wall ( 2.3 ) of the hollow profile-like element ( 2 ) and the outer groove wall of the closing element ( 3 . 4 ) and between the inner wall ( 2.2 ) of the hollow profile-like element ( 2 ) and the inner groove wall of the closing element ( 3 . 4 ) arranged.

4 ) shows in a perspective partial view of a battery case ( 30 ) for receiving a z. B. from several battery modules ( 31 ) assembled vehicle battery for a vehicle, comprising a box ( 32 ), which consists of a frame ( 33 ) and a floor ( 34 ) which forms an interior area ( 35 ) provides for the vehicle battery, a lid, not shown here, for covering the box ( 32 ) and at least one heat transfer element ( 1 ). The one or more heat transfer elements ( 1 ) are in this example between the battery module (s) ( 31 ) and lid arranged. Alternatively or additionally, and not shown here, heat transfer elements can also be arranged under the bottom of the battery housing, between the bottom of the battery housing and the battery modules and / or over the lid.

5 ) shows a schematic representation of a temperature control device ( 20 ) for a z. B. from several battery modules ( 1 ) composite vehicle battery, not shown here, which is in a battery case, not shown here, can be arranged, by the temperature control device ( 20 ) a liquid is passable, symbolized by the arrow, comprising a plurality of heat transfer elements ( 1 ), through which the liquid for receiving and discharging the heat generated by the battery modules can be transmitted, a pump ( 21 ) for circulating the liquid, a cooler ( 22 ) for controlling the temperature of the heated liquid, a line system ( 23 ) for the circulation of the liquid which fluidly connects the pump, the cooler and the heat transfer element (s) and in particular a closed system ( 24 ). The inlet and outlet pipes for connection to the heat transfer elements ( 1 ) are part of the management system ( 23 ). In 5a) the heat transfer elements are connected in series, in 5b) they are connected in parallel.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but it can also be provided heat transfer element in different dimensions. The aforementioned features can all be combined with each other. For example, both adhesive and sealing elements can be used for sealing, in particular a combination of the embodiments in FIGS 2 and 3 , The heat transfer elements can be used in addition to the cooling for heating the battery modules to ensure the performance of the vehicle battery. The use of the battery case is particularly preferred in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, trucks, special vehicles, buses, buses, whether with hybrid or pure electric drive.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Heat transfer element

2

hollow profile-like element

2.1

inner space

2.2

inner wall

2.3

outer wall

2.4

edge region

2.5

opening

3

termination element

3.1

Opening / hole

3.4

paragraph

3.8

nose

3.9

groove

4

termination element

4.1

Opening / hole

4.4

nose

4.5

groove

5

web

6

adhesive

7

sealing element

20

tempering

21

pump

22

cooler

23

line system

24

closed system

30

battery case

31

battery module

32

box

33

frame

34

ground

35

inner space

d

Wall thickness

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 102014202162 A1 [0004]

Claims (15)

Heat transfer element (1) for a temperature control device for a vehicle battery, in particular an e-vehicle comprising at least one hollow-profile-like element (2) having a substantially rectangular cross-section which defines an interior (2.1) which can be passed through by a liquid, - At least one at an open end of the hollow profile-like element (2) for closing the hollow profile-like element (2) arranged end element (3, 4), wherein in the at least one end element (3, 4) at least one connection (3.1) for connecting a Zu - And / or drain line is provided, wherein the closing element (3) for closing over an edge region (2.4) of the hollow profile-like element (2) pushed and with the hollow profile-like element (2), in particular mechanically connected. Heat transfer element after Claim 1 , characterized in that the closing element (3, 4) is connected by means of latching with the hollow profile-like element (2). Heat transfer element after Claim 2 , characterized in that at least one of the end element (3, 4) integrated nose (3.8, 4.4) in engagement with at least one in the edge region (2.4) of the hollow profile-like element (3) corresponding opening (2.5). Heat transfer element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closing element (3, 4) has a circumferential groove (3.9, 4.5), in which the edge region (2.4) of the hollow profile-like element (2) is accommodated. Heat transfer element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that sealing means (6, 7) are provided between the edge region (2) of the hollow profile-like element (2) and the closing element (3, 4), in particular in the form of an adhesive (6) and / or at least one sealing element (7). Heat transfer element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closing element (3, 4) consists of a plastic, in particular of a plastic injection molded part. Heat transfer element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hollow profile-like element (2) consists of steel, stainless steel or aluminum, in particular with a wall thickness (d) between 0.1 and 0.4 mm. Heat transfer element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closing element (3, 4) has at least one perpendicularly projecting from the end element web (5), which in particular integrally formed with the end element (3, 4) or as a separate component (5) in particular is connected to the closure element (3, 4) and in the hollow profile-like element (2) for deflecting the liquid within the hollow profile-like element (2) protrudes. Heat transfer element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at both open ends of the hollow profile-like element (2) in each case a closing element (3, 4) for closing the hollow profile-like element (2) is arranged. Heat transfer element after Claim 9 , characterized in that the first terminating element (3) has a connection (3.1) for connecting a feed line and the second terminating element (4) has a connection for connecting a discharge line. Heat transfer element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closing element (3, 4) provides means for fastening. Heat transfer element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hollow profile-like element (2) or at least one of the hollow profile-like elements (2) of the heat transfer element (1) can cover one or more battery modules. Temperature control device (20) for a vehicle battery composed of one or more battery modules (1), which can be arranged in a battery housing, through the temperature control device (20), a liquid is passable, comprising one or more heat transfer elements (1) designed according to one of the preceding claims, through which the liquid for receiving and removing the heat generated by the battery module (s) can be conducted, a pump (21) for circulating the liquid, a cooler (22) for cooling the heated liquid, - A conduit system (23) for the circulation of the liquid, which fluidly connects the pump, the heat exchanger and the one or more heat transfer elements together and in particular forms a closed system (24). Battery housing (30) for receiving one of one or more battery modules (31) composite vehicle battery for a vehicle, comprising - a box (32), which is formed from a frame (33) and a floor (34), which provides an interior region (35) for the vehicle battery, - a cover for covering the box (32 ) and - at least one heat transfer element (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 12 , Battery housing after Claim 14 , characterized in that the heat transfer element (s) (1) under the bottom (34) of the battery housing (30), between the bottom (34) of the battery housing (30) and the or the battery modules (31), between the or the battery modules ( 31) and lid and / or are arranged above the lid.

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