DE102018211171A1 - Battery device for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle with a battery device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery device (1) for a motor vehicle (20), with at least two battery cells (2, 3), which are electrically conductively connected to one another via at least one cell terminal (18) of the battery device (1) and with at least two battery cell housings (4 , 5) for receiving the at least two battery cells (2, 3). The battery device (1) comprises at least one deformation element (6) by means of which the at least two battery cell housings (4, 5) are connected to one another and which is used to relieve the at least one cell terminal (18) during a relative movement (10) between the at least two Battery cell housing (4, 5) is deformable. Another aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle (20) with a battery device (1).

Description

The invention relates to a battery device for a motor vehicle, with at least two battery cells, which are electrically conductively connected to one another via at least one cell terminal of the battery device, and with at least two battery cell housings for receiving the at least two battery cells. Another aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle with such a battery device.

Such battery devices often comprise a plurality of battery cells which are electrically conductively coupled to one another via cell terminals. As a result of operational relative movements between the respective battery cells, which are accommodated in the respective battery cell housings, the battery device can be stressed. The loads can result, for example, from operation of the battery device as a result of an exchange of electrical energy between the battery cells and an energy source and from operation of the motor vehicle, for example from vibrations caused by operation.

From the WO 2014/095167 A2 a battery cell surrounded by a cell housing with a negative electrode and a positive electrode is known. For the electrical contacting of the battery cell, a first cell terminal is provided which is electrically conductively connected to the negative electrode and a second cell terminal which is electrically conductively connected to the positive electrode. The cell terminals are designed like sleeves and have a contact opening that points into the cell housing.

It is an object of the invention to provide a battery device and a motor vehicle of the type mentioned at the beginning, in which damage due to relative movements between battery cells of the battery device can be prevented at least largely and with little effort.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a battery device with the features of patent claim 1 and by a motor vehicle with the features of patent claim 11. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the description.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a battery device for a motor vehicle, with at least two battery cells which are electrically conductively connected to one another via at least one cell terminal of the battery device and with at least two battery cell housings for receiving the at least two battery cells. An electrically conductive connection can be formed between the respective electrodes of the respective battery cells via the cell terminals. In each case one of the at least two battery cells can be accommodated in one of the at least two battery cell housings. As a result, a first battery cell of the at least two battery cells can be accommodated in a first battery cell housing of the at least two battery cell housings and a second battery cell of the at least two battery cells in a second battery cell housing of the at least two battery cell housings.

In order to create a battery device of the type mentioned at the beginning, in which damage due to relative movements between battery cells of the battery device can be prevented at least largely and with little effort, the invention provides that the battery device comprises at least one deformation element by means of which the at least two battery cell housings are connected to one another and which is deformable to at least partially relieve the at least one cell terminal during a relative movement between the at least two battery cell housings. This is advantageous since forces and torques which are generated as a result of the relative movements can be transmitted between the respective battery cell housings via the deformation element, without unduly stressing the cell terminals or the respective connection points between the battery cells and the cell terminals. Damage to the cell terminals as a result of the relative movements between the battery cells accommodated in the respective battery cell housings can thereby be prevented at least to a large extent and with little effort.

The invention is based on the finding that mechanical and additional or resulting from operation of the battery device, for example as a result of an exchange of electrical energy between the battery cells and an energy source, for example when charging the battery cells, or from driving operation of the motor vehicle equipped with the battery device alternatively, thermal loads on the battery cells in systems known from the prior art lead to high loads on the cell terminals. In systems known from the prior art, the cell terminals are therefore extremely robust and complex in design in order to meet correspondingly high requirements. In contrast, in the battery device the cell terminals are at least largely relieved by means of the at least one deformation element, as a result of which the cell terminals can be designed with less effort than in systems known from the prior art. This enables weight and costs to be saved.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the at least one deformation element has at least one region of curvature which is at least largely elastically deformable during the relative movement. This is advantageous since the curvature region can thus take up loads arising as a result of the relative movement particularly easily as a one-piece component of the deformation element. As a result of the relative movement, a radius of curvature of the area of curvature can change, for example. It is also conceivable that the area of curvature can also partially plastically deform.

The region of curvature can preferably have a ring-segment-shaped, in particular omega-shaped, cross-section, as a result of which particularly low-effort and load-appropriate absorption and support of forces and moments arising during the relative movement can take place. An omega-shaped cross-section enables particularly favorable transmission of forces and moments.

In a further advantageous development of the invention, at least one of the at least two battery cell housings comprises at least one housing element with at least one projection, which is coupled to the at least one deformation element. This is advantageous since the at least one protrusion allows forces and moments to be introduced particularly directly into the at least one housing element and thus into the corresponding battery cell housing. An unfavorable guidance of forces and moments can thereby be at least largely prevented in a simple manner.

In a further advantageous development of the invention, the at least one projection is positively coupled to the at least one deformation element. This is advantageous because it provides permanent contact of the deformation element with the projection. In other words, this can ensure that the deformation element is permanently in contact with the projection, regardless of the relative movement. As a result, shock loads as a result of the deformation element colliding against the projection can be prevented.

In a further advantageous development of the invention, the at least one projection is at least partially formed as a hollow rivet, via which the at least one deformation element is riveted to at least one of the at least two housing elements. This is advantageous because it enables a reliable connection and a transmission of forces and moments resulting from the relative movement between the deformation element and the projection, which is at least partially formed as a hollow rivet, in a particularly simple manner. In addition, the hollow rivet enables a particularly simple assembly of the deformation element on the projection with particularly few individual parts. For example, there is no need to screw the projection to the deformation element. In addition, tolerances between the deformation element and the projection can also be compensated for and thus compensated for by plastic deformation of the hollow rivet when it is being fastened.

In a further advantageous development of the invention, the at least one deformation element comprises a recess or a through opening, in which the at least one projection is inserted in a form-fitting manner. This is advantageous because the recess or the through opening provides a space-saving, form-fitting coupling between the projection and the deformation element. The expression “positively inserted” is understood to mean that the protrusion is inserted into the recess or the passage opening with the formation of a form-fitting connection.

In a further advantageous development of the invention, the battery device comprises at least one insulation element, by means of which the at least one deformation element is electrically insulated from the at least one housing element. This is advantageous because the insulation element enables a particularly simple and reliable avoidance of short circuits between the battery cells. In addition to a spatial spacing of the respective battery cells by means of the respective battery cell housings, the at least one insulation element thus offers additional protection against short circuits.

In a further advantageous development of the invention, the at least one insulation element is designed as a partial region of the at least one projection. This is advantageous since the insulation element is thus a one-piece component of the projection, which enables the deformation element to be mounted on the projection with particularly little effort while at the same time providing reliable protection against short circuits.

In a further advantageous development of the invention, the at least one insulation element is designed in the form of a cap. This is advantageous because the insulation element can thus be mounted in a particularly simple manner with a positive connection with the projection.

In a further advantageous development of the invention, the at least one projection is integrally coupled to the at least one deformation element. This is advantageous because the deformation element is thereby particularly captively connected to the projection and thus to the housing element. The deformation element can be positively connected to the projection by means of a welded connection, for example by means of a high-energy beam, for example a laser beam.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle with a battery device according to the first aspect of the invention. The features presented in connection with the battery device according to the first aspect of the invention and their advantages apply accordingly to the motor vehicle according to the invention according to the second aspect of the invention and vice versa.

Further features of the invention result from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description and the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or on their own.

• 1 eine schematische Perspektivansicht einer Variante einer Batterievorrichtung, welche in einem schematisch dargestellten Kraftfahrzeug aufgenommen ist;
• 2 eine Schnittdarstellung eines Teilbereichs der Batterievorrichtung gemäß einer Schnittebene, welche durch eine y-Achse und eine z-Achse eines in 1 dargestellten Koordinatensystems aufgespannt ist, wobei jeweilige Batteriezellen der Batterievorrichtung über mehrere Zellterminals miteinander verbunden sind, von welchen aus Gründen der Übersichtlichkeit lediglich ein einzelnes Zellterminal gestrichelt angedeutet ist;
• 3 eine Schnittdarstellung eines Teilbereichs einer Variante der Batterievorrichtung, wobei ein Isolationselement als Teilbereich eines von einem Gehäuseelement eines Batteriezellengehäuses der Batterievorrichtung abragenden Vorsprungs ausgebildet und der Vorsprung stoffschlüssig mit einem Verformungselement der Batterievorrichtung verbunden ist;
• 4 eine Schnittdarstellung eines Teilbereichs einer weiteren Variante der Batterievorrichtung, wobei das Isolationselement kappenförmig ausgebildet und formschlüssig in einer Ausnehmung des Verformungselements aufgenommen ist;
• 5 eine Schnittdarstellung eines Teilbereichs einer weiteren Variante der Batterievorrichtung, wobei das Isolationselement als Teilbereich des Vorsprungs ausgebildet ist, der Vorsprung als Hohlniet ausgebildet ist und in einer Durchgangsöffnung des Verformungselement eingeführt ist; und
• 6 eine Schnittdarstellung des in 5 gezeigten Teilbereichs, wobei der als Hohlniet ausgebildete Vorsprung plastisch verformt und dadurch formschlüssig an der Durchgangsöffnung mit dem Verformungselement verbunden ist.

The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred exemplary embodiment and with reference to the drawings. Show it:

• 1 a schematic perspective view of a variant of a battery device which is accommodated in a schematically illustrated motor vehicle;
• 2 a sectional view of a portion of the battery device according to a sectional plane, which by a y-axis and a z-axis in 1 shown coordinate system is stretched, wherein the respective battery cells of the battery device are connected to one another via a plurality of cell terminals, of which only a single cell terminal is indicated by dashed lines for reasons of clarity;
• 3 a sectional view of a portion of a variant of the battery device, wherein an insulation element is formed as a portion of a protruding from a housing element of a battery cell housing of the battery device and the projection is integrally connected to a deformation element of the battery device;
• 4 a sectional view of a portion of a further variant of the battery device, wherein the insulation element is cap-shaped and is positively received in a recess of the deformation element;
• 5 a sectional view of a portion of a further variant of the battery device, wherein the insulation element is designed as a portion of the projection, the projection is designed as a hollow rivet and is inserted in a through opening of the deformation element; and
• 6 a sectional view of the in 5 shown section, wherein the projection designed as a hollow rivet plastically deformed and thereby positively connected at the through opening with the deformation element.

1 shows a schematic representation of a motor vehicle 20 with a battery device shown in sections 1 , It also shows 1 one on the battery device 1 related coordinate system, which by a longitudinal direction x , by a transverse direction y as well as by an orientation z the battery device 1 is defined. The longitudinal direction x can also be called the longitudinal direction, the transverse direction y as the transverse direction and the vertical direction z are called the direction of extension.

As from the synopsis of 1 and 2 is recognizable includes the battery device 1 a plurality of battery cells, of which only two battery cells in the present case for reasons of clarity 2 . 3 are shown.

In addition, the battery device includes 1 a plurality of battery cell housings, of which only two battery cell housings in the present case for reasons of clarity 4 . 5 to accommodate the battery cells 2 . 3 are shown. In one, the battery cell housing 4 assigned battery interior is the battery cell in the present case 2 and in one, the battery cell housing 5 assigned housing interior the battery cell 3 arranged and protected from environmental influences, such as moisture.

In addition, the battery cell housing 4 . 5 through a crack 23 spaced from each other, which in the present case is in the transverse direction y extends. The gap 23 enables operational relative movements between the battery cell housings 4 . 5 and therefore also between the battery cells 2 . 3 , causing tension in the battery device 1 can be avoided. One example is the relative movements in 1 only one, in the transverse direction y oriented and by a double arrow shows the relative movement 10 shown, but it is clear that, for example, relative movements not shown in the longitudinal direction x and vertical direction z can be present.

The battery cells 2 . 3 are via several cell terminals, of which in 2 just a single cell terminal 18 the battery device 1 indicated schematically and just like the respective battery cells 2 . 3 is shown in dash-dotted lines, electrically connected together. In order to relieve the cell terminals during the relative movements, the battery device comprises 1 a plurality of deformation elements, of which only one deformation element in the present case 6 is shown. By means of the deformation element 6 are the battery cell housings 4 . 5 connected with each other. A deformation element end 8th of the deformation element 6 is present with the battery cell housing 4 and another deformation element end 9 of the deformation element 6 with the battery cell housing 5 connected.

The deformation element 6 serves to at least partially relieve the cell terminal 18 with the relative movement 10 between the battery cell housings 4 . 5 , To relieve the cell terminal 18 the deformation element is to be brought about 6 in the relative movements (such as in the case of the relative movement 10 ) elastically deformable.

The deformation element 6 is generally preferably at least largely plate-shaped, which enables forces and moments to be absorbed as a result of the relative movements in one plane and thus enables particularly favorable force control (power flow) or torque control (torque flow). In addition, the deformation element 6 a region of curvature 7 on which with the relative movement 10 is elastically deformable.

The battery cell housing 4 . 5 each comprise a housing element, in the present case designed as a housing cover 11 . 12 with at least one lead each 13 , which with the at least one deformation element 6 at the corresponding deformation element ends 8th respectively. 9 is coupled. The respective lead 13 , which can also be referred to as a pin, is in the present case in one piece with the respective housing element 11 respectively. 12 connected.

In 3 . 4 . 5 and 6 are only partial areas of respective variants of the battery device 1 shown, exemplarily the connection of the deformation element 6 at the end of the deformation element 8th with that on the housing element 11 trained lead 13 is shown. The lead 13 can generally be cohesive with the deformation element 6 be coupled. The lead can do this 13 generally by means of a high energy beam 19 , which are only exemplary in 3 is shown with the deformation element 6 be welded.

2 and 4 show that the lead 13 form-fitting with the deformation element 6 can be coupled, wherein in 2 a through opening 16 and in 4 a recess 15 on the deformation element 6 for positive locking of the projection 13 is trained.

The lead 13 can also be used as a rivet 14 be trained, as exemplified in 5 and 6 is shown. About the as a rivet 14 trained lead 13 can the deformation element 6 with the respective housing elements 11 . 12 be riveted. While 5 an undeformed state of a rivet 14 trained lead 13 shows is in 6 a deformed state of the rivet 14 shown in which the hollow rivet 14 form-fitting with the deformation element 6 is engaged.

The battery device 1 also includes a plurality of insulation elements, of which only one insulation element is present for reasons of clarity 17 is shown. By means of the insulation element 17 is the deformation element 6 opposite the housing element 11 respectively. 12 electrically isolated.

The lead 13 can generally be in one piece and thus the insulation element 17 as part of the projection 13 be trained. The insulation element 17 next to one in 5 and 6 shown hollow cylindrical configuration can also generally be formed, for example, cap-shaped, as in 2 and 4 is shown.

3 shows another variant of the projection 13 , which is made in one piece from the housing element 11 (or the housing element 12 ) a pen 21 , the insulation element 17 and a disc 22 can be formed. The housing element 11 (or the housing element 12 ) can as well as the pen 21 and the disc 22 be made of a metallic material such as aluminum, whereas the insulation element 17 can be formed from a different material, for example ceramic. The isolation element 17 is between the pen 21 and the disc 22 arranged and by ultrasonic welding or other suitable connection methods on the one hand with the pin 21 and on the other hand with the disc 22 to the lead 13 connected. By means of the high energy beam 19 is the lead 13 in the area of the disc 22 with the deformation element 6 welded. By in 3 shown variant can the through opening 16 or the recess 15 of the deformation element 6 are omitted, which means that machining or forming at Manufacture of the battery device 1 can be dispensed with.

By the present battery device 1 or by that, the battery device 1 comprehensive motor vehicle 20 is a significant, inexpensive and inexpensive reduction of mechanical requirements for the cell terminal 18 allows. Likewise, by the battery device 1 or by the motor vehicle 20 created a possibility of a height of the cell terminal 18 in the vertical direction z by compact interior design, resulting in a higher volumetric energy density of the battery cells 2 . 3 is possible than in systems known from the prior art. In addition, the design of the deformation element enables 6 only a slight curvature and thus a small radius of the curvature area 7 , whereby also the height of the battery device 1 in the vertical direction z can be saved and an increase in volumetric energy density is made possible.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

battery device

2

battery cell

3

battery cell

4

Battery cell housing

5

Battery cell housing

6

flexure

7

curvature region

8th

Deforming element end

9

Deforming element end

10

relative movement

11

housing element

12

housing element

13

head Start

14

rivet

15

recess

16

Through opening

17

insulation element

18

cell terminal

19

High energy beam

20

motor vehicle

21

pen

22

disc

23

gap

x

longitudinal direction

y

transversely

z

vertical direction

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included 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.

Patent literature cited

• WO 2014/095167 A2 [0003]

Claims (11)

Battery device (1) for a motor vehicle (20), with at least two battery cells (2, 3), which are electrically conductively connected to one another via at least one cell terminal (18) of the battery device (1) and with at least two battery cell housings (4, 5) Recording of the at least two battery cells (2, 3), characterized in that the battery device (1) comprises at least one deformation element (6) by means of which the at least two battery cell housings (4, 5) are connected to one another and which at least partially relieve the at least a cell terminal (18) can be deformed during a relative movement (10) between the at least two battery cell housings (4, 5). Battery device (1) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one deformation element (6) has at least one region of curvature (7) which is at least largely elastically deformable during the relative movement (10). Battery device (1) after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that at least one of the at least two battery cell housings (4, 5) comprises at least one housing element (11, 12) with at least one projection (13) which is coupled to the at least one deformation element (6). Battery device (1) after Claim 3 , characterized in that the at least one projection (13) is positively coupled to the at least one deformation element (6). Battery device (1) after Claim 3 or 4 , characterized in that the at least one projection (13) is at least partially formed as a hollow rivet (14), via which the at least one deformation element (6) is riveted to at least one of the at least two housing elements (11, 12). Battery device (1) according to one of the Claims 3 to 5 , characterized in that the at least one deformation element (6) comprises a recess (15) or a through opening (16) into which the at least one projection (13) is inserted in a form-fitting manner. Battery device (1) according to one of the Claims 3 to 6 , characterized in that the battery device (1) comprises at least one insulation element (17) by means of which the at least one deformation element (6) is electrically insulated from the at least one housing element (11, 12). Battery device (1) after Claim 7 , characterized in that the at least one insulation element (17) is designed as a partial region of the at least one projection (13). Battery device (1) after Claim 7 or 8th , characterized in that the at least one insulation element (17) is cap-shaped. Battery device (1) according to one of the Claims 3 to 9 , characterized in that the at least one projection (13) is integrally coupled to the at least one deformation element (6). Motor vehicle (20) with a battery device (1) according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 ,

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