DE102018222450A1 - High-voltage battery arrangement, motor vehicle and method for operating a high-voltage battery arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a high-voltage battery arrangement (10) for supplying energy to a drive unit of a motor vehicle (42), the high-voltage battery arrangement (10) having at least a first and a second battery segment (14a, 14b), which are arranged spatially separated from one another, a detection device at least for detection a fire of the at least one first and / or second battery segment (14a, 14b) and a coupling device (18, 20) which is designed to at least in the event of a detected fire of the at least one first or at least one second battery segment (14a, 14b ) electrically disconnect the battery segment (14a, 14b) affected by the fire from the group of at least a first and at least a second battery segment (14a, 14b), so that the drive unit is only supplied with energy by the at least one other battery segment not affected by the fire (14a, 14b) from the group of at least one first ten and the at least one second battery segment (14a, 14b) can be provided.

Description

The invention relates to a high-voltage battery arrangement for a motor vehicle, the high-voltage battery arrangement being designed to supply energy to a drive unit of the motor vehicle. The invention also includes a motor vehicle and a method for operating a high-voltage battery arrangement.

Every now and then a vehicle may come to a standstill. One reason for broken down vehicles are technical defects in the vehicle, such as a defective fuel pump, a generator defect and many other options. This will not change in the coming era of e-mobility.

The present invention is mainly concerned with a defect in the traction battery, in particular a high-voltage battery. According to the current state of the art, such a defect likewise leads to the motor vehicle stopping because such a defect in the traction battery in an electric vehicle directly causes an abrupt loss of propulsion. The reason for the battery failure can be a cell short circuit or an arc in the battery, which in the worst case can cause a battery and / or a vehicle fire. In order to prevent worse consequences, especially in the event of a fire inside the battery, the high-voltage battery is usually disconnected from the rest of the vehicle electrical system and appropriate extinguishing measures are also initiated.

For example, the DE 10 2009 003 048 A1 a device for triggering a disconnection of an energy store from a connected network, a disconnection taking place if voltage measured values of the battery voltage are outside a tolerance range when compared with a reference voltage. Such a comparison should be able to detect faults such as short circuits within the energy store or double insulation faults with different potential.

Furthermore describes the DE 10 2016 200 368 A1 a battery system and a coolant circuit system with a coolant line which has at least one emergency opening in a battery module. At a pressure greater than a threshold, the emergency opening opens and an extinguishing agent can be introduced into the battery module through this emergency opening.

Since the prevention of the spread of a battery fire usually has priority in order to prevent the risk to occupants, known measures, such as those described above, always result in the motor vehicle becoming immediately unsuitable for driving, since the high-voltage battery is always deactivated immediately. On the other hand, such an immediate deactivation of the high-voltage battery can result in dangerous situations for a driver or occupant of the motor vehicle, in particular if the motor vehicle remains in a very busy and critical position. Another aspect results from the combination of self-driving vehicles, i.e. autonomous vehicles, and e-mobility. In the future, the driving task will be completely taken over by the vehicle and the driver can carry out any sideline work in the future. In the final stage of expansion, it becomes possible for the driver or the occupants to sleep while the vehicle is heading for the destination fully autonomously. If a breakdown occurs in this scenario, it is questionable whether an occupant can estimate the risks of the current situation well enough shortly after being woken from his sleep. Getting out of the car on a busy road with insufficient roofing can lead to an accident or even the death of the person concerned or other parties involved. Accordingly, it is desirable to keep this risk as low as possible, even in the event of a battery fire.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a high-voltage battery arrangement, a motor vehicle and a method for operating a high-voltage battery arrangement which make it possible to increase the safety of users of a motor vehicle in the event of a battery fire.

This object is achieved by a high-voltage battery arrangement, by a motor vehicle and by a method for operating a high-voltage battery arrangement with the features according to the respective independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

A high-voltage battery arrangement according to the invention for a motor vehicle is designed to supply energy to a drive unit of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the high-voltage battery arrangement has at least one first battery segment and at least one second battery segment, which are arranged spatially separated from one another, and a detection device at least for detecting a fire of the at least one first and / or the at least one second battery segment. The high-voltage battery arrangement furthermore has a coupling device which is designed to at least in the event of a detected fire of the at least one first battery segment or the at least one second battery segment Electrically disconnect the battery segment affected by the fire from the group of the at least one first battery segment and the at least one second battery segment, so that the drive unit is only supplied with energy by the at least one other battery segment from the group of the at least one first and the at least one that is not affected by the fire second battery segment can be provided.

Thus, the invention advantageously enables the traction battery, in particular the high-voltage battery, of an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle to be divided spatially and electrically into several segments, and in the event of faults, including a fire in the battery, the affected battery segment can be disconnected and the drive unit by the other unaffected battery segment continue to be operated. This advantageously enables a temporary onward journey, since the remaining battery segments which are not affected by the fire can take over the supply of the high-voltage system. Thus, an immediate protective measure can advantageously be initiated by uncoupling the battery segment affected by the fire, and on the other hand, by enabling the temporary onward journey, abrupt stoppages of the motor vehicle and the resulting dangers can be avoided. As a result, it is advantageously made possible by the invention to enable the motor vehicle to continue to travel temporarily despite the battery fire in order to bring the motor vehicle into an advantageous parking position which as little as possible endangers the occupants when exiting. The safety of occupants and users of the motor vehicle can thus be significantly increased.

The at least one first battery segment and the at least one second battery segment provide a high-voltage battery of the motor vehicle as a whole or provide at least some of it. This high-voltage battery can be divided into only two segments, namely the first battery segment and the second battery segment, or the high-voltage battery can also be divided into more than just two battery segments and, for example, have a plurality of first battery segments and a plurality of second battery segments, which then also correspond to one another are arranged spatially separated.

Such a spatial separation is at least understood to mean that the at least one first battery segment and the at least one second battery segment are not arranged in a common housing, but rather, for example, in separate housings and also spaced apart from one another. Further thermal insulation options that prevent or at least contain a fire from spreading from one battery segment to another will be explained in more detail later. All of the following examples, which are explained in connection with the first and second battery segments, can be applied analogously to more than two battery segments.

Furthermore, a respective battery segment can be designed to provide a high voltage. However, it is also conceivable that at least one of the battery segments provides a significantly lower voltage, as will also be explained later. A respective battery segment further comprises at least one battery cell, for example a lithium-ion cell, but preferably a plurality of such battery cells, which can be connected in series and / or in parallel, for example.

The detection device for detecting a fire can be designed as known from the prior art and is not described in detail here. In the simplest case, such a fire can be detected, for example, with the help of a temperature sensor within the relevant battery segment. However, there are also numerous short-circuit detection and arc detection devices that can also be used.

The detection device is designed, in particular, to detect both a fire within the first battery segment and a fire within the second battery segment. A temporary onward journey is only possible if not all of the battery segments are affected by a fire at the same time. However, this is usually not the case, since there is usually only one source of fire. Thus, in most cases a temporary onward journey can be made possible by the invention. However, the invention and its embodiments can not only be used in the detection of a fire, but can also be implemented quite analogously in the detection of other fault cases, such as the detection of a short circuit, a sensor fault of at least one sensor assigned to a battery segment, an electronic fault, or similar. In numerous fault cases, the described safety measures can thus be taken and in particular only the battery segment or battery segments concerned can be disconnected, while the other battery segment (s) not affected continue to supply the drive unit with energy, or in general the motor vehicle electrical system.

The drive unit preferably represents an electrical machine of the motor vehicle. Also power electronics such as, for example Pulse inverters can be viewed as belonging to the drive unit.

There are generally various training options for the coupling device, which are described in more detail below. In the simplest case, the coupling device can have a plurality of switching elements, for example electronically controllable switches or contactors, in order to carry out a corresponding coupling and decoupling of the relevant battery segments.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one first battery segment and the at least one second battery segment are connected in parallel with respect to an output that can be coupled to the drive unit, comprising a first output connection and a second output connection, the coupling device having a first coupling unit that is designed to decouple and couple the at least one first and the at least one second battery segment from the first output connection, and the coupling device further comprises a second coupling unit which is designed to connect the at least one first and the at least one second battery segment to be decoupled from and coupled to the second output connection.

A respective one of the two output connections can, for example, provide a pole of the high-voltage battery, for example the first output connection a negative pole of the high-voltage battery and the second output connection a positive pole of the high-voltage battery. The two output connections can also be provided, for example, by high-voltage contactors, via which the high-voltage battery comprising the at least one first and the at least one second battery segment can be decoupled from the remaining high-voltage electrical system and can be coupled to it. The drive unit, namely the power electronics for supplying the electric machine of the motor vehicle, is also coupled to this high-voltage electrical system. It would also be conceivable to provide the two coupling units, that is to say the at least one first and the at least one second coupling unit instead of the high-voltage contactors which are usually present.

The advantageous embodiment of the invention described above now makes it possible, for example, to separately couple or decouple two cell strings, one of which is assigned to a battery segment, to the positive pole of the high-voltage battery. If, for example, the electrical connection between one of the two battery segments and the relevant positive pole of the high-voltage battery is disconnected, this battery segment also does not contribute to supplying the high-voltage electrical system and thus not to supplying the drive unit.

There are now several advantageous options for forming the respective first and second coupling units. If the high-voltage battery comprises, for example, two battery segments, the first and the second battery segment, the second coupling unit can be provided, for example, by two switching elements, a respective one of the switching elements being associated with a respective one of the battery segments, and via this associated switching elements either connectable to the positive pole of the battery is or can be decoupled from this positive pole. These switching elements can be provided, for example, by electronically controllable switches, such as MOSFETs, or also by contactors. This variant is particularly simple, efficient and inexpensive.

However, it is particularly advantageous if the second coupling unit has at least one converter device, in particular a DC / DC converter, for coupling the at least one first battery segment and / or the at least one second battery segment to the second output connection and for decoupling from the second output connection. For example, a simple switch can be arranged between the first battery segment and the positive pole of the high-voltage battery, and a DC / DC converter can be arranged between the second battery segment and the positive pole. In a further variant, a respective converter device, in particular a respective DC / DC converter, can be arranged both between the first battery segment and the positive pole and between the second battery segment and the positive pole. The same applies, of course, if the high-voltage battery has more than just two battery segments. These can then be coupled to the relevant positive pole of the high-voltage battery via either a switch or such a converter device and can be uncoupled accordingly from this positive pole. As a result, configurations of different batteries or battery segments are advantageously possible, since the phase voltages, that is to say the total voltages provided by the respective battery segments, can be adapted to one another or converted to a predetermined output voltage by means of the converter device and thus adapted. Furthermore, different performance classes and battery technologies are possible, especially in combination, since adjustments regarding current consumption, voltages and respectively power consumption can be influenced or determined by the assigned converter devices. For example, this also makes it possible to design at least one of the battery segments as an auxiliary segment, with a significantly reduced number of cells and a significantly reduced total voltage that can be provided. However, this can also be used during normal operation, in that the converter device then converts this lower voltage accordingly to the predetermined high-voltage voltage. This enables such an auxiliary segment to be designed particularly cost-effectively, and yet its capacities can also be used in normal operation. There are also numerous applications in which, for example, the use of different performance classes and battery technologies is advantageous. For example, one battery segment can be optimized in terms of range, another battery segment in terms of high performance. Another advantage of using such a converter device instead of a switching element is also that if a battery segment is to be connected to the rest of the vehicle electrical system again after a battery segment has been disconnected, this is not readily possible with a conventional switching device, since it is possible in the case of widely differing positions and conditions, unwanted and, in particular, dangerous balancing currents can result. However, this problem does not exist when using a converter device. This enables a decoupled battery segment to be switched on slowly and thus limits such equalizing currents.

The first coupling unit, on the other hand, preferably has only one or more switching elements, but no converter device, since this is less expensive and would be superfluous anyway. Here, too, the switching elements can in turn be designed as electronically controllable switches and / or contactors.

Accordingly, it is a further advantageous embodiment of the invention if the first coupling unit has only one first switching device, by means of which the at least one first battery segment can only be decoupled from and coupled to the first output connection together with the at least one second battery segment, or the first Coupling unit has a plurality of switching devices, wherein a respective one of the switching devices is assigned to a respective one of the at least one first battery segment and the at least one second battery segment, so that the at least one first battery element and the at least one second battery segment can be decoupled independently of one another from the first output connection via the respectively assigned switching device are and can be coupled with this.

The first variant has the great advantage that only a single switch is required to couple and decouple two or any number of battery segments from the negative pole of the high-voltage battery, which is particularly space-efficient and cost-effective. however, this does not result in the galvanic isolation of the at least two battery segments, not even in the event of a fire, which makes it easier for faults in one battery segment, such as short-circuit currents, to have an effect on the other or the other battery segments. Accordingly, the second variant provides significantly more security, since the switching elements assigned in each case enable a complete electrical isolation of the defective or fire segments affected by the fire from the remaining battery segments that are still intact.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one first battery segment and the at least one second battery segment are connected to one another in series with respect to an output that can be coupled to the drive unit, in particular the output already described above, in turn comprising a first output connection and a second output connection . The output connections can be configured as already described above. Furthermore, a first bridging circuit can advantageously be connected in parallel with the at least one first battery segment by means of the coupling device, so that the at least one first battery segment is bridged and thereby decoupled, and a second bridging circuit can be connected in parallel with the at least one second battery segment by means of the coupling device, so that the at least one second battery segment is bridged and thereby decoupled.

In other words, a decoupling of one of the two or more battery segments can also be provided if the respective battery segments are arranged in a series connection with respect to the output. This can be accomplished in a simple manner by means of the bridging circuits described. If, for example, one of these two battery segments is disconnected from two identically configured battery segments, in particular bridged as described, the battery voltage of the high-voltage battery is halved. The high-voltage components, in particular the drive unit, including the drive electronics, which are still supposed to work when there are no errors, must be designed in accordance with this extended voltage range. In other words, the drive unit and possibly also other consumers are designed to be operated even when the voltage is reduced compared to the normally defined high-voltage voltage. Alternatively or additionally, a coupling via a converter device could also be provided, which then converts the output voltage to the normal high-voltage electrical system voltage even when the battery segment is bridged.

Numerous advantageous options are provided that enable a safe disconnection of a battery segment or even several battery segments affected by a fire in the event of a fault and provide a journey on the basis of the still functional battery segments that are not affected by the fire, at least temporarily.

In a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the high-voltage battery arrangement has a cooling device which has a coolant through which a coolant can flow, which leads into at least one first partial path, which runs through a cooling unit associated with the at least one first battery segment, and at least one second partial path, which is separated from the at least one first partial path and passes through a second cooling unit assigned to the at least one second battery segment, the at least one first and second partial path being brought together to form the main coolant path after passing through the respectively assigned cooling units.

The coolant paths through the first and second cooling units are thus advantageously separated, which is particularly advantageous in the event of a fire, so that excessive heating of the coolant in the battery segment affected by the fire cannot or at least not so quickly affect the cooling of the other battery segment. This separation of the cooling system can therefore advantageously result in thermal decoupling from the source of the fire, that is to say from the battery segment affected by the fire. The main coolant path and the respective partial paths can be provided, for example, by pipes or cooling channels. In particular, the first and the second partial path can be designed as cooling channels through respective cooling plates that provide the first and second cooling units. The same applies here in turn to several, that is to say more than two, battery segments. The efficiency of this thermal decoupling of the cooling system can be increased even further by the following measures.

According to this further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cooling device is designed in such a way that at least in the event of a detected fire in the at least one first or in the at least one second battery segment, the coolant flow through the partial path which passes through the cooling unit leads the battery segment from the group affected by the fire of the at least one first and at least one second battery segment is blocked by closing at least one valve. Preferably, even two valves are closed, one at the beginning of the relevant partial path and one at the end of the relevant partial path. As a result, the coolant flow through the battery segment affected by the fire or its cooling unit is prevented, as a result of which the coolant strongly heated by the fire no longer mixes with the other coolant, which means that the cooling for the still intact battery segment (s) can be operated significantly more efficiently.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a flame-retardant, thermal insulation material is arranged between the at least one first and the at least one second battery segment. This advantageously allows the source of the fire to be isolated and the functionality of the intact battery segment to be maintained as long as possible in the event of a fire in another battery segment. The switching elements, the so-called battery junction box, and the components of the battery management system can also be accommodated in a separate, separate segment and thermally insulated from the other battery segments, so that in the event of a fire in the battery segments, the functionality of the switching elements and the battery management system can be maintained for as long as possible can be maintained. In addition, the complete high-voltage battery can also be separated from the interior of the motor vehicle by means of passive fire protection measures, such as the flame-retardant thermal insulation material described. Such materials can be provided, for example, by multilayer films made of polymers and metal, or mineral-based refractory systems based on swelling or expansion effects or other effects. Not only can the individual battery segments be separated from one another by such materials, but, for example, they can also be accommodated in separate housings consisting of materials such as flame-retardant, fire-retardant materials. Flame-retardant materials can be understood, for example, according to DIN 4102-1, all substances that extinguish themselves after the fire source has been removed. As an alternative or in addition, active fire-fighting measures can also be used, such as corresponding extinguishing systems, as are also known from the prior art. Such extinguishing systems can then be separately provided and controlled for the respective battery segments, so that exactly that extinguishing system is activated which is assigned to the battery segment affected by the fire.

Furthermore, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle with an inventive one High-voltage battery arrangement or one of its configurations. The advantages mentioned for the high-voltage battery arrangement according to the invention and its configurations therefore apply in the same way to the motor vehicle according to the invention.

Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for operating a high-voltage battery arrangement for a motor vehicle, the high-voltage battery arrangement supplying a drive unit of the motor vehicle with energy. The high-voltage battery arrangement has at least a first and a second battery segment, which are arranged spatially separated from one another, in the event that a fire of the at least one first or the at least one second battery segment is detected, the battery segment affected by the fire from the group of the at least one the first and the at least one second battery segment are electrically decoupled, so that the drive unit is only supplied with energy by the at least one other battery segment from the group of the at least one first and the at least one second battery segment not affected by the fire.

Here, too, the advantages described for the high-voltage battery arrangement according to the invention and their embodiments apply in the same way to the method according to the invention. In addition, the objective features described in connection with the high-voltage battery arrangement according to the invention and their configurations enable further development of the method according to the invention by further corresponding method steps.

The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle.

The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer Hochvoltbatterieanordnung gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer Hochvoltbatterieanordnung gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung einer Hochvoltbatterieanordnung gemäß einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung einer Hochvoltbatterieanordnung gemäß einem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung einer Hochvoltbatterieanordnung gemäß einem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 6 eine schematische Darstellung einer Kühleinrichtung mit separierten Teilpfaden für eine Hochvoltbatterieanordnung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung; und
• 7 eine schematische Darstellung eines Teils eines Kraftfahrzeugs mit einer Hochvoltbatterieanordnung und damit voneinander isolierten Batteriesegmenten gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. This shows:

• 1 a schematic representation of a high-voltage battery arrangement according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• 2nd a schematic representation of a high-voltage battery arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention;
• 3rd a schematic representation of a high-voltage battery arrangement according to a third embodiment of the invention;
• 4th a schematic representation of a high-voltage battery arrangement according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;
• 5 a schematic representation of a high-voltage battery arrangement according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;
• 6 a schematic representation of a cooling device with separated partial paths for a high-voltage battery arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention; and
• 7 is a schematic representation of a part of a motor vehicle with a high-voltage battery arrangement and thus isolated from each other battery segments according to an embodiment of the invention.

The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that are to be considered independently of one another and that further develop the invention independently of one another. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of the features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention that have already been described.

In the figures, the same reference numerals designate elements that have the same function.

1 to 5 each show schematic representations of a high-voltage battery arrangement 10 according to embodiments of the invention. This high-voltage battery arrangement 10 is also briefly referred to below as a high-voltage battery 10 designated. To increase availability and despite individual faults in the high-voltage battery 10 , in particular individual errors in the cells 12th , of which in 1 to 5 for reasons of clarity, only one is provided with a reference symbol, and individual module faults have a further functionality of the battery 10 offer, will now advantageously the high-voltage battery 10 in several segments 14a , 14b divided. If there are errors in a segment 14a , 14b , in particular in the event of a fire, the relevant segment can be decoupled and switched off accordingly. Through the remaining still functional segments 14a , 14b can then advantageously perform the rest of the HV system or selected consumers, such as a drive unit of the motor vehicle, despite the fault shutdown, such as an emergency operation with respect to the drive. In the event of a fault, in particular in the event of a fire, this also enables the motor vehicle to continue traveling temporarily, which is therefore safe Parking position can be parked at which getting out is safe for passengers.

Such a decoupling of individual battery segments 14a , 14b To make possible, several variants are possible. Different connection options for the respective battery segments 14a , 14b are exemplary based on two battery segments 14a , 14b in 1 to 5 shown. In 1 to 4th are the respective battery segments 14a , 14b regarding an exit 16 , comprising a first output connection 16a and a second output connector 16b , arranged. The first output connection 16a a negative pole of the high-voltage battery 10 and the second output connector 16b a positive pole of the high-voltage battery 10 . In the first in 1 The example shown is now the two battery segments 14a , 14b each via a first coupling unit 18th independently of each other with the first output connector 16a can be coupled and uncoupled from this. For this purpose, the first coupling unit comprises 18th two switching elements, one of which is a battery segment 14a , 14b assigned. Furthermore, the two battery segments 14a , 14b also via a second coupling unit 20 independently of each other with the second output connector 16b can be coupled and uncoupled from this. In this example too, the second coupling unit comprises 20 two respective switching elements 20a , 20b , one of which corresponds to a corresponding battery segment 14a , 14b assigned. So, for example, is the first battery segment 14a affected by a fire, the switching elements open 20a and 18a and thus separate the first battery segment 14a completely galvanically from the second battery segment 14b and from the remaining electrical system, the remaining electrical system through the second battery segment 14b can still be supplied with energy. Conversely, is the second battery segment 14b affected by a fire, the switching elements open analogously 20b , 18b and thus completely separate this second battery segment 14b from the first battery segment 14a and from the rest of the electrical system, while the first battery segment 14a this electrical system via the connections 16a , 16b continues to be powered. Because this variant enables a complete galvanic decoupling of a battery segment affected by a fire 14a , 14b can be provided, this variant is also particularly secure.

The schematically in 2nd illustrated high-voltage battery 10 is similar to the high-voltage battery 10 out 1 constructed so that only the differences are described below. The difference here is in particular only the design of the first coupling unit 18th which in this example is only a single switch 18c includes. Through this single switch 18c can either both battery segments 14a , 14b at the same time from the negative pole, i.e. from the first connection 16a be decoupled or connected to it at the same time. If, for example, the second battery segment is affected by a fire, only this battery segment opens 14b assigned switches 20b the second coupling unit 20 . This can also decouple the battery segment affected by the fire 14b caused, but no complete galvanic isolation. Nevertheless, this variant is advantageously on the negative connection side 16a just a single switch 18c , even with any number of battery segments 14a , 14b I require.

3rd shows a high-voltage battery 10 which in turn are similar to those for 2nd is designed, so that again only the differences are described below. Here is one of the switching devices of the second coupling unit 20 as a converter device, in particular as a DC / DC converter 22 educated. Also via such a DC / DC converter 22 can the assigned battery segment, in this example the second battery segment 14b with the second output connector 16b be coupled and decoupled from it. In the example in 4th comprises the second coupling unit 20 two DC / DC converters, with a respective DC / DC converter 22 a respective battery segment 14a , 14b assigned. By using such a converter device 22 configurations of different batteries are possible, since the string voltages of the individual battery cell strings can be adjusted. Furthermore, different performance classes and battery technologies are also possible, the adjustments regarding current consumption, voltages and respectively power consumption can then be made by the DC / DC converters 22 influenced or determined. Especially the in 4th The variant shown also enables a different high-voltage mains voltage than it does without a converter due to the high-voltage battery 10 it is possible. In other words, the exit 16 provided total voltage can be varied.

5 shows another example of a high-voltage battery 10 , according to which now the two battery segments 14a , 14b to each other in relation to the exit 16 are connected in series. The high-voltage battery also includes 10 in this example a first bypass circuit 24a , by means of which the first battery segment 14a can be bridged, and a second bridging circuit 24b , by means of which the second battery segment 14b can be bridged. The high-voltage battery also includes 10 again a coupling unit on the minus pole side 18th , as well as a positive pole coupling unit 20 . These two coupling units 18th , 20 each comprise two switching devices 18a , 18b such as 20a , 20b . About the switching devices 18a and 20a is the series connection of the two battery segments 14a , 14b with the respective output connections 16a , 16b can be coupled and uncoupled from them. In parallel and part of the two bridging circuits 24a , 24b is an electrical line 24th with a center tap 26 who is the lead 24th with a point between the first and second battery segments 14a , 14b connects. Now, for example, the first battery segment 14a If this is bridged by a fire, the switching devices 18a and 20b closed and the switching devices 18b and 20a open. Conversely, in the event of a fire, the second battery segment 14b are bridged, so are the switches 18b and 20a closed and the switches 18a and 20b open. Becomes one of these battery segments 14a , 14b decoupled, the battery voltage of the high-voltage battery is halved in this example 10 and in a general case this is reduced by the partial voltage caused by the decoupled battery segment 14a or 14b is provided. Accordingly, it is advantageous if the battery segments remaining intact are still intact 14a , 14b supplied high-voltage components are designed so that they can also be operated with a reduced voltage.

6 shows a schematic representation of a cooling device 28 for a high-voltage battery arrangement 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. As already described, when a fire is detected by means of fire detection means, for example temperature sensors in the battery 10 , the affected battery segment 14a , 14b electrically isolated, for example as previously described. Now thermal crosstalk between battery segments 14a , 14b To prevent or at least delay, it is particularly advantageous if the cooling of the two battery segments 14a , 14b is separated from each other. This is again based on the example of two battery segments 14a , 14b explained. Each of these two battery segments 14a , 14b is like in 6 shown, assigned to a respective cooling unit, which in this example is a cooling plate through which a coolant can flow 30a , 30b is trained. These cooling plates 30a , 30b are from respective cooling channels 32a , 32b pulled through. These cooling channels 32a , 32b are part of the respective partial paths 34a , 34b that the respective battery segments 14a , 14b assigned. The cooling device 28 further includes a main coolant path 34 , which is accordingly in these subpaths 34a , 34b divides the respective cooling plates 30a , 30b as cooling channels 32a , 32b goes through that after going through these cooling plates 30a , 30b back to the main coolant path 34 are merged. This into the main coolant path after passing through the respective cooling plates 30a , 30b outflowing coolant can then be cooled again accordingly and fed to this cooling circuit again. The coolant is transported by a coolant pump 35 .

As shown, these two are the respective battery segments 14a , 14b assigned partial paths 34a , 34b of the coolant separated from each other, which means that thermal skipping in the event of fire in one of the two battery segments 14a , 14b is difficult. This is due to the fact that the coolant of the relevant partial path heated by the fire 34a , 34b after its warming, not immediately the other of the two partial paths 34a , 34b passes through, but is cooled first. A further increase in the thermal decoupling can advantageously be achieved in that when a fire is detected in one of the two battery segments 14a , 14b the assigned coolant subpath 34a , 34b is completely deactivated, which means that coolant no longer flows through it. This can be done through the respective valves 36a , 36b , 38a , 38b be accomplished. To control these valves 36a , 36b , 38a , 38b is a control device 40 intended. So, for example, is the first battery segment 14a , which leads to the first partial path 34a corresponds, affected by fire, so the inlet valve 36a as well as the outlet valve 38a closed while the other two valves 36b , 38b remain open. The coolant thus only flows through the main coolant path 34 as well as the second partial path 34b and cooling the second battery segment 14b is not negatively affected by the heated coolant, which is still in the first partial path 34a between the closed valves 36a , 38a is affected. The respective valves 36a , 36b , 38a , 38b can for example be designed as check valves. This advantageous design of the cooling device 28 becomes a significantly lower proportion of the heat of the "switched off" cooling plate 30a respectively 30b in the cooling system, i.e. the cooling device 28 , distributed and the cooling of the still intact battery segment 14a respectively 14b can be operated more effectively.

For thermal skipping and spreading in at least one of the battery segments 14a , 14b To prevent or complicate existing brands, other advantageous measures can now be taken, which are now in connection with 7 are explained. 7 shows a schematic representation of a part of a motor vehicle 42 , in particular a part of the passenger compartment, and again a schematic representation of the high-voltage battery arrangement 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The high-voltage battery 10 in this example again shows two battery segments 14a and 14b on. The high-voltage battery also includes 10 also a so-called battery junction box with various switching elements, for example the high-voltage contactors, and the described coupling units 18th , 20 , Fuses and various other connections, as well as a battery management system. These components are in a third segment 44 housed, which is also from the other battery segments 14a , 14b is spatially separated. Except for the necessary electrical power of the connection between the respective segments 14a , 14b , 44 there is no contact between these segments 14a , 14b , 44 . In particular, these can be arranged in respective assigned housings, which are additionally separated from one another by flame-retardant and thermally insulating materials. This thermal insulation with integrated fire protection is in 7 With 46 designated. This passive fire protection can not only the individual battery segments 14a , 14b , 44 thermally decouple from each other, but also a thermal decoupling from the passenger compartment 42a provide. This thermal insulation 46 can in case of fire of the battery segments 14a , 14b , or one of the battery segments 14a , 14b the other of the battery segments 14a , 14b as well as the functionality of the switching elements and the battery management system in the third battery segment 44 be maintained as long as possible. In addition, extinguishing systems or other cooling systems can also be implemented, which can also fight the fire directly.

Overall, the examples show how the invention can provide a concept for temporarily continuing an electric vehicle despite a battery fire, with the traction battery of an electric vehicle in particular being divided spatially and electrically into several segments. In the event of faults, including a fire in the battery, the affected battery segment can be disconnected and a temporary onward journey can be made possible since the remaining battery segments take over the supply of the high-voltage system. For thermal decoupling of the source of the fire, the cooling system can also be separated and the fire can be delayed by active and passive fire protection measures. Overall, this concept can significantly increase safety in the motor vehicle.

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

• DE 102009003048 A1 [0004]
• DE 102016200368 A1 [0005]

Claims (10)

High-voltage battery arrangement (10) for a motor vehicle (42), the high-voltage battery arrangement (10) being designed to supply energy to a drive unit of the motor vehicle (42), characterized in that - the high-voltage battery arrangement (10) has at least a first and a second battery segment (14a, 14b ) which are spatially separated from one another, - the high-voltage battery arrangement (10) having a detection device at least for detecting a fire of the at least one first and / or second battery segment (14a, 14b); - The high-voltage battery arrangement (10) has a coupling device (18, 20) which is designed, at least in the event of a detected fire of the at least one first or at least one second battery segment (14a, 14b), to affect the battery segment (14a, 14b) from the group of the at least one first and the at least one second battery segment (14a, 14b), so that power is supplied to the drive unit only by the at least one other battery segment (14a, 14b) not affected by the fire from the group of at least one first and at least one second battery segment (14a, 14b) can be provided. High-voltage battery arrangement (10) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one first battery segment (14a) and the at least one second battery segment (14b) with respect to an output (16) which can be coupled to the drive unit, comprising a first output connection (16a) and a second output connection (16b), are connected in parallel with one another, the coupling device (18, 20) having a first coupling unit (18) which is designed to decouple the at least one first and the at least one second battery segment (14a, 14b) from the first output connection (16a) and to couple with this, and wherein the coupling device (18, 20) has a second coupling unit (20) which is designed to independently of the at least one first and the at least one second battery segment (14a, 14b) from the second output terminal (16b) to decouple and to couple with this. High-voltage battery arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second coupling unit (20) for coupling the at least one first battery segment (14a) and / or the at least one second battery segment (14b) to the second output connection (16b) and Decoupling from the second output connection (16b) has at least one converter device (22). High-voltage battery arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first coupling unit (18) has only a first switching device (18c), by means of which the at least one first battery segment (14a) only together with the at least one second battery segment (14b) can be decoupled from and coupled to the first output connection (16a), or the first coupling unit (18) has a plurality of switching devices (18a, 18b), a respective one of the switching devices (18a, 18b) corresponding to one of the at least one first battery segment (14a) and is assigned to the at least one second battery segment (14b), so that the at least one first battery element (14a) and the at least one second battery segment (14b) can be decoupled independently of one another from the first output connection (16a) via the respectively assigned switching device (18a, 18b) are and can be coupled with this. High-voltage battery arrangement (10) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one first battery segment (14a) and the at least one second battery segment (14b) with respect to an output that can be coupled to the drive unit, comprising a first output connection (16a) and a second output connection (16b), in series with one another are connected, wherein a first bridging circuit (24a) can be connected in parallel with the at least one first battery segment (14a) by means of the coupling device (18, 20), so that the at least one first battery element (14a) is bridged and thereby decoupled, and a second Bridging circuit (24b) can be connected in parallel with the at least one second battery segment (14b) by means of the coupling device (18, 20), so that the at least one second battery segment (14b) is bridged and thereby decoupled. High-voltage battery arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the high-voltage battery arrangement (10) has a cooling device (28) which has a coolant through which a coolant main path (34), which is in at least a first partial path (34a), which passing through a cooling unit (30a) assigned to the at least one first battery segment (14a), and at least one second partial path (34b) which is separated from the at least one first partial path (34a) and a second cooling unit (14b) assigned to the at least one second battery segment (14b) 30b), divides, the at least one first and second partial path (34a, 34b) being brought together to form the main coolant path (34) after passing through the respectively assigned cooling units (30a, 30b). High-voltage battery arrangement (10) after Claim 6 , characterized in that the Cooling device (28) is configured such that at least in the event of a detected fire of the at least one first or at least one second battery segment (14b), the coolant flow through the partial path (34a, 34b) which the cooling unit (30a, 30b) passes through the battery segment (14a, 14b) from the group of at least one first and at least one second battery segment (14b) affected by the fire is blocked by closing at least one valve (36a, 36b, 38a, 38b). High-voltage battery arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a flame-retardant thermal insulation material (46) is arranged between the at least one first and the at least one second battery segment (14a, 14b). Motor vehicle (42) with a high-voltage battery arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims. Method for operating a high-voltage battery arrangement (10) for a motor vehicle (42), the high-voltage battery arrangement (10) supplying a drive unit of the motor vehicle (42) with energy, characterized in that - the high-voltage battery arrangement (10) has at least a first and a second battery segment ( 14a, 14b), which are spatially separated from one another, - in the event that a fire of the at least one first or at least one second battery segment (14a, 14b) is detected, the battery segment (14a, 14b) affected by the fire the group of the at least one first and the at least one second battery segment (14a, 14b) is electrically decoupled, so that the drive unit is only supplied with energy by the at least one other battery segment (14a, 14b) from the group of the at least one that is not affected by the fire first and at least one second battery segment (14a, 14b) is provided.

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