Battery module having a plurality of battery cells and method for manufacturing such a battery module

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery module having a plurality of battery cells (2), in particular lithium-ion battery cells (20), which are each electrically connected to one another in series and / or in parallel, and having a switching device (3) having a first terminal (31) and a second terminal (32), wherein an electrically conductive first connecting element (41) electrically connects the first terminal (31) to a voltage tapping (5) of an end battery cell (2, 21) arranged at an end, and an electrically conductive second connecting element (42) electrically connects the second terminal (32) to a voltage tapping (6) of the battery module (1), wherein the first connecting element (41) and / or the second connecting element (42) is / are thermally accommodated in an accommodation (7, 71, 72) of a housing (10) of the battery module (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a battery module having multiple battery cells according to the present invention. The subject matter of the invention also lies in a method for manufacturing such a battery module. Background Technology

[0002] As is known from existing technology, a battery module can be composed of multiple individual battery cells, which can be electrically interconnected in series and / or parallel, thereby connecting the individual battery cells together to form a battery module. Furthermore, such battery modules are connected together to form a battery or battery system.

[0003] Furthermore, such battery modules often have a switching device, such as a relay, which is typically designed to regulate voltage at the positive terminal of the battery module. Therefore, this switching device directs the maximum current of the corresponding battery module and, in principle, generates a considerable amount of heat. It is known from the prior art that the heat to be dissipated is exhausted to the ambient air of the battery module, for example, through the surface of the switching device or also through the surface of a current conductor electrically connected to the switching device and the battery cell, by means of convection. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The battery module having multiple battery cells according to the present invention provides the advantage of reliably providing heat dissipation for the switching device of the battery module.

[0005] Therefore, a battery module having multiple battery cells is provided. Here, the battery cells are specifically configured as lithium-ion battery cells. Furthermore, the battery cells are interconnected in a conductive series and / or parallel manner. For this purpose, each battery cell may have a first voltage tap, particularly a positive voltage tap, and a second voltage tap, particularly a negative voltage tap, which are conductively connected to each other via a cell connector, thereby constructing an electrically series and / or parallel connection.

[0006] Furthermore, the battery module includes a switching device having a first terminal and a second terminal. A first connecting element, electrically constructed, conductively connects the first terminal to a voltage tap of a battery cell located at its end. Specifically, the voltage tap of the battery cell located at its end is either a first voltage tap or a positive voltage tap. A second connecting element, electrically constructed, conductively connects the second terminal to a voltage tap of the battery module. Specifically, the voltage tap of the battery module is a positive voltage tap.

[0007] Here, the first connecting element and / or the second connecting element are thermally housed in the housing of the battery module.

[0008] Advantageous improvements and modifications to the apparatus described in this disclosure can be achieved through the measures listed in other parts of this disclosure.

[0009] It should be noted that, in particular, the battery module according to the present invention can reliably dissipate heat from the positive voltage taps of the battery cells located at the ends, which are subjected to a fairly high thermal load.

[0010] In summary, this provides reliable heat dissipation for the switching device and the positive voltage taps of the battery cells at the ends, even under relatively high requirements for the battery module, such as an average continuous current of 200 A or a maximum current of 600 A for up to 10 seconds. Therefore, the maximum temperature at the positive voltage taps or switching devices of the battery cells at the ends can be kept relatively low, and in particular, this also improves the overall lifespan of the battery module.

[0011] Furthermore, a thermally conductive compensating material is suitably arranged in the receiving portion. It should be noted that the compensating material is also known as a thermal interface material (TIM). In particular, the compensating material can also be electrically insulating to form an electrically insulating portion. Preferably, this material is selected from epoxides, silicone resins, or polyurethane (PU).

[0012] In particular, the compensating element can be accommodated before the first connecting element or the second connecting element is arranged in the receiving portion. By inserting the first connecting element or the second connecting element, the compensating element can be distributed in the receiving portion and thereby constitute reliable heat transfer. In particular, the compensating material is constructed to be elastically or plastically deformable.

[0013] Advantageously, the receiving portion is arranged on the side of the battery module housing. Alternatively, it may be advantageous to construct the receiving portion on the bottom surface of the battery module housing. It should be noted that "bottom surface" should be understood as the lower side of the battery module that is positioned below it during compliant use. Correspondingly, the side should be arranged perpendicular to the lower side.

[0014] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the receiving portion includes an opening. It is particularly noteworthy that the opening is configured to insert a first connecting element and / or a second connecting element into the receiving portion. Here, the opening has a cross-section that is perpendicular to the side surface or parallel to the bottom surface.

[0015] When the receiving portion is constructed on the side of the battery module's housing, the cross-section of the opening is therefore constructed perpendicular to the side. It is important to note that when the receiving portion is constructed on the side of the battery module's housing, the opening is not located on the largest side of the receiving portion. In other words, this means that the receiving portion has a relatively small opening compared to its volume. In particular, the opening has a rectangular shape, where the length is several times larger than the width. Of course, the opening can also have an elliptical, oval, or circular shape.

[0016] Additionally, it should be noted that, in order to arrange the first or second connecting element in the receiving portion, the first or second connecting element is inserted into the receiving portion parallel to the side surface. In other words, this means that the receiving portion constructed on the side of the battery module housing is bag-shaped.

[0017] When the receiving portion is constructed on the bottom surface of the battery module housing, the cross-section of the opening is therefore constructed parallel to the bottom surface. It is important to note that when the receiving portion is constructed on the bottom surface of the battery module housing, the opening is arranged on the largest side of the receiving portion. In other words, this means that the receiving portion has a fairly large opening compared to its volume. In particular, the opening has a rectangular shape, where the length approximately corresponds to the width. Furthermore, it is important to note that in order to arrange the first or second connecting element in the receiving portion, the first or second connecting element is inserted into the receiving portion perpendicular to the bottom surface. In other words, this means that the receiving portion constructed on the bottom surface of the battery module housing is constructed as a recess.

[0018] In both of the aforementioned embodiments of the receiving portion, the first connecting element and / or the second connecting element can be inserted into the battery module from above in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface or parallel to the side surface, respectively. In particular, a pre-assembled assembly consisting of a switching device, the first connecting element, and the second connecting element can be constructed, which is then inserted into the battery module.

[0019] Particularly preferably, the first and second connecting elements are made of a material selected from copper, aluminum, or ceramic. This provides the advantage of providing particularly reliable heat dissipation due to its relatively high thermal conductivity.

[0020] Suitably, the battery module also includes a retaining element disposed between the receiving portion and the first or second connecting element. In particular, the retaining element may be made of a polymer material. It is particularly advantageous to arrange the retaining element on the first or second connecting element before arranging it in the receiving portion. For example, the retaining element may be clipped onto the first or second connecting element. Alternatively, the retaining element may be injection molded onto the first or second connecting element. The retaining element serves the specific purpose of allowing the first or second connecting element to be spaced apart from the receiving portion, thereby preventing electrical short circuits. Furthermore, this allows for the formation of a defined spacing at which compensating material is arranged. The retaining element is particularly useful for forming a minimum spacing required for air and creepage distances.

[0021] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the switching device is arranged directly adjacent to the battery cell disposed at the end. Preferably, the battery cell is constructed as a prismatic battery cell. The prismatic battery cell typically has six sides, wherein opposing sides are arranged substantially parallel to each other and constructed to substantially the same size. Sides arranged directly adjacent to each other are arranged substantially perpendicular to each other. Here, these battery cells are arranged such that they are preferably arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the battery module with their respective largest sides. The switching device is arranged particularly directly adjacent to the largest side of the battery cell disposed at the end in the longitudinal direction. It should also be noted that "disposed at the end" can also mean electrically disposed at the end. The arrangement at the end provides a particular advantage in that a short conductive connection is formed between the first terminal of the switching device and the voltage tap of the battery cell disposed at the end.

[0022] Particularly preferred is that the battery module housing includes a temperature regulating element. For example, the battery module can be configured as a temperature-controlled chamber through which a temperature-controlled fluid flows. The temperature regulating element is preferably disposed on the lower side of the battery module. Alternatively, the temperature regulating element can be constructed as a temperature-controlled plate, which can be attached to the housing. In particular, the battery module housing and / or the temperature regulating element are preferably made of aluminum. This enables active cooling of the battery module housing.

[0023] Advantageously, the housing is arranged directly adjacent to the temperature regulating element. This allows heat to be transferred to the temperature regulating element particularly efficiently. In particular, heat can be reliably transferred to the temperature regulating element via the first and second connecting elements.

[0024] The switching device can be configured as a semiconductor switch, which is also known as a transistor, a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), or an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT). Preferably, the switching device is a mechanical relay in which contacts can be opened and closed by electromagnetic force.

[0025] Of particular advantage is that, using the embodiments according to the invention, heat generated during operation, especially within the switching device, can be dissipated to the battery module housing via the first and second connecting elements and corresponding receiving portions. This, for example, can improve the service life of the switching device and / or enable the switching device to meet the relatively high requirements of the battery module, particularly in terms of maximum current flow.

[0026] It should be noted that the first terminal and the first connecting element of the switching device can also be constructed as a single piece, and the second terminal and the second connecting element of the switching device can also be constructed as a single piece.

[0027] The subject of this invention also lies in a method for manufacturing a battery module having multiple battery cells. Here, the battery cells are particularly configured as lithium-ion battery cells. Furthermore, the battery cells are electrically connected to each other in series and / or parallel.

[0028] Here, the first connecting element, which is electrically constructed, is electrically connected to the first terminal of the switching device and the voltage tap of the battery cell arranged at the end.

[0029] Here, the second connecting element, which is electrically constructed, is electrically connected to the second terminal of the switching device and the voltage tap of the battery module.

[0030] Furthermore, the first connecting element and / or the second connecting element are thermally housed in a receiving portion of the battery module's housing.

[0031] In particular, this method refers to a method for manufacturing the battery module according to the invention just described, and thus can also be improved according to the invention for advantageous improvements described in conjunction with the battery module according to the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and explained in detail in the following description. Wherein are shown:

[0033] Figure 1 A perspective view shows a cut-off portion (Ausschnitt) of the battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2aThe diagram shows a cut-off portion of the battery module toward the first connecting element according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0035] Figure 2b The diagram shows a cut-off portion of the battery module toward the second connecting element according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3a The arrangement of the retaining elements is shown.

[0037] Figure 3b The diagram shows the cut-off portion of the battery module toward the retaining element according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0038] Figure 4 A perspective view shows a cut-off portion of the battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 5 The diagram shows a cut-off portion of the battery module toward the connecting element according to a second embodiment of the invention, and...

[0040] Figure 6a The retaining element is shown.

[0041] Figure 6b The cut-off portion of the battery module toward the retaining element is shown according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Figure 1 A perspective view shows a cut-off portion of the battery module 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Battery module 1 includes multiple battery cells 2, wherein... Figure 1 A battery cell 2 is illustrated exemplarily. Here, the battery cell 2 is specifically constructed as a lithium-ion battery cell 20. Furthermore, the battery cell 2 is constructed as a prismatic battery cell 200. Figure 1 The battery cell 2 that can be seen here is especially the battery cell 21 arranged at the end.

[0044] Here, the battery cells 2 are electrically interconnected in series and / or in parallel.

[0045] In addition, the battery module 1 includes a switching device 3. The switching device 3 has a first terminal 31 and a second terminal 32.

[0046] Furthermore, battery module 1 includes a first connecting element 41 and a second connecting element 42. The first connecting element 41 and the second connecting element 42 are electrically conductive, respectively.

[0047] The first connecting element 41 electrically connects the first terminal 31 of the switching device 3 to the voltage tap 5 of the battery cell 21 located at the end.

[0048] The second connecting element 42 electrically connects the second terminal 32 of the switching device 3 to the voltage tap 6 of the battery module 1.

[0049] The first connecting element 41 and the second connecting element 42 are made of copper, aluminum or ceramic.

[0050] Furthermore, the housing 10 of the battery module 1 includes a receiving portion 7. In particular, the battery module 1 has a first receiving portion 71 and a second receiving portion 72.

[0051] Here, the first connecting element 41 is thermally housed in the first receiving portion 71. Furthermore, the second connecting element 42 is thermally housed in the second receiving portion 72.

[0052] Furthermore, the battery module 1 includes a fuse 15, which is disposed inside the second connecting element 42 between the second terminal 32 and the voltage tap 6 of the battery module 1. Alternatively, the fuse 15 may also be disposed between the second connecting element 42 and the voltage tap 6 of the battery module 1.

[0053] Figure 2a The cut-off portion of the battery module 1 toward the first connecting element 41 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0054] Here, in addition to the first terminal 31 and the first connecting element 41 of the switching device 3, the first receiving portion 71 of the housing 10 of the battery module 1 can also be seen.

[0055] Furthermore, it can be seen that a compensating material 8 with a thermally conductive structure is arranged in the first accommodating part 71.

[0056] Here, a first receiving portion 71 is constructed on the side 91 of the housing 10 of the battery module 1. Here, the first receiving portion 71 has an opening 73, which has a cross-section 75 arranged perpendicular to the side 91.

[0057] Figure 2b The cut-off portion of the battery module 1 toward the second connecting element 42 is shown according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Here, in addition to the second terminal 32 and the second connecting element 42 of the switching device 3, the second receiving portion 72 of the housing 10 of the battery module 1 can also be seen.

[0059] Furthermore, it can be seen that a compensating material 8 with a thermally conductive structure is arranged in the second accommodating part 72.

[0060] The second receiving portion 72 is constructed on the side 91 of the housing 10 of the battery module 1. The second receiving portion 72 has an opening 73 having a cross-section 75 arranged perpendicular to the side 91.

[0061] Not only in Figure 2a Moreover, in Figure 2b The possible heat flow when dissipating heat from the switching device 3 is shown by arrows.

[0062] Figure 3a The arrangement of the retaining element 11 is shown and Figure 3b The cut-off portion of the battery module 1 toward the retaining element 11 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0063] exist Figure 3a In the perspective view and sectional view, the retaining element 11 itself can be seen first. In addition, the arrangement of the retaining element 11 on the first connecting element 41 or the second connecting element 42 can be seen from one side.

[0064] Here, the retaining element 11 can be fixed to the first connecting element 41 or the second connecting element 42, for example, by means of a clip. The retaining element 11 particularly includes a frame 12 that surrounds the first connecting element 41 or the second connecting element 42 at least partially on its longitudinal edge and on its lower edge. Furthermore, the retaining element 11 includes a spacer element 13 that forms a gap between the first connecting element 41 or the second connecting element 42 and the corresponding receiving portions 7, 71, 72.

[0065] exist Figure 3b The arrangement of the first connecting element 41 or the second connecting element 42 and the retaining element 11 within the receiving portion 7 can be seen. It can be seen that the retaining element 11 or the spacer element 12 creates a spacing such that the compensating element 8 can be accommodated within the receiving portion 7 between the first connecting element 41 or the second connecting element 42 and the receiving portion 7. To achieve optimal connection through the compensating material 8, the first connecting element 41 or the second connecting element 42 and the retaining element 11 can also be matched with the receiving portion 7. This provides effective heat dissipation.

[0066] Figure 4 A perspective view shows a cut-off portion of the battery module 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Battery module 1 in Figure 4 The second embodiment shown corresponds substantially to the first embodiment of the battery module 1 already described. The difference lies, for example, in the heat-conducting housing of the first connecting element 41 in the first housing 71 and the heat-conducting housing of the second connecting element 42 in the second housing 72.

[0068] In this second embodiment of the battery module 1, the housing 10 of the battery module 1 also includes a receiving portion 7. In particular, the battery module 1 has a first receiving portion 71 and a second receiving portion 72.

[0069] Here, the first connecting element 41 is thermally housed in the first receiving portion 71. Furthermore, the second connecting element 42 is thermally housed in the second receiving portion 72.

[0070] exist Figure 4 The arrows in the diagram illustrate the possible heat flow during heat dissipation.

[0071] Figure 5 The diagram shows a cut-off portion of the battery module 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention toward the first connecting element 41 or the second connecting element 42.

[0072] Here, one can also see the receiving part 7, or the first receiving part 71, or the second receiving part 72.

[0073] Here, the receiving portion 7 is constructed on the bottom surface 92 of the housing 10 of the battery module 1. Here, the receiving portion 7 has an opening 74, which has a cross-section 76 arranged parallel to the bottom surface 92.

[0074] Furthermore, it can be seen that a compensating material 8 with a thermally conductive structure is arranged in the second accommodating part 72.

[0075] Figure 6a The retaining element 11 is shown, and Figure 6b The cut-off portion of the battery module 1 toward the retaining element 11 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0076] Here, the retaining element 11 can first be seen on the bottom surface 92 of the housing 10 of the battery module 1, more specifically, before the first connecting element 41 or the second connecting element 42 has been arranged. The retaining element 11 can here be made of a polymer material. Exemplarily, the retaining element 11 can have... Figure 6a The ribs, which are not visible in the image, are used to center the retaining element 11 within the receiving portion 7 of the housing 10 of the battery module 1. These ribs achieve alignment and, in particular, simplify assembly.

[0077] Figure 6b The first connecting element 41 or the second connecting element 42 is shown arranged in the receiving portion 7. In particular, the first connecting element 41 or the second connecting element 42 is received in the retaining element 11. In addition, the compensation element 8 can be seen.

[0078] The retaining element 11 provides reliable electrical insulation, especially for the first connecting element 41 or the second connecting element 42, relative to the receiving portion 7.

Claims

1. A battery module having multiple battery cells (2), the battery cells being electrically connected in series and / or in parallel, and the battery module having a switching device (3) having a first terminal (31) and a second terminal (32), wherein a first connecting element (41) electrically connects the first terminal (31) to a voltage tap (5) of a battery cell (2) disposed at the end, and a second connecting element (42) electrically connects the second terminal (32) to another voltage tap (6) of the battery module (1), characterized in that, The first connecting element (41) and / or the second connecting element (42) are thermally housed in the housing (10) of the battery module (1), wherein the switching device (3) is arranged directly adjacent to the largest side of the battery cell (2) arranged at the end in the longitudinal direction.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving portion (7, 71, 72) contains a compensating material (8) that is electrically conductive.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving portion (7, 71, 72) is constructed on the side (91) of the housing (10) of the battery module (1), or the receiving portion (7, 71, 72) is constructed on the bottom surface (92) of the housing (10) of the battery module (1).

4. The battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The receiving portion (7, 71, 72) has an opening having a cross-section arranged perpendicular to the side surface (91) or parallel to the bottom surface (92).

5. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery cell (2) is a lithium-ion battery cell (20).

6. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The battery module (1) further includes a retaining element (11) arranged between the receiving portion (7, 71, 72) and the first connecting element (41) or between the receiving portion (7, 71, 72) and the second connecting element (42).

7. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first connecting element (41) and the second connecting element (42) are made of a material selected from copper, aluminum or ceramic.

8. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The housing (10) of the battery module (1) includes a temperature regulating element.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The receiving portion (7, 71, 72) is arranged directly adjacent to the temperature regulating element.

10. A method for manufacturing a battery module having a plurality of battery cells (2), wherein the battery cells are electrically connected in series and / or in parallel, wherein a first connecting element (41) electrically constructed is electrically connected to a first terminal (31) of a switching device (3) and a voltage tap (5) of a battery cell (2) disposed at its end, and a second connecting element (42) electrically constructed is electrically connected to a second terminal (32) of the switching device (3) and another voltage tap (6) of the battery module (1), characterized in that, The first connecting element (41) and / or the second connecting element (42) are thermally housed in the housing (10) of the battery module (1), wherein the switching device (3) is arranged directly adjacent to the largest side of the battery cell (2) arranged at the end in the longitudinal direction.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The battery cell (2) is a lithium-ion battery cell (20).

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