Battery module with two sub-modules

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a battery module (10) having two sub-modules (20), each of the two sub-modules (20) comprising: a number of battery cells (22) arranged side by side; a number of first bus bars (24) electrically connecting the battery cells (22) of the respective sub-modules (20) to each other, the first bus bars (24) being arranged at a top side (TS) of the respective sub-modules (20); and end pieces (30) for electrically connecting the modules (40), the end pieces (30) being arranged at the outermost battery cells (22. O) of the battery cells (22) of a respective sub-module (20), the two sub-modules (20) being arranged side by side such that the end pieces (30) of the sub-modules (20) are located on the opposite outermost side (OS) of the battery module (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module having two submodules and a battery having at least two battery modules. Background Art

[0002] Effective thermal management plays an important role in the continuous and efficient operation of battery packs, or in other words, battery modules. In typical cooling platforms for battery packs or modules, cooling components take up a lot of space and increase the cost of the already expensive battery cells of the battery module.

[0003] Furthermore, electromagnetic coupling is another problem in high current / high voltage devices such as battery electric vehicles utilizing battery modules. Typically, electromagnetic shielding materials are used to overcome the problems caused by electromagnetic coupling, which also requires space and is costly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that at least partially solves at least one of the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] This problem is at least partially solved or alleviated by the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a battery module having two submodules, each of the two submodules comprising:

[0007] - Several battery cells arranged side by side,

[0008] - a plurality of first bus bars electrically connecting the battery cells of the respective submodules to each other, the first bus bars being provided on the top side of the respective submodules, and

[0009] - an end member for an electrical connection module of the corresponding submodule, the end member being arranged at the outermost battery cell of the battery cells of the corresponding submodule,

[0010] The two submodules are arranged side by side such that the end pieces of the submodules are located at opposite outermost sides of the battery module.

[0011] The battery module of the present disclosure utilizes the position of the submodule end member of the electrical connection module for the submodule, which end member can be specifically designed as a cooling plate and / or for cooling the electrical connection module. The end member can be thermally connected and / or directly in contact with a radiator (particularly an external radiator) or a cooling plate of each of the battery module or submodule, thereby effectively cooling the electrical connection module. The electrical connection module can alternatively be referred to as a power electronics module or simply a power electronics device. Therefore, each end member can serve as a radiator for its corresponding electrical connection module. Moreover, the end member can be at least partially used as a radiator for the battery cells (at least the outermost battery cells) of the submodule. In any case, each end member can be a radiator or be configured as a radiator. In particular, each submodule can include an electrical connection module. Each end member can include one of the electrical connection modules or have one of the electrical connection modules attached thereto. In addition, the positioning of the end member at the opposite outermost side of the battery module provides additional space at the other sides of the battery module, which is very advantageous in different applications such as vehicle design.

[0012] Thus, the battery module of the present disclosure may combine an advantageous end piece design with an advantageous busbar design, wherein the former enables cooling of the electrically connected module, while the latter manages electromagnetic coupling.

[0013] A concept that can be used in conjunction with the battery module of the present disclosure is the so-called smart cell battery concept known from EP 3945657 A1. Thus, a battery cell may include active battery cell material and internal circuitry coupled to the active battery cell material, and the battery cell or battery module includes: one or more switches coupled to the battery cell electrodes, or in other words, to the connecting electrodes or terminals of the battery cell; and a processor that operates the one or more switches to provide a defined potential value at the battery cell electrodes or terminals.

[0014] Each of the two submodules may have an innermost battery cell positioned opposite its corresponding outermost battery cell, wherein the innermost battery cells of the respective submodules may physically connect the two submodules to each other, thereby forming a battery module. The two submodules may be electrically isolated from each other, or in other words, configured to operate independently of each other. Mechanical fastening of the two submodules by means of a housing or other means may further be provided to maintain the submodule configuration in place and protect the submodules from possible environmental influences.

[0015] The first bus bars may be designed as flat metal strips that electrically connect the electrodes or terminals of adjacent battery cells to each other.These first bus bars may provide a series electrical connection of the battery cells within each of the submodules.

[0016] Each of the two submodules may further include a second busbar electrically connecting the outermost battery cells of the respective submodule to a first battery electrical connector of the respective submodule. The first battery electrical connector may be a positive or negative battery connector of the electrical connection module and thus enables the submodule to be electrically connected to a circuit, such as an AC and / or DC circuit, via the electrical connection module.

[0017] Each of the second bus bars can have a substantially L-shaped configuration. This configuration has been shown to facilitate assembly and prevent other electrical connectors from being blocked by the second bus bars. This is particularly advantageous when the connections or cell electrodes of the battery cells are located at the longitudinal ends of the top side of the battery cells or their cell housings.

[0018] Each of the two submodules may also include a third busbar that electrically connects the innermost battery cell of the corresponding submodule to the second battery connector of the corresponding submodule. This second battery connector may be either the positive battery connector or the negative battery connector of the electrical connection module, depending on where the second busbar is electrically connected. Thus, the third busbar is capable of completing an electrical connection to an AC and / or DC circuit.

[0019] Each of the third bus bars may have a substantially L-, S-, or Z-shaped shape. This shape has been shown to facilitate assembly and avoid obstruction of other electrical connectors. The third bus bar may extend along the length of all battery cells in the submodule to electrically connect the last or innermost battery cell to the corresponding electrical connector.

[0020] The end piece can be configured to cool the electrical connection module. It can be designed as a metal plate. The metal plate provides good thermal conductivity for cooling the power electronics module and optionally facilitates heat transfer to a cooling plate or external heat sink beneath the battery module. Cooling of the cooling plate or external heat sink beneath the battery module can be performed passively or actively, for example, through forced air convection or liquid coolant.

[0021] Each end member can be configured as a housing for each electrical connection module. Each end member can have an opening, in which an electrical connection module having an electrical connector for a corresponding submodule can be arranged. Thus, at the outermost side of the battery module, electrical connections to the corresponding submodules and cooling of the electrical connections can be provided. Thus, other sides other than the outermost side of the battery module can be designed or positioned to be less accessible, thereby providing further space in any application using the battery module of the present disclosure (for example, in a vehicle, in particular a battery electric vehicle).

[0022] Each of the electrical connection modules may have at least four electrical connectors, two of which are configured for electrical connection to the battery cells of the corresponding submodule, and at least two additional electrical connectors configured for electrical connection to the corresponding submodule to a converter. For example, the two electrical connectors directly connected to the battery cells of each submodule may be battery connectors, one of which is a positive and the other a negative battery connector. The additional electrical connectors may be connectors for AC and / or DC circuits, wherein an AC and / or DC converter may be provided to electrically connect each of the battery modules to the circuit.

[0023] In each electrical connection module, each of the at least four electrical connectors is accessible via a corresponding recess in the corresponding end member. This enables easy access to the corresponding electrical connector via the busbar located on the top side of the battery module and further enables the circuit connector of the corresponding circuit to be connected to the busbar.

[0024] The battery cells can be designed as prismatic battery cells. Each of the battery cells can be provided with its own battery housing, which can be in the form of a pouch or a solid housing. The solid housing can provide greater stability and electrical connection via the corresponding connection electrodes located thereon.

[0025] The number of battery cells in each submodule can be equal. Therefore, both submodules can provide the same current to the battery. This also makes the manufacturing of the corresponding submodules easier.

[0026] The two submodules can be designed to be interchangeable. In particular, this can be accomplished by providing an equal number of battery cells in the submodules and further by implementing a similar design in other aspects of the submodules (such as the electrical connection modules mentioned herein).

[0027] According to a second aspect, a battery having at least two battery modules according to the present disclosure is provided. The at least two battery modules may be electrically connected to each other or at least belong to the same battery system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] These and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the examples described hereinafter.

[0029] Examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the following drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 a perspective view showing one example of a battery module; and

[0031] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A top view of an example of a battery module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The drawings are merely schematic representations and serve merely to illustrate examples of the present disclosure. Identical or equivalent elements are in principle provided with the same reference numerals.

[0033] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Different views of a battery module 10 according to one example of the present disclosure are shown. The battery module 10 itself can be used as a battery or for a battery (as a stand-alone solution), or alternatively, two or more of these battery modules 10 can be electrically connected to each other to form a larger battery (not shown). The battery module 10 or such a battery can be used in a vehicle or other application that benefits from the design described below. In addition, the battery module 10 can include a battery housing (not shown) that encapsulates it.

[0034] The battery module 10 includes two submodules 20 arranged side by side. The submodules 20 can be mechanically fixed to each other, for example, by means of the above-mentioned battery housing (not shown).

[0035] Each of the two submodules 20 includes several battery cells 22. The battery cells 22 are arranged side by side. In this case, the battery cells 22 are prismatic cells having a solid housing, for example, made of metal. The largest sides of the prismatic shapes of the battery cells 22 are positioned side by side, or in other words, adjacent to each other. The battery cells 22 can directly contact each other through their housings.

[0036] In this exemplary embodiment, the number of battery cells 22 is six for the two submodules 20. However, an even or odd number of battery cells 22 may be used. The number of battery cells 22 in each of the two submodules 20 may be equal, so that the submodules 20 may be designed to be interchangeable with each other.

[0037] Each of the two submodules 20 further comprises a number of first bus bars 24, which electrically connect the battery cells 22 in series with one another via the corresponding connecting electrodes 23 of the battery cells 22 of each submodule 20. More precisely, each of the first bus bars 24 electrically connects one battery cell 22 with an adjacent or side-by-side arranged battery cell 22. These first bus bars 24 are designed as flat metal strips, and they are arranged on the top side TS of the corresponding submodule 20, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 Shown and Figure 2 shown.

[0038] Each of the two submodules 20 further includes a second bus bar 26 that electrically connects the outermost battery cell 22.O of the corresponding submodule 20 to a first battery electrical connector 41 provided at the end member 30 of the corresponding submodule 20. In this example, the first electrical connector 41 is provided as a positive battery connector B+. The second bus bar 26 is also designed as a flat metal bar, but has a two-dimensional shape that is different from that of the first bus bar 24, more specifically, a substantially L-shaped shape. Due to this shape, the second bus bar 26 can be easily connected between the electrical connector 41 and the connection electrode 23 or terminal located at the longitudinal end of the top side of the outermost battery cell 22.O without blocking other electrical connectors, such as the electrical connector 43.

[0039] In addition, each of the two submodules 20 further includes a third bus bar 28 that electrically connects the innermost battery cell 22.I of the corresponding submodule 20 to the second battery electrical connector 42 of the corresponding submodule 20. The innermost battery cell 22.I is located inside the battery module 10, where the two submodules 20 are arranged side by side with each other, while the outermost battery cell 22.O has an end member 30 provided thereon.

[0040] In this example, second electrical connector 42 is configured as a negative battery connector B-. Third bus bar 28 is also designed as a flat metal bar, but has a different two-dimensional shape than first bus bar 24 and second bus bar 26. More specifically, it has a substantially S-shaped or Z-shaped shape. This shape allows third bus bar 28 to be easily connected between second electrical connector 42 and connection electrode 23 located at the longitudinal end of the top side of the innermost battery cell 22.1 of the corresponding submodule 20 without blocking any other electrical connectors, such as electrical connector 46, even if the innermost battery cell 22.1 of the adjacent submodule 20 is adjacent to it.

[0041] The first electrical connector 41 and the second electrical connector 42 of each of the submodules 20 are part of or connected to the electrical connection module 40. In addition to the two electrical connectors 41, 42 configured to establish electrical connections to the battery cells 22 of the corresponding submodule 20, the electrical connection module 40 also has four further electrical connectors 43, 44, 45, 46. Figure 1 These electrical connectors 43, 44, 45, 46, shown as AC+, AC-, DC+, and DC- electrical connectors, the corresponding battery cells 22 can be electrically connected to corresponding AC and / or DC circuits (not shown), which can be located, for example, in a vehicle (not shown) and can include corresponding inverters (not shown). AC+ can alternatively be referred to as AC1, and AC- can alternatively be referred to as AC2.

[0042] Each electrical connection module 40 is located at the outermost battery cell 22.O of the corresponding submodule 20. Moreover, the end member 30 that accommodates the electrical connection module 40 is provided at the outermost battery cell 22.O. The end member 30 forms the outermost OS perpendicular to the top side TS of the battery module 10. Since both submodules 20 have the end member 30 located at their outermost OS, two outermost OSs of the battery module 10 that are positioned opposite to each other are provided. In addition to accommodating the electrical connection module 40, the end member 30 can also serve as a heat sink for the electrical connection module 40. For example, the end member 30 can be thermally connected to an external radiator or cooling plate at the top or bottom of the battery module 10.

[0043] The end piece 30 is typically constructed as a metal plate, which can be cooled passively or actively, for example by forced air convection or a cooling fluid. The end piece 30 also has an opening 34 constructed as a recess for including an electrical connection module 40 therein.

[0044] Each end member 30 also has a number of recesses corresponding to the number of electrical connectors 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 at the top side TS of the battery module 10. In addition, the end member 30 has two attachment portions 32 with attachment recesses 33. By means of the attachment recesses 33, the battery module 10 can be fixed to the oppositely positioned outermost sides by bolts, for example, to form a bolted connection with the frame or structure of a vehicle or any other device using the battery module 10.

[0045] The battery module 10 of the present disclosure utilizes the location of the end member 30 to achieve improved cooling performance in the operation of the electrical connection module 40. In addition, the positioning of the end member 30 at the opposite outermost side OS of the submodule 20 provides new space, which is very advantageous in various applications such as vehicle design.

[0046] The positioning of the end member 30 in the battery module 10 further enables the described bus bar design of the battery module 10 to facilitate bus bars 24, 26, 28 of different shapes, which can minimize electromagnetic coupling by canceling out currents in different directions. Thus, the battery module 10 of the present disclosure combines an advantageous end member design with an advantageous bus bar design, wherein the former enhances desired cooling during battery operation and the latter manages electromagnetic coupling.

[0047] Other variations to the disclosed examples will be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed disclosure, based on a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may perform the functions of several items or steps recited in a claim. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in a claim should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claim.

[0048] Reference Signs List

[0049] 10 battery modules

[0050] 20 submodules

[0051] 22 battery cells

[0052] 22.O Outermost battery cell

[0053] 22.I Innermost battery cell

[0054] 23. Connect electrodes

[0055] 24 First Bus

[0056] 26 Second bus bar

[0057] 28Third bus

[0058] 30 end components

[0059] 32 attachment portion

[0060] 33 attachment recess

[0061] 34 openings

[0062] 40 electrical connection module

[0063] 41 first electrical connector

[0064] 42 second electrical connector

[0065] 43 third electrical connector

[0066] 44 fourth electrical connector

[0067] 45 fifth electrical connector

[0068] 46 sixth electrical connector

[0069] TS top side

[0070] OS outermost

Claims

1. A battery module (10) having two submodules (20), each of the two submodules (20) comprising: - several battery cells (22) arranged side by side, - a number of first busbars (24) electrically connecting the battery cells (22) of the respective submodules (20) to one another, the first busbars (24) being arranged at the top side (TS) of the respective submodules (20), and - an end piece (30) of an electrical connection module (40) for the corresponding submodule (20), the end piece (30) being arranged at the outermost battery cell (22.0) of the battery cells (22) of the corresponding submodule (20), The two submodules (20) are arranged side by side such that the end members (30) of the submodules (20) are located at opposite outermost sides (OS) of the battery module (10).

2. The battery module (10) according to claim 1, each of the two submodules (20) has an innermost battery cell (22.I) positioned opposite to its corresponding outermost battery cell (22.O), and the innermost battery cell (22.I) of the corresponding submodule (20) physically connects the two submodules (20) to each other, thereby forming the battery module (10).

3. The battery module (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first bus bar (24) is designed as a flat metal bar that electrically connects the electrodes (23) of adjacent battery cells (22) to each other.

4. The battery module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, each of the two submodules (20) further comprising a second bus bar (26), the second bus bar (26) electrically connecting the outermost battery cell (22.O) of the corresponding submodule (20) to the first battery electrical connector (41) of the corresponding submodule (20).

5. The battery module (10) according to claim 4, each of the second bus bars (26) having a substantially L-shape.

6. The battery module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, each of the two submodules (20) further comprising a third bus bar (28) electrically connecting the innermost battery cell (22.I) of the corresponding submodule (20) to the second battery electrical connector (42) of the corresponding submodule (20).

7. The battery module (10) according to claim 6, each of the third bus bars (28) has a substantially L-shaped, S-shaped, or Z-shaped shape.

8. The battery module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the end piece (30) being designed for cooling the electrical connection module (40).

9. The battery module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, each of the end pieces (30) being designed as a housing for each of the electrical connection modules (40).

10. A battery module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, each of the end parts (30) having an opening (34), in which an electrical connection module (40) having electrical connectors (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46) for the corresponding submodule (20) is arranged.

11. The battery module (10) according to claim 9 or 10, each of the electrical connection modules (40) having at least four electrical connectors (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46), two of the at least four electrical connectors (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46) being configured for electrically connecting to the battery cells (22) of the corresponding submodule (20), and at least another two of the at least four electrical connectors (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46) being configured for electrically connecting the corresponding submodule (20) to a converter.

12. The battery module (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: In each of the electrical connection modules (40), each of the at least four electrical connectors (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46) is accessible through a corresponding recess in the corresponding end piece (30).

13. The battery module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the number of battery cells (22) in each submodule (20) is equal.

14. The battery module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the two submodules (20) being designed to be interchangeable.

15. A battery comprising at least two battery modules (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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