Battery unit heat conducting plate operation support, temperature control device and manufacturing method

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating bracket suitable for operating a heat-conducting plate of a battery cell, a temperature control device and a manufacturing method. The thermally conductive plate is a plate for transferring heat to or out of an electrical energy storage unit in the battery, i.e. For cooling or heating. The mounting of these plates requires precise operations in order to ultimately position them inside the battery. In addition, the operating process may include operating a large number of panels one by one or in groups. Preferred automated handling equipment needs to be equipped with handling means in order to pick up and properly position each thermally conductive plate. According to the invention, these devices consist of an operating bracket coupled to a thermally conductive plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of battery temperature control, and in particular to an operating bracket, a temperature control device and a manufacturing method for a battery unit heat conducting plate. Background Art

[0002] One of the most rapidly developing technological areas in the automotive sector is the application of electric drives, whether in hybrid systems or pure electric vehicles. In both cases, energy storage is a challenge, with the demand for ever-increasing energy density per unit volume.

[0003] Due to the demand for higher energy density per unit volume and a variety of battery types, heat is generated during both charging and discharging, which must be removed. Similarly, when the external temperature falls below a certain threshold, a minimum temperature must be maintained to prevent battery performance from degrading.

[0004] The most common internal structure of a battery consists of multiple interconnected individual battery cells, typically in a cylindrical configuration. These batteries require thermally conductive structures to transfer heat from the battery to the exterior and vice versa to maintain internal temperature control. Furthermore, once installed in the battery and in physical contact with the battery cells, these thermally conductive structures can act as supports, or at least contribute to the stability of the battery's internal components.

[0005] In various practical applications, one of the most common approaches to configuring heat-conducting plates is to use elongated plates, for example, with a corrugated structure to accommodate cylindrical battery cell packaging. These plates must be precisely positioned during battery construction or manufacturing. Batteries can have numerous plates, and one of the challenges encountered during manufacturing is handling these plates, particularly when automated. A specific example of automated operation is the use of robots as handling equipment.

[0006] The handling of the panels must enable rapid handling and transport of multiple panels and accurate positioning of them in the battery. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The heat conducting plate is a plate used to transfer heat to or from the energy storage unit in the battery for cooling or heating.

[0008] The installation of these plates requires precise manipulation to ultimately position them within the battery, and further, this manipulation process may involve manipulating a large number of plates one by one or in packs.

[0009] The preferred automated handling process requires handling devices to pick up and properly position each heat conducting plate. According to the present invention, these devices include a handling bracket connected to the heat conducting plate. The handling bracket is characterized by its configuration suitable for fastening to the plate and ensuring a gap-free handling of the heat conducting plate.

[0010] The operating bracket is connected to one end portion of the plate, and the end portion is connected.

[0011] The present invention relates to an operating bracket, which is suitable for being attached to the end of a heat conducting plate of a battery unit, so as to realize operating the plate through the operating bracket. Since the present invention provides an operating device without a heat conducting plate, the aforementioned problems are overcome.

[0012] A first aspect of the present invention relates to an operating bracket suitable for operating a thermally conductive plate. A second aspect of the present invention relates to a combination of the operating bracket and the thermally conductive plate, adapted to be coupled to form a battery cell temperature control device. The device includes provisions for operation and facilitates installation in a battery; that is, the result of the combination is a battery cell temperature control device. A third aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a battery cell temperature control device.

[0013] A first aspect of the present invention relates to an operating bracket suitable for a heat conducting plate. More preferably, the operating bracket is at least suitable for holding the heat conducting plate, and the operating bracket comprises:

[0014] a housing adapted to receive an end portion of a heat conducting plate, wherein the heat conducting plate extends in a longitudinal direction and the end portion of the heat conducting plate has a sheet-shaped plate segment;

[0015] an operating device, preferably adapted to be operated by automated operating equipment;

[0016] Therein, the housing comprises a holding device which is at least suitable for establishing a holding condition in the longitudinal direction (XX') on the sheet-like plate segment.

[0017] The heat conducting plate has an elongated plate-like structure, preferably in the form of a wide ribbon, and can be flat or corrugated. Throughout this specification, the direction in which the heat conducting plate extends is referred to as the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the ends of the heat conducting plate include sheet-like plate segments, which also have a plate-like structure but are thinner than the main plate body.

[0018] The heat conducting plate can be operated via one of its ends, which is mechanically connected to the operating bracket. To this end, the operating bracket includes a housing configured to receive one end of the heat conducting plate. Receiving the end of the heat conducting plate is preferably accomplished by insertion, wherein, after insertion, a retaining device intervenes to prevent separation of the operating bracket and the heat conducting plate. According to a preferred embodiment, the retaining device establishes a connection between the operating bracket and the heat conducting plate such that relative movement between the two components is prevented, at least in the longitudinal direction.

[0019] The retaining device connects the operating bracket and the sheet-like plate segment. According to a preferred embodiment, the sheet-like plate segment adopts a configuration that is convenient for inserting into the housing. The specific retaining device will be described below according to different embodiments.

[0020] According to a specific embodiment of the above embodiment, the housing includes at least one elastically deformable protrusion, which is adapted to be deformed by the insertion of the end portion of the heat conducting plate and exerts a force on the end portion of the heat conducting plate in the longitudinal direction.

[0021] The provision of these elastically deformable tabs causes the end of the heat conducting plate to elastically deform when inserted into the housing of the operating bracket, continuously generating a rebound force that tends to pull the end of the heat conducting plate out of the housing. Considering that the retaining device prevents the end of the heat conducting plate from being removed after insertion, the combined action of the elastically deformable tabs and the retaining device creates a gap-free connection, at least in the longitudinal direction. In the embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, an even number of elastically deformable tabs are present, distributed on both sides in the longitudinal direction, and supported directly on the sheet-like plate section of the heat conducting plate or at other locations, such as at the transition between the main body of the heat conducting plate and the sheet-like plate section.

[0022] In a specific embodiment of the above embodiment, the housing includes one or more supporting ribs to apply local supporting stress on at least one point of the side surface of the end region of the heat conducting plate.

[0023] According to this embodiment, the mechanical connection between the operating bracket and the heat conducting plate comprises not only a retaining device but also supporting ribs. These ribs, while creating a local supporting stress at at least one point on the side of the end region of the heat conducting plate, allow the heat conducting plate to be inserted into the housing of the operating bracket.

[0024] The lateral supports ensure that after insertion, there are no gaps that could cause lateral relative movement. This refers to the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, which in turn is parallel to the main plane of the heat conducting plate. In the case of a corrugated heat conducting plate, the main plane is the median plane. In other words, in a cross-section of the heat conducting plate taken perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the support ribs provide support on at least the smaller side of the cross-section.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment, additional ribs may be provided to support a larger surface of the heat conducting plate, ie, in a cross section of the heat conducting plate taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the ribs also support the larger side of the cross section.

[0026] In a specific embodiment of the above embodiment, the housing comprises at least one positioning wedge located in the region of the end of the inserted sheet-like plate segment.

[0027] In this embodiment, the housing receives the end of the heat conducting plate by insertion. The housing is sized so that a gap remains between the heat conducting plate and the housing before the heat conducting plate is fully inserted, facilitating insertion. However, during insertion, the end of the sheet-like plate segment that first enters the housing encounters a retaining wedge, thereby enabling passage from a larger entry area to a smaller final area.

[0028] The wedge-shaped structure allows the ends of the sheet segments to be naturally positioned under the action of the positioning wedges. Due to the large size of the entry area, this structure facilitates insertion. Upon completion of insertion, there is no gap, or only a small gap, at least in the direction of the positioning wedge. The phrase "or only a small gap" is used here because the wedge-shaped structure does not necessarily eliminate the gap. For example, the structure that ultimately eliminates the gap could also be the aforementioned local support ribs.

[0029] In this embodiment, the positioning wedges also provide a greater thickness in the final region of the final receiving end, thereby providing greater rigidity to the component.

[0030] In a more specific embodiment of the above embodiment, the central region of the housing includes at least one external reinforcement rib to reduce the degree of opening of the housing after the end portion having the sheet-like plate segment is inserted.

[0031] The housing of the operating bracket is configured to accommodate the end of the heat conducting plate, and thus its shape is at least similar to that of the end of the heat conducting plate. Due to the plate-like configuration, the housing preferably has an elongated opening, so that the central region is more susceptible to bending deformation under stress perpendicular to the housing surface.

[0032] For example, when support ribs are provided inside the shell to enhance the fit with the end of the heat conducting plate, the force exerted by these support ribs on the heat conducting plate also deforms the support wall near the shell opening, which causes the shell opening to be stretched open.

[0033] This central area, located between the two ends of the housing corresponding to the edges of the heat conducting plate, is more susceptible to significant deformation under the same stress. In this embodiment, external reinforcement ribs are provided to reduce the degree of opening in the housing, thereby maintaining contact stress between the housing wall or support ribs and the ends of the heat conducting plate.

[0034] In a more specific embodiment of the above embodiment, the operating bracket is suitable for operating a heat conducting plate having a sheet-like plate segment, and the sheet-like plate segment has at least one window, wherein the retaining device is a snap-fit element suitable for establishing a snap-fit state in the window of the sheet-like plate segment.

[0035] In this embodiment, the holding state between the heat conducting plate and the operating bracket is achieved by a sheet-like plate segment of the heat conducting plate. The sheet-like plate segment has at least one window with an inner edge that delimits the window. Correspondingly, the operating bracket is provided with a snap-in element to serve as a holding device. When the end of the heat conducting plate enters the housing, the snap-in element undergoes a certain degree of elastic deformation to facilitate the insertion of the sheet-like plate segment until the window is reached during the insertion movement. After reaching the window, the snap-in element no longer supports itself on the sheet-like plate segment, but elastically resumes its original shape and is partially accommodated in the window, so that after insertion, it establishes support on at least a section of the window edge and thus establishes its holding effect.

[0036] In a more specific embodiment, the window is open, meaning that the edge defining the window is not a closed curve but rather an open curve. For example, the open curve forms an open groove that reaches the side edge of the sheet segment. Specifically, rather than being a rectangular hole formed by die-cutting a hole in the sheet segment, the window may be formed by die-cutting, cutting, or machining, and may include a narrow notch extending to the free edge of the sheet segment to maintain the window open. This arrangement still provides a portion of the inner edge of the window to ensure a snap-fit connection.

[0037] In a more specific embodiment of the aforementioned embodiment of retaining by snapping, the snapping element has a retaining surface arranged in the longitudinal direction to establish support on the inner edge of the window, and the retaining surface is inclined to prevent gaps.

[0038] According to this embodiment, the clamping element, at least partially housed within the window, interacts with the edge of the window, where it is supported and retained by the inclined surface. This inclined surface creates a wedging condition, thereby ensuring sustained longitudinal stress through the action of the clamping element. The clamping element has elastic recovery, allowing it to enter the window after insertion. The movement generated during entry into the window causes the inclined surface to act as a wedging force.

[0039] Based on all the aforementioned embodiments, as an alternative to a snap-on solution to achieve the retaining effect, the retaining device can be two windows on the housing, the two windows corresponding to each other and positioned so that in the operating mode after the heat conducting plate is inserted, the sheet plate segment at the end of the heat conducting plate is located between the two windows, so as to establish fixation by a deep drawing operation of the sheet plate segment, wherein the deep drawn material portion can be accessed through the window of the operating bracket, and after the deep drawing operation, the deep drawn material portion is at least partially accommodated in the other window.

[0040] This embodiment is based on a deep drawing operation to establish a holding force between the heat conducting plate and the operating bracket. The operating bracket includes two windows, which correspond to each other and are:

[0041] - the windows are positioned so that, before the heat conducting plate is inserted, there is a path through the two windows, for example, along a path substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the windows lie, and

[0042] After the heat conducting plate is inserted, the sheet-like plate section at the end of the heat conducting plate is located between the two windows and at least partially blocks the path through the two windows, preferably completely blocks the path through the two windows.

[0043] Once the thermally conductive plate is inserted and the sheet segment is at least partially accommodated between the two windows, plastic deformation of the sheet segment material through one window deforms a portion of the material and causes it to be at least partially accommodated in the other window.

[0044] The plastic deformation of a portion of the material at least partially enters a window, which means that a retaining force is established between the portion of the material partially accommodated in the window and at least a portion of the edge of the window. The retaining force thus established can prevent the end of the heat conducting plate from detaching from the housing of the operating bracket.

[0045] According to a more preferred embodiment, the plastic deformation enables the plastically deformed portion of the material to establish contact with the entire edge of the window of the operating bracket, thereby avoiding a gap between the heat conducting plate and the operating bracket.

[0046] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a temperature control device incorporating a heat conducting plate and at least one operating bracket, wherein:

[0047] The heat conducting plate extends in a longitudinal direction and includes a sheet-shaped plate section at one end;

[0048] The operating bracket is based on any of the above embodiments;

[0049] Therein, the housing of the operating bracket accommodates at least the sheet-like plate segment, and an attachment is established between the sheet-like plate segment and a holding device of the housing of the operating bracket.

[0050] In a second aspect of the present invention, the combination provides a battery temperature control device comprising a heat conducting plate and an operating bracket suitable for operating the heat conducting plate, for example, suitable for operating an automated operating device.

[0051] The attachment between the two components is achieved by operating the retaining means of the support housing, which interact with the ends of the heat conducting plate to provide said retaining action at least in the longitudinal direction.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the control device, the heat-conducting plate comprises a flat tube, preferably with a longitudinally extending inner channel, at the ends of which sheet-like plate segments are produced by punching.

[0053] Typically, metal profiles are used, such as those made from extruded aluminum, which contain multiple channels. These profiles can be bent, for example to form corrugated structures. Extrusion manufacturing can produce low-cost components with a wide range of uses.

[0054] According to this embodiment, the end portion of the profile having these features is punched to reduce its thickness, thereby forming a sheet-like plate segment, which can be retained by the retaining device and the operating bracket.

[0055] In the embodiment of stamping operations of extruded profiles, the manufacturing process can produce specific parts in a very fast and cost-effective manufacturing process.

[0056] Based on the aforementioned embodiment of the control device, the flat tube can be formed by two longitudinally extending and adjacently arranged tube bodies and mechanically connected to each other via an intermediate plate, wherein the holding device is a double holding device arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0057] In this embodiment, the heat conducting plate is a flat tube formed from two bodies, each of which extends parallel to the other. The two parallel flat tubes are spaced apart and attached via an intermediate plate. In a more specific embodiment, a plate is positioned between the two flat tubes, extending between opposing edges of the two flat tubes.

[0058] By performing a punching operation on a tube such as the present embodiment, the punching operation acts mainly by reducing the thickness of the flat tubular body, since the intermediate plate is preferably already provided as a sheet-like element.

[0059] In all embodiments, a flat tube can be used as an alternative. The flat tube is formed by a single tubular body extending longitudinally and preferably has the retaining device positioned in a central manner.

[0060] Based on the embodiment of the aforementioned control device, the housing comprises a recess, which is suitable for cooperating with the middle plate of the heat conducting plate.

[0061] The sheet-like plate segment is located at the end of the heat conducting plate. Therefore, when inserted into the housing, it enters the housing first and is accommodated in the innermost position. However, the rest of the heat conducting plate moves forward following the sheet-like plate segment. When the heat conducting plate is constructed with two flat bodies connected by a preferably sheet-like intermediate plate, the central region of the heat conducting plate is thinner. In this embodiment, the recess allows the housing to mate with the heat conducting plate in this thinner region.

[0062] In another more specific embodiment based on any one of the aforementioned embodiments of the thermal control device, the two flat bodies connected by the intermediate plate are solid bodies rather than tubes, so that the heat conducting plate has a solid structure.

[0063] In a more specific embodiment based on the above thermal control device embodiment:

[0064] - at least a portion of the heat conducting plate comprises an alloy comprising aluminium and optionally additional elements; and / or

[0065] - Part or all of the operating bracket is formed of a material including the following components:

[0066] o polymer matrix,

[0067] o Optionally, a flame retardant additive, and

[0068] oOptionally, a reinforcing additive.

[0069] In certain embodiments, the thermally conductive plate is comprised of an alloy containing aluminum.

[0070] In a more specific embodiment, the alloy of the heat conducting plate comprises aluminum and optionally additional elements; wherein aluminum is the component with the highest weight percentage relative to the total weight of the alloy.

[0071] In a more specific embodiment, the alloy of the heat conducting plate may further include one or more of iron, manganese, silicon, zinc, titanium, copper, phosphorus, sulfur, molybdenum, nickel, nitrogen, niobium, tungsten, aluminum, cobalt, zirconium, selenium, cerium, boron, or vanadium, as well as occasional impurities; the remainder being aluminum, until the sum of the various components reaches 100% of the total weight of the alloy. Preferably, aluminum is the largest component by weight of the total weight of the alloy.

[0072] In a more specific embodiment, the alloy of the heat conducting plate comprises aluminum and one or more additional elements selected from iron, manganese, silicon, zinc, titanium or copper, and incidental impurities; wherein aluminum is the component with the highest weight percentage relative to the total weight of the alloy.

[0073] In a more specific embodiment, the alloy of the heat conductive plate comprises aluminum, iron, silicon, zinc, copper, titanium and manganese, and incidental impurities; wherein aluminum is the component having the highest weight percentage relative to the total weight of the alloy.

[0074] In a more specific embodiment, the alloy of the heat conducting plate consists of aluminum, iron, silicon, zinc, copper, titanium and manganese; in addition to incidental impurities; wherein aluminum is the component with the highest weight percentage relative to the total weight of the alloy.

[0075] "Incidental impurities" are unintentionally added substances that may be included in raw materials, such as minerals or scrap, to add other elements that are truly needed, or that are inadvertently introduced during the production of the desired alloy. Impurities may be present in amounts that do not adversely affect the properties of the present invention.

[0076] In certain embodiments, the alloy comprises or consists specifically of the following components, expressed as a percentage by weight based on the total weight of the alloy:

[0077] - an iron content of 0 to 0.7%, preferably 0.001 to 0.7%;

[0078] - a silicon content of 0 to 0.4%, preferably 0.001 to 0.4%;

[0079] - a zinc content of 0 to 0.3%, preferably 0.001 to 0.3%;

[0080] - a copper content of 0 to 0.1%, preferably 0.001 to 0.1%;

[0081] - a titanium content of 0 to 0.1%, preferably 0.001 to 0.1%;

[0082] - a manganese content of 0 to 0.4%, preferably 0.050 to 0.4%;

[0083] as well as,

[0084] - accidental impurities;

[0085] - The remainder is aluminum, until the sum of the components accounts for 100% of the total weight of the alloy, preferably aluminum is the component with the highest percentage of the total weight of the alloy.

[0086] In certain embodiments, part or all of the operating bracket is formed from the following materials:

[0087] o polymer matrix,

[0088] o Optionally, at least one flame retardant additive, and

[0089] oOptionally, a reinforcing additive.

[0090] In a particular embodiment, the polymer matrix comprises or consists of a thermoplastic polymer; preferably, the thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), polypropylene (PP), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyoxymethylene (POM), polycarbonate (PC), polybutylene (PB), polystyrene (PS), polyacrylate polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyamide (PA), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), copolymers, derivatives and combinations thereof.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), copolymers, derivatives, and combinations thereof.

[0092] In a more preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is selected from acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), copolymers and derivatives thereof; preferably acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).

[0093] The preparation of the thermoplastic polymers of the present invention can be carried out using prior art methods well known to those skilled in the art. Typically, in these polymerization processes, monomers are reacted in the presence of an effective amount of a free radical initiator or catalyst until substantial polymer conversion is achieved. Initiator mixtures can also be used for this purpose. The polymerization can also be carried out in the presence of known catalysts, such as Ziegler-Natta catalysts, metallocene catalysts, or other single-site catalysts. Polymerization can be carried out in bulk, solution, or suspension using discontinuous, semi-continuous, or continuous processes, which can vary depending on the conditions used and the desired degree of monomer conversion.

[0094] In the context of the present invention, the term "copolymer" refers to a polymer formed from two or more different types of monomers constituting the above-mentioned thermoplastic polymers, which are linked in the same polymer chain.

[0095] In the context of the present invention, the term "derivative" refers to thermoplastic polymers selected from the above-mentioned polymers and copolymers that have been chemically functionalized. The purpose of these processes is, for example, to impart polarity or functionality to the polymer by introducing a compound having at least one functional group as a substituent or providing one or more polar blocks in the polymer structure. Non-limiting examples of functional groups include carboxylic acids and esters, anhydrides, and salts.

[0096] In the context of the present invention, when referring to polymers, the term "combination" means a physical mixture of two or more thermoplastic polymers selected from the above polymers, containing no permanent bonds between them and prepared using any mixing technique well established in the art.

[0097] In the context of the present invention, the term "reinforcement additive" refers to inorganic particles added to the polymer matrix of part or all of the material of the operating stent to improve certain mechanical properties or reduce the final cost, especially when the reinforcing additive is uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix. This is due to the large contact area between the polymer matrix and the reinforcing additive. Non-limiting examples of suitable reinforcing additives include glass fiber, graphite, silica, ceramic, rock wool, or metal; glass fiber is preferred.

[0098] In more specific embodiments, the reinforcing additive is in the form of fibers.

[0099] In a more specific embodiment, the reinforcing additive comprises a ceramic material; preferably, it comprises a ceramic material containing silicon (Si); more preferably, it comprises silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ); more preferably, it comprises silica fibers.

[0100] In a more specific embodiment, the reinforcing additive consists of a ceramic material; preferably consists of a ceramic material containing silicon (Si); more preferably consists of silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ); more preferably consists of silicon dioxide fibers.

[0101] In a more specific embodiment, the reinforcing additive consists of glass fibers.

[0102] In the context of the present invention, the term "flame retardant" refers to a compound used to prevent or delay the development of combustion as understood in the art; this term also includes the term "fireproofing agent".

[0103] Non-limiting examples of flame retardant additives include:

[0104] - halogenated flame retardants, preferably chlorinated flame retardants (CFRs), such as chlorinated paraffins; brominated flame retardants (BFRs), such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), more preferably hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) or mixtures thereof;

[0105] - phosphorus-based flame retardants, such as red phosphorus, ammonium phosphate, metal hypophosphites, amine salts of phosphoric acid, melamine salts of phosphoric acid, metal salts of organic phosphonic acids, phosphonium salts, phosphoric esters and phosphonic esters;

[0106] - flame retardants containing silicone;

[0107] - Inorganic flame retardants, such as aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, antimony trioxide, zinc borate or

[0108] - mixtures of the above.

[0109] In a specific embodiment, some or all of the flame retardant additives of the operating bracket are non-halogenated flame retardant additives, more preferably non-brominated flame retardant additives. In a more specific embodiment, some or all of the flame retardant additives of the operating bracket are not polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).

[0110] In a specific embodiment, part or all of the flame retardant additives of the operating bracket are non-halogen inorganic flame retardants; preferably, flame retardants selected from aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, antimony trioxide (Sb2O3), zinc borate, or mixtures thereof.

[0111] In a specific embodiment, part or all of the flame retardant additive of the operating bracket is antimony oxide, more preferably antimony trioxide (Sb2O3).

[0112] In more specific embodiments, part or all of the operating bracket is formed of a material comprising the following components:

[0113] o a polymer matrix comprising or consisting of an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer, o at least one non-brominated flame retardant; preferably antimony trioxide (Sb2O3), and

[0114] oOptionally, fiberglass.

[0115] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a battery cell temperature control device, wherein the device is configured according to any of the above embodiments, wherein the method comprises:

[0116] a) punching the end of the heat conducting plate into a sheet-like plate segment;

[0117] b) Insert the operating bracket into the end of the heat conducting plate along the length direction;

[0118] c) Establishing a mechanical connection between the holding device of the operating bracket and the sheet-like plate section of the heat conducting plate.

[0119] Step a) enables the heat conducting plate to be obtained from an elongated part, such as a metal profile preferably obtained by extrusion. After the step of stamping the ends, a sheet-like plate section is obtained which is suitable for establishing a hold with the holding means of the operating support subsequently incorporated into the assembly.

[0120] In step b), the operation of plugging the operating bracket to the end of the heat conducting plate is described. This plugging operation is equivalent to inserting the end of the heat conducting plate into the operating bracket, because it is related to a relative approach movement in the longitudinal direction until the end of the heat conducting plate is accommodated in the operating bracket.

[0121] Finally, step c) establishes a mechanical connection to hold the two components, ie the heat conducting plate and the plastic operating bracket. The two most relevant groups of embodiments will be described in more detail below, ie the embodiments in which the holding is achieved by snap-fitting and deep-drawing steps.

[0122] In embodiments including a snap-fit arrangement, the insertion process occurs by engaging a snap-fit element into a window defined in the sheet segment. In one embodiment, a step is included in which the window is formed in the sheet segment by die-cutting the sheet segment. In another embodiment, the stamping step combines stamping and die-cutting in a single operation, with the stamping die being provided with a core that secures the punch used to form the window. Although the window is described above in the singular, multiple retaining devices with multiple windows may be provided.

[0123] In an embodiment employing a deep-drawing operation, after the heat-conducting plate is inserted into the operating bracket, the sheet-like plate segment is positioned between windows arranged in the operating bracket. In a subsequent step, a deep-drawing punch penetrates one of the windows and plastically deforms a portion of the sheet-like plate segment until it is at least partially accommodated in the other window, thereby achieving a retaining effect.

[0124] The following describes various specific embodiments using the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0125] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which is given by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0126] Figure 1 Shown are a first embodiment of an operating bracket and the end of an embodiment of a heat conducting plate attached to the bracket by a snap-fit connection. Both components are shown in perspective. Because the heat conducting plate is very long, in all figures showing the end of the heat conducting plate, if not shown in cross-section, the plate is cut away, and the direction of its extension is indicated by a large white arrow.

[0127] Figure 2 A perspective view of a second embodiment based on the first embodiment is shown, in which the operating bracket is provided with elastically deformable tabs.

[0128] Figure 3 Only the end portion of the plate for attaching the operating bracket of the first and second embodiments is shown in perspective view so that the elements housed inside the operating bracket can be visually observed.

[0129] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The operating bracket according to the first embodiment is shown in perspective views from both sides.

[0130] Figure 6A perspective view of the first embodiment is shown, which is convenient for visually observing the interior of the housing of the operating bracket.

[0131] Figure 7 A top view of the operating bracket of the second embodiment is shown, which facilitates intuitive observation of the elastically deformable protrusion.

[0132] Figure 8 Shown is a perspective view of the same embodiment of the operating bracket as in the previous figure, wherein the end of the heat conducting plate has entered and is held by the holding device.

[0133] Figure 9 A top view of the operating bracket of the third embodiment is shown, wherein the elastically deformable tab is located near a side surface of the operating bracket.

[0134] Figure 10 Shown is a perspective view of the same embodiment of the operating bracket as in the previous figure, wherein the end of the heat conducting plate has entered and is held by the holding device.

[0135] Figure 11 A perspective view of a fourth embodiment is shown, in which the holding between the operating bracket and the end of the heat conducting plate embodiment is achieved by deep drawing a portion of the material of the sheet-like plate section of the heat conducting plate.

[0136] Figure 12 Only the end of the plate attached to the operating bracket in the fourth embodiment is shown in perspective, so that the deep-drawn material portion after the deep-drawing operation can be visually seen, where the material has undergone plastic deformation.

[0137] Figure 13 and 14 A perspective view from both sides of the operating bracket of the fourth embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0138] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the present invention relates to an operating bracket 2 suitable for operating a heat conducting plate 1 , in particular suitable for being coupled to an end of the heat conducting plate 1 for regulating the temperature of a battery cell.

[0139] First embodiment

[0140] Figure 1 A first embodiment of the handling bracket 2 and the end of the heat conducting plate 1 is shown.

[0141] Figure 1 The first embodiment is shown in perspective. The heat conducting plate 1 is elongated along the longitudinal direction XX' and is also flat. In this configuration, the heat conducting plate 1 can also extend along the elongated path along the longitudinal direction XX', giving it a nearly sinusoidal profile. The longitudinal direction also serves as the insertion direction, allowing the heat conducting plate 1 and the operating bracket 2 to be coupled to each other.

[0142] In this embodiment, the ends of the heat conducting plate 1 are arranged so that the operating bracket 2 provides a holding position for the heat conducting plate 1. In particular, this holding position creates a stable connection via the holding device 2.3. In other words, in this particular case, not only is a holding position established in the longitudinal direction XX', but also a gap-free connection is established between the two components, namely the operating bracket 2 and the heat conducting plate 1.

[0143] In this particular embodiment, the heat conducting plate 1 comprises two parallel flat tubes 1.3 which are arranged apart from each other and connected by an intermediate plate 1.4. The assembly has a flat corrugated structure extending in the longitudinal direction XX'.

[0144] In this embodiment, the heat conducting plate 1 is formed by extrusion of aluminum. In addition, the tube body 1.3 includes a plurality of inner channels, thereby reducing the weight of the plate structure.

[0145] like Figure 3 As shown, the end portion of the heat conducting plate 1 comprises a sheet-like plate segment 1.1. In this embodiment, the sheet-like plate segment 1.1 is formed by a stamping operation that compresses the tubular structure of the tube body 1.3 and the centrally located intermediate plate 1.4. This stamping operation also involves a die-cutting operation that structures the end portion of the heat conducting plate 1, particularly the sheet-like plate segment 1.1.

[0146] In this embodiment, the end of the sheet-like plate segment 1.1 has two inclined cutouts on either side, which help center the heat conducting plate 1 when it is inserted into the housing 2.1 of the operating bracket 2. It also has two windows 1.2, which are used for snap-fitting along the longitudinal direction XX' and cooperate with the retaining device 2.3 of the operating bracket 2 to establish a retaining state.

[0147] Specifically, the retaining device 2.3 of the operating bracket 2 is a harpoon-shaped latching element 2.3.1. The harpoon shape facilitates elastic deformation of the latching element 2.3.1 on the sheet-like plate segment 1.1 during insertion into the housing 2.1 until it reaches the window 1.2. Specifically, the elastic deformation is maintained until just before and near the end of insertion. When the harpoon-shaped end of the latching element 2.3.1 reaches the window 1.2, it then recovers its elastic deformation and enters the window 1.2. Once the harpoon-shaped end of the latching element 2.3.1 enters the window 1.2, it enters an irreversible state, as the harpoon is braced against the inner edge of the window 2.1 and cannot be dislodged, thereby preventing the heat conducting plate 1 from being dislodged.

[0148] Figure 1 An opening is also shown, through which the sheet-like plate segment 1.1 can be visually seen when the sheet-like plate segment 1.1 is accommodated in the housing 2.1 of the operating bracket 2 and the latching element 2.3.1 enters the window 1.2.

[0149] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A detailed perspective view is shown so that both sides of the operating bracket 2 are visible, but the heat conducting plate 1 is not visible. Figure 1 Through the openings in FIG. 1 , certain parts of the heat conducting plate 1 , in particular certain parts of the sheet-like plate segments 1 . 1 , can be observed, while in these figures the internal structure of the same operating bracket 2 is observed.

[0150] One of the details shown is the structural detail of the latching element 2.3.1 with a harpoon structure.

[0151] In this embodiment, the end of the harpoon-shaped engaging element 2.3.1 optionally has a surface 2.3.1a that rests on the slightly inclined edge of the window 1.2. This supporting surface 2.3.1a can be perpendicular to the insertion direction, which coincides with the longitudinal direction XX', so that the retaining force is perpendicular to the surface 2.3.1a of the engaging element 2.3.1 that provides support. However, in an alternative embodiment, this supporting surface 2.3.1a is slightly inclined so that the engaging element 2.3.1 can elastically recover after insertion, thereby acting as a wedge in the edge portion defining the window 1.2.

[0152] The housing 2.1 and the window 1.2 receiving the end of the heat conducting plate 1 can be positioned so as not to allow the clamping element 2.3.1 to fully recover elastically after the heat conducting plate 1 is fully inserted, thereby ensuring that the snap-fit structure achieves retention without play.

[0153] Furthermore, the surface is slightly inclined at all times, because the inclination must be set so that the friction caused by the force trying to pull it apart is large enough so that the component of the supporting force projected onto the inclined surface in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction does not cause the clamping element 2.3.1 to deform and detach from the window 1.2.

[0154] In all embodiments, the retaining device 2.3 is a double retaining device symmetrically arranged with respect to a central axis extending along the longitudinal direction XX'. Specifically, in this embodiment, there are two clamping elements 2.3.1.

[0155] Figure 6 A perspective view of the operating bracket 2 is shown, from which some structural details inside the housing 2 . 1 that receives the end of the heat conducting plate 1 can be seen.

[0156] Support ribs 2.1.1 are distributed along the inner surface of the wall of operating bracket 2. These ribs protrude from the inner surface and ensure that the outer surface of heat conducting plate 1 is supported solely by these ribs. This ensures that the support is localized or distributed along a line, thereby better ensuring the final relative position between heat conducting plate 1 and operating bracket 2. These support ribs 2.1.1 are primarily located on the surfaces corresponding to the larger side surfaces of the housing and on the side ends.

[0157] These support ribs 2.1.1 exert a force perpendicular to the surface of the heat conducting plate 1. Therefore, the support ribs 2.1.1 located on the larger side tend to stretch the housing, especially in the center. According to the embodiment shown in the figure, this deformation tendency is compensated by external reinforcement ribs 2.4, which provide reinforcement and thus reduce this stretching deformation of the housing 2.1.

[0158] Figure 6 Also shown is a notch 2.7 that narrows the opening defining the housing 2.1, thereby adapting the housing to the specific arrangement used in the embodiment of the heat conducting plate 1, which has two tubes 1.3 separated by an intermediate plate 1.4. Once the heat conducting plate 1 and the operating bracket 2 are plugged together, the notch 2.7 aligns with the center of the intermediate plate 1.4.

[0159] Figure 6 It is also shown that in the center of the housing 2.1, when the sheet-like plate segment 1.1 is inserted into the operating position, there are multiple wedges 2.1.2 located on both sides of the sheet-like plate segment 1.1. These wedges 2.1.2 act as guides during the insertion process, ensuring that the sheet-like plate segment 1.1 does not collide with the matching steps inside the housing, but directly enters the target position where the retaining device 2.3 is located.

[0160] In all the embodiments described above and those to be described below, once the operating bracket 2 is mechanically connected to the heat conducting plate 1, it remains connected, so that the two components 1 and 2 mechanically behave as a single component. Since the operating bracket 2 has an operating device 2.2, the assembly formed by the heat conducting plate 1 and the operating bracket 2 can be operated by the operating device 2.2.

[0161] In this embodiment, the handling device 2.2 is a plate with a through hole, into which a mechanical actuator located at the end of the automated handling device enters, thereby ensuring connection with the handling device. This temporary connection allows the processor to move and position the thermally conductive plate 1 in its final position in the battery, as well as any previous movement operations required for battery construction.

[0162] Second embodiment

[0163] Figure 2The second embodiment includes all elements of the first embodiment, so the description of the previous embodiment is applicable to the second embodiment.

[0164] Figure 2 Depend on Figure 7 and Figure 8 Further display. Figure 7 The operating stand 2 is shown without the heat conducting plate 1 in order to allow a better view of elements which would otherwise be partially obscured. Figure 7 is a top view of the operating bracket 2, Figure 8 is similar to the one viewed from the opposite side. Figure 2 perspective drawing.

[0165] In addition, on each side of the opening of the operating bracket 2 where the latching element 2.3.1 is located, there are two other openings, which are also arranged symmetrically, and each opening is provided with a protrusion 2.5.

[0166] Through the opening where the tabs 2.5 are located, a partial view of the transition area between the end of the heat conducting plate's tube body 1.3 and the sheet-like plate segment 1.1 is provided. Specifically, the transition area between the thickest side of the tube body 1.3 and the thinnest side of the sheet-like plate segment 1.1. Each tab 2.5 has a groove that partially accommodates the edge of the sheet-like plate segment 1.1, thus further stabilizing the relative position between the tab and the sheet-like plate segment 1.1.

[0167] Furthermore, when the heat conducting plate 1 is inserted, the sheet plate segment 1.1 enters the groove of the protrusion 2.5. At this time, the ends of the protrusions 2.5 on both sides of the groove are supported in the thickness transition area of the heat conducting plate 1. As described above, the transition area is located between the tube body 1.3 and the sheet plate segment 1.1. Figure 7 The slightly curved ends of the tabs 2.5 are shown, which tend to be closer to the interior of the housing 2.1 so that when the heat conducting plate 1 is inserted, they deform elastically, thereby maintaining a constant force pushing the heat conducting plate 1 out of the housing 2.1.

[0168] This outward thrust from the housing 2.1 eliminates any play in the snap-fit structure, since the inner edge of the window 1.2 of the sheet-like plate segment 1.1 is always forced to bear against the supporting surface 2.3.1a of the harpoon-shaped end of the snap-fit element 2.3.1.

[0169] The support surface 2.3.1a of the forked end of the engaging element 2.3.1 has been described above as an inclined or beveled surface with a precise inclination range, also used to minimize or reduce longitudinal play. Both solutions—the inclined configuration of the support surface 2.3.1a of the forked end of the engaging element 2.3.1 and the use of the tab 2.5—are alternatives that can be implemented separately or, as in the embodiment shown in the figures, combined.

[0170] Third embodiment

[0171] Figure 9 and Figure 10 The third embodiment is shown, and its viewing angle is the same as that of the second embodiment. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The viewing angles used in the drawings are the same, and the two new drawings also show the same components as those described in the second embodiment, so the detailed description of the second embodiment is also valid for this third embodiment.

[0172] The difference shown in this third embodiment is that the tabs 2.5 that push the heat conducting plate 1 out of the housing 2.1 are located differently; in this third embodiment, they are located closer to the side ends.

[0173] This position is close to the ends on both sides of the operating bracket 2 and the heat conducting plate 1. This setting has the effect of separating the two force application points, thereby making their relative position more stable and avoiding any stress that causes the operating bracket 2 to rotate relative to the heat conducting plate 1, and the rotation axis is perpendicular to the main plane where the flat ends of the operating bracket 2 and the heat conducting plate 1 are located.

[0174] Fourth embodiment

[0175] Figure 11 A fourth embodiment of a heat conducting plate 1 and an operating support 2 is shown, which are connected via a retaining device which is an alternative to a latching element.

[0176] Figure 12 Only the heat conducting plate 1 is shown after the operating bracket 2 has been removed in order to observe some details of the holding means 2.3, while Figure 13 and Figure 14 Only perspective views of the operating bracket 2 in two main viewing angles are shown, wherein its opening is not closed by the material of the heat conducting plate 1 , so that certain details thereof can be seen.

[0177] In this embodiment, the end of the heat conducting plate 1 also has a sheet-like plate segment 1.1. However, for this connection solution, the sheet-like plate segment 1.1 does not need to be provided with a window 1.2 for engaging the latching element 2.3.1. However, although these retaining devices 2.3 are described as alternatives, it is possible to combine two retaining devices 2.3: the retaining device described in this example and the aforementioned latching device. In this case, the devices associated with the two retaining devices also need to be combined.

[0178] Continuing with the description of this embodiment, the operating bracket 2 now has windows 2.6, specifically two pairs of windows 2.6. Due to the symmetrical configuration of the operating bracket 2, there is a pair of windows on each side, and each pair of windows 2.6 overlaps in a top view.

[0179] In both the snap-fit solution and the present solution, housing 2.1 has a relatively wide entrance area and a relatively narrow interior area for accommodating laminar plate segment 1.1. In this case, after the end of heat conducting plate 1 is inserted into housing 2.1 and laminar plate segment 1.1 is in its final position, laminar plate segment 1.1 passes between two opposing windows 2.6 of a pair of windows 2.6. In other words, laminar plate segment 1.1 at least partially covers both windows 2.6. According to a preferred embodiment, the laminar plate segment completely covers both windows 2.6, and its insertion depth exceeds the windows, so that the windows 2.6 overlap a portion of the interior of the laminar plate segment 1.1.

[0180] In this position, the sheet metal segment 1.1 is accessible through the two windows 2.6 on both sides of the operating bracket 2. After insertion, during the plastic deformation operation, the punch is inserted through one of the two opposing windows 2.6, reaches the sheet metal segment 1.1, and continues to move forward until plastic deformation is induced in the region of the deep-drawn material portion 1.1.1 of the sheet metal segment 1.1 and until the deep-drawn material portion 1.1.1 at least partially enters the opposite window 2.6. After the punch is removed, the corresponding plastically deformed deep-drawn material portion 1.1.1 of the sheet metal segment 1.1 is at least partially accommodated in one of the windows 2.6, preventing the sheet metal segment 1.1 from escaping from the housing 2.1, thereby establishing a retaining condition between the heat conducting plate 1 and the operating bracket 2.

[0181] Figure 13 and Figure 14 Two pairs of opposing windows 2.6 are shown. Figure 11 The deep drawn material portion 1 .1 .1 of the sheet-like plate 1 .1 is shown exposed after a plastic deformation operation using a punch.

[0182] Figure 12The same configuration is shown, except that the handling bracket 2 is removed from view to observe the final structure of the sheet-like plate segment 1.1, wherein the deep-drawn material portion 1.1.1 has a shape complementary to the rectangular window 2.6 to be received therein, a shape selected only for this embodiment.

[0183] The deep-drawn material portion 1.1.1 provides support for at least the edge of the window 2.6 receiving the material, ensuring its retention.

[0184] It can be seen that this embodiment has a smaller gap and establishes a reliable connection between the heat conducting plate 1 and the operating bracket 2 .

Claims

1. An operating bracket (2) for a battery unit heat conducting plate (1), characterized in that: include: - a housing (2.1) adapted to receive an end portion of the heat conducting plate (1), the heat conducting plate (1) extending in a longitudinal direction (XX'), the end portion of the heat conducting plate (1) having a lamellar plate section (1.1); - operating means (2.2), suitable for performing the operation; The housing (2.1) comprises a retaining device (2.3), which is suitable for establishing a retaining state on the sheet-like plate segment (1.1) at least along the longitudinal direction (XX').

2. The operating bracket (2) according to claim 1, wherein: The housing (2.1) comprises at least one elastically deformable protrusion (2.5), which is adapted to deform under the insertion of the end of the heat conducting plate (1), thereby applying a force to the end of the heat conducting plate (1) along the longitudinal direction (XX').

3. The operating bracket (2) according to claim 1, wherein: The housing (2.1) comprises one or more supporting ribs (2.1.1) for applying local supporting stress on at least one point of the side surface of the end region of the heat conducting plate (1).

4. The operating bracket (2) according to claim 1, wherein: The housing (2.1) comprises at least one positioning wedge (2.1.2), which is located at the end of the inserted sheet-like plate segment (1.1).

5. The operating bracket (2) according to claim 1, wherein: The central area of the housing (2.1) comprises at least one external reinforcing rib (2.4) to reduce the degree of opening of the housing (2.1) after insertion of the end portion with the lamellar plate segment (1.1).

6. The operating bracket (2) according to claim 1, wherein: The operating device (2.2) is suitable for being operated by an automated device.

7. The operating bracket (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The operating bracket (2) is also suitable for operating the heat conducting plate (1) having the sheet-like plate segment (1.1), the sheet-like plate segment (1.1) having at least one window (1.2), and wherein the retaining device (2.3) is a snap-fit element (2.3.1) which is suitable for establishing a snap fit in the window (1.2) of the sheet-like plate segment (1.1).

8. The operating bracket (2) according to claim 7, wherein: The snap-on element (2.3.1) has a retaining surface along the longitudinal direction (XX'), which is suitable for establishing a support on the inner edge of the window (1.2), and wherein the retaining surface is inclined to prevent a gap.

9. An operating bracket (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the retaining device (2.3) is two windows (2.6) on the housing (2.1), the two windows (2.6) coinciding with each other and being positioned so that, in the operating mode after the insertion of the heat conducting plate (1), the sheet-like plate segment (1.1) at the end of the heat conducting plate (1) is located between the two windows (2.6) to establish fixation by a deep-drawing operation of the sheet-like plate segment (1.1), wherein in the deep-drawing operation, the deep-drawn material portion (1.1.1) is accessible through the window (2.6) of the operating bracket (2), and the deep-drawing operation causes the deep-drawn material portion (1.1.1) to be at least partially accommodated in the other window (2.6).

10. A temperature control device comprising a heat conducting plate (1) and at least one operating bracket (2), characterized in that: in: - the heat conducting plate (1) extends in a longitudinal direction (XX') and comprises a lamellar plate section (1.1) at one end; - the operating bracket (2) according to any one of claims 1-9; The housing (2.1) of the operating bracket at least accommodates the sheet-like plate segment (1.1), and an attachment is established between the sheet-like plate segment (1.1) and the retaining device (2.3) of the housing (2.1) of the operating bracket (2).

11. The temperature control device according to claim 10, wherein: The heat conducting plate (1) comprises a flat tube, preferably having an inner channel extending in the longitudinal direction (XX'), wherein the flat tube is formed into the sheet-like plate segment (1.1) at its end by punching.

12. The temperature control device according to claim 11, wherein The flat tube is composed of two tube bodies (1.3) extending in the longitudinal direction (XX'), the two tube bodies (1.3) being arranged adjacent to each other and mechanically connected to each other via an intermediate plate (1.4), wherein the retaining device (2.3) is a double retaining device arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal direction (XX').

13. The temperature control device according to claim 12, wherein: The housing (2.1) comprises a recess (2.7), and the recess (2.7) and the intermediate plate (1.4) of the heat conducting plate (1) are matched and arranged.

14. The temperature control device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein - at least a portion of the heat conducting plate (1) consists of an aluminum alloy and optionally additional elements; and / or, - Part or all of the operating bracket (2) is formed of a material comprising the following components: oPolymer matrix.

15. The temperature control device according to claim 14, wherein - Part or all of the operating bracket (2) is formed of a material comprising the following components: o polymer matrix, and o At least one flame retardant additive, and / or one reinforcing additive.

16. The temperature control device according to claim 14, wherein - Part or all of the operating bracket (2) is formed of a material comprising the following components: o polymer matrix, and o At least one flame retardant additive comprising antimony trioxide (Sb2O3), and / or a reinforcing additive comprising glass fiber.

17. A manufacturing method, characterized in that: A temperature control device for a battery cell is manufactured to facilitate operation thereof, wherein the temperature control device is according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the manufacturing method comprises: - punching the end of the heat conducting plate (1) into a sheet-like plate segment (1.1); - plugging the operating bracket (2) into the end of the heat conducting plate (1) along the longitudinal direction (XX'); A mechanical connection is established with the lamellar plate section (1.1) of the heat conducting plate (1) via the holding device (2.3) of the operating bracket (2).

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