Power battery for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a traction battery (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a cell module (2) having a cell assembly (4) and a temperature control device (6) for temperature control of the cell assembly (4), wherein a cell connection (11) is arranged between each two cells (8, 9) of the cell assembly (4), which cell connection is coupled to the terminal (10) of the cells (8, 9) to establish an electrical connection between the cells (8, 9). It is provided that the temperature control device (6) comprises a temperature control element (5) having a temperature control surface (12) and at least one fluid channel, against which the cells (8, 9) are in heat transfer, wherein a heat transfer projection (18, 19) extends from the temperature control element (5), which heat transfer projection extends between the cells (8, 9) and is in heat transfer against the cell connection (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power battery for a motor vehicle, the power battery including a cell module having a cell assembly and a temperature regulating device for regulating the temperature of the cell assembly, wherein a cell connector is arranged between every two cells of the cell assembly, the cell connector being connected to the terminals of the cell to establish an electrical connection between the cells. Background Technology

[0002] According to existing technology, such as known document DE 10 2016 116 581 A1, a connecting plate for connecting battery cells is described. The connecting plate has contact portions on its front and back sides, each contact portion being designed to make electrically and thermally conductive contact with the battery cell, thereby allowing multiple battery cells to be thermally and electrically connected to each other through the connecting plate. The connecting plate includes at least one heat dissipation element for dissipating heat from the connecting plate. The heat dissipation element is designed as a cooling channel through which coolant can flow. Alternatively, the heat dissipation element is designed as a thermally conductive core layer. At least one cooling channel through which coolant can flow may be provided in the core layer.

[0003] Furthermore, document DE 10 2019 217 766 A1 discloses a high-voltage battery for electric vehicles, which has at least one battery module with a plurality of cylindrical battery cells arranged in its module housing, stacked in series coaxially with their ends facing each other. It is specified that at least one spacer wall is provided in the module housing, arranged between the opposing ends of the battery cells, and the spacer wall is through which coolant flows as part of the battery cooling system.

[0004] Furthermore, document DE 10 2011 001 371 A1 discloses a motor vehicle with a battery, the battery comprising a housing having cells and a temperature / cooling system. To further improve the crash performance of the battery-equipped motor vehicle, the inlet and / or outlet lines of the temperature / cooling system are designed as anti-collision conduits for conveying fluid. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of this invention is to provide a power battery for motor vehicles that is advantageous over known power batteries, particularly in that it can efficiently regulate the temperature of the cell components in the cell module even at high energy storage densities.

[0006] This is achieved according to the invention using a power battery for a motor vehicle having the features of claim 1. Herein, the temperature regulating device includes a temperature regulating element having a temperature regulating surface and at least one fluid channel, with the battery cell abutting the temperature regulating surface in a heat-transfer manner, wherein a heat-transfer protrusion extends from the temperature regulating element, extending between the battery cells and abutting against a battery cell connector in a heat-transfer manner.

[0007] Advantageous designs with suitable improvements to the invention are given in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the embodiments described in the specification are not limiting; rather, any variations of the features disclosed in the specification, claims, and drawings are possible.

[0008] The power battery is preferably an integral part of the motor vehicle; however, it can certainly be separated from the vehicle, particularly until it is installed in or within the vehicle. The power battery is configured and designed to intermediately store electrical energy for the drive system of the motor vehicle. The drive system is used to drive the motor vehicle, and thus provides the driving torque for this purpose. To provide driving torque, the drive system has at least one drive unit designed as a power motor, which is electrically connected to the power battery.

[0009] In this regard, the electrical energy stored in the power battery is used, at least temporarily, to drive the motor vehicle, that is, to provide driving torque for driving the motor vehicle via the drive device or drive unit. Conversely, it can be stipulated that the electrical energy provided by the drive device is stored in the power battery.

[0010] A power battery has a cell assembly, which in turn has multiple cells. The cells are preferably designed as prismatic cells or pouch cells. The cell assembly, together with a temperature regulating device, forms a cell module of the power battery. A cell module, for example, is a component of a battery module of the power battery, which preferably has end plates and / or clamping devices in addition to the cell modules. A battery module may have one or more cell modules. In particular, the cell modules of a battery module are designed identically, so that the embodiments described in the specification for cell modules can be applied to each of the multiple cell modules of the battery module. One or more cell modules are preferably arranged between end plates and clamped by means of clamping devices to thus form a battery module.

[0011] End plates are, for example, components of the battery module housing. The end plates receive one or more cell modules, particularly one or more cell assemblies of cell modules. In this regard, the end plates are arranged on opposite sides of one or more cell modules. Preferably, the cell assemblies are square or at least approximately square.

[0012] Multiple cells in a battery cell assembly are electrically connected to each other. For this purpose, the cells are arranged, for example, such that their electrical connection portions (also called terminals) are arranged on the same side and / or facing each other. The terminals of the cells are electrically connected to each other by means of cell connectors. More precisely, such cell connectors are arranged between every two cells, which electrically connect the terminals of the two cells to each other.

[0013] On the end side of the cell assembly, the cell module preferably has additional terminals. These end-side terminals are electrically connected to conductive rails, which are also preferably electrically connected to the electrical connection portion of the cell module and / or the battery module. For example, the battery module has multiple cell modules. In this case, the additional terminals of the multiple cell modules are electrically connected to each other via conductive rails and are also electrically connected to the terminals of the battery module. In other words, the cells of the cell module are electrically connected to the connection portion of the cell module and / or the battery module, in particular, via conductive rails.

[0014] Preferably, the power battery has a battery housing with a battery module receiving portion therein, which is configured and designed to receive one or more battery modules. During the manufacture of the power battery, the battery modules are inserted into the battery module receiving portion. Preferably, not only a single battery module is arranged in the battery housing, but multiple battery modules are installed in the battery housing. In this design, the battery housing has one or more battery module receiving portions designed to receive multiple battery modules.

[0015] During operation, heat is generated within the battery cells. This heat must be dissipated from the cells, or heat must be introduced to achieve a specific temperature. Accordingly, the battery, or cell module, has a temperature regulating device to regulate the temperature of the cell assembly, at least temporarily. In this sense, the temperature regulating device at least temporarily dissipates heat from the cell assembly and / or, when the temperature regulating device is applied, at least temporarily introduces heat into the cell assembly.

[0016] Typically, the temperature control device is part of the battery casing, particularly the base plate. During battery installation, the cell modules are inserted into the battery casing, and then the cell assembly is connected to the temperature control device, or base plate, via heat transfer. To ensure reliable connection of the cell assembly to the temperature control device, thermally conductive materials can be used. These materials are also sometimes referred to as "sealing agents." However, this design of the battery allows heat to be transferred in or out through only a small surface area of ​​the cell assembly. Consequently, achieving a uniform temperature distribution within the cell assembly is challenging.

[0017] For this reason, according to the present invention, the temperature control device includes a temperature control element. The temperature control element has at least one fluid channel through which fluid flows, at least temporarily, for temperature control of the battery cell assembly. In other words, for temperature control of the battery cell assembly, fluid is introduced into the fluid channel, at least temporarily, and fluid is removed from the fluid channel. Specifically, the fluid channel is connected to a fluid circulation loop in a flow-through manner.

[0018] Specifically, the temperature regulating element differs from the base plate of the battery casing; it is preferably spaced apart from and / or arranged at an angle to the base plate. When a temperature regulating element is used, a base plate for regulating the temperature of the cell assembly is not required. In this regard, the base plate can be designed without fluid channels. However, fluid channels can also be additionally created in the base plate, through which fluid flows, at least temporarily.

[0019] Of course, a single fluid channel may be constructed in the temperature regulating element. However, it is preferable to have multiple fluid channels in the temperature regulating element, which are preferably connected in parallel in a flow-through manner. In this respect, the multiple fluid channels are traversed by fluid simultaneously or in parallel. These embodiments are always equivalent when referring to at least one fluid channel or the fluid channel in general within the scope of this specification. Therefore, the description of at least one fluid channel can be applied to the fluid channel itself, and the embodiments of the fluid channel can be applied to at least one fluid channel. If multiple fluid channels are provided, the description of at least one fluid channel or the fluid channel in general can preferably be applied to each of the multiple fluid channels.

[0020] Preferably, the temperature regulating element is mechanically connected to the cell assembly, for example, when a retaining frame is used. Therefore, the retaining frame connects the temperature regulating element and the cell assembly to each other; for this purpose, the retaining frame is stably engaged with both the temperature regulating element and the cell assembly. The cell assembly, the temperature regulating device or element, and the retaining frame together form a cell module. This cell module is inserted into the battery housing, particularly as part of a battery module. Preferably, when installing the power battery, the entire cell module is inserted into the battery housing; in this respect, the cell assembly, the temperature regulating device or element, and the retaining frame that connects them are housed together in the battery housing, thereby realizing a modular structure for the power battery.

[0021] Over time, especially during the charging or discharging of a power battery, the battery cell assembly may expand. This expansion can also be referred to as "expansion." To counteract this expansion, the battery cell assembly is typically mechanically clamped. For this purpose, a clamping force is applied to the battery cell assembly using a clamping device, which exerts a compressive force on the battery cell assembly that is opposite to the expansion. Here, the clamping force reacts against the expansion force, which is applied to the clamping device due to the expansion of the battery cell assembly. To clamp the battery cell assembly, the clamping device engages with an end plate located on the opposite side of the battery cell assembly, and the clamping force acts on the end plate. Therefore, the end plates are pressed against each other by the clamping force, and the battery cell assembly is clamped through the end plates by means of the clamping device.

[0022] The clamping device, for example, has a metal strip that is arranged around the cell assembly in an open state, then closed, and then clamped to induce a clamping force. Alternatively, the clamping device may have an annularly closed clamping band that is arranged around the cell assembly in an annularly closed state. Specifically, the cell assembly is forcibly pressed and thus clamped by applying a preload, the annularly closed clamping band being arranged around the cell assembly, and the preload on the cell assembly then ending.

[0023] To regulate the temperature of a battery cell assembly, or a battery cell in general, a temperature regulating element has a temperature regulating surface. The temperature regulating surface should be understood as the surface of the temperature regulating element facing the battery cell, on which the battery cell is preferably attached in a planar manner for heat transfer. Expansion of the battery cell assembly and the dimensional changes caused by this expansion may lead to a deterioration in heat transfer between the battery cell assembly and the temperature regulating element, or temperature regulating surface.

[0024] Therefore, to ensure a durable and particularly reliable thermal connection between the temperature-regulating element and the battery cell assembly, it is preferable to incorporate a thermally conductive material between the temperature-regulating element and the battery cell assembly. The temperature-regulating element is thermally connected to the battery cell assembly via the thermally conductive material; for this purpose, the thermally conductive material is received between the temperature-regulating element and the battery cell assembly, and particularly in a planar manner, resting against both the temperature-regulating element and the battery cell assembly. Even in the event of significant dimensional changes in the battery cell assembly, the thermal connection between the battery cell assembly and the temperature-regulating element can be maintained and thus ensured by means of the thermally conductive material.

[0025] Additional heat sources in a power battery exist in the form of one or more cell connectors. These cell connectors have resistance, also known as internal resistance. During battery operation, particularly during discharge or charging, current flows between the cells via these cell connectors. Due to the internal resistance of the cell connectors, this causes electrical energy to be converted into heat, thus raising the temperature of the cell connectors. Because the cell connectors are connected to the cell terminals, heat is dissipated to the cell via thermal conduction and / or heat transfer, causing the cell to also heat up in its end regions. This results in uneven temperature distribution within the cell, which in turn causes different aging states within the cell. In particular, hotter cell regions age faster than cooler regions. This is especially true for NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) and NCA (nickel-cobalt-aluminum) cells.

[0026] For this reason, it can be specified that the battery cell and additionally the battery cell connector are connected to the temperature regulating element in a thermal manner, or in other words, by heat transfer. For this purpose, a heat transfer protrusion extends from the temperature regulating element. Thus, the heat transfer protrusion abuts against and / or is fixed to the temperature regulating element. The heat transfer protrusion extends from the temperature regulating element and extends between the battery cells, thereby, on the other hand, being disposed between the battery cells. Here, the heat transfer protrusion and the temperature regulating element, or the temperature regulating surface, form an angle greater than 0° and less than 180°, for example. Particularly preferably, this angle is at least 60° and at most 120°, at least 75° and at most 105°, or approximately or precisely 90°.

[0027] The heat transfer protrusions, which are joined to the battery cells, abut against the cell connectors in a heat transfer manner between the cells. Therefore, heat generated on or within the cell connectors is transferred from the cell connectors to the heat transfer protrusions and then discharged towards the temperature regulating element, specifically to the temperature regulating element. Conversely, heat can also be directed from the temperature regulating element towards the cell connectors to heat the cell connectors. The heat transfer protrusions achieve a more uniform heat or temperature distribution between the cell connectors and the cells, or within the cells, thereby improving the lifespan of the power battery.

[0028] An improved embodiment of the invention proposes that the heat transfer protrusion is a joining protrusion arranged between the terminals of the battery cells and surrounded by a battery cell connector that electrically connects the terminals to each other. The joining protrusion is a first variation of the heat transfer protrusion. The joining protrusion extends from the temperature regulating element and extends between the battery cells in such a way that it is positioned between the terminals. Here, the joining protrusion is arranged spaced apart from the terminals on both sides, so that the terminals do not contact the joining protrusion.

[0029] The terminals are electrically connected to each other via cell connectors. For this purpose, cell connectors are also located on both sides of the engagement protrusion, electrically connected to the first cell on one side of the engagement protrusion and electrically connected to the second cell on the other side. For this purpose, the cell connectors surround the engagement protrusion on at least one side. For example, the cell connectors are designed to be U-shaped in cross-section, thus having two connecting legs that are electrically connected to the terminals of the cells.

[0030] The connecting legs are arranged spaced apart from each other, particularly spaced parallel to each other. Preferably, the connecting legs are located on the opposite side of the engaging protrusion, thus receiving the engaging protrusion between them. The connecting legs are connected to each other in cross-section. The connecting legs are, for example, circular, particularly partially circular, in cross-section. In other words, the engaging protrusion engages with the cell connector to allow for temperature regulation of the cell connector on the side facing away from the cell or terminal. This achieves efficient heat dissipation and / or input.

[0031] An improved embodiment of the invention proposes that the dimension of the engagement protrusion in at least one direction, preferably in at least two mutually perpendicular directions, is at least equivalent to the dimension of the terminal block in the same direction. The terminal block has a specific dimension in that direction, or in each of the directions. The dimension of the engagement protrusion in the respective direction is at least equivalent to or even greater than these dimensions. Accordingly, the engagement protrusion preferably completely covers the terminal block in that direction or in all directions.

[0032] Specifically, the engagement protrusion extends from the temperature-regulating element and into the cell space in such a way that it protrudes from the terminal on the side opposite to the temperature-regulating element. Correspondingly, the engagement protrusion protrudes from the terminal on the opposite side in at least one direction. Preferably, this applies to multiple directions that are perpendicular to each other. This provides a large area for efficient heat transfer of the engagement protrusion, thereby achieving efficient temperature regulation of the cell connector.

[0033] An improved embodiment of the invention proposes that a cell connector defines a cavity into which a mating protrusion engages. The cavity is defined by the cell connector on opposite sides in at least one first direction. Preferably, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the cavity is defined by the cell connector on only one side, and in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions, the cavity is open on both sides, i.e., not defined by the cell connector. For example, the cavity is disposed between the aforementioned connecting legs of the cell connector.

[0034] The engagement protrusion is engaged into the cavity in such a way that a heat transfer connection is established between the cell connector and the engagement protrusion. For example, the engagement protrusion is at least partially, preferably planar, attached to the cell connector for this purpose. This also ensures efficient temperature regulation of the cell connector.

[0035] An improved embodiment of the invention proposes that the joining protrusion is connected to the cell connector via a thermally conductive material in a heat-transfer manner. The thermally conductive material is disposed between the joining protrusion and the cell connector to improve heat transfer between them. For example, the cavity is at least partially filled with the thermally conductive material.

[0036] An improved embodiment of the invention proposes that the heat transfer protrusion is an abutment protrusion that at least partially receives the cell connector. The abutment protrusion is a second variation of the heat transfer protrusion. The abutment protrusion also extends from the temperature regulating element and into the cell. However, unlike the engagement protrusion, the abutment protrusion does not engage with the cell connector but rather partially receives it. In other words, the abutment protrusion at least partially surrounds the cell connector and abuts against it in a heat transfer manner.

[0037] Preferably, the abutment protrusion extends into the cells to a lesser extent than the engagement protrusion. Specifically, the abutment protrusion is spaced apart from a hypothetical plane extending through the two terminals, particularly perpendicular to the two terminals. This hypothetical plane intersects, for example, the terminals on their side facing the temperature-regulating element, from which the abutment protrusion extends. This design utilizing the heat transfer protrusion also achieves good temperature regulation of the cell connector.

[0038] An improved embodiment of the present invention proposes that the abutment protrusion has a cell connector receiving portion defined by an abutment wall, the cell connector being abutted against the abutment wall in a heat-transfer manner. The cell connector receiving portion is designed as a recess within the abutment protrusion. On one hand, the cell connector receiving portion is defined by the abutment wall; on the other hand, the cell connector receiving portion is open, or has an interface through which the cell connector engages with the cell connector receiving portion.

[0039] The abutment wall is designed to match the shape of the cell connector. This means that the contour of the abutment wall at least approximately or completely corresponds to the outer contour of the cell connector on its side facing the abutment wall. Thus, the cell connector rests planarly against the abutment wall, ensuring good heat transfer between them. Preferably, the abutment wall is circular in cross-section, particularly partially circular. This design of the power battery also enables reliable and efficient temperature regulation of the cell connector.

[0040] An improved embodiment of the invention proposes that the abutment protrusion has a locking mechanism and is form-locked to the cell connector by means of the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is used to form-lock the abutment protrusion to the cell connector in order to establish a reliable thermal connection between them. The locking mechanism surrounds the cell connector in at least one direction, particularly in the third direction already described. In particular, the locking mechanism is disposed on the opposite side of the cell connector and extends form-locked into the cell connector, particularly the cavity, on that opposite side.

[0041] The locking mechanism is preferably made of a flexible material, particularly an elastic material, which can lock and secure it to the cell connector. The locking mechanism can be designed integrally with the abutment protrusion and made of the same material. However, the locking mechanism can also be made of a different material than the abutment protrusion and can subsequently be fixed to it. In either case, the aforementioned advantages are achieved.

[0042] An improved embodiment of the invention proposes that the abutment protrusion surrounds the cell connector and abuts against the terminals on opposite sides. It has already been noted that the abutment protrusion itself partially receives the cell connector. Here, the abutment protrusion at least partially surrounds the cell connector. "Surrounding" is achieved in such a way that the abutment protrusion abuts against the terminals on the opposite side of the cell connector, i.e., supports the terminals. Preferably, a thermal connection is established between the abutment protrusion and the terminals, thereby enabling or allowing direct temperature regulation of the cell connector and terminals using the abutment protrusion. This achieves particularly efficient temperature regulation.

[0043] An improved embodiment of the present invention proposes that the battery cell module is a first battery cell module, the battery cell assembly is a first battery cell assembly having the first battery cell, the temperature regulating element is a first temperature regulating element, the temperature regulating surface is a first temperature regulating surface, and in addition to the first battery cell module, a second battery cell module is also provided, the second battery cell module having a second battery cell assembly and a second temperature regulating element, wherein the second temperature regulating element is arranged on the side of the first battery cell assembly opposite to the first temperature regulating element and is attached to the first battery cell by means of heat transfer using the second temperature regulating surface.

[0044] In this regard, the power battery has multiple cell modules, namely at least a first cell module and a second cell module. In principle, any number of such cell modules can be provided, wherein every two cell modules are adjacent to each other, i.e., arranged relatively adjacent to each other. For example, the cell modules are directly adjacent to each other, i.e., arranged relatively directly adjacent to each other. Each cell module includes a cell assembly with multiple cells and a temperature regulating element with a temperature regulating surface. Where a retaining frame is provided, each cell module also has one such retaining frame, which connects the corresponding cell assembly and the corresponding temperature regulating element to each other. It can be specified that the retaining frames of the cell modules are designed as a common retaining frame, and therefore the retaining frame is manufactured integrally and / or from the same material. Of course, the retaining frames can also be individually provided and fixed to each other.

[0045] Preferably, the cell modules are designed identically to each other. Multiple cell modules together form the described battery module; correspondingly, the multiple cell modules are preferably arranged together between two end plates and clamped together by means of a clamping device. At least one such battery module is arranged in the battery casing of the power battery.

[0046] At least one cell assembly in the cell module is arranged between two temperature-regulating elements of the cell module, specifically between a first temperature-regulating element and a second temperature-regulating element. The cell assembly is thermally connected to the temperature-regulating element, or its temperature-regulating surface, on its opposite side, for example, when using a thermally conductive material. Therefore, a first temperature-regulating element of the first cell module is provided on a first side of the cell assembly, and a second temperature-regulating element of the second cell module is provided on a second side of the cell assembly. The cell assembly is preferably thermally connected to the two temperature-regulating elements using a thermally conductive material. This arrangement enables particularly efficient temperature regulation of one or more cell assemblies.

[0047] An improved embodiment of the present invention proposes that the heat transfer protrusion is designed as a first heat transfer protrusion in the form of a joining protrusion, and the temperature regulating device, in addition to the first heat transfer protrusion, also has a second heat transfer protrusion in the form of abutting protrusion. This means that the power battery, or cell module, not only has a single heat transfer protrusion, but also has multiple heat transfer protrusions with different designs.

[0048] The first heat transfer protrusion is designed as a joining protrusion, and the second heat transfer protrusion is designed as a contact protrusion. The joining protrusion and the contact protrusion join from opposite sides to the cells, that is, to the same cells. Therefore, the joining protrusion and the contact protrusion are also thermally connected to, or in other words, abut against, the same cell connector in a heat-transfer manner. In other words, the cell connector is received between the joining protrusion and the contact protrusion, and is particularly held between them by a clamping manner. This enables particularly efficient temperature regulation of the cell connector.

[0049] An improved embodiment of the invention proposes that a first heat transfer protrusion extends from a first temperature regulating element, and a second heat transfer protrusion extends from a second temperature regulating element, such that the first and second heat transfer protrusions extend from opposite sides to the space between the battery cells and receive a battery cell connector between the first and second heat transfer protrusions. This has already been mentioned above.

[0050] The features and combinations thereof described in the specification, and especially those described and / or shown in the accompanying drawings, may be used not only in the given combinations but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention, and in particular from the scope of the claims. Therefore, these embodiments may also be considered as encompassed by the invention, which are not shown or described in detail in the specification and / or drawings, but are derived from or can be inferred from the described embodiments, particularly within the scope of the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0051] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, but without limiting the scope of the invention. The drawings show:

[0052] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a region of the power battery in a longitudinal cross-section.

[0053] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the power battery is shown in cross-section.

[0054] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0055] 1. Power Battery

[0056] 2 First cell module

[0057] 3 Second cell module

[0058] 4. Battery Cell Assembly

[0059] 5 First temperature regulating element

[0060] 6 Temperature control device

[0061] 7 Second temperature regulating element

[0062] 8 First Battery Cell

[0063] 9. Second battery cell

[0064] 10 Terminal blocks

[0065] 11 Cell connectors

[0066] 12 Temperature-regulating surfaces

[0067] 13 Temperature-regulating surface

[0068] 14. Outer shell

[0069] 15. Outer shell

[0070] 16 Cooling Plates

[0071] 17 Cooling Plate

[0072] 18 Heat transfer protrusions

[0073] 19 Heat transfer protrusion

[0074] 20 Cavity

[0075] 21 Cell connector receiving part

[0076] 22. Locking mechanism Detailed Implementation

[0077] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a portion of a power battery 1 for a motor vehicle, presented in longitudinal cross-section. The power battery 1 has a first cell module 2 and a second cell module 3. Here, the first cell module 2 shows a cell assembly 4 and a first temperature regulating element 5 of a temperature regulating device 6. The second cell module 3 shows only a second temperature regulating element 7, which is also part of the temperature regulating device 6. Preferably, the second cell module 3 has a cell assembly, however, this cell assembly is not shown here.

[0078] The battery cell assembly 4 includes at least a first battery cell 8 and a second battery cell 9. Each of the batteries 8 and 9 has a terminal 10, which is arranged and designed to electrically connect the batteries 8 and 9 to each other and to the connection portion of the power battery 1. The batteries 8 and 9 are arranged spaced apart from each other, so that there is a gap between their terminals 10 facing each other. To enable the batteries 8 and 9 to be electrically connected to each other, a battery cell connector 11 is attached to the terminal 10. In this respect, the battery cell connector 11 engages on one side with the terminal 10 of the first battery cell 8 and on the other side with the terminal 10 of the second battery cell 9, and is electrically connected to them.

[0079] To regulate the temperature of cells 8 and 9, cell modules 2 and 3 each have temperature regulating elements 5 and 7, which are part of the temperature regulating device 6. Each of the temperature regulating elements 5 and 7 has a temperature regulating surface 12 and 13, which are respectively attached to the two cells 8 and 9 of the cell assembly 4 in a heat transfer manner. The temperature regulating surfaces 12 and 13 are, for example, disposed on the housings 14 and 15 of the respective temperature regulating elements 5 and 7. Cooling plates 16 and 17 are received in the housings 14 and 15. At least one fluid channel is formed in each of the cooling plates 16 and 17, which is at least temporarily loaded with fluid to regulate the temperature of the cell assembly 4.

[0080] Heat transfer protrusions 18 and 19 extend from each of the temperature regulating elements 5 and 7, respectively. Heat transfer protrusion 18 is designed as a mating protrusion, while heat transfer protrusion 19 is designed as a contact protrusion. The meaning of these terms is readily apparent from the accompanying drawings. The mating protrusion 18 engages with the cell connector 11, i.e., with the cavity 20 defined by the cell connector 11. Here, the mating protrusion 18 extends between the terminals 10, and in particular, the mating protrusion protrudes from both sides of the terminals in cross-section.

[0081] A contact protrusion 19 is arranged outside the cell connector 11. This contact protrusion has a cell connector receiving portion 21, which at least partially receives the cell connector 11. For example, the contact protrusion 19 extends toward the terminal 10 to such an extent that it partially abuts against the terminal. This allows for temperature regulation of both the cell connector 11 and the terminal 10. The contact protrusion 19 is preferably locked to the cell connector 11 by means of a locking mechanism 22.

[0082] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the power battery 1 is shown in another cross-sectional view. It can now be clearly seen that the locking mechanism 22 engages with the cell connector 11, or its cavity 20, from the opposite side in a locking manner. This reliably holds the abutment protrusion 19 onto the cell connector 11, so that the cell connector 11 ultimately abuts reliably against the abutment protrusion 19 via heat transfer. This also serves to reliably regulate the temperature of the cell assembly 4.

Claims

1. A power battery (1) for a motor vehicle, the power battery comprising a cell module (2), the cell module having a cell assembly (4) and a temperature regulating device (6) for regulating the temperature of the cell assembly (4), wherein, A cell connector (11) is arranged between every two cells (8, 9) of the cell assembly (4), the cell connector being connected to the terminals (10) of the cells (8, 9) to establish an electrical connection between the cells (8, 9). The characteristic feature is that the temperature control device (6) includes a temperature control element (5) having a temperature control surface (12) and at least one fluid channel, the cells (8, 9) being abutted against the temperature control surface in a heat transfer manner, wherein heat transfer protrusions (18, 19) extend from the temperature control element (5) to the cells (8, 9) and abut against the cell connector (11) in a heat transfer manner.

2. The power battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat transfer protrusions (18, 19) are engagement protrusions (18) arranged between the terminals (10) of the cells (8, 9) and surrounded by cell connectors (11) that electrically connect the terminals (10) to each other.

3. The power battery according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The dimension of the engagement protrusion (18) in at least one direction is at least equivalent to the dimension of the terminal block (10) in the same direction.

4. The power battery according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The heat transfer protrusions (18, 19) are abutment protrusions (19) that at least partially receive the cell connector (11).

5. The power battery according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The protruding part (19) has a cell connector receiving part (21) defined by the abutment wall, and the cell connector (11) is abutted against the abutment wall in a heat transfer manner.

6. The power battery according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The abutment protrusion (19) has a locking mechanism (22) and is fixed to the cell connector (11) by means of the locking mechanism (22).

7. The power battery according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The abutting protrusion (19) surrounds the cell connector (11) and abuts against the terminal (10) on the opposite side.

8. The power battery according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The battery cell module (2) is a first battery cell module (2), the battery cell assembly (4) is a first battery cell assembly (4) having a first battery cell (8, 9), the temperature regulating element (5) is a first temperature regulating element (5), the temperature regulating surface (12) is a first temperature regulating surface (12), and in addition to the first battery cell module (2), a second battery cell module (3) is also provided. The second battery cell module has a second battery cell assembly and a second temperature regulating element (7). The second temperature regulating element (7) is arranged on the side of the first battery cell assembly (4) opposite to the first temperature regulating element (5) and is attached to the first battery cell (8, 9) by means of heat transfer using the second temperature regulating surface (13).

9. The power battery according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The heat transfer protrusions (18, 19) are designed as a first heat transfer protrusion (18) in the form of a joining protrusion (18), and the temperature regulating device (6) has a second heat transfer protrusion (19) in the form of an abutment protrusion (19) in addition to the first heat transfer protrusion (18).

10. The power battery according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first heat transfer protrusion (18) extends from the first temperature regulating element (5), and the second heat transfer protrusion (19) extends from the second temperature regulating element (7), so that the first heat transfer protrusion (18) and the second heat transfer protrusion (19) extend from opposite sides to between the cells (8, 9) and receive the cell connector (11) between the first heat transfer protrusion and the second heat transfer protrusion.

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