Inter-cell cooling plate for a battery, battery, motor vehicle and method for manufacturing an inter-cell cooling plate

Abstract

The invention relates to an inter-cell cooling plate (10) for positioning between at least two cells (38) of a battery (40), wherein the inter-cell cooling plate (10) comprises: an inner space (16) having at least one first cooling channel (22) through which a coolant can flow; a first plate wall (18); a second plate wall (20), which first and second plate walls oppose in a first direction (x) and bound the inner space (16) in the first direction (x) and in the opposite direction thereof. It is provided here that at least one pressure chamber (28) separate from the cooling channel (22) is arranged in the inner space (16), which pressure chamber is filled with a fluid (30) having a specific fluid pressure (p).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an inter-cell cooling plate for positioning between at least two cells of a battery, wherein the inter-cell cooling plate comprises: an internal space having at least one first cooling channel through which coolant can flow; a first plate wall; and a second plate wall, the first plate wall and the second plate wall being opposed along a first direction and defining the internal space in the first direction and its opposite direction. Furthermore, this invention relates to a battery, a motor vehicle, and a method for manufacturing an inter-cell cooling plate. Background Technology

[0002] Inter-cell cooling can be provided through inter-cell cooling plates. These plates can be positioned between the cells, and the temperature of the cells can be regulated by the flow of coolant through cooling channels. Furthermore, the cells undergo a process known as bulging. During this bulging process, the cells expand. This expansion intensifies particularly with the progression of their lifespan, and aging-related bulging and charging-related bulging are superimposed. According to charging-related bulging, the cell bulges during charging and contracts again during discharging. Therefore, cell expansion occurs during the lifespan and cycling of the cells. Consequently, the pressure acting on the cells increases continuously or gradually during their lifespan. This cell expansion should be compensated for by materials or components located between the cells. If the cells cannot expand, their lifespan will be significantly shortened.

[0003] If the cooling plate positioned between the cells is designed to be too rigid or stable, preventing adjacent cells from expanding, this will consequently shorten the cell's lifespan. Conversely, if the cooling plate is designed to be too flexible or soft, such that it is compressed by the cell's expansion, there is a risk that one or more cooling channels on the cooling plate will also be compressed, impairing or even preventing the flow of the cooling medium. Therefore, it is desirable for such a cooling plate to better coordinate the functions of cooling and expansion compensation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a cell cooling plate, a battery, a motor vehicle, and a method that can achieve the best possible bulge compensation and, in addition, the best possible cooling.

[0005] The objective is achieved by a cell cooling plate, battery, vehicle, and method having the features described in the respective independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims, the specification, and the drawings.

[0006] The inter-cell cooling plate according to the invention for positioning between at least two cells of a battery comprises: an internal space having at least one first cooling channel through which a coolant can flow; a first plate wall; and a second plate wall, the first and second plate walls being opposed along a first direction and defining the internal space in the first direction and its opposite direction. Here, at least one pressure chamber, separate from the cooling channel, is arranged in the internal space, the pressure chamber being filled with fluid having a specific fluid pressure.

[0007] The compression of the inter-cell cooling plate can be advantageously and actively counteracted by the fluid pressure. In particular, the compression characteristics of the inter-cell cooling plate can be precisely set by selectively setting or choosing a specific fluid pressure. Therefore, over-compression of the inter-cell cooling plate, which could potentially lead to the compression of at least one first cooling channel, can be more effectively prevented. By appropriately selecting the fluid pressure, a certain degree of compressibility can still be provided by the inter-cell cooling plate, which advantageously enables bulging compensation, allowing adjacent cells to expand. Thus, the compression characteristics of the inter-cell cooling plate can also be advantageously controlled by the fluid pressure, and thus independently of the coolant pressure of, for example, the cooling medium or coolant in the flow cooling channels. In other words, when the inter-cell cooling plate is operating, there is no need to set a particularly high coolant pressure to prevent over-compression. Instead, this function can be undertaken by the fluid pressure in the pressure chamber. Therefore, the cooling function and bulging compensation function can be significantly better coordinated by the inter-cell cooling plate. The fluid within the pressure chamber prevents excessive compression of the inter-cell cooling plate, and allows for significantly thinner and less stable designs for the cooling plate itself or its walls. This, in turn, enables significantly better heat transfer between the cells and the inter-cell cooling plate, while also saving materials, weight, and installation space. Furthermore, as the compression of the inter-cell cooling plate increases, the fluid pressure rises because the fluid is confined within the pressure chamber. Therefore, a greater reaction force can be applied to resist the increasing compression, for example, due to the swelling of adjacent batteries. This, in turn, enables particularly good swelling compensation.

[0008] Pressure chambers are specifically designed as enclosed spaces, particularly fluid-sealed spaces. Accordingly, the fluid is confined within the pressure chamber.

[0009] The fluid can typically be a liquid and / or a gas. Particularly advantageous is that the fluid is at least partially a gas, that is, a substance that is gaseous under normal and / or standard conditions. Here, "gas" should also be understood as a mixture of gases. For example, air or other gases can be used as the gas. A liquid may also be partially present in the pressure chamber, although this is less preferred. The fluid can also be purely gaseous. Therefore, the pressure chamber may, for example, be filled only with gas.

[0010] The compressibility of the gas has a particularly positive impact on the compressibility of the inter-cell cooling plate. The compression of the inter-cell cooling plate correspondingly leads to the compression of the fluid within the pressure chamber. This increases the fluid pressure within the pressure chamber, and consequently, as the compression of the pressure chamber increases, an increasingly larger reaction force can be exerted on the compression by the increased fluid pressure. In particular, due to the higher compressibility of gas compared to liquid, better compressibility of the inter-cell cooling plate can be provided, resulting in an optimized force-displacement profile for the cell and its expansion.

[0011] According to another advantageous design of the invention, the pressure chamber is adjacent to the first and second plate walls. In this way, the compression of the inter-cell cooling plate can be transferred to the pressure chamber particularly easily. Therefore, the inter-cell cooling plate is designed such that compression of the inter-cell cooling plate causes compression of the pressure chamber, and consequently, compression of the fluid within the pressure chamber. Thus, if the distance between the first and second plate walls decreases accordingly, the pressure chamber is also compressed accordingly. Conversely, the fluid pressure in the pressure chamber can thus be transferred to the first and second plate walls.

[0012] Accordingly, another highly advantageous design of the invention is that the inter-cell cooling plate is compressible along a first direction relative to a predetermined initial state, particularly elastically compressible, such that in at least one region of the inter-cell cooling plate, the distance between the first and second plate walls is reduced compared to the initial distance between the first and second plate walls in the predetermined initial state. This elasticity can be provided simply by a fluid contained in a pressure chamber, particularly in conjunction with an outer wall portion of the inter-cell cooling plate that is at least partially designed to be flexible. For example, the first and / or second plate walls, as part of this wall portion, can be at least partially designed to be flexible or thin-walled. The edge regions where the first and second plate walls intersect, as part of this wall portion, can also be at least partially designed to be flexible or thin-walled.

[0013] Here, the initial state of the inter-cell cooling plate can refer to a state in which the inter-cell cooling plate is installed between at least two cells of the battery, particularly when the cells are in the early stages of their service life, i.e., before the inter-cell cooling plate has been compressed due to cell bulging or at least not significantly compressed. Additionally or alternatively, the specified initial state can also be defined as: a state different from the maximum compression state of the inter-cell cooling plate, in which it is no longer possible for the inter-cell cooling plate to continue to be elastically and / or undamagedly compressed, and in at least one region, the distance between the first and second cooling plates is greater in the initial state than in the maximum compression state.

[0014] Therefore, starting from this initial state, the distance between the two plate walls can be reduced at least in one region or at least locally. Here, a minimum distance, specifically the minimum distance between the two plate walls, can be optimally defined. This minimum distance cannot be lower than, that is, it cannot be lower than, and the plate walls have this minimum distance, for example, under the aforementioned maximum compression state. Here, the minimum distance is preferably not zero. Therefore, under the maximum compression state, the plate walls preferably do not directly contact each other. This can be ensured in different ways. For example, this can be ensured solely based on the pressure chamber and the fluid pressure present therein. Additionally or alternatively, a spacer element can be provided in the internal space, which ensures the minimum distance between the two plate walls. The spacer element can be provided, for example, by at least one first cooling channel, or by other elements, such as expansion limiting members, which will be described below. The minimum distance can also be ensured by combining the actions of the above elements. Thus, for example, if the cell adjacent to the inter-cell cooling plate expands, the inter-cell cooling plate is compressed to this minimum distance at least locally and, in particular, to the maximum extent. If the adjacent cells subsequently contract again, or the pressure acting on the inter-cell cooling plate from the outside along the first direction decreases, the inter-cell cooling plate can advantageously expand again based on its elastic compressibility, for example, at least to its predetermined initial state. Thus, the inter-cell cooling plate can advantageously follow the bulging movement of the cells. Furthermore, the inter-cell cooling plate can also be designed to be locally compressible. In other words, it is feasible to compress the inter-cell cooling plate to different degrees along the first direction in different regions. Accordingly, the plate walls can be designed to be flexible to allow for such different compressions in different regions of the inter-cell cooling plate. Thus, the plate walls can also be adapted to the changing geometry of the cells during bulging.

[0015] However, the cooling plates between cells can also be designed to prevent varying degrees of compression. This can be achieved, for example, through implementations with correspondingly rigid plate walls, such as thicker walls.

[0016] At least in the initial state, the walls of the plate can be substantially flat and / or parallel to each other.

[0017] According to another advantageous design of the invention, the first plate wall has a first inner side facing the interior space, and the second plate wall has a second inner side facing the interior space, wherein a first expansion limiting member is arranged in the first inner side and a second expansion limiting member is arranged in the second inner side.

[0018] In particular, by means of the first expansion limiting member and the second expansion limiting member, the increase in the distance between the first plate wall and the second plate wall can be limited at least partially. Additionally or alternatively, it can be specified that when the distance between the first plate wall and the second plate wall increases, a form-locking engagement can be formed by means of the first expansion limiting member and the second expansion limiting member. This form-locking engagement can also be used to at least partially limit the increase in the distance between the first plate wall and the second plate wall. Therefore, the increase in the distance between the first plate wall and the second plate wall can be limited at least partially by the form-locking engagement between the first expansion limiting member and the second expansion limiting member.

[0019] With the inter-cell cooling plate not installed, the fluid pressure is preferably greater than the ambient pressure or the specified normal or standard pressure. With the plate installed between at least two cells, the fluid pressure is typically higher than in the uninstalled state because the cells are held together by the inter-cell cooling plate.

[0020] A significant advantage of this expansion constraint is that the inter-cell cooling plate can be manufactured and installed in the battery with particular simplicity. If the pressure chamber is filled with fluid during the manufacture of the inter-cell cooling plate—specifically, with a fluid pressure exceeding ambient pressure—the plate walls will be pushed apart without intervention. This causes deformation of the inter-cell cooling plate, particularly partial plastic deformation. This can lead to damage. By providing expansion constraint members, it is advantageously possible to appropriately limit the increase in distance between the two plate walls. Once the maximum distance, at least locally defined by the expansion constraint members, is reached, the expansion constraint members form a form-locking mechanism that prevents the two plate walls from continuing to move away from each other. This advantageously allows for filling the pressure chamber with very high fluid pressure without concern for undesirable deformation or damage to the inter-cell cooling plate.

[0021] Here, the inter-cell cooling plate may also include a plurality of first expansion limiting members and a plurality of second expansion limiting members. Each first expansion limiting member is associated with a second expansion limiting member, and together with the second expansion limiting member, for example, forms an expansion limiting pair.

[0022] According to another advantageous design of the invention, the first expansion limiting member has a hook-shaped first end facing the second inner side, the first end being designed to form a form-locking engagement with at least a portion of the second expansion limiting member. Specifically, the second expansion limiting member has a hook-shaped second end facing the first inner side, the second end being capable of form-locking engagement with the first end, particularly when or due to an increase in the distance between the two plate walls. Therefore, in the initial state of the inter-cell cooling plate, the two hook-shaped ends of the two expansion limiting members do not necessarily need to engage with each other. If the distance between the two plate walls subsequently increases, for example, during the manufacture of the inter-cell cooling plate using fluid-filled pressure chambers, the two hook-shaped ends move accordingly toward each other until they finally engage, and further increase in the distance between the plate wall regions where the expansion limiting members are located is no longer possible. Thus, the maximum distance between the two plate walls is defined in the region of the expansion limiting member.

[0023] To establish a form-locking engagement between the two expansion-limiting members, the expansion-limiting members do not necessarily have to be designed, and in particular, both do not necessarily have to be designed with hook-shaped ends. For example, the hook-shaped ends can also engage into a corresponding slot in another expansion-limiting member, and the expansion of the inter-cell cooling plate can be achieved until the hook reaches the end of the slot. Any other design is also conceivable. However, a significant advantage of the embodiment with two hook-shaped ends is that the inter-cell cooling plate can be provided by two profile members, as explained in more detail below, which can be pushed into each other, particularly without collision, in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (along which at least the first cooling channel also extends). This, in turn, enables a particularly simple manufacture of the inter-cell cooling plate. With the construction of the expansion-limiting members with hook-shaped ends, a locking mechanism can also be provided, which enables the two profile members to be positioned in their predetermined positions relative to each other by moving them toward each other in the first direction, wherein the two hook-shaped ends of the expansion-limiting members engage with each other or engage sequentially.

[0024] The hook-shaped end can also be understood as an L-shaped bend, or an end bent at a 90° or smaller angle.

[0025] According to another advantageous design of the invention, at least a first cooling channel is arranged on the first inner side, and at least in the predetermined initial state of the inter-cell cooling plate, particularly in the predetermined initial state of the inter-cell cooling plate mentioned above, it is at a distance from the second inner side. This distance advantageously ensures that the cooling channel is not compressed when the inter-cell cooling plate is compressed along the first direction. Furthermore, this distance ensures that the compressibility of the inter-cell cooling plate is not impaired by at least one first cooling channel. In particular, the compressibility of the inter-cell cooling plate can thus be primarily controlled by the pressure chamber, specifically the fluid pressure within the pressure chamber.

[0026] According to another advantageous design of the invention, the inter-cell cooling plate includes at least one second cooling channel, which is arranged in the second inner side and is at a distance from the second inner side, at least in a predetermined initial state within the inter-cell cooling plate. Therefore, by arranging the cooling channels not only directly adjacent to the first inner side but also directly adjacent to the second inner side, the two plate walls can be cooled or temperature-regulated particularly uniformly.

[0027] "At least in the specified initial state" can mean that the inter-cell cooling plate can be compressed to such an extent that, in a state where the inter-cell cooling plate is compressed relative to the specified initial state, the first cooling channel can also rest against the second inner side using its channel wall. However, other measures, such as those described in more detail later, can also be provided to prevent direct contact with the second inner side.

[0028] In particular, the inter-cell cooling plate may also include a plurality of first cooling channels and a plurality of second cooling channels. The first cooling channels are thus arranged accordingly on the first inner side and preferably extend parallel to each other. The second cooling channels are correspondingly arranged on the second inner side and preferably also extend parallel to each other. Preferably, the first and second cooling channels also extend parallel to each other. Furthermore, it is highly advantageous that the first cooling channels are offset relative to the second cooling channels in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, which is also referred to below as the second direction. Here, the second direction is particularly perpendicular to the direction of extension of the cooling channels. This offset advantageously ensures that the first and second cooling channels do not collide with each other when the inter-cell cooling plate is compressed. Correspondingly, it is advantageous that the first cooling channels on the first inner side are spaced apart from each other in the second direction, a distance that is particularly at least equal to the width of one or more corresponding second cooling channels. The corresponding situation applies to the second cooling channels and their arrangement on the second inner side.

[0029] According to another advantageous design of the invention, the first cooling channel includes a cooling channel wall defining the interior of the cooling channel, and the first expansion limiting member is designed as part of or directly connected to the cooling channel wall. This enables an embodiment that is particularly space- and material-saving. Nevertheless, it is also conceivable that the first expansion limiting member is designed to be separate from the cooling channel wall of the first cooling channel. Furthermore, a portion of the cooling channel wall of the first cooling channel can be provided by a first plate wall. The corresponding situation applies to the second cooling channel and the second expansion limiting member.

[0030] Furthermore, multiple first cooling channels can also be designed in this way. Here, the number of first expansion-limiting members can also differ from the number of first cooling channels. For example, only a few of the cooling channels may be designed to have such expansion-limiting members, which are specifically part of or directly connected to the channel wall of the cooling channel. Several of the first cooling channels may also be designed to have two first expansion-limiting members. Other first cooling channels may be designed without such first expansion-limiting members. The inter-cell cooling plate may also include expansion-limiting members with different configurations, such as expansion-limiting members designed to be separate from the cooling channels, and expansion-limiting members designed to be part of or directly connected to the cooling channel wall.

[0031] According to another advantageous design of the invention, the first expansion limiting member protrudes further toward the second inner side than the first cooling channel. The same applies again to the second expansion limiting member associated with the second cooling channel. Therefore, when the inter-cell cooling plate is compressed, the first expansion limiting member, rather than the first cooling channel, first abuts against another portion of the inter-cell cooling plate, particularly the second inner side. This, in particular, prevents the first cooling channel from abutting against the second inner side through a portion of its channel wall and / or through a portion of its channel wall different from the first expansion limiting member.

[0032] The advantage of this approach is that it minimizes thermal coupling between the first and second plate walls. Good thermal insulation of the cells adjacent to the inter-cell cooling plate is advantageous, for example, in the event of thermal runaway in one of the two cells.

[0033] According to another advantageous design of the invention, the inter-cell cooling plate includes a first plate member, particularly a first profile member, the first plate member including a first plate wall, at least one first cooling channel, and a first expansion restraining member. The inter-cell cooling plate also includes a second plate member, particularly a second profile member, the second plate member including a second plate wall, a second expansion restraining member, and particularly at least one second cooling channel. The first plate member has two first edges opposed in a second direction, and the second plate member has two second edges opposed in a second direction, wherein each of the first edges is respectively engaged with each of the second edges, particularly welded together. In this way, the inter-cell cooling plate can be very easily made from two plate members (e.g., profile members) that are engaged with each other, particularly welded together. Even if the inter-cell cooling plate does not include the expansion restraining member, a configuration consisting of these two plate members is feasible.

[0034] Here, a profile member should be understood as a member having a consistently identical cross-section perpendicular to a specific direction (hereinafter referred to as the third direction). Thus, the third direction also corresponds to the extension direction of at least the first cooling channel, and in particular, to the extension direction of all other alternative cooling channels.

[0035] However, plate members are not necessarily required to be supplied or constructed as profile members, but can also be made in other ways. In particular, plate members can also be designed to have a cross-section that is not always the same in a third direction.

[0036] Furthermore, the inter-cell cooling plate can also be designed with a coolant inlet connection and a coolant outlet connection for introducing coolant into at least one first cooling channel and optionally at least one second cooling channel, and discharging coolant therefrom. These connections can be arranged in one of the two end regions of the inter-cell cooling plate, or can be arranged on both end regions of the inter-cell cooling plate, which define the inter-cell cooling plate along a third direction. Additionally, the inter-cell cooling plate can also be part of an inter-cell cooling unit comprising two end members arranged on both ends of the inter-cell cooling plate, which define the inter-cell cooling plate in a third direction and its opposite direction. For example, such end members can also provide connections for introducing coolant into and discharging coolant from the corresponding cooling channels. However, this type of coolant inlet connection and coolant outlet connection can also be implemented using only one of the two end members, with the other end member used only to seal the two cooling channels of the inter-cell cooling plate and / or fluidly connect the two cooling channels.

[0037] Preferably, the coolant is a liquid coolant. During battery operation, when cooling or temperature regulation is required, the coolant can be guided or pumped through at least one first cooling channel of the inter-cell cooling plate accordingly.

[0038] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a battery having an inter-cell cooling plate according to the invention or one of its designs. Here, the battery particularly includes at least two cells, with the inter-cell cooling plate disposed between the at least two cells. Here, the battery may also particularly include a first cell row / cell group, the first cell row having a plurality of first cells arranged side-by-side in a third-order upward direction. Furthermore, the battery may include a second cell row, the second cell row including a plurality of second cells arranged side-by-side in a third-order upward direction. The inter-cell cooling plate may be disposed between the two cell rows and extend in a third-order upward direction as far as the two cell rows. Accordingly, the first cells of the first cell row may abut against a first plate wall, and the second cells of the second cell row may abut against a second plate wall. This achieves a particularly efficient battery structure.

[0039] For example, a battery cell can be designed as a prismatic cell. For example, a battery can be designed as a high-voltage battery. In particular, for example, a battery cell can be designed as a lithium-ion cell.

[0040] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a motor vehicle having a battery according to the invention or one of its embodiments. For example, the motor vehicle may be designed as an electric vehicle.

[0041] Preferably, the motor vehicle according to the present invention is designed as an automobile, particularly as a passenger car or commercial vehicle, or as a bus or motorcycle.

[0042] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an inter-cell cooling plate for a battery, wherein the inter-cell cooling plate is designed to include: an internal space having at least one first cooling channel through which a coolant can flow; a first plate wall; and a second plate wall, the first plate wall and the second plate wall being opposed along a first direction and defining the internal space in the first direction and its opposite direction. Furthermore, the inter-cell cooling plate is designed to include at least one pressure chamber separated from the cooling channel arranged in the internal space, the pressure chamber being filled with a fluid having a specific fluid pressure.

[0043] For example, the inter-cell cooling plate can be composed of two plate members, such as profile members, or a half-shell with structural elements forming cooling channels and / or expansion-limiting members, which are pushed into each other in a third-order direction. Subsequently, the plate members can be joined together, particularly on the edge sides, for example, by welding them together.

[0044] Furthermore, it is highly advantageous that the inter-cell cooling plate, or at least the plate wall, is made of a metallic material, such as aluminum. However, in principle, the inter-cell cooling plate can be made of any material (e.g., it can also be made of plastic) or may contain other materials.

[0045] The present invention also includes improvements to the method according to the invention, which have the features already described in conjunction with the improvements to the inter-cell cooling plate according to the invention. For this reason, corresponding improvements to the method according to the invention will not be described again here.

[0046] The present invention also includes feature combinations of the described embodiments. Therefore, the present invention also includes implementations having multiple feature combinations of the described embodiments, provided that these implementations are not described as mutually exclusive. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Embodiments of the present invention are described below. The figures show:

[0048] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a cell cooling plate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0049] Figure 2 An embodiment of the invention is shown during compression. Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the cooling plate between battery cells;

[0050] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0051] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a cell-to-cell cooling plate according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0052] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a portion of a cell cooling plate according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiments, the components described in the embodiments are individual, mutually independent features of the present invention, and these features also independently improve the present invention. Therefore, this disclosure should also include feature combinations different from the feature combinations of the illustrated embodiments. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by other features among the features already described in the present invention.

[0054] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote elements that have the same function.

[0055] The coordinate system is shown in the figure. The x-direction shown here corresponds to the first direction described above, the z-direction shown here corresponds to the second direction described above, and the y-direction shown here corresponds to the third direction described above. In particular, the z-direction corresponds to the vehicle height direction relative to the preferred mounting position of the inter-cell cooling plate or battery in the motor vehicle.

[0056] Figure 1A schematic cross-sectional view of a cell-to-cell cooling plate 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, the cell-to-cell cooling plate 10 includes a first plate member 12, such as a first profile member 12, and a second plate member 14, such as a second profile member 14. Furthermore, the cell-to-cell cooling plate 10 includes an internal space 16. The first profile member 12 also includes a first plate wall 18, and the second profile member 14 includes a second plate wall 20. The first plate wall 18 has an inner side 18a facing the internal space 16 and an outer side 18b facing away from the internal space 16. The second plate wall 20 similarly has an inner side 20a facing the internal space and an outer side 20b facing away from the internal space 16. The internal space 16 is defined by the two plate walls 18, 20 in a first direction x and its opposite direction. At least one first cooling channel 22 is present in the internal space 16, and in this example, multiple first cooling channels 22 are present. The first cooling channel 22 is arranged on the first inner side 18a of the first plate wall 18. The first cooling channel 22 includes a cooling channel interior 22a and a cooling channel wall portion 22b. Here, the interior 22a of the cooling channel is permeable by coolant. As shown here, a portion of the channel wall 22b may be provided by the first plate wall 18. In particular, the first cooling channel 22 may also be part of the first profile member 12 and thus designed integrally with the first plate wall 18. Furthermore, in this example, the inter-cell cooling plate 10 also includes a plurality of second cooling channels 24. The second cooling channels also include the cooling channel interior 24a and the channel wall 24b. Here, a portion of the channel wall 24b may also be provided by the second plate wall 20. In particular, the second cooling channels 24 are also part of the profile member 14 and thus designed integrally with the plate wall 20. Furthermore, the first profile member 12 includes two first edges 12a opposed in the z-direction, and the second profile member 14 includes two second edges 14a opposed in the z-direction. The two profile members 12, 14 are joined to each other in the region of their edges 12a, 14a, particularly fluid-tightly joined, for example, welded together. Exemplarily, the weld is hereby indicated as 26. The inter-cell cooling plate 10 advantageously includes a pressure chamber 28 separate from the cooling channels 22, 24. This pressure chamber can be divided into individual chambers 28a, but these chambers are fluidly connected to each other. Thus, the entirety of these chambers 28a forms the pressure chamber 28. Here, the pressure chamber 28 is directly adjacent to the first plate wall 18 on one hand and directly adjacent to the second plate wall 20 on the other. Here, the pressure chamber 28 is filled with a fluid 30, particularly a gas, having a fluid pressure p. Here, the fluid 30 is sealed, particularly permanently sealed, within the pressure chamber 28. For this purpose, the inter-cell cooling plate can be accordingly designed to be sealed at its opposite ends along the y-direction.Such a seal does not necessarily have to be provided by profile components 12, 14, but can be provided by one or more separate components, not shown at present, such as corresponding end components, which can also provide coolant inlet and coolant outlet connections for coolant to flow through cooling channels 22, 24.

[0057] Here, the fluid pressure p should preferably be greater than the ambient pressure PU or greater than the normal pressure. To avoid excessive expansion of the inter-cell cooling plate and excessive deformation of the plate walls 18, 20 during the manufacture of the inter-cell cooling plate, especially when the pressure chamber 28 is filled with fluid 30, the inter-cell cooling plate advantageously includes expansion limiting members 32, 34.

[0058] The first cooling channel 22 is designed such that, in the initial state A of the cell-to-cell cooling plate 10 shown, the first cooling channel has a distance d1 from the second inner side 20a. The second cooling channel 24 is also designed such that, in the same initial state A, the second cooling channel has a distance d2 from the first inner side 20a. Furthermore, the first cooling channel 22 is arranged to be offset relative to the second cooling channel 24 in the z-direction. The first cooling channels 22 are spaced apart from each other in the z-direction, as are the second cooling channels 24. Thus, the cell-to-cell cooling plate 10 can be compressed in the x-direction without the first cooling channel 22 colliding with the second cooling channel 24. This allows for stronger compression of the cell-to-cell cooling plate 10. Moreover, the fluid pressure p of the fluid 30 in the pressure chamber 28 overcomes this compression. Therefore, the compression characteristics can advantageously be set or appropriately selected by the fluid pressure p in the pressure chamber 28.

[0059] Now, the expansion limiting members 32 and 34 advantageously ensure that the two plate walls 18 and 20, particularly during the manufacture of the inter-cell cooling plate 10 or when the pressure chamber 28 is filled with fluid 30, do not move excessively away from each other. Furthermore, the expansion limiting members 32 and 34 are designed to achieve a certain degree of compression of the inter-cell cooling plate 10 from the initial state A. This is, for example, in… Figure 2 This will be illustrated again by example.

[0060] Here, Figure 2 Shown after compression Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a portion of the inter-cell cooling plate 10. Therefore, the inter-cell cooling plate 10 is in a compressed state K, where it is subjected to stronger compression than in its initial state A, particularly along the x-direction. The inter-cell cooling plate 10 is located adjacent to the plate walls 18 and 20 (see...). Figure 3When the battery cell 38 is charged and the force acting on the heat sink, i.e., the inter-cell cooling plate 10, increases, this type of compression state K may occur. As a result, the inter-cell cooling plate is compressed, and the fluid pressure p increases. For example, arrow 36 indicates the bulging force acting on the inter-cell cooling plate 10 when the battery cell 38 adjacent to the plate walls 18, 20 bulges. As a result, the distance between the plate walls 18, 20 decreases. Figure 1 The distance d3 shown between the plate walls 18 and 20 refers to the initial state A of the inter-cell cooling plate 10, while Figure 2 The reduced distance d4 between the plate walls 18 and 20 shown refers to the inter-cell cooling plate 10 in a compressed state compared to the initial state A. Therefore, the hook-shaped or bent ends 32a and 34a of the expansion restraint members 32 and 34 in this example may move away from each other in the x-direction as the inter-cell cooling plate 10 is compressed due to their shape. The relative movement between the ends 32a and 34a is indicated here by the double arrow 39. If the cell 38 discharges again, the cell releases again, the force acting on the inter-cell cooling plate 10 decreases, and due to the internal pressure p, the inter-cell cooling plates 10 are pushed apart again, and can, for example, substantially return to their original state. Figure 1 The initial state A is shown.

[0061] Conversely, if the plate walls 18 and 20 move away from each other along the x-direction, this movement is limited by the form-locking engagement formed between the two associated expansion-limiting members 32 and 34. In other words, the plate walls 18 and 20 can only move away from each other to such an extent that the expansion-limiting members 32 and 34 form a form-locking engagement, thereby limiting or preventing further movement away from each other. In this example, the form-locking engagement is formed such that the hook-shaped ends 32a and 34a abut or hook onto each other. This enables the pressure chamber 28 to initially have a very high fluid pressure p.

[0062] Furthermore, in this example, the expansion limiting members 32 and 34 are arranged to directly contact the corresponding walls 22b and 24b of the cooling channels 22 and 24. This saves materials and installation space. Moreover, the first expansion limiting member 32 protrudes further toward the second inner side 20a than the associated cooling channel 22. In other words, the distance of the first expansion limiting member 32 from the second inner side 20a is always smaller than the distance of the cooling channel 22, particularly its end side 22c facing the second inner side 20a. The corresponding situation also applies to the second expansion limiting member 34 and the second cooling channel 24. Therefore, as the compression of the inter-cell cooling plate 10 increases in the x-direction, the first expansion limiting member 32 first abuts against the second inner side 20a, and subsequently the first cooling channel 22, particularly its end side 22c, can abut against the second inner side 20a. More precisely, even under severe compression, the end side 22c will not abut against the second inner side 20a at all. Therefore, even under severe compression, the contact area between the first plate member 12 and the second plate member 14 is minimized.

[0063] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a battery 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The battery 40 includes a plurality of cells 38 arranged side-by-side in the x-direction. Therefore, the battery 40 includes a cell stack 42 having a plurality of cells 38 arranged side-by-side in a stacking direction, wherein the stacking direction corresponds to the x-direction shown. Here, each cell 38 may optionally also be part of a cell column 44 having a plurality of cells 38 arranged side-by-side in the y-direction. An inter-cell cooling plate 10 is arranged between every two cells 38 or cell columns 44 arranged adjacent to each other in the stacking direction x. This inter-cell cooling plate can be constructed as described above.

[0064] Here, the inter-cell cooling plate 10 extends in the y-direction as far as the cell 38 or the cell row 44. Therefore, multiple cells 38 of the same cell row 44 can also be adjacent to the first plate wall 18, and correspondingly, multiple cells 38 of another cell row 44 can also be adjacent to the second plate wall 20.

[0065] Currently, the cell 38 is designed as a prismatic cell. Here, each cell 38 includes two cell electrodes 46, and currently, only one of the corresponding cells 38 can be seen. Therefore, the cells 38 in this cell row 44 are arranged side by side in the y-direction with their cell electrodes 46 facing each other.

[0066] Furthermore, the battery 40 includes two end plates 48 that constrain the cell stack 42 in the x-direction and its opposite direction. Additionally, the battery 40 is tensioned by a tension band 50. In other words, the tension band 50 tensions both the cell stack 42 and the end plates 48. Therefore, a predetermined pressure can be applied to the cell stack 42 in the x-direction via this tension band 50.

[0067] Plate members 12, 14, and especially expansion-limiting members 32, 34, can also be implemented geometrically in other ways, as explained in more detail below.

[0068] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a portion of the inter-cell cooling plate 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Currently, the first expansion limiting member is indicated as 32', and the second expansion limiting member as 34'. In this example, the first expansion limiting member 32' and the second expansion limiting member 34' are designed, on the one hand, to be independent of the cooling channels 22, 24, i.e., not directly adjacent to the channel walls 22b, 24b of the cooling channels; on the other hand, regardless of the independent embodiment, the expansion limiting members 32', 34' are also implemented geometrically in other ways. Here, the second expansion limiting member has an end 34a' designed with double hooks, and the first expansion limiting member 32' includes two opposing tracks 32b' along the z-direction, these tracks being spaced apart from each other in the z-direction, and their ends 32a' are designed with hooks facing each other. In the maximum expansion state M of the inter-cell cooling plate, the hooks 32a' engage with the double hooks 34a' in a form-locking manner, preventing the plate walls 18, 20 from continuing to move away from each other. Conversely, plates 18 and 20 can move toward each other, at least until the corresponding expansion limiting members 32' and 34' abut against the corresponding opposing walls. This embodiment of the expansion limiting members 32' and 34' can also advantageously achieve that the inter-cell cooling plate 10 is made by providing, for example, two profile members 12 and 14 or other plate members 12 and 14 pushed into each other in the y direction.

[0069] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the inter-cell cooling plate 10 according to another embodiment of the invention is shown. In this view, the inter-cell cooling plate is also in its maximum expansion state M. The expansion limiting members 32, 34 are again, for example, as for... Figure 1 and Figure 2The design described differs only in that the corresponding ends 32a and 34a are designed with corresponding bevels 32c and 34c. This also enables the assembly of the cell cooling plates, for example, such that the profile members 12 and 14 move toward each other in the x-direction, thereby allowing the bevels 32c and 34c to slide past each other due to slight deformation or bending of the expansion limiting members 32 and 34, until the hook-shaped ends 32a and 34a engage or hook onto each other. Subsequently, the plate walls 18 and 20 can continue to move toward each other in the x-direction, especially until the expansion limiting members 32 and 34 abut against the corresponding opposing plate walls 18 and 20 again. However, starting from the maximum expansion state M of the plate walls 18 and 20 shown here, it is no longer possible to move away from each other in the opposite direction, because this is in turn prevented by the form-locking of the hook-shaped ends 32a and 34a.

[0070] In general, the examples illustrate how the present invention provides an embodiment of a radiator for pressure-bearing expansion compensation. For this purpose, the cooling plate, i.e., the inter-cell cooling plate (which may also be referred to as a radiator), may be provided with additional chambers, i.e., pressure chambers, in addition to the channels (i.e., cooling channels). During the manufacturing process of the cooling plate, these chambers may be filled with gas at a pre-set pressure. Here, the cooling channels and pressure chambers are separate from each other but constructed within a single component. The radiator may be constructed from two shell-shaped members (formerly referred to as plate members), or from an integral profile, or from two profile members. Preferably, an aluminum extrusion profile is used. A pre-pressure can be set during the production of the radiator before installing this system, i.e., the inter-cell cooling plate, into a battery (such as, for example, a high-voltage battery). Here, the outer surfaces of the radiator can be pushed apart to a target degree. Therefore, the geometry of the radiator can be designed such that the pre-pressure cannot cause the radiator to deform beyond the desired degree. For this purpose, a hook structure, formerly referred to as an expansion-limiting member, can be provided in the radiator. The bulging of the heat sink can be prevented or limited by the hook area provided by the expansion-limiting member. During battery assembly, the heat sink can be positioned between the cells, particularly prismatic cells, and then the entire stack, module, or cell stack in general, is preloaded to a specified force level. Due to cell tolerances, the heat sink can be compressed to varying degrees until the required preload force is reached. During the operational life of a high-voltage battery, expansion occurs in the cells due to cycling. This expansion can subsequently be compensated for in the pressure chamber of the heat sink under increased pressure. During cell charging and discharging, cell breathing occurs. This is largely reversible; the bulging then roughly returns to its initial state. Irreversible bulging remains, namely aging bulging. This aging-related bulging continues to increase over time and with cycling. Therefore, optimal counter-pressure can be applied to the cells regardless of their state of charge and aging status to maximize cell lifespan. This enables proactive and optimal control of the pressure acting on the cells.

Claims

1. A cell cooling plate (10) for positioning between at least two cells (38) of a battery (40), wherein, The cell cooling plate (10) includes: an internal space (16) having at least one first cooling channel (22) through which coolant can flow; a first plate wall (18); and a second plate wall (20), the first plate wall and the second plate wall being opposed along a first direction (x) and defining the internal space (16) in the first direction (x) and its opposite direction. Its features are, At least one pressure chamber (28) separate from the cooling passage (22) is arranged in the internal space (16), and the pressure chamber is filled with fluid (30) having a specific fluid pressure (p).

2. The cell cooling plate (10) according to claim 1. Its features are, The fluid (30) is at least partially a gas (30).

3. The cell cooling plate (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The pressure chamber (28) is adjacent to the first plate wall (18) and the second plate wall (20).

4. The cell cooling plate (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The inter-cell cooling plate (10) can be compressed relative to a predetermined initial state (A) along a first direction (x), in particular, it can be elastically compressed, in particular, such that in at least one region of the inter-cell cooling plate (10), the distance (d3, d4) between the first plate wall (18) and the second plate wall (20) can be reduced compared to the initial distance (d3) between the first plate wall (18) and the second plate wall (20) in the predetermined initial state (A).

5. The cell cooling plate (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The first wall panel (18) has a first inner side (18a) facing the interior space (16), and the second wall panel (20) has a second inner side (20a) facing the interior space (16), wherein a first expansion limiting member (32) is arranged on the first inner side (18a), and a second expansion limiting member (34) is arranged on the second inner side (20a). - Wherein, by means of the first expansion limiting member (32) and the second expansion limiting member (34), the increase of the distance (d3, d4) between the first plate wall (18) and the second plate wall (20) can be limited at least locally; and / or - Wherein, when the distance (d3, d4) between the first plate wall (18) and the second plate wall (20) increases, a form-locking can be formed by means of the first expansion limiting member (32) and the second expansion limiting member (34).

6. The cell cooling plate (10) according to claim 5. Its features are, The first expansion limiting member (32) has a hook-shaped first end (32a, 32a') facing the second inner side (20a), the first end being designed to form a form-locking engagement with at least a portion (34a, 34a') of the second expansion limiting member (34), wherein the second expansion limiting member (34) has a hook-shaped second end (34a, 34a') facing the first inner side (18a), the second end being capable of engaging with the first end (32a, 32a') in a form-locking manner.

7. The cell cooling plate (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The at least one first cooling channel (22) is arranged on the first inner side (18a) and has a distance (d1) from the second inner side (20a) at least in the specified initial state (A) of the cell inter-cooling plate (10).

8. The cell cooling plate (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The first cooling channel (22) includes a cooling channel wall (22b) that defines the interior (22a) of the cooling channel (22), and the first expansion limiting member (32) is designed to be part of the cooling channel wall (22b) or directly connected to the cooling channel wall (22b).

9. The cell cooling plate (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 8. Its features are, The first expansion limiting member (32) protrudes further toward the second inner side (20a) than the first cooling channel (22).

10. The inter-cell cooling plate (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The cell cooling plate (10) includes a first plate member (12), particularly a profile member (12), the first plate member including a first plate wall (18), at least one first cooling channel (22) and a first expansion limiting member (32), the cell cooling plate (10) includes a second plate member (14), particularly a profile member (14), the second plate member including a second plate wall (20), a second expansion limiting member (34) and particularly at least one second cooling channel (24), wherein the first plate member (12) has two first edges (12a) opposed in a second direction (z), and the second plate member (14) has two second edges (14a) opposed in a second direction (z), wherein each of the first edges (12a) is respectively engaged with each of the second edges (14a), particularly welded together.

11. A battery (40) having an inter-cell cooling plate (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The battery (40) includes at least two cells (38), and a cooling plate (10) between the cells is arranged between the at least two cells.

12. A motor vehicle having the battery (40) according to claim 11.

13. A method for manufacturing a cell cooling plate (10) for a battery (40), wherein, The cell cooling plate (10) is designed to include: - Internal space (16) having at least one first cooling channel (22) through which coolant can flow. - A first wall (18) and a second wall (20), the first wall and the second wall being opposite each other along a first direction (x) and defining an interior space (16) in the first direction (x) and its opposite direction. Its features are, The cell cooling plate (10) is designed such that at least one pressure chamber (28) separate from the cooling channel (22) is arranged in the internal space (16), and the pressure chamber is filled with fluid (30) having a specific fluid pressure (p).

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