Modular system for a battery

Abstract

Modular system (1) for a battery (2), in particular for a traction battery of a motor vehicle, - with a battery case (3), - with at least one first battery module (4) that can be arranged in the battery housing (3) and has a number n of battery cells (5), - with at least one additional battery module (6) that can also be arranged in the battery housing (3) with a higher or lower number n+x or nx of battery cells (5), - with at least one compensating element (7), - wherein a first battery module (4) or several first battery modules (4) can be arranged in the battery housing (3) to fill the space, or - wherein a further battery module (6) or several further battery modules (6) together with at least one balancing element (7) can be arranged in the battery housing (3) to fill the space, characterized in that - that the balancing element (7) has the size and shape of a battery cell (5), - that the compensating element (7) is designed as a crash or deformation element, - that the compensating element (7) is designed to be resilient and / or has at least a spring device.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular system for a battery, in particular for a traction battery, of a motor vehicle. The present invention further relates to a battery constructed according to this modular system.

[0002] From DE 10 2010 033 806 A1 a generic modular system for a battery is known, comprising a battery housing, at least one first battery module which can be arranged in the battery housing and has a number of battery cells, at least one further battery module which can also be arranged in the battery housing and has a higher or lower number of battery cells and at least one compensating element, wherein a first battery module or several first battery modules or a further battery module or several further battery modules can be arranged in the battery housing in a space-filling manner together with at least one compensating element.

[0003] Such or similar modular systems are also known from JP H03 - 208 255 A, JP H10 - 29 172 A and DE 10 2009 035 482 A1.

[0004] From FR 2 519 807 A1 an electric battery with an odd number of cylindrical cells and a conductive dummy cell is known

[0005] From DE 10 2008 008 004 A1, a filler body for filling cavities, in particular for filling highly fissured cavities in battery housings, is known, wherein the filler body has a flexible shell which is able to adapt to an inner contour of the cavity to be filled and which tightly encloses a filling medium, in particular a gas or a liquid.

[0006] Batteries are electrical energy storage devices used in numerous applications and many technical fields. Demand and requirements for batteries are constantly increasing, particularly due to their use in hybrid and electric vehicles. To store electrical energy or supply a consumer with electricity, a battery typically contains several battery cells, which are generally the same size and shape and can be arranged within a battery module. Several such battery modules, arranged within a battery housing, are therefore the essential components of the battery. The battery cells can be connected in parallel or in series, with the battery being expanded with electronic control circuits if necessary.For static and safety reasons, particularly with batteries for motor vehicles, the individual battery modules of a battery preferably fill the battery housing completely. On the other hand, there are various requirements and concepts for the implementation of such a battery. Particular attention should be drawn to the number of battery cells in a battery module, which is adapted to a series or parallel connection of the individual battery cells as required. For example, when the battery cells of a battery module are connected in parallel, an even number of battery cells is more suitable than an odd number of battery cells. On the other hand, increasing the number of battery cells by one further battery cell, i.e. a total of an odd number of battery cells, leads to a higher battery power required for certain requirements.This leads, in particular, to different battery modules with different sizes. The different sizes of the battery modules also lead to an adapted size of the battery housing. It is important to ensure that the battery modules are arranged so that they fill the space within the battery housing, particularly for the safety reasons already mentioned. The different sizes of the battery modules therefore lead to correspondingly different sized battery housings. However, battery housings of different sizes are uneconomical due to higher production costs on the one hand and the corresponding adaptation of their environment on the other, especially when used in vehicles.

[0007] The present invention addresses the problem of providing an improved or at least alternative embodiment for a battery of the type mentioned at the outset, which is characterized in particular by improved economic efficiency and increased safety.

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0009] The present invention is based on the general idea of ​​specifying a modular system for building a battery, in particular a traction battery, with which different battery modules can be arranged in a space-filling manner in a battery housing that is always the same size, wherein any space not filled by the battery modules is closed by at least one compensating element. This leads in particular to high cost-effectiveness, since only battery housings of a single size need to be produced. At the same time, the standardized battery housing eliminates the need for adapting mounts in motor vehicles in particular. The modular system according to the invention for such a battery comprises a battery housing, a first battery module that can be arranged in the battery housing and has a number n of battery cells, as well as a further battery module with a higher number n+x or a lower number nx of battery cells, and at least one compensating element.The first battery module with n battery cells is therefore in particular smaller than another battery module with a higher number of battery cells n+x, while the first battery module is larger than another battery module with a lower number nx of battery cells. The first battery module and the second battery module in particular have different sizes and / or shapes. The different sizes of the battery modules are due to a different number of preferably identically designed battery cells that are arranged within the respective battery modules. However, other causes, such as differently designed battery cells and / or different arrangements of battery cells within the battery modules, are also conceivable for the different sizes and / or shapes of the battery modules.The battery thus has a battery housing in which a first battery module or a plurality of first battery modules are arranged to fill the space, i.e. the empty space provided by the battery housing for these battery modules is completely filled with said battery modules. Alternatively, a further battery module or a plurality of further battery modules can be arranged to fill the space in such a battery housing together with at least one compensating element. In this case, the empty space available in the battery housing for the further battery modules is not completely filled by the further battery modules. Here, a space-filling arrangement is realized by the arrangement of at least one compensating element that fills the remaining empty space in the battery housing.The space-filling arrangement ensures, in particular, increased safety, since residual empty spaces within the battery housing pose a danger, particularly when used in motor vehicles and with the associated forces. The modular system for the battery also allows, in particular, the different battery modules, i.e. the first battery module or several first battery modules and the further battery module or several further battery modules, to be arranged within identically constructed battery housings. Batteries with first or further battery modules therefore have the same size and / or shape, which in particular enables a uniform design of the environment of such a battery. This uniform design leads to, in addition to the increased cost-effectiveness of battery production, reduced production costs of the associated environment, in particular to reduced production costs of a motor vehicle.

[0010] According to the invention, at least one compensating element has the size of a battery cell. This is particularly advantageous when all battery cells of the battery have the same size. Thus, a residual empty space within the battery housing essentially has the size of a battery cell or several battery cells. This residual empty space is then filled with the said compensating element(s) in such a way that the further battery modules, together with the compensating element(s), are arranged space-filling within the battery housing. According to the invention, such a compensating element has the same shape as a battery cell, wherein both the shape and the size of the compensating element correspond to the size and shape of the battery cell. This increases, in particular, the cost-effectiveness since only one type of compensating element, i.e.Compensating elements of the same size and shape are to be manufactured. However, embodiments are also conceivable in which the compensating element has any desired shape and size, in particular the shape and / or size of several battery cells arranged next to one another.

[0011] According to a further embodiment, the compensating element is designed such that it has a cavity, in particular a fillable cavity. This cavity can then be at least partially filled depending on the circumstances or requirements. The cavity is filled, for example, with a gas, in particular with air. Alternatively or additionally, the cavity can be filled with a liquid, in particular with water. A solid body can also be arranged within the cavity. Embodiments are also conceivable in which a mixture of a gas and / or a liquid and / or a solid body is arranged within the cavity.

[0012] According to the invention, at least one compensating element is designed as a crash element or deformation element. The compensating element therefore serves, in particular, the purpose of protecting the battery or the battery modules and battery cells from external forces, i.e., in particular from forces caused by a crash, especially when used in a vehicle. For this purpose, the compensating element is designed, in particular, as a deformation element, i.e., the said protection of the battery is ensured by a deformation of the compensating element.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the compensating element is designed to be resilient, particularly to increase battery protection. This means that the compensating element designed as a deformation element returns to its original state after the action of the forces causing the deformation, and in particular resumes its original shape and / or size. Alternatively or additionally, the compensating element has a spring device. The spring device is preferably arranged between the compensating element and the battery housing, thereby preventing or at least reducing impacts between the compensating element and the battery housing. The spring device or a further spring device can alternatively or additionally be arranged between the compensating element and the adjacent battery module(s).This also prevents or at least reduces collisions between the compensating element and the adjacent battery module. The compensating element is preferably preloaded against the battery housing or the battery module by the resilient design and / or the spring device.

[0014] In an advantageous development of the solution according to the invention, the individual battery modules are arranged in parallel within the battery housing. This means, in particular when the first battery modules and / or the further battery modules have the same shape and / or size, that the corresponding sides of the battery modules run parallel to one another and are preferably arranged next to one another. The battery modules preferably have an elongated cuboid-like shape, wherein the long sides of the respective battery modules are arranged parallel to one another and the long sides of adjacent battery modules are preferably arranged next to one another. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the battery housing also has a cuboid shape, which enables particularly simple assembly of the battery modules and, if applicable, the compensating elements.

[0015] According to a further preferred embodiment, the first battery module has thirteen battery cells, while the further battery module has twelve battery cells, wherein the battery cells each have the same shape and size. This therefore leads in particular to the first battery module or several first battery modules being able to be arranged in a space-filling manner within the battery housing. Therefore, if the battery exclusively has first battery modules, these battery modules are arranged in a space-filling manner within the battery housing without an additional compensating element. In contrast, for the space-filling arrangement of the further battery module(s), at least one compensating element must be provided within the battery housing.The use of battery modules containing twelve or thirteen battery cells corresponds to common practice when using batteries, especially traction batteries, in vehicles, especially hybrid or electric vehicles.

[0016] It is understood that the individual battery cells of a battery can be electrically connected to one another in any way. However, the battery cells of a battery module are expediently connected in parallel, in series, or in series. The battery cells of different battery modules can have different electrical circuits. This means that while one battery module or several battery modules are connected in parallel, another battery module / several other battery modules can be connected in series. Furthermore, one battery cell or several battery cells of one battery module can be electrically connected to one battery cell or several battery cells of another battery module or several other battery modules in any way.

[0017] It should be noted that not only the modular system for the battery, but also a battery constructed according to the modular system and comprising at least one additional battery module and at least one compensating element, falls within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that the battery may also comprise other components without departing from the scope of this invention. Electronic circuits, in particular electronic control circuits, are examples of other battery components.

[0018] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0019] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0020] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components.

[0021] They show, schematically, Fig. 1 a plan view of a modular system, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shows a plan view of two embodiments of batteries built according to the modular system.

[0022] According to the Fig. 1, a modular system 1 for a battery 2 comprises a battery housing 3, a first battery module 4, with a number n of battery cells 5, wherein the first battery module 4 shown has a number of n=13 Battery cells 5. Furthermore, the modular system 1 comprises at least one further battery module 6 with a higher number n+1 or a lower number n-1 of battery cells 5, wherein the further battery module 6 shown has a number of n=13−1=12 Battery cells 5. The modular system 1 further comprises at least one compensating element 7, which is designed as a deformation element. The battery cells 5 of the battery modules 4, 6 furthermore have the same cuboid shape and the same size. The battery cells 5 are arranged next to one another within the battery modules 4, 6 along a direction designated R such that the respective equally sized sides of adjacent battery cells 5 contact one another. Thus, the respective battery modules 4, 6 have an elongated cuboid shape.

[0023] The battery modules 4, 6 each have long sides 8 and short sides 9. Due to the identical size and shape of the individual battery cells 5, the further battery element 6 is shorter along the long side 8 by the dimension of a battery cell 5 along this direction R. The compensating element 7 has the same size and shape of such a battery cell 5. The battery housing 3 is cuboid-shaped and encloses an empty space 11 by means of the side walls 10', 10". In the Fig. 1-3, two opposing side walls 10' are longer than the other two opposing side walls 10". The shorter sides 10" of the battery housing 3 are also eight times the length of the short side 9 of one of the battery modules 4, 6. The battery modules 4, 6, the compensating element 7 and the empty space 11 of the battery housing 3 also have the same dimension along a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the page. The battery modules 4, 6, the compensating element 7 and the empty space 11 of the battery housing 3 therefore have, in particular, the same depth.

[0024] According to the invention, the battery modules 4, 6 and the compensating element 7 can be arranged within the battery housing 3. Fig. 2 shows a possible embodiment of a battery 2 built with the aid of the modular system 1. In this case, eight first battery modules 4 arranged in parallel fill the entire empty space 11 of the battery housing 3. For this purpose, the long sides 8 of the first battery modules 4 are arranged parallel to the long side walls 10' of the battery housing 3, whereby the short sides 9 of the first battery modules 4 are arranged parallel to the short side walls 10" of the battery housing 3. In addition, the opposite long sides 8 of adjacent first battery modules 4 contact each other, while the short sides 9 of the first battery modules 4 contact the short side walls 10" of the battery housing 3. The first battery modules 4 are therefore arranged space-filling within the battery housing 3.

[0025] The Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of a battery 2 built according to the modular system 1. In contrast to the Fig. 2 shown battery 2, the battery 2 in Fig.3 exclusively further battery modules 6, more precisely eight further battery modules 6. The further battery modules 6 are also arranged in parallel, with the long sides 8 of the further battery modules 6 being arranged parallel to the long side walls 10' of the battery housing 3 and contacting opposite long sides 8 of adjacent first battery modules 4. In addition, the adjacent short sides 9 of all further battery modules 6 are arranged on one of the short walls 10" of the battery housing 3, so that a residual empty space 12 is created along the opposite short side wall 10" of the battery housing 3, wherein the residual empty space 12 has the dimensions of eight battery cells 5 arranged next to one another perpendicular to the direction R. The arrangement of eight adjacent and correspondingly arranged compensating elements 7 within the residual empty space 12 therefore results in the empty space 11 of the battery housing 3 being completely filled.The eight additional battery modules 6 and the eight compensating elements 7 are thus arranged to fill the space within the battery housing 3.

[0026] The modular system 1 according to the invention therefore makes it possible, in particular with identical battery housings 3, to build both batteries with at least one first battery module 4 and batteries with at least one further battery module 6 and at least one compensating element 7.

Claims

[1] Modular system (1) for a battery (2), in particular for a traction battery of a motor vehicle, - with a battery housing (3), - with at least one first battery module (4) which can be arranged in the battery housing (3) and has a number n of battery cells (5), - with at least one further battery module (6) which can also be arranged in the battery housing (3) and has a higher or lower number n+x or nx of battery cells (5), - with at least one compensating element (7), - wherein a first battery module (4) or several first battery modules (4) can be arranged in the battery housing (3) in a space-filling manner, or - wherein a further battery module (6) or several further battery modules (6) together with at least one compensating element (7) can be arranged in the battery housing (3) in a space-filling manner, characterized by , - that the compensating element (7) has the size and shape of a battery cell (5), - that the compensating element (7) is designed as a crash or deformation element, - that the compensating element (7) is resilient and / or has at least one spring device. [2] Modular system according to claim 1, characterized by that the compensating element (7) has a cavity, in particular a fillable cavity, which is in particular at least partially filled with a gas and / or a liquid and / or a solid. [3] Modular system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the individual battery modules (4, 6) are arranged parallel to one another within the battery housing (3). [4] Modular system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the first battery module (4) has thirteen battery cells (5), whereas the further battery module (6) has twelve battery cells (5). [5] Modular system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat the battery cells (5) of the first battery module (4) or of the further battery module (6) are electrically connected to one another in parallel or in series. [6] Modular system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the battery cells (5) of at least one of the battery modules (4, 6) have the same shape and / or size. [7] Battery (2) constructed according to a modular system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, with at least one further battery module (6) and at least one compensating element (7).

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