Battery with energy storage and temperature control element as well as motor vehicle

Abstract

Battery with an energy store (1) storing battery energy, a temperature control element (2) connected to the energy store (1) in a heat-conducting manner for temperature control of the energy store (1), and a housing (21) in which the energy store (1) and the temperature control element (2) are arranged, wherein the temperature control element (2) is fixedly fastened to the energy store (1), and the battery has a fastening device (20, 20') for fastening the energy store (1) in the housing (21), which fastening device is designed with a rigid fastening element (22, 22') and a flexible damping element (23, 23'), wherein the fastening element (22, 22') and the damping element (23, 23') are arranged one behind the other along a fastening force flow, along which a fastening force holding the energy store (1) in the housing (21) runs, characterized in that the fastening element (22, 22') is arranged along the fastening force flow between the Damping element (23,23') and the housing (21) and is fixed to the housing (21).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery with an energy storage device that stores battery energy, a temperature control element that is connected to the energy storage device in a heat-conducting manner for controlling the temperature of the energy storage device, and a housing in which the energy storage device and the temperature control element are arranged. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle with a battery and a drive system that is connected to the battery and transmits drive energy. State of the art

[0002] Batteries and motor vehicles of the type mentioned above are well known. To ensure that the energy storage device operates within an optimal operating temperature range, a temperature control element is provided. The operating temperature range is, for example, between 30 and 40 °C, although operating temperatures of up to 45 °C may be permissible under certain battery operating conditions, such as low load.

[0003] If the temperature control element is only in contact with the energy storage device, the thermal coupling between the temperature control element and the energy storage device may be compromised by unevenness and roughness of the contact surfaces of the temperature control element and / or the energy storage device. To improve the thermal conductivity between the temperature control element and the energy storage device, thermal conductivity enhancers, such as a thermally conductive foil, a thermally conductive paste, or an adhesive that bonds the energy storage device to the temperature control element, can be placed between their contact surfaces.

[0004] However, during battery operation, and particularly when used in a motor vehicle, vibrations may be transmitted to the energy storage device, causing it to move relative to the temperature control element. These vibrations may damage the thermal conductivity enhancer, resulting in a deterioration in the thermal coupling of the energy storage device to the temperature control element, and the energy storage device may no longer be readily heated to a temperature within the operating temperature range by the temperature control element. An example of such a battery is disclosed in WO 2011 / 134699 A1, in which several battery cells are combined to form a battery cell module as the energy storage device and clamped together with a temperature control element. However, the clamping is not permanently secure.Therefore, existing batteries cannot permanently guarantee that the energy storage device can operate within predetermined target temperature ranges, especially within the operating temperature range. This can reduce the battery's service life and even compromise its operational reliability.

[0005] In particular, the documents DE 10 2009 058 070 A1 and DE 10 2011 103 972 A1 are also state of the art in this regard. Disclosure of the invention

[0006] According to the invention, a battery of the type mentioned above is provided, wherein the temperature control element is fixedly attached to the energy storage device. Furthermore, the invention provides a motor vehicle of the type mentioned above, the battery of which is a battery according to the invention. Advantages of the invention

[0007] These simple measures prevent relative movements of the energy storage device to the temperature control element, so that thermal conductivity enhancers between the energy storage device and the temperature control element are no longer damaged by abrasion caused by vibrations.

[0008] The solution according to the invention can be further improved by various, individually advantageous, and combinable embodiments. These embodiments and their associated advantages are discussed below.

[0009] For example, the temperature control element can be mechanically fixed to the energy storage device, particularly by means of a form-fitting or screwed connection. The fixation can be repeatedly detachable or permanently fixed. Alternatively or additionally, the temperature control element and the energy storage device can be rigidly attached to each other by means of an adhesive, soldered, or welded connection.

[0010] The rigid connection between the temperature control element and the energy storage device allows vibrations to be transmitted from the temperature control element to the energy storage device or vice versa without the temperature control element moving relative to the energy storage device. However, vibrations transmitted to the energy storage device, in particular, can cause the energy storage device to wear out more quickly than if it were operated without vibration. To ensure that the service life of the battery is not impaired by the rigid connection between the temperature control element and the energy storage device, the battery can have a fastening device for attaching the energy storage device in the housing, wherein the fastening device is designed to transmit vibrations only in a dampened manner or not at all to the energy storage device. This may further reduce vibration movements transmitted relative to the temperature control element despite the rigid fixation to the energy storage device.

[0011] According to the invention, the fastening device is designed with a rigid fastening element and a flexible damping element. The fastening element and the damping element are arranged one behind the other along a fastening force flow, along which a fastening force holding the energy storage device in the housing runs. The fastening device thus holds the energy storage device essentially immovably in the housing, with vibrations that could potentially impair the service life of the energy storage device being transmitted to the energy storage device in a damped form at best.

[0012] If the fastening device is attached directly to the energy storage device, the temperature control element can be provided at a free end of the energy storage device. Since the temperature control element is often designed as a metallic construction, for example as a cooling plate with laminated sheets or flat tubes for conducting a cooling fluid, the mass of the temperature control element, together with the mass of the energy storage device, can possibly lead to damage to the energy storage device, particularly during accelerations occurring during operation in the motor vehicle. Consequently, the fastening device is preferably arranged along the force flow between the temperature control element and the housing and, in particular, is directly connected to the temperature control element. The fastening force can therefore be transmitted from the housing through the fastening device directly into the temperature control element, so that the temperature control element is fastened to the housing with the aid of the fastening device.If the temperature control element is attached to the housing in this way, any vibrations that may occur during battery operation and are introduced into the battery housing are at most dampened and passed on to the temperature control element and from there to the energy storage device.

[0013] To prevent the temperature control element and the energy storage device attached to it from moving relative to the housing, the temperature control element can be held at least partially by the damping element. For example, the temperature control element is mechanically clamped in sections by the damping element, with the fastening force being transmitted through the force-fitting press connection between the damping element and the temperature control element.

[0014] According to the invention, the fastening element is further arranged along the force flow between the damping element and the housing and is attached to the housing. This enables stable anchoring of the energy storage device to the housing, since the rigid fastening element provides a stable connection between the energy storage device and the housing. For example, the fastening element can be detachably or permanently fixed to the housing and, in particular, can be screwed, pressed, glued, soldered, or welded.

[0015] To ensure the energy storage device is mounted as securely as possible in the housing, the battery can have at least two mounting devices between which the energy storage device is arranged. This allows the mounting devices to be lighter and smaller.

[0016] At least one of the fastening elements can be detachably attached to the housing. This simplifies the assembly of the energy storage device and the attached temperature control element, since the temperature control element, connected to the detached fastening element, can be easily inserted into a fastening device permanently attached to the housing and then secured to the housing by attaching the other of the two fastening devices.

[0017] For example, to easily connect the temperature control element to the fastening device, the damping element can have a receiving groove into which an edge section of the temperature control element can be inserted, at least in part. When the energy storage device with the temperature control element is inserted into the housing, the edge section of the temperature control element is preferably pressed into the receiving groove and held by the force-fitting press connection. The damping element transmits a holding force, which applies the fastening force, to the temperature control element, preventing the energy storage device or the temperature control element from slipping in the housing.

[0018] The damping element can be designed as a C-shaped retaining clip, whereby the retaining clip elastically generates the holding force and transfers it to the tempering element via two clamping legs.

[0019] The fastening element can be designed as a fastening clamp that absorbs or applies the holding force, wherein the holding force preferably secures the temperature control element against displacement. Because the fastening element applies the holding force and transmits it to the temperature control element via the damping element, the damping element can be optimized with regard to its damping function, and the fastening element can be optimized with regard to its fastening function.

[0020] While it may be sufficient for the fastening element to secure the damping element against slipping or displacement through a force-locking connection and, for example, through the holding force, the damping element is preferably captively attached to the fastening element to ensure the most stable fastening device possible.

[0021] The energy storage device storing the battery energy can be a battery cell, a battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells, or a battery subunit comprising at least one battery module. The battery can comprise a plurality of energy storage devices, wherein the energy storage device is preferably lithium-based. In particular, the energy storage device is a lithium-ion battery cell or comprises at least one such lithium-ion battery cell.

[0022] The motor vehicle may be an at least partially or even fully electrically powered automobile or another motor vehicle, for example a scooter, a watercraft or an aircraft.

[0023] A battery with the described fastening device is advantageous even without the energy storage device being immovably attached to the temperature control element, in order to transmit vibrations from a battery housing to the energy storage device with at most dampened vibrations, thus improving the service life of the energy storage device. Even if the energy storage device can be operated without the temperature control element and the fastening device couples the energy storage device directly to the housing, for example, the fastening device according to the invention can itself advantageously influence and extend the service life of the energy storage device. Drawings

[0024] The invention is explained below by way of example using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. The different features of the embodiments can be combined independently of one another, as already explained for the individual advantageous embodiments.

[0025] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the invention, wherein an energy storage device is fixedly attached to only one side of a tempering element, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the invention with two energy storage devices, each of which is arranged immovably on different sides of the tempering element, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the invention with a fastening device, and Fig. 4 a schematic representation of another embodiment of the fastening device. Embodiments of the invention

[0026] The structure and function of a battery according to the invention are first described with reference to the embodiment of the Fig. 1 described.

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of an energy storage device 1 of the battery according to the invention with a temperature control element 2. The energy storage device 1 is immovably attached to the temperature control element 2. For example, the energy storage device 1 has a first fixing element 3 and the temperature control element 2 has a second fixing element 4, wherein the first and second fixing elements 3, 4 fix the energy storage device 1 immovably to the temperature control element 2. The first fixing element 3 is, for example, an L-shaped fixing angle, wherein a first leg 5 of the fixing element 3 is fastened to a first side 6 of the energy storage device 1 and, for example, welded to this side 6. A second leg 7 of the fixing element 3 is aligned at a right angle to the first leg 5 and, in particular, parallel to a contact surface 8 of the temperature control element 2 facing the energy storage device 1.The second leg 7 preferably rests on the contact surface 8 and is fastened to the temperature control element 2 via the second fixing element 4. For example, the second leg 7 has a through-opening through which the second fixing element 4 projects. The second fixing element 4 can be connected to the first fixing element 3 by a screw connection, wherein the second fixing element 4 is, for example, a pin provided with an external thread which projects through the opening in the first fixing element 3 and is, for example, screwed to the latter. Alternatively, the second leg 7 can be clamped between a screw nut screwed onto the second fixing element 4 and the temperature control element 2. In the exemplary embodiment, the screw nut is . Fig. 1 not shown for simplicity.

[0028] The first fixing element 3 and the second fixing element 4 can form a first fixing device 9 for the non-displaceable fastening of the tempering element 2 to the energy storage device 1, wherein the first fixing element 3 can be designed as a fixing rail with a plurality of openings extending perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, parallel to the side 6 and / or to the contact surface 8.

[0029] If the energy storage device 1 is connected to the temperature control element 2 in a non-displaceable manner, the energy storage device 1 and the temperature control element 2 form an energy storage module 10.

[0030] The energy storage device 1 can be connected to the temperature control element 2 via at least one further fixing device 9'. The further fixing device 9' is in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 is arranged on a second side 6' of the energy storage device 1 opposite the first side 6 of the energy storage device 1 and is designed essentially in accordance with the fixing device 9 and, for example, with a first fixing element 3 and a second fixing element 4.

[0031] The temperature control element 2 is pressed against the energy storage device 1 by the at least one fixing device 9, and in particular by the two fixing devices 9, 9', so that the contact surface 8 of the temperature control element 2 rests firmly against the energy storage device 1. The thermal connection formed by the contact surface 8 between the energy storage device 1 and the temperature control element 2 can be improved by a thermal conductivity enhancer, wherein the thermal conductivity enhancer can be arranged between the energy storage device 1 and the temperature control element 2 and can be, for example, a thermally conductive paste.

[0032] The temperature control element 2 can be configured to conduct a temperature control fluid. To supply the temperature control fluid to the temperature control element 2, the temperature control element 2 is shown with a temperature control fluid connection 11. To allow the temperature control fluid to flow through the temperature control element 2, the temperature control element 2 can have an additional temperature control fluid connection, which, however, is not shown for the sake of simplicity.

[0033] Fig. Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the same reference numerals are used for elements that correspond in structure and / or function to the elements of the embodiment. For the sake of brevity, only the differences from the embodiment of Fig. 1 received.

[0034] The Fig. The energy storage module 10 shown in Figure 2 as a sectional view is shown with a tempering element 2 and two energy storage devices 1, wherein the tempering element 2 is arranged between the energy storage devices 1 and, in particular, is pressed between the energy storage devices 1. Each of the energy storage devices 1 is provided with two first fixing elements 3, wherein one of the fixing elements 3 is arranged on one of the opposite sides 6, 6' and is fixed to the energy storage device 1.

[0035] The energy storage module 10 is further provided with two second fixing elements 4, which connect the two energy storage devices 1 to each other and to the temperature control element 2. Each of the second fixing elements 4 is designed, for example, as a screw, which extends transversely to the temperature control element 2 through the temperature control element 2 and the first fixing elements 3 arranged opposite one another with respect to the temperature control element 2. Also in the embodiment of the Fig. 2, a screw nut can be screwed onto the second fixing element 4 designed as a screw, which presses the first fixing elements 3 and thus also the energy storage device 1 with the tempering element 2.

[0036] Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of the invention, wherein for elements which are similar in structure and / or function to the elements of the embodiments of the Fig. 1 or Fig. 2, the same reference numerals are used. For the sake of brevity, only the differences from the previous embodiments are discussed.

[0037] Fig. 3 shows the energy storage module 10 of the embodiment of the Fig. 1 with a fastening device 20, which fastens the energy storage module 1, for example, to a housing 21 of the battery. The housing 21 can be part of a battery module, a battery subunit, or a battery housing. Alternatively to the Fig. 3 shown energy storage module 10 of the embodiment of the Fig. 1, the energy storage module 10 of the embodiment of the Fig. 2 be fastened to the housing 21 using the fastening device 20.

[0038] The fastening device 20 comprises a rigid fastening element 22 and an elastic damping element 23. The rigid fastening element 22 is fixedly attached to the elastic damping element 23. For example, the fastening element 22 is designed as a sleeve having a collar on each of its end faces that points transversely away from the sleeve, with the tempering element 2 being arranged between the collars. Alternatively, the fastening element 22 and the damping element 23 can also be fastened to one another in a different form-fitting, force-fitting, or material-fitting manner, for example, by gluing. Furthermore, the fastening element 22 and the damping element 23 can be manufactured using a two-component injection-molding process.

[0039] The fastening element 22 can be made of a metal, for example, a bent sheet steel. The damping element 23 is preferably made of a resilient plastic, for example, an elastomer.

[0040] The fastening element 22 of the embodiment of the Fig. 3 is formed with an internal thread, wherein the housing 21 has a threaded pin 24 onto which the fastening element 22 is screwed. The damping element 23 extends around the fastening element 22 and the threaded pin 24 and is formed parallel to the threaded pin 24 with a substantially C-shaped cross-section. The elastic damping element 23 preferably has a receiving groove 25 that opens towards an edge region 26 of the temperature control element 2. The edge region 26 of the temperature control element 2 is partially arranged and pressed into the receiving groove 25. Two retaining legs 27, 28 extending parallel to the receiving groove 25 delimit the receiving groove 25 and press the temperature control element 2 into the receiving groove 25, at least in its edge region 26.

[0041] If the damping element 23 has an identical cross-section on at least two sides of the fastening element 22, the fastening device 20 can connect another energy storage module 10 to the housing 21. The two energy storage modules 10 are preferably arranged on two different sides of the fastening device 20 and, for example, such that the threaded pin 24 extends between the energy storage modules 10. The damping element 23 preferably surrounds the fastening element 22 with the identical cross-section.

[0042] The energy storage module 10 can be fixedly attached to the housing 21 on at least two of its opposite sides, each with a fastening device 20.

[0043] A fastening force fastening the energy storage device 1 to the housing 21 is guided along a fastening force flow F shown by arrows from the energy storage device 1 into the housing 21.

[0044] The fastening force flow extends from the energy storage device 1 through the fixing device 9 into the tempering element 2 and from there via the damping element 23 and the fastening element 22 into the housing 21.

[0045] Fig. Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the invention, with the same reference numerals being used for elements that correspond in function and / or structure to the elements of the embodiments shown in the previous figures. For the sake of brevity, only the differences from the embodiments shown in the previous figures are discussed.

[0046] The energy storage module 10 is in the Fig. 4 is shown only with the tempering element 2. The energy storage device 1 and the at least one fixing device 9 are not shown for the sake of simplicity.

[0047] The tempering element 2 is pressed on its opposite sides with an elastic damping element 23, 23', wherein the damping elements 23, 23' of the embodiment of the Fig. 4 as the damping element 23 of the embodiment of the Fig. 3 have a C-shaped cross-section and can be designed as retaining clips. The damping elements 23, 23' of the embodiment of Fig. 4, however, do not encircle a central fastening element 22, but rather extend in a rail-like manner transversely to the plane of the drawing. The damping elements 23, 23' are each provided with a receiving groove 25, 25', wherein the receiving grooves 25, 25' open toward each other parallel to the plane of the drawing and extend transversely to the plane of the drawing. The tempering element 2 is pressed with its opposing edge regions 26, 26' onto the damping elements 23, 23', so that the tempering element 2 is immovably connected to the housing 21.

[0048] The battery of the embodiment of the Fig. 4 is thus designed with two fastening devices 20, 20', which hold the temperature control element 2 at its opposite edge regions 26, 26' and fix it to the housing 21. The fastening device 20 is detachably connected to the housing 21. For example, the housing 21 is provided with the threaded pin 24, and the rigid fastening element 22 of the fastening device 20 is screwed to the threaded pin 24 directly or with a screw nut.

[0049] The fastening element 22 is shown as having a stepped or Z-shaped design and comprises, for example, a mounting leg 29, a clamping leg 30, and a connecting web 31 connecting the mounting leg 29 to the clamping leg 30. The mounting leg 29 is provided, for example, with an opening through which the threaded pin 24 protrudes or to which the threaded pin 24 can be screwed. The clamping leg 30 presses the damping element 23 against the housing 21, wherein the clamping leg 30 generates a holding force that tends to compress the receiving groove 25. In particular, the holding force presses the holding leg 27 toward the holding leg 28, which preferably rests against the housing 21, so that the temperature control element 2 is held pressed between the holding legs 27, 28 by the holding force.

[0050] The fastening device 20' is also provided with a clamping leg 30', which presses the damping element 23' against the housing 21. Consequently, the holding connection of the temperature control element 2 and the fastening device 20' corresponds to the connection between the temperature control element 2 and the fastening device 20. The clamping leg 30' also extends from a connecting web 31', with the clamping legs 30, 30' being arranged facing each other. In contrast to the fastening device 20, the fastening device 20' is not detachably but rather permanently connected to the housing 21. For example, the connecting web 30' can be fixedly provided on the housing 21 and, for example, welded to it.

[0051] The clamping legs 30, 30' can be provided with retaining lugs 32, 32' projecting toward the housing, which prevent displacement of the damping elements 23, 23' parallel to the plane of the drawing and in particular in the direction of the respective other fastening device 20, 20'. The retaining lugs 32, 32' can be arranged in particular at free ends of the clamping legs 30, 30', so that the clamping legs 30, 30' do not excessively restrict the installation space for the energy storage device 1.

[0052] The fastening force flow extends from the energy storage device 1 through the fixing devices 9, 9' and the fastening devices 20, 20' into the housing 21. In the area of ​​the fastening device 20, the fastening force flow F runs from the temperature control element 2 into the damping element 23 and from there directly into the housing 21 and via the clamping leg 30, the connecting web 31 and the mounting leg 29 into the threaded pin 24 and from there into the housing 21. In the area of ​​the fastening device 20', the force flow also extends from the temperature control element 2 initially into the damping element 23' and from there at least partially directly into the housing 21. Part of the fastening force flow flows from the damping element 23 into the clamping leg 30', from there into the connecting web 31' and then directly into the housing 21.

[0053] In all embodiments, the energy storage module 10 can have, for example, transversely to the plane of the drawing or from the temperature control fluid connection 11 behind the energy storage device 1, further energy storage devices 1 which are immovably connected to the temperature control element 2 and which are arranged, for example, behind the energy storage device 1 shown or outside the drawing area.

Claims

[1] A battery comprising an energy storage device (1) storing battery energy, a temperature control element (2) connected to the energy storage device (1) in a heat-conducting manner for controlling the temperature of the energy storage device (1), and a housing (21) in which the energy storage device (1) and the temperature control element (2) are arranged, wherein the temperature control element (2) is fixedly fastened to the energy storage device (1), and the battery comprises a fastening device (20, 20') for fastening the energy storage device (1) in the housing (21), which fastening device is formed with a rigid fastening element (22, 22') and a flexible damping element (23, 23'), wherein the fastening element (22, 22') and the damping element (23, 23') are arranged one behind the other along a fastening force flow along which a fastening force holding the energy storage device (1) in the housing (21) runs, characterized bythat the fastening element (22, 22') is arranged along the fastening force flow between the damping element (23, 23') and the housing (21) and is fastened to the housing (21). [2] Battery according to claim 1, wherein the fastening device (20, 20') is arranged along the fastening force flow between the tempering element (2) and the housing (21). [3] Battery according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tempering element (2) is held at least in sections by the damping element (23, 23'). [4] Battery according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the battery has two fastening devices (20, 20') between which the energy store (1) is arranged, and wherein at least one of the fastening elements (22, 22') is detachably fastened to the housing (21). [5] Battery according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the damping element (23, 23') has a receiving groove (25, 25') in which an edge region (26, 26') of the tempering element (2) is received at least in sections. [6] Battery according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fastening element (22, 22') is designed as a fastening clamp applying a holding force, wherein the holding force secures the tempering element (2) against displacement. [7] Battery according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the damping element (23, 23') is non-displaceably connected to the fastening element (22, 22'). [8] Motor vehicle with a battery and a drive system connected to the battery for transmitting drive energy, characterized by that the battery is a battery according to one of claims 1 to 7.

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