Battery

Abstract

Battery (1), comprising - at least two electrically interconnected, identically designed battery modules (2), each comprising a plurality of cylindrical electrical storage cells (3) whose vertical axes (4) are aligned parallel to each other, and each comprising at least one cell carrier (5) supporting the electrical storage cells (3) of the respective battery module (2), wherein the battery modules (2) are arranged adjacent to each other such that the electrical storage cells (3) of one battery module (2) are aligned with the electrical storage cells (3) of the other battery module (2), and - at least one temperature control line (7) through which a temperature control medium flows, which extends continuously through the battery modules (2), parallel to the height axes (4) of the electrical storage cells (3) and between electrical storage cells (3) arranged adjacent to each other, and - at least one connection unit (14) arranged at the end face of the battery (1), on which at least one connection nozzle (15) is arranged on a side facing away from the battery modules (2) and aligned with the temperature control line (7), wherein an end section of the temperature control line (7) running through the connection nozzle (15) is folded over the connection nozzle (15) in a collar-like manner.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a battery, in particular for an electrically powered motor vehicle.

[0002] Hybrid and electric vehicles typically use rechargeable batteries, which generally consist of numerous electrical storage cells connected in series and / or parallel. These batteries supply the electric drive systems of the hybrid or electric vehicles with electrical energy. The electrical storage cells can be grouped into battery subunits, known as battery modules, which together form the battery pack.

[0003] US 2013 / 0 122 341 A1 relates to a battery comprising electrochemical accumulators, a subset of which constitutes a first stage of electrically parallel accumulators and another subset of which constitutes a second stage of electrically parallel accumulators. Each accumulator of the first stage is connected in series to an accumulator of the second stage by a third electrical terminal defined by a through-hole.

[0004] DE 60 2006 000 126 T2 relates to a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery units; and a heat transfer unit comprising: a heat transfer body with at least one fluid path for a coolant and a temperature control unit, which is arranged adjacent to the battery units and is designed to control a temperature of the battery units; wherein the heat transfer body is a cooling tube; and wherein the battery units are arranged on an inside of the cooling tube and the temperature control unit is arranged on an outside of the cooling tube or wherein the battery units are arranged on the outside of the cooling tube and the temperature control unit is arranged on the inside of the cooling tube.

[0005] US 2011 / 0039142A1 relates to a battery pack with improved heat dissipation. The battery pack comprises a mounting housing and a plurality of batteries arranged within the mounting housing. The mounting housing has a plurality of fins arranged within the housing. Each fin has a column extending in one direction substantially parallel to a side face of the mounting housing, and each battery is located between the fin columns. The column has a heat dissipation hole extending along the column's direction of extension. An airflow is formed through the heat dissipation hole, and the heat generated during charging and / or discharging is dissipated by the airflow in the heat dissipation hole. A section of the columns is separated from each other, forming a gap. The heat generated by the batteries is also dissipated through this gap.

[0006] US 2015 / 0 118 530 A1 relates to a battery pack with battery cells in a plurality of adjacent rows arranged in a first direction, each row of adjacent rows comprising: a plurality of battery cells arranged in a second direction, a holder between the adjacent rows of battery cells, the holder having a first surface contacting a lateral surface of each of the battery cells forming a first row between the adjacent rows, and a second surface contacting a lateral surface of each of the battery cells forming a second row between the adjacent rows, and a temperature device measuring the temperature of the battery cells.The holder has a receiving groove extending inwards from at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the holder to accommodate the temperature device, and a cooling hole passing through the holder to allow the entry and exit of a liquid into the holder.

[0007] To ensure the safe, reliable, and optimal operation of an electrical storage cell, it is essential to maintain its temperature within an optimal range. This prevents overheating, which can lead to decomposition processes within the cell. Overheating can cause gas to form inside the cell, leading to a critical pressure increase. This process is known as thermal runaway. Furthermore, the electrical storage cell cannot operate optimally if its minimum permissible operating temperature is not reached.

[0008] One objective of the invention is to provide a more space-saving battery with higher energy density.

[0009] This problem is solved by the independent patent claim. Advantageous embodiments are described in particular in the dependent patent claims, each of which, individually or in various combinations, can represent an aspect of the invention.

[0010] A battery according to the invention, particularly for an electrically powered motor vehicle, comprises at least two electrically interconnected, identically designed battery modules, each of which has a plurality of cylindrical electrical storage cells whose vertical axes are aligned parallel to one another, and at least one cell carrier supporting the electrical storage cells of the respective battery module. The battery modules are arranged adjacent to one another such that the electrical storage cells of one battery module are aligned with the electrical storage cells of the other battery module. Furthermore, the battery according to the invention comprises at least one temperature control line through which a temperature control medium flows, extending continuously through the battery modules, parallel to the vertical axes of the electrical storage cells and between adjacent electrical storage cells.Furthermore, the battery comprises at least one connection unit arranged at the end face of the battery, on which at least one connection nozzle aligned with the temperature control line is arranged on a side facing away from the battery modules, wherein an end section of the temperature control line running through the connection nozzle is collar-like and slipped over the connection nozzle.

[0011] According to the invention, adjacent electrical storage cells are temperature-controlled by means of the temperature control line, thus eliminating the need for an additional, conventional cooling plate arranged laterally to the electrical storage cells. Furthermore, there is no heat exchanger body running transversely to the vertical axes of the electrical storage cells and between them. The latter would necessitate a correspondingly larger spacing between the electrical storage cells. A battery equipped with the temperature control line according to the invention is therefore more space-efficient than a battery equipped with a conventional cooling plate or a transversely running heat exchanger body. In particular, the invention utilizes the space already available between the electrical storage cells for temperature control.The resulting space gained can be used to give a correspondingly designed battery a higher energy density by using larger electrical storage cells and / or a larger number of electrical storage cells in the battery design.

[0012] The temperature control line according to the invention is in direct contact with the adjacent electrical storage cells to be temperature controlled, thereby ensuring optimal temperature control. The temperature control line makes contact with the electrical storage cells, particularly in the area of ​​the cell winding of each individual electrical storage cell, thus enabling optimal temperature control of the electrical storage cells.

[0013] The battery can also have two or more identically designed battery modules arranged in a series adjacent to each other or one behind the other in such a way that the electrical storage cells of each battery module are aligned with the electrical storage cells of the at least one battery module arranged adjacent to it.

[0014] The cylindrical electrical storage cells, whose vertical axes are aligned parallel to each other, can be, for example, lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, or nickel-metal hydride storage cells. The electrical storage cells can have a circular, elliptical, oval, polygonal, or other cross-sectional shape. The electrical storage cells of a battery module can be arranged offset from one another, thus making the battery module more compact. In particular, the electrical storage cells can be arranged in parallel rows, with the electrical storage cells of one row partially interlocking with the electrical storage cells of an adjacent row.

[0015] The cell carrier, which holds the electrical storage cells of the respective battery module, can be made of a plastic, a composite material, or a metal. Each battery module can also have two or more corresponding cell carriers. The cell carrier can be designed to fix the individual battery modules to one another. Positioning aids can also be arranged on the cell carrier, which interact with complementary positioning aids on another battery module in such a way that two appropriately designed battery modules, when brought into physical contact with each other, are securely positioned relative to one another in a desired manner.

[0016] The temperature control line, through which a temperature control medium flows, extends continuously through the battery modules, meaning that the temperature control line preferably runs through all battery modules of the battery. The temperature control line extends between adjacent electrical storage cells in such a way that it makes direct contact with these electrical storage cells. The temperature control line can be easily inserted through the battery modules. The temperature control line can be made of a plastic, which results in low manufacturing costs. The battery can also have two or more such temperature control lines, each of which is used to control the temperature of different adjacent electrical storage cells.If two or more temperature control lines are present, the temperature control medium can flow through them according to the counter-current principle in order to achieve a more uniform temperature control of the electrical storage cells.

[0017] The temperature control medium can be used to cool and / or heat the electrical storage cells. The temperature control medium can be liquid or gaseous, especially air.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment, retaining webs extending parallel to the height axes of the electrical storage cells on at least one cell carrier, between adjacent electrical storage cells, and over a portion of the height of the electrical storage cells are arranged relative to each other in such a way that they positively engage a section of the temperature control line between them. This keeps the temperature control line in a fixed position within the battery, ensuring optimal physical contact between the temperature control line and the electrical storage cells to be cooled. The retaining webs can be manufactured monolithically with the rest of the cell carrier.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment, the cooling line is made of a flexible plastic, in particular an elastomer. This allows the flexible cooling line to be easily positioned between the storage cells to be cooled or to be routed through the individual battery modules, even with larger tolerances. Through physical contact with the electrical storage cells, the cooling line can be deformed and thus brought into an optimal shape to provide the largest possible contact area between the cooling line and the electrical storage cells. Furthermore, the use of a flexible plastic cooling line results in a significant weight reduction compared to the use of a conventional, solid cooling plate. The cooling line can also be made, for example, from a very thin-walled plastic film.This results in a very lightweight design for the temperature control line, which also makes it inexpensive to manufacture.

[0020] Another advantageous embodiment provides that the temperature control line is made of an elastic plastic. This allows the temperature control line to conform optimally to the electrical storage cells being cooled when exposed to a pressurized cooling medium, thus providing the largest possible contact area between the temperature control line and these electrical storage cells. The temperature control line can, for example, be made of an elastomer. Alternatively, the temperature control line can be designed as a rubber hose.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the retaining ribs are arranged relative to each other such that three retaining ribs form a receptacle into which an end section of the respective electrical storage cell is positively inserted. In this way, the retaining ribs serve both to hold the electrical storage cells and to hold the temperature control line in the desired positions relative to each other.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment, the electrical storage cells are cylindrical in shape. Such electrical storage cells, referred to as cylindrical cells, have a relatively large surface area, which results in a high energy-to-surface-area ratio. Furthermore, due to their relatively large surface area, these electrical storage cells can be optimally temperature-controlled.

[0023] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the connection unit is arranged in series with the battery modules. The battery can also be provided with a corresponding connection unit on each of its two end faces. The connection fitting can have an inner diameter that corresponds approximately to the outer diameter of the cooling line, so that the cooling line fits snugly through the connection fitting. Preferably, the cooling line is made of an elastic plastic, for example, an elastomer, so that the end section of the cooling line can be easily slipped outwards over the connection fitting in a collar-like manner. This allows the elastic cooling line to be positively connected to the connection fitting and thus securely held in a desired position. The number of connection fittings of the connection unit preferably corresponds to the number of cooling lines present in the battery.

[0024] A further advantageous embodiment provides that the battery has at least one collector unit arranged on the side of the connection unit facing away from the battery modules. This collector unit has at least one connection for the inlet or outlet of the temperature control medium and is connected to the temperature control line. At least one collector-side connection nozzle, aligned with the temperature control line, is arranged on one side of the collector unit facing the connection unit. This connection nozzle engages the connection nozzle of the connection unit with the end section of the temperature control line that is fitted over it. The temperature control medium can be supplied to or discharged from the temperature control line(s) via the collector unit. For this purpose, a collector chamber can be arranged within the collector unit, which is connected to the connection on one side and to the temperature control line(s) on the other.The connection port of the connection unit runs in the opposite direction to the connection port of the manifold unit. The manifold unit is secured to the connection unit by the positive fit between the manifold-side connection port and the connection port of the connection unit, over which the end section of the cooling line is fitted. The material thickness of the manifold-side connection port can be selected such that it is clamped between adjacent connection ports, each of which has an end section of a cooling line fitted over it. This secures the end sections of the cooling lines to the connection ports of the connection unit. Simultaneously, this reinforces the attachment of the manifold unit to the connection unit.

[0025] Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the figures. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic and perspective representation of an embodiment of a battery according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic and perspective representation of a battery module of the in Fig. 1 battery shown; Fig. 3 a schematic and perspective detail representation of the in Fig. 1 battery shown; Fig. 4 a schematic and perspective detail representation of the in Fig. 2 battery modules shown; Fig. 5 a further schematic and perspective detail representation of the in Fig. 2 battery modules shown; Fig. 6 a schematic detailed representation of a further embodiment of a battery according to the invention in longitudinal section; Fig. 7 a schematic detailed representation of a further embodiment of a battery according to the invention in longitudinal section; and Fig. 8 a schematic and perspective detail representation of the in Fig. 7 shown battery.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic and perspective representation of an embodiment of a battery 1 according to the invention for an electrically powered motor vehicle not shown.

[0027] The battery 1 comprises six electrically interconnected, identically designed battery modules 2, which are arranged in series one behind the other.

[0028] Each battery module 2 comprises a plurality of cylindrical electrical storage cells 3, whose vertical axes 4 and longitudinal axes 4 are aligned parallel to each other. The battery modules 2 are arranged adjacent to each other such that the electrical storage cells 3 of one battery module 2 are aligned with the electrical storage cells 3 of at least one adjacent battery module 2.

[0029] Each battery module 2 further comprises a cell carrier 5 supporting the electrical storage cells 3 of the respective battery module 2 and a cell carrier cover 6, wherein the cell carrier covers 6 of the in Fig. The five battery modules shown on the right are 2 transparent. Fig. The battery module 2 shown on the left is depicted in an open state, revealing the electrical storage cells 3 of this battery module 2. The cell carriers 5 and the cell carrier covers 6 are made of a plastic, for example, by injection molding.

[0030] The battery 1 further comprises a plurality of temperature control lines 7 through which a temperature control medium flows, each extending continuously through the battery modules 2, parallel to the height axes 4 of the electrical storage cells 3, and between at least two adjacent electrical storage cells 3 in each battery module 2. Each temperature control line 7 can be made of a flexible plastic or an elastic plastic, in particular an elastomer.

[0031] Each cell carrier cover 6 has a plurality of openings 8 through which a temperature control line 7 is guided. Furthermore, each cell carrier cover 6 has a plurality of openings 9 through which the electrical storage cells 3 of adjacent battery modules 2 are in physical and electrically conductive contact with each other. The cell carriers 5 have correspondingly arranged and configured openings in Fig. 1. The cell carrier shown on the right has 5 visible openings 8 and 9.

[0032] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic and perspective representation of a battery module 2 of the in Fig. 1 shown battery 1. The cell carrier cover 6 connected to the cell carrier 5 is again shown transparently, so that the electrical storage cells 3, whose height axes 4 are aligned parallel to each other, and the sections of the temperature control lines 7 running through the battery module 2 can be seen.

[0033] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic and perspective detail of the in Fig. 1. Battery shown. In the middle, an open battery module 2 without a cell carrier cover can be seen, to which the Fig. 3 on the right connects another battery module 2, from which in Fig. 3 only the cell carrier 5 is shown, and to which it is connected in Fig. 3 on the left connects another battery module 2, of which only the cell carrier cover 6 is shown. The temperature control lines 7 running through the battery modules 2 are particularly visible.

[0034] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic and perspective detail of the in Fig. 2 shown battery module 2. The electrical storage cells 3 and the cell carrier 5 of this battery module 2 are shown. The temperature control lines 7 run through the battery module 2. The cell carrier 5 and four temperature control lines 7 are in Fig. 4 shown in section. To further illustrate the structure of the cell carrier 5, some of the electrical storage cells 3 of the battery module 2 are shown in Fig. 4 has been omitted. On the cell carrier 5, retaining webs 10 are arranged parallel to the height axes 4 of the electrical storage cells 3, between adjacent electrical storage cells 3, and extending over a portion of the height of the electrical storage cells 3, such that three retaining webs 10 each positively engage a section of the respective temperature control line 7. For this purpose, the retaining webs 10 each have opposing, concave surfaces, in Fig. The end faces shown in Figure 5 bear against the respective temperature control line 7. The retaining webs 10 are arranged relative to each other such that three retaining webs 10 form a receptacle 11 into which an end section of the respective electrical storage cell 3 is positively inserted. For this purpose, the retaining webs 10 each have opposing, concave side surfaces 12 that bear against the respective electrical storage cell 3.

[0035] Fig. Figure 5 shows a further schematic and perspective detail of the in Fig. 2 shown battery module 2. This representation essentially corresponds to the one in Fig. Figure 4 shows the representation, with two cut-off temperature control lines 7 omitted so that the concave end faces 13 of the retaining webs 10 are visible. Furthermore, the openings 8 and 9 of the cell carrier 5 are visible. For the remainder of the description, please refer to the above description to avoid repetition. Fig. 4 referred.

[0036] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic detail view of a further embodiment of a battery 1 according to the invention in longitudinal section. This battery 1 differs in particular from the one described in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the battery 1 has at least one connection unit 14 arranged at its end face. On a side facing away from the battery modules 2, several connection ports 15 are arranged on this connection unit, each port aligned with a temperature control line 7. An end section of the temperature control line 7 running through each connection port 15 is collar-shaped and folded over the connection port 15. The connection ports 15 are arranged on a common end plate 16, which has openings 17 in the area of ​​the connection ports 15. Retaining ribs 10 are also arranged on the cell carrier covers 6, which are designed according to the retaining ribs 10 of the cell carriers 5. Furthermore, the battery 1 can be configured according to the embodiment shown in the Fig. The embodiment shown in 1 to 5 is designed accordingly, which is why, to avoid repetition, we refer to the above description of the Fig. 1 to 5 are referred to.

[0037] Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic detail view of a further embodiment of a battery 1 according to the invention in longitudinal section. This battery 1 differs in particular from the one shown in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the battery 1 has at least one collector unit 18 arranged on the side of the connection unit 14 facing away from the battery modules 2. This collector unit 18 has at least one schematically indicated connection 19 for the inlet or outlet of the temperature control medium and is connected to the temperature control lines 7. On one side of the collector unit 18 facing the connection unit 14, several collector-side connection nozzles 20 are arranged, aligned with the respective temperature control line 7. These nozzles positively engage the respective connection nozzle 15 of the connection unit 14 with the end section of the respective temperature control line 7 that is placed over it. Six collector-side connection nozzles 20, arranged in a circle, are connected to each other at their free ends via a termination section 21.Within the collector unit 18, a collector chamber 22 is formed, which is connected to the terminal 19 and the collector-side connection ports 20 or the temperature control lines 7. The collector chamber 22 is closed at its end by a closing wall 23. Otherwise, the battery 1 is configured as shown in [reference]. Fig. The embodiment shown in section 6 is designed accordingly, which is why, to avoid repetition, we refer to the description above. Fig. 6 is referred to.

[0038] Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic and perspective detail of the in Fig. Battery 1 shown in Figure 7. The tubular design of the connection ports 15 and the collector-side connection ports 20 is particularly noticeable. It can also be seen that the collector-side connection ports 20 positively engage the connection ports 15 with the end sections of the temperature control lines 7 that are fitted over them. Reference symbol list: 1 battery 2 battery modules 3 electrical storage cells 4 Height axis 5 cell carriers 6 Cell carrier cover 7 Temperature control line 8 Breakthrough 9 Breakthrough 10 landing stage 11th entry 12 side surface of 10 13 Front surface of 10 14 connection unit 15 connection spigots out of 14 16 End plate of 14 17 Breakthrough out of 16 18 collector units 19 connection of 18 20 collector-side connection nozzles 21 Final section of 18 22 Collector's Chamber 23 End wall of 18

Claims

[1] Battery (1), comprising - at least two electrically interconnected, identically designed battery modules (2), each comprising a plurality of cylindrical electrical storage cells (3) whose vertical axes (4) are aligned parallel to each other, and each comprising at least one cell carrier (5) supporting the electrical storage cells (3) of the respective battery module (2), wherein the battery modules (2) are arranged adjacent to each other such that the electrical storage cells (3) of one battery module (2) are aligned with the electrical storage cells (3) of the other battery module (2), and - at least one temperature control line (7) through which a temperature control medium flows, which extends continuously through the battery modules (2), parallel to the height axes (4) of the electrical storage cells (3) and between electrical storage cells (3) arranged adjacent to each other, and - at least one connection unit (14) arranged at the end face of the battery (1), on which at least one connection nozzle (15) is arranged on a side facing away from the battery modules (2) and aligned with the temperature control line (7), wherein an end section of the temperature control line (7) running through the connection nozzle (15) is folded over the connection nozzle (15) in a collar-like manner. [2] Battery (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that retaining webs (10) extending over part of the height of the electrical storage cells (3) on at least one cell carrier (5) parallel to the height axes (4) of the electrical storage cells (3) are arranged between adjacent electrical storage cells (3) and are arranged relative to each other in such a way that they receive a section of the temperature control line (7) between them in a form-fitting manner. [3] Battery (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the temperature control line (7) is made of a flexible plastic. [4] Battery (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the temperature control line (7) is made of an elastic plastic. [5] Battery (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by , that the retaining webs (10) are arranged relative to each other such that three retaining webs (10) form a receptacle (11) into which an end section of the respective electrical storage cell (3) is positively inserted. [6] Battery (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the electrical storage cells (3) are shaped like circular cylinders. [7] Battery (1) according to claim 1, characterized byat least one collector unit (18) arranged on the side of the connection unit (14) facing away from the battery modules (2), which has at least one connection (19) for the inlet or outlet of the temperature control medium and which is communicatively connected to the temperature control line (7), wherein at least one collector-side connection nozzle (20) aligned with the temperature control line (7) is arranged on a side of the collector unit (18) facing the connection unit (14), which positively engages the connection nozzle (15) of the connection unit (14) with the end section of the temperature control line (7) placed over it.

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