Battery modules with multiple submodules

Abstract

Battery module (100), in particular for a battery (150) for powering a vehicle, comprising a plurality of individual, stackable battery cells (110), two module end plates (106), wherein the battery cells (110) are stacked and held between the two module end plates (106), the battery cells (110) are electrically coupled to each other, and the two module end plates (106) are electrically coupled to the battery cells (110) and each has an electrical contact for connecting the battery module (100), wherein the battery module (100) has at least one intermediate element (108), wherein each intermediate element (108) is electrically coupled to adjacent battery cells (110), each intermediate element (108) divides the battery module (100) into a plurality of submodules (102, 104), and each intermediate element (108) electrically connects the submodules (102, 104), characterized in thatthat the module end plates (106) and the at least one intermediate element (108) are designed as cooling elements of a battery cooling system.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a battery, in particular for powering a vehicle, comprising a plurality of the above-mentioned battery modules.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a vehicle with an electric drive and the above-mentioned battery.

[0004] Battery modules are used, for example, in automotive engineering to provide energy for powering electric vehicles. These can be vehicles that are exclusively electric, usually referred to as electric vehicles, or vehicles that, in addition to an electric drive, have another drive system, typically a conventional drive system in the form of an internal combustion engine. The latter vehicles are often also called hybrid vehicles.

[0005] Electric drives require batteries with high storage capacity that are also as small and lightweight as possible and capable of delivering both high voltages and high currents. Therefore, batteries typically use multiple battery modules, each of which is composed of multiple individual battery cells. Within the battery modules, the battery cells are usually connected in series, so that the voltages of the individual cells add up to a module voltage. The battery modules can be connected in series and / or parallel within the battery, depending on the requirements.

[0006] Adapting a battery module to a specific number of battery cells is usually a complex and time-consuming process. Typically, the battery module must be disassembled and then reassembled to achieve the desired configuration. This is particularly disadvantageous in applications requiring a high degree of modularity and adaptability to changing conditions, such as stationary batteries. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to reconfigure battery modules easily and cost-effectively.

[0007] In addition to adapting to changing requirements, easy maintenance and repair of batteries or battery modules is also desirable. Currently, even in this case, it is necessary to completely disassemble the battery modules in order to replace, for example, individual, damaged battery cells.

[0008] Furthermore, good structural integrity is important for battery modules. Battery modules with a large number of individual battery cells can sometimes struggle to meet these requirements.

[0009] A state-of-the-art battery module 10 is exemplified in Fig. Figure 1 shows the battery module 10 comprising two module end plates 12, between which a plurality of individual, stackable battery cells 14 are arranged. The battery cells 14 are stacked accordingly and held between the two module end plates 14. Each of the two module end plates 12 has a screw terminal 16 as an electrical contact for connecting the battery module 10. Furthermore, each of the two module end plates 12 has a connection element 18 for electrical coupling with the adjacent battery cell 14. The battery cells 14 are electrically coupled to each other via coupling elements 20.

[0010] In this context, a battery module with a structure for preventing the mixing of coolant and ventilation gas is known from DE 10 2014 217 188 A1. This patent discloses a battery module comprising two or more stacked battery cells that can be charged and discharged, and cartridges for fixing the corresponding battery cells to form a battery cell stack. Each cartridge has a cooling fin that is in contact with the battery cells and a cartridge frame for fixing the cooling fin. The cooling fin comprises two cooling plates, which are coupled to each cartridge frame in a state where the cooling plates are spaced apart to define a coolant flow channel. Each cartridge is provided with openings that communicate with the coolant flow channel between the cooling plates.Furthermore, a sealing element is provided to isolate a space defined between the cartridge frames and the battery cells from the coolant flow channel at a stack interface between one cartridge and an adjacent cartridge.

[0011] WO 2012 / 158185A1 describes an energy storage system with a large number of stacked battery cells, each grouped into a battery unit or battery module and terminated at both ends by a (module) end plate. Furthermore, the battery cells are electrically interconnected. A cooling plate is positioned between two battery units or battery modules, forming an intermediate element and dividing the battery units into submodules.

[0012] From DE 10 2009 057 368 A1 it is known that individual battery modules or submodules are separated by a plate-shaped cooling device, which forms an intermediate element. The battery modules are electrically interconnected via connections through the cooling plate – depending on the wall surface, via studded connections of one battery module and corresponding opposing recessed connections of the other battery module.

[0013] A battery module of this type is known from the subsequently published DE 10 2015 220 589 A1.

[0014] Based on the aforementioned prior art, the invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a battery module of the aforementioned type, a battery of the aforementioned type, and a vehicle of the aforementioned type, which enable a simple configuration of battery cells into battery modules and batteries, which can be easily adapted to changing requirements, which enable simple maintenance and repair of batteries or battery modules, and which provide batteries or battery modules with good structural integrity and prevent damage to the battery.

[0015] The problem is solved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0016] A battery module, particularly for a vehicle battery, is thus described, comprising a plurality of individual, stackable battery cells, two module end plates, wherein the battery cells are stacked and held between the two module end plates, the battery cells are electrically coupled to each other, and the two module end plates are electrically coupled to the battery cells and each has an electrical contact for connecting the battery module, wherein the battery module has at least one intermediate element, each intermediate element is electrically coupled to adjacent battery cells, each intermediate element divides the battery module into a plurality of submodules, and each intermediate element electrically connects the submodules. According to the invention, the battery module is characterized in that the module end plates and the at least one intermediate element are designed as cooling elements of a battery cooling system.During operation, the battery cells heat up during charging and discharging. In this case, cooling is necessary to ensure the battery's performance is consistently available and to prevent damage. The same applies to heating the battery. Particularly when starting a journey and / or at low ambient temperatures, it may be necessary to warm the battery to ensure the battery's performance is always available and to prevent damage. Preferably, the battery cooling system is designed for both heating and cooling.

[0017] According to the invention, a battery, in particular for powering a vehicle, is further specified, comprising a plurality of the above-mentioned battery modules.

[0018] According to the invention, a vehicle with an electric drive and the above-mentioned battery is also specified.

[0019] The basic idea of ​​the present invention is therefore to achieve a more modular and easily scalable design of individual battery modules through this modular construction with submodules. An intermediate element is, as a whole, part of two adjacent submodules. The intermediate elements simultaneously improve the overall stability of the battery modules. Furthermore, these battery modules are simple and cost-effective to assemble, maintain, and repair. The electrical connection of the submodules via the intermediate elements eliminates the need for a separate busbar that would otherwise be required to connect to the individual submodules. Accordingly, the number of required electrical contacts can be reduced.

[0020] A battery module according to the present invention thus basically comprises two module end plates that electrically connect adjacent battery cells. Accordingly, the module end plates are preferably equipped with connection elements for electrical connection to the battery cells. For this purpose, each connection element contacts an adjacent submodule. For connecting an external busbar or cable, the module end plates have a further contact point, which corresponds to the electrical contact. The electrical contact can be implemented, for example, with a screw or spring clamp. In principle, the external busbar or cable can also be permanently connected to the electrical contact, for example, by soldering or welding.

[0021] The battery cells can, in principle, be of any design. For example, they can be pouch cells or prismatic cells. The battery cells can be connected to the intermediate element and / or to each other, for example, by welding. The individual adjacent battery cells are electrically connected according to their arrangement in the stack. Each battery module is typically composed of identical battery cells. The battery cells are usually connected in series within the battery module.

[0022] The battery can, in principle, have various combinations of individual battery modules to provide a desired combination of voltage and current over a desired period of time. Battery voltages of 100V or more are possible.

[0023] The vehicle can be any vehicle with an electric drive. This can include vehicles that have only an electric drive, usually referred to as electric vehicles, or vehicles that have a second drive in addition to an electric drive, typically a conventional drive in the form of an internal combustion engine. The latter vehicles are often also referred to as hybrid vehicles.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one intermediate element has a connecting element on both sides, via which the intermediate element is electrically coupled to adjacent battery cells, and the two connecting elements are electrically connected to each other. The connecting elements thus serve to connect each submodule to an intermediate element. Functionally, the connecting elements essentially correspond to the connection elements on the module end plates, with the connection elements providing contact to the battery module as a whole and the connecting elements providing contact to a submodule. The corresponding battery cells and connecting elements are preferably electrically connected to each other by welding to ensure reliable electrical contact.A base plate of the intermediate element, to which the connecting elements are attached, can therefore be made of an insulating material in order to electrically separate submodules from each other.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the intermediate element has a through-connection that electrically connects the two connecting elements. Accordingly, a passage is formed in each intermediate element through which the through-connection can extend. The through-connection is preferably designed in the form of a via, as used in printed circuit boards. The through-connection extends, for example, from one connecting element through the passage to the other connecting element, where it is electrically connected, for example, by soldering or welding. The through-connection can be solid or designed in the form of a sleeve.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the intermediate element comprises two intermediate plates, each of which is coupled to an adjacent battery cell, and the two intermediate plates are electrically coupled. This allows the submodules to be provided as independent structural units. The submodules can thus be easily configured as a whole for variable, subsequent use. Battery modules can be easily formed by combining prefabricated submodules. The intermediate elements are thus formed from the adjacent intermediate plates during the assembly of the individual submodules into the battery module. Furthermore, the submodules can be designed to be self-supporting by firmly connecting the intermediate plates and holding battery cells between them. The submodules between two connecting plates then serve as intermediate modules of a battery module.The same applies to the connection of an intermediate plate to a module end plate. By combining a module end plate and an intermediate plate, with battery cells held between them, pre-assembled submodules can also be formed, which, as connection modules, enable the electrical connection of the entire battery module. The coupling of the intermediate plates is carried out, for example, as previously described with reference to the intermediate element.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the two intermediate plates can be mechanically connected to each other via a plug connection. This enables a particularly simple mechanical combination of submodules to form the battery module.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the two intermediate plates are provided with a corresponding combination of plug and socket, and the two intermediate plates can be electrically coupled via the plug and socket. The plug and socket thus form an electrical connection. Accordingly, an electrical connection between adjacent submodules can be established with only one electrical transition, namely the contact between the plug and socket. Establishing the electrical connection is particularly easy due to the plug connection.

[0029] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the plug connection is integrally designed as a plug and socket, so that both a mechanical connection and an electrical coupling of the two intermediate plates are achieved via the plug connection.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the battery comprises a battery housing in which the battery modules are arranged, and the module end plates and / or the at least one intermediate element are held to the battery housing. This further improves the stability of the battery modules. The stability of the individual battery modules, and thus the reliability and stability of the battery as a whole, increases with the number of intermediate elements held to the housing.

[0031] The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, wherein the features shown below can represent an aspect of the invention both individually and in combination.

[0032] They show: Fig. 1: A schematic representation of a prior art battery module according to a first embodiment in front and side view, Fig. 2: A schematic representation of a battery module with two submodules separated by an intermediate element, according to a second, preferred embodiment in side view, Fig. 3: a schematic representation of the intermediate element made of Fig. 2 with a connecting element and a through connection in frontal view, Fig. 4: A schematic representation of a battery module with two submodules separated by an intermediate element with two intermediate plates, according to a third embodiment in side view. Fig. 5: a schematic representation of the intermediate element made of Fig. 4 with a connecting element and a plug and a socket for connecting the two intermediate plates in side view, Fig. 6: a detailed view of the intermediate element from Fig. 4. With the plug and socket in connected state, in unconnected state, and in an intermediate state, in side view. Fig. 7: a detailed view of the plug Fig. 6 in front view and side section view, Fig. 8: a detailed view of the socket Fig. 6 in the intermediate plate as a sectional view, and Fig. 9: a schematic representation of a battery with two battery modules made of Fig. 4 according to a fourth embodiment in side view.

[0033] The Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 relate to a battery module 100 according to a second, preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0034] The battery module 100 comprises a first and a second submodule 102, 104, each containing a plurality of individual battery cells 110 stacked within the two submodules 102, 104. The battery cells 110 can, in principle, be of any configuration. According to the second embodiment, the battery cells 110 are configured as pouch cells or prismatic cells. The individual adjacent battery cells 110 are electrically connected to one another according to their arrangement in the stack. The battery module 100 is formed from identical battery cells 110 connected in series within the battery module 100.

[0035] The battery module 100 further comprises two module end plates 106 and an intermediate element 108, between which the battery cells 110 are held. The battery cells 110 of the first and second submodules 102, 104 are each held between one of the module end plates 106 and the intermediate element 108. Each of the two module end plates 106 has a screw terminal as an electrical contact for connecting the battery module 100. The battery module 100 connects to an external bus bar (not shown) or a cable via these screw terminals.

[0036] The electrical coupling of the battery cells 110 in the battery module 100 is effected via connection elements 112, coupling elements 114 and connecting elements 116. A connection element 112 is formed on each module end plate 106, and the intermediate element 108 has a connecting element 116 on both sides.

[0037] The connecting elements 112 each contact an adjacent submodule 102, 104 by contacting the respective adjacent battery cell 110 of the respective submodule 102, 104. The coupling elements 114 establish an electrical connection between adjacent battery cells 110 within the two submodules 102, 104. The connecting elements 116 each contact an adjacent submodule 102, 104 by contacting the respective adjacent battery cell 110 of the respective submodule 102, 104. The battery cells 110 are each connected to the connecting element 112, the coupling element 114, and the connecting element 116 by welding.

[0038] In this embodiment, each module end plate 106 together with the intermediate element 108 serves to connect each of the submodules 102, 104.

[0039] The intermediate element 108 of the second embodiment has a through-connection 118 which electrically connects the two connecting elements 116. Accordingly, a through-connection 118, which is not individually visible, is formed in the intermediate element 108 through which the through-connection 118 extends. The through-connection 118 is designed as a sleeve, similar to a via used in a printed circuit board, and is electrically connected to the two connecting elements 116.

[0040] The Fig. Figures 4 to 8 relate to a battery module 100 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The battery modules 100 of the second and third embodiments are largely identical. Accordingly, features of the battery module 100 of the third embodiment that are not described differently can be implemented in accordance with the battery module 100 of the second embodiment, insofar as necessary.

[0041] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the battery module 100 of the third embodiment comprises a first and a second submodule 102, 104 with a plurality of individual battery cells 110, which are stacked in the two submodules 102, 104. The battery cells 110 are designed as identical pouch cells and are electrically connected in series in the battery module 100.

[0042] The battery module 100 further comprises two module end plates 106 and an intermediate element 108, between which the battery cells 110 are held. The intermediate element 108 of the third embodiment has two intermediate plates 120, each intermediate plate 120 being electrically coupled to an adjacent battery cell 110, as described with reference to the connecting element 116 of the second embodiment. Accordingly, the submodules 102, 104, each with an intermediate plate 120 and a module end plate 106, are provided as independent structural units. Furthermore, the structural units thus formed are inherently stable, since the respective module end plate 106 and intermediate plate 120 are rigidly connected to one another in a manner not shown, and the battery cells 110 located between them are held in place.

[0043] The two submodules 102, 104 are mechanically connected to each other via the two intermediate plates 120 by a plug connection which is not shown in detail.

[0044] Furthermore, the two submodules 102 and 104 are electrically coupled in the connected state via the two intermediate plates 120. The two intermediate plates 120 are described in detail in the Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows a corresponding combination of plug 122 and socket 124.

[0045] Plug 122 is alone in Fig. Figure 7 shows and comprises an insulating sleeve 130 and a pin element 134 arranged therein with a contact tip 132. The contact tip 132 is electrically connected to the connecting element 116 of the corresponding intermediate plate 120. The socket 124 is in the corresponding intermediate plate 120 in Fig. Figure 8 shows and comprises an insulating element 140, which provides insulation against the corresponding intermediate plate 120 and is designed in a sleeve shape, as well as a contact sleeve 142 arranged therein. The contact sleeve 142 is electrically connected to the connecting element 116 of the corresponding intermediate plate 120.

[0046] The remaining structure of the battery module 100 of the third embodiment is as described above with reference to the second embodiment.

[0047] The battery cells 110 of the first and second submodules 102 and 104 are each held between a module end plate 106 and an intermediate plate 120 of the intermediate element 108. The two module end plates 106 each have a screw terminal as an electrical contact for connecting the battery module 100. The battery module 100 connects to an external bus bar (not shown) or cable via the screw terminals.

[0048] The electrical coupling of the battery cells 110 in the battery module 100 is effected via the connection elements 112, coupling elements 114 and the connecting elements 116. A connection element 112 is formed on each module end plate 106, and each intermediate plate 120 of the intermediate element 108 has a connecting element 116 on one side, as already described above.

[0049] The connection elements 112 each contact an adjacent battery cell 110 of the respective submodule 102, 104. The coupling elements 114 establish an electrical connection between adjacent battery cells 110 within the two submodules 102, 104. The connecting elements 116 each contact an adjacent battery cell 110 of the respective submodule 102. The battery cells 110 are each connected to the connection element 112, the coupling element 114, and the connecting element 116 by welding.

[0050] In this embodiment, a module end plate 106 together with an intermediate plate 120 of the intermediate element 108 serves to connect a sub-module 102, 104.

[0051] Fig. Figure 9 shows a battery 150 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The battery 150 comprises two battery modules 100, which are arranged in Fig. 4 are shown in accordance with the third embodiment. In principle, the battery modules 100 of the second embodiment can also be used instead of the battery modules 100 of the third embodiment.

[0052] The 150 battery is designed to power a vehicle. The vehicle is an electrically powered vehicle, for example, an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

[0053] The battery 150 has a battery housing 152 in which the two battery modules 100 are arranged. The battery modules 100 are held in the battery housing 152 by brackets 154, which hold the module end plates 106 and the intermediate plates 120 of the intermediate element 108, as shown in Fig. Figure 9 is shown schematically. Correctly, the connected battery modules 100 are held in the battery housing 152, so that the holders 154 for the intermediate plates 120 are arranged accordingly for the connected intermediate plates 120.

[0054] Not shown in the figures are, for example, the cell frames required for pouch cells and the taps for measuring the cell voltage. The 150 battery is also typically equipped with a battery management system (BMS), which is likewise not shown in the figures.

Claims

[1] Battery module (100), in particular for a battery (150) for driving a vehicle, comprising a plurality of individual, stackable battery cells (110), two module end plates (106), wherein the battery cells (110) are stacked and held between the two module end plates (106), the battery cells (110) are electrically coupled to one another, and the two module end plates (106) are electrically coupled to the battery cells (110) and each have an electrical contact for connecting the battery module (100), wherein the battery module (100) has at least one intermediate element (108), wherein each intermediate element (108) is electrically coupled to adjacent battery cells (110), each intermediate element (108) divides the battery module (100) into a plurality of submodules (102, 104), and each intermediate element (108) electrically connects the submodules (102, 104), characterized bythat the module end plates (106) and the at least one intermediate element (108) are designed as cooling elements of a battery cooling system. [2] Battery module (100) according to claim 1, characterized by that the at least one intermediate element (108) has a connecting element (116) on both sides, via which the intermediate element (108) is electrically coupled to adjacent battery cells (110), and the two connecting elements (116) are electrically conductively connected to one another. [3] Battery module (100) according to the preceding claim 2, characterized by that the intermediate element (108) has a through connection (118) which electrically connects the two connecting elements (116) to one another. [4] Battery module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the intermediate element (108) has two intermediate plates (120), wherein in each case one intermediate plate (120) is coupled to an adjacent battery cell (110), and the two intermediate plates (120) are electrically coupled. [5] Battery module (100) according to the preceding claim 4, characterized by that the two intermediate plates (120) can be mechanically connected to one another by means of a plug connection. [6] Battery module (100) according to one of the preceding claims 4 or 5, characterized by that the two intermediate plates (120) are designed with a corresponding combination of plug (122) and socket (124), and the two intermediate plates (120) can be electrically coupled via the plug (120) and the socket (124). [7] Battery (150), in particular for driving a vehicle, with a plurality of battery modules (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6. [8] Battery (150) according to claim 7, characterized bythat the battery (150) has a battery housing (152) in which the battery modules (100) are arranged, and the module end plates (106) and / or the at least one intermediate element (108) are held on the battery housing (152). [9] Vehicle with an electric drive and a battery (150) according to one of claims 7 or 8.

Images