Battery module

Abstract

Battery module (100), comprising: several battery cells (101) and a carrier plate (10) for supporting and connecting the battery cells (101), wherein the carrier plate (10) has a plurality of cup-shaped cell housings (11) in which the battery cells (101) are accommodated, and wherein the cell housings (11) are formed integrally with the carrier plate (10), wherein a channel structure (12) is provided for tempering the battery cells (101), wherein the channel structure (12) has at least one common wall (W) with a plurality of cell housings (11), characterized by that the carrier plate (10) is designed to assemble the battery module (100) as a plug-in module to form a modular battery, wherein the carrier plate (10) has at least one guide rail (5) in order to assemble the battery module (100) into a modular battery.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a battery module according to the preamble of the independent device claim. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding modular battery according to the subordinate independent device claim.

[0002] Battery modules are known that have multiple battery cells arranged on a carrier plate. The battery cells can be cooled via the carrier plate. However, this does not allow satisfactory cooling of the battery cells. Alternatively, the battery cells can be cooled via a cooling coil, which can be arranged in the base of the carrier plate, as shown in document DE 10 2008 059 967 A1. For this type of cooling of the battery cells, the battery housings must be positioned in thermal contact with the cooling coil. This can cause air to enter between the battery cell housings and the cooling coil, disrupting the thermal coupling.

[0003] The document US 2010 / 0 119 926 A1 discloses an electric battery with a mechanical and thermal conditioning system, the document US 2011 / 0 269 008 A1 discloses a battery system with a heat exchanger, the document US 2016 / 0 172 643 A1 discloses a lithium-ion battery module and the document US 2009 / 0 169 978 A1 discloses a multi-cell battery arrangement.

[0004] The object of the invention is therefore to at least partially overcome at least one disadvantage known from the prior art in a battery module. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a battery module that is simply constructed and equipped with an improved cooling mechanism. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide an improved modular battery that is easy to assemble and has an improved cooling mechanism.

[0005] The object of the invention is achieved by a battery module having the features of the independent device claim, in particular from the characterizing part, as well as by a corresponding modularly constructed battery according to the independent device claim. Preferred developments of the invention are listed in the dependent claims. Features disclosed in relation to the individual aspects of the invention can be combined with one another in such a way that mutual reference is or can always be made to the disclosure of the aspects of the invention.

[0006] The invention provides a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells and a carrier plate for supporting and interconnecting the battery cells, wherein the carrier plate has a plurality of cup-shaped cell housings (so-called cell sleeves) in which the battery cells (or, in other words, cell coils) are accommodated, and wherein the cell housings are formed integrally (and / or monolithically and / or of the same material) with the carrier plate. For this purpose, according to the invention, a channel structure is provided for tempering (heating or cooling) the battery cells, wherein the channel structure has at least one common wall with a plurality of, in particular with all, cell housings.

[0007] Within the scope of the invention, the battery cells can be designed as round cells, prismatic cells, or pouch cells. The cell casings within the scope of the invention can have a round or polygonal, in particular rectangular or square, cross-section. For example, 1-20, 1-40, 1-80, 20-40, or 40-200 cell casings can be provided on the carrier plate. Furthermore, the number of battery cells can be adjusted depending on the application.

[0008] The concept of the invention is that close-to-structure cooling for the battery cells is achieved via their own housing wall, because the battery cell housings each share a wall with the housing of the channel structure. This eliminates the transition from one battery cell housing to another housing of the channel structure, which is often only possible via a gap, e.g., an air gap. Heat losses during battery cell temperature control can thus be significantly reduced. Thus, even a smaller pump can suffice for a coolant that is channeled through the channel structure.

[0009] The carrier plate, the cell housings and the channel structure can advantageously be designed as a single, one-piece and material-uniform component, which can be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process, such as a 3D printing process.

[0010] The channel structure can be designed in the form of a loop with a continuous, closed path for the coolant to ensure even cooling of the cells. This path evens out the heating of the coolant, allowing the battery cells to benefit equally. In addition, the channel structure can be divided into two or more paths for the coolant, which can also serve to evenly cool the battery cells. In addition, the path and structure of the channel structure can be adapted. For example, a double loop of the channel would be conceivable, or a channel with a greater channel height. In addition, the channel could also run differently for a different cell arrangement and number of cells. The channel structure can have an inlet opening and an outlet opening.

[0011] The battery cells are electrically connected in parallel via the cell housings and the carrier plate. An electrode connection can be provided for electrical contact with the outside or with other components. Since the carrier plate is electrically conductive, the electrode connection can be used to establish a mechanical and electrical connection to another battery module, thus creating a modular battery in a simple manner.

[0012] Consequently, the invention can provide a channel structure with improved heat transfer from the cooling structure to the battery cells, as they share a single wall. The design of the battery module can be simplified using the invention because separate cooling devices are no longer required. This also allows for a reduction in the installation space and weight of the finished battery module.

[0013] Furthermore, in a battery module, the invention can provide for the channel structure to be formed integrally (and / or monolithically and / or of the same material) with the cell housings. This allows for the realization of a component that can be handled individually. This simplifies the assembly of the battery module and reduces the installation space and weight of the finished battery module.

[0014] Furthermore, in a battery module, the invention can provide for the channel structure to be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process with the cell housings and the carrier plate. This allows the battery module to be manufactured simply and cost-effectively, even in large quantities.

[0015] Furthermore, in a battery module, the invention can provide for the channel structure to be arranged at a distance from the carrier plate. This allows the channel structure to be arranged centrally on the battery cells in order to uniform the temperature of the battery cells across the height of the battery cells.

[0016] Furthermore, in a battery module, the invention can provide for the channel structure to be wave-shaped when viewed from above onto the carrier plate. Thus, several battery cells, preferably all battery cells, can be thermally connected to the channel structure in close proximity to the structure.

[0017] Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable for the channel structure to wind between the battery cells. This allows for uniform temperature control between the battery cells.

[0018] Furthermore, the invention can provide for the channel structure to be band-shaped when viewed perpendicular to the carrier plate. Thus, the channel structure can have a certain channel height to provide a sufficient flow cross-section for the coolant.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention can provide for the channel structure to at least partially enclose the battery cells circumferentially. This provides a larger surface area over which heat can be exchanged between the coolant and the battery cell. Furthermore, the temperature of the battery cells can be evened out across the battery cell circumference.

[0020] Furthermore, the invention can provide for the channel structure to have a continuous, self-contained path for a coolant. In other words, the channel structure can have a single or multiple loops with a continuous, self-contained path for a coolant. Thus, a uniform heat distribution can be achieved through the channel structure.

[0021] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the channel structure could have two or more paths for a coolant. This allows the heat distribution to be further evened out by the channel structure.

[0022] Furthermore, in a battery module, the invention can provide that the channel structure has an inlet opening and an outlet opening for a coolant. A coolant tempered according to the needs of the battery cells can be introduced into the channel structure via the inlet opening. The coolant, which has exchanged heat with the battery cells, can be removed via the outlet opening.

[0023] Within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that an inlet opening and an outlet opening of the channel structure can be located essentially in a line, viewed in a direction perpendicular to the support plate. Thus, corresponding connecting lines can be conveniently connected to the outlet opening and the inlet opening.

[0024] Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable for an inlet opening and an outlet opening of the channel structure and an electrode terminal of the carrier plate to be substantially aligned in a direction perpendicular to the carrier plate. Thus, all terminals of the battery module can be easily accessed.

[0025] Furthermore, the invention can provide for a battery module with a carrier plate and cell housings that are electrically conductive. This allows the battery cells to be connected in parallel via the cell housings and the carrier plate.

[0026] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the carrier plate and the cell housings can have an electrode connection. The electrode connection can advantageously have one polarity of the battery module. The other polarity of the battery module can be provided by a corresponding electrode connection of a cover element, which can be provided individually for each battery cell or jointly for all battery cells. The cover element can advantageously be arranged on the cell housings in an electrically insulating manner.

[0027] Furthermore, in a battery module, the invention can provide the electrode connection in the form of a bore. This allows for a simply designed electrode connection to be provided.

[0028] Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that the electrode connection can be designed for a mechanical, in particular positive and / or non-positive, connection with a complementary electrode connection of another battery module. In this way, the battery module can be easily interconnected with other battery modules to form a modular battery that has battery modules that can be easily connected and / or disconnected.

[0029] The carrier plate has at least one guide rail for assembling the battery module into a modular battery. The rail can be inserted into a complementary guide. Thus, an easily assembled modular battery can be provided with easily replaceable battery modules.

[0030] Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable for a guide rail of the carrier plate to run perpendicular to a line on which an inlet opening and an outlet opening of the channel structure and an electrode connection of the carrier plate are located. Thus, the battery modules can have easily accessible connections even when multiple battery modules are used.

[0031] The carrier plate is designed to allow the battery module to be assembled as a plug-in module into a modular battery. This increases the flexibility of assembling multiple battery modules into a modular battery, which in turn can be assembled easily and without major assembly effort.

[0032] Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable for the carrier plate to have several recesses for the battery cells, which are embedded in the carrier plate. This allows the material of the carrier plate to be saved and the battery cells to be securely accommodated within the battery module.

[0033] Furthermore, it is conceivable for the carrier plate to have at least one recess in the areas that do not support a battery cell. This also allows for savings in carrier plate material.

[0034] Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by a modular battery that is designed with at least one battery module, which can be configured as described above. The battery according to the invention also achieves the same advantages described above in connection with the battery module according to the invention. These advantages are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0035] The modular battery can be advantageously used in mobile applications, e.g. in vehicles, or in stationary applications, e.g. in generators.

[0036] Further measures improving the invention are presented in more detail below with the description of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the figures. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. It should be noted that the figures are merely descriptive and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to a possible embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a battery module according to a possible embodiment of the invention in a plan view, and Fig. 3 a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to another possible embodiment of the invention.

[0037] In the following figures, identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features, even in different embodiments.

[0038] The Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 show a battery module 100 according to the invention, which has a plurality of battery cells 101 and a carrier plate 10 for supporting and connecting the battery cells 101. The carrier plate 10 has a plurality of cup-shaped cell housings 11 (so-called cell sleeves) in which the battery cells 101 (e.g. in the form of cell coils) are accommodated. Within the scope of the invention, the cell housings 11 are formed integrally (and / or monolithically and / or of the same material) with the carrier plate 10. In the Fig. 1 shows a channel structure 12 according to the invention for tempering the battery cells 101, which has at least one common wall W with a plurality of, preferably with all, cell housings 11. This wall W is in the view of Fig. 3 clearly visible.

[0039] According to the invention, the channel structure 12 provides close-to-structure cooling for the battery cells 101 via their own housing wall W, which the cell housings 11 share with the housing of the channel structure 12. This enables improved heat transfer between a coolant within the channel structure 12 and the battery cells 101, thus enabling efficient temperature control of the battery cells 101.

[0040] The carrier plate 10, the cell housings 11 and the channel structure 12 can advantageously be designed as a single, one-piece and uniform material component, which can be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process, such as a 3D printing process.

[0041] The channel structure 12 can be formed in the form of a single or multiple loop with an endless, closed course for the coolant so that uniform cooling of the battery cells 101 can take place.

[0042] As the Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 further show, the channel structure 12 can additionally be divided into two paths P1, P2 for the coolant. This can also serve to uniformly cool the battery cells 101. Furthermore, the course, structure, and channel height of the channel structure 12 can be adjusted. As shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the channel structure 12 can have an inlet opening 1 and an outlet opening 2 for the coolant.

[0043] The battery cells 101 are electrically connected in parallel via the cell housings 11 and the carrier plate 10. For electrical contact with the outside and / or with other components and / or with other battery modules 100, an electrode connection 3, e.g., in the form of a bore, can be provided on the carrier plate 10. Since the carrier plate 10 is electrically conductive, a mechanical and electrical connection to another battery module 100 can be established using the electrode connection 3, thus providing a modular battery in a simple manner.

[0044] As it further appears from the Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the channel structure 12 can optionally be arranged at a distance from the carrier plate 10. Thus, a central arrangement of the channel structure 12 over the height of the battery cells 101 can be realized.

[0045] In addition, the Fig. 2, in the plan view of the carrier plate 10, the channel structure 12 is wave-shaped when viewed from above. Thus, several battery cells 101, preferably all battery cells 101, can be thermally connected to the channel structure 12 in a structurally close manner.

[0046] In addition, the Fig. 2 in the plan view of the carrier plate 10 that the channel structure 12 winds between the battery cells 101 in order to enable uniform temperature control of several, preferably all, battery cells 101.

[0047] In addition, it is from the perspective views of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 that the channel structure 12 is band-shaped with a certain channel height in order to provide a sufficient flow cross-section for the coolant.

[0048] Furthermore, the Fig. 2 in the plan view of the carrier plate 10 that the channel structure 12 at least partially encloses the battery cells 101 on the circumference in order to provide an enlarged area for heat transfer.

[0049] From the perspective of Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 further shows that the inlet opening 1 and the outlet opening 2 of the channel structure 12, as well as, if applicable, the electrode connection 3 of the carrier plate 10, are essentially in line when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the carrier plate 10. Thus, all connections of the battery module 100 can be easily reached.

[0050] In the example of Fig. 1, the carrier plate 10 can have at least one, preferably two, guide rails 5 in order to easily and conveniently assemble the battery module 100 into a modular battery.

[0051] In addition, it is from the Fig. 1 that the guide rails 5 can run perpendicular to the line on which the inlet opening 1, the outlet opening 2 of the channel structure 12, and, if applicable, the electrode connection 3 of the carrier plate 10 are located. Thus, the battery modules 100 can have easily accessible connections even when multiple battery modules 100 are used.

[0052] Thus, the battery module 100 can be provided as a plug-in module, which can be easily assembled into a modular battery without great assembly effort.

[0053] Furthermore, in the embodiment according to the Fig. 1 that the carrier plate 10 can have at least one recess 4 at the locations that do not carry a battery cell 101 in order to save the material of the carrier plate 10.

[0054] In addition, it is from the Fig. 1 and Fig.3 that the carrier plate 10 can have a plurality of receptacles 13 for the battery cells 101, which are embedded in the carrier plate 10 and which merge into the cell housings 11 outside the carrier plate 10 in order to save the material of the carrier plate 10 and to stably accommodate the battery cells 101 within the battery module 100.

[0055] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively by way of examples. Of course, individual features of the present invention can be freely combined with one another, provided they are technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention / claims. List of reference symbols 100 battery modules 101 Battery cell 10 carrier plate 11 Cell housing 12 Channel structure 13 Recording 1 inlet opening 2 outlet opening 3 Electrode connection 4 recess 5 Guide rail P1 Path P2 path W common wall

Claims

[1] Battery module (100), comprising: several battery cells (101) and a carrier plate (10) for supporting and connecting the battery cells (101), wherein the carrier plate (10) has a plurality of cup-shaped cell housings (11) in which the battery cells (101) are accommodated, and wherein the cell housings (11) are formed integrally with the carrier plate (10), wherein a channel structure (12) is provided for tempering the battery cells (101), wherein the channel structure (12) has at least one common wall (W) with a plurality of cell housings (11), characterized by , that the carrier plate (10) is designed to assemble the battery module (100) as a plug-in module to form a modular battery, wherein the carrier plate (10) has at least one guide rail (5) in order to assemble the battery module (100) into a modular battery. [2] Battery module (100) according to claim 1, characterized by that the channel structure (12) is formed integrally with the cell housings (11), and / or that the channel structure (12) is manufactured with the cell housings (11) and the carrier plate (10) using an additive manufacturing process. [3] Battery module (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the channel structure (12) is arranged at a distance from the carrier plate (10). [4] Battery module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the channel structure (12) is wave-shaped when viewed from above onto the carrier plate (10), and / or that the channel structure (12) winds between the battery cells (101). [5] Battery module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the channel structure (12) is band-shaped when viewed perpendicular to the carrier plate (10), and / or that the channel structure (12) at least partially encloses the battery cells (101) on the circumference. [6] Battery module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the channel structure (12) has an endless, self-contained course for a coolant, and / or that the channel structure (12) has two paths (P1, P2) for a coolant. [7] Battery module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the channel structure (12) has an inlet opening (1) and an outlet opening (2) for a coolant, and / or that an inlet opening (1) and an outlet opening (2) of the channel structure (12) lie substantially on a line when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the carrier plate (10). [8] Battery module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat an inlet opening (1) and an outlet opening (2) of the channel structure (12) and an electrode connection (3) of the carrier plate (10) lie substantially on a line when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the carrier plate (10). [9] Battery module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the carrier plate (10) and the cell housings (11) are electrically conductive, and / or that the carrier plate (10) and the cell housings (11) have an electrode connection (3). [10] Battery module (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the electrode connection (3) is designed in the form of a bore, and / or that the electrode connection (3) is designed for a mechanical connection to a complementary electrode connection of a further battery module (100). [11] Battery module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a guide rail (5) of the carrier plate (10) runs perpendicular to a line on which an inlet opening (1) and an outlet opening (2) of the channel structure (12) and an electrode connection (3) of the carrier plate (10) lie. [12] Battery module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the carrier plate (10) has a plurality of receptacles (13) for the battery cells (101) which are embedded in the carrier plate (10). [13] Battery module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the carrier plate (10) has at least one recess (4) at the locations which do not carry a battery cell (101). [14] Modular battery with at least one battery module (100) according to one of the preceding claims.

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