Traction battery of a motor vehicle

Abstract

Traction battery (10) of a motor vehicle, comprising at least two battery modules (11) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein each battery module (11) has a load-bearing module housing (13) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and battery cells (14) received in the module housing (13), wherein the module housing (13) of the respective battery module (11) is closed at end faces oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle by means of end plates (16) and can be mounted on longitudinal members (17) of a motor vehicle body via these end plates (16), comprising at least one electronic module (12) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle behind, in front of or between the battery modules (11), wherein the respective electronic module (12) has a load-bearing module housing (18) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and electronic assemblies (19) received in the module housing (18),namely at least electronic assemblies (19) of a battery management system of the traction battery, wherein the module housing (18) of the respective electronic module (12) is closed at end faces oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle by means of end plates (21) and can be mounted on the longitudinal members (17) of the vehicle body via these end plates (21), wherein the module housing (18) of the respective electronic module (12) has a maintenance opening (25) accessible from below in a state installed in the vehicle, which can be closed by a maintenance cover (26) and opened via the maintenance cover (26).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a traction battery for a motor vehicle.

[0002] A traction battery for a motor vehicle is known from DE 10 2014 225 845 A1. The traction battery disclosed therein has a battery housing in which a plurality of battery cells are accommodated. For this purpose, the interior of the battery housing is subdivided into a plurality of chambers, each chamber accommodating a plurality of battery cells. The battery housing has a lower shell and an upper shell.

[0003] From DE 10 2015 007 411 A1 a battery housing for a battery with a device for reducing internal pressure in the battery housing is known.

[0004] From DE 10 2018 010 105 A1, a vehicle battery is known, comprising a battery housing and a plurality of battery cells arranged within the battery housing. The vehicle battery further comprises a fuse housing in which at least one fuse element is detachably arranged. The fuse housing has a maintenance opening for servicing the fuse element, which can be closed by means of a maintenance cover.

[0005] DE 10 2011 109 243 A1, CN 209 822 825 U and DE 10 2018 202 263 A1 disclose further motor vehicle batteries.

[0006] There is a need for a traction battery that, while requiring little installation space, low weight and low cost, can also perform structure-stiffening functions and is easy to maintain.

[0007] The object of the invention is to create a novel traction battery for a motor vehicle.

[0008] This problem is solved by a traction battery according to claim 1.

[0009] The traction battery according to the invention has at least two battery modules arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, each battery module having a load-bearing module housing transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and battery cells received in the module housing.

[0010] The traction battery according to the invention further comprises at least one electronic module extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and arranged in the longitudinal direction behind, in front of, or between the battery modules. The respective electronic module has a load-bearing module housing transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and electronic assemblies housed within the module housing, namely at least electronic assemblies of a battery management system for the traction battery.

[0011] The module housing of the respective electronic module has a maintenance opening accessible from below when installed in a motor vehicle, which can be closed by a maintenance cover and opened via the maintenance cover.

[0012] The traction battery according to the invention has a modular design. The traction battery according to the invention comprises at least two battery modules and at least one electronics module.

[0013] The battery modules and the at least one electronic module are oriented transversely to the vehicle's longitudinal direction, with the module housings of these modules bearing loads transversely to the vehicle's longitudinal direction and thus providing load paths for lateral forces. An additional battery housing for the battery modules and the at least one electronic module is not required.

[0014] To improve ease of maintenance, each electronic module has a maintenance opening on its underside, which is closed by a maintenance cover. When installed in the vehicle, the maintenance cover and thus the maintenance opening are accessible from below. Therefore, it is not necessary to remove the traction battery or its battery modules for maintenance work on the electronic module. The electronic module itself can also remain installed, as the maintenance opening accessible from below, after removing the maintenance cover, allows access to the electronic components housed within the module's casing.

[0015] Preferably, the electronic assemblies housed in the module casing of the respective electronic module are arranged on a carrier and inserted into the module casing via the carrier. This allows the electronic assemblies to be arranged particularly advantageously within the module casing of the electronic module or to be removed for maintenance purposes.

[0016] Preferably, the module housing of the respective electronic module is closed at its end faces, oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, by means of end plates. The module housing of the respective electronic module can be mounted to the longitudinal members of a vehicle body via these end plates. The module housing of the electronic module, preferably together with the module housings of the battery modules, can be mounted to the longitudinal members of the vehicle body via these end plates, in particular by bolting. A separate support for the electronic module and the battery modules is not required. Lateral forces absorbed via the load paths of the respective module housing can advantageously be transferred to the longitudinal members of the vehicle body.

[0017] Preferably, the maintenance cover, together with the module housing and the end plates of the respective electronic module, forms an electromagnetic shield. This is particularly advantageous for the operational reliability of the traction battery.

[0018] Preferably, at least two walls of the module housing of the respective electronic module provide structurally stiffening load paths for shear forces and / or cooling channels. If the walls of the module housing provide not only structurally stiffening load paths but also cooling channels, further savings in installation space, weight, and costs can be achieved.

[0019] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the following description. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawing, without being limited thereto. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view from above of an embodiment of a traction battery according to the invention for a motor vehicle with three battery modules and a single electronic module, Fig. 2. The electronic module in a perspective view from below with the maintenance opening open. Fig. 3 the electronic module in a perspective view from below with closed maintenance opening, Fig. 4 a detail of the electronic module; Fig. 5 a cross-section through an electronic module, Fig. 6 a cross-section through a module housing of an alternative electronic module, and Fig. 7 a cross-section through a battery module.

[0020] The invention relates to a traction battery for an electrically powered motor vehicle, either a fully electric vehicle or a partially electric hybrid vehicle. Such a traction battery, designed as an underfloor battery, provides traction energy for driving at least one electric machine, which supplies drive power to an output shaft of the motor vehicle.

[0021] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a traction battery according to the invention. 10 of a motor vehicle, which has at least two battery modules and at least one electronic module. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1 are three battery modules 11 and a single electronic module 12 shown.

[0022] The battery modules 11They are oriented transversely to a vehicle longitudinal direction L and arranged one behind the other when viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction L. The electronic module is also... 12 runs perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal direction L and is in Fig. 1 seen in the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle behind the battery modules 11 arranged. The respective electronic module 12 It can also be used between two battery modules 11 or viewed in the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle, in front of the battery modules 11 be arranged.

[0023] Fig. Figure 7 shows a highly schematic cross-section through a battery module. 11 The battery module 11 features a modular housing 13 with side walls 13a , 13b , 13c and 13d , wherein the side wall 13a a roof wall, the side wall 13b a floor wall, the side wall 13c Viewed in the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle, a front wall and the side wall 13da rear panel of the module housing 13 of the battery module 11 is. In the respective module housing 13 are several battery cells 14 recorded. In Fig. 7 is such a battery cell 14 visible. The battery cells 14 , which are in the respective module housing 13 of the respective battery module 11 The images, when viewed perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal direction L, are arranged side by side.

[0024] The module housing 13 is load-bearing perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal direction L. The side walls of the module housing 13 For this purpose, load paths are provided for lateral forces acting on the vehicle, for example, in a crash. These load paths are used in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 7 at least from the floor wall 13b and the roof wall 13a of the module housing 13 provided. Also the front wall 13c and the back wall 13dcan provide such load paths.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the floor wall 13b and the roof wall 13a of the module housing 13 of the respective battery module 11 Cooling channels 15 integrated. These serve to cool the battery cells. 14 , which are in the module housing 13 of the respective battery module 11 are recorded.

[0026] The module housings 13 the battery modules 11 are located on end faces oriented transversely to the vehicle's longitudinal direction L, via head plates 16 sealed. Over these head plates 16 can the battery modules 11 on longitudinal beams 17 a motor vehicle body that is in Fig. 1. These are only indicated by a straight line and must be fastened, in particular by screwing.

[0027] The respective electronic module 12 features a modular housing18 with side walls 18a , 18b , 18c and 18d . On the side wall 18a It is a roof wall, in the case of the side wall 18b around a floor wall, at the side wall 18c to a front wall as seen in the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle and at the side wall 18d to create a rear panel for the module housing 18 of the electronic module. 12. The module housing 18 of the electronic module 12 It is load-bearing perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal direction L, meaning it can, for example, dissipate lateral forces acting on the vehicle in a side impact in a lateral direction, specifically into the vehicle body.

[0028] Inside the module housing 18 of the respective electronic module 12 are electronic assemblies 19 recorded, which in the illustrated embodiment (see Fig. 5) on a support 20 are mounted. Via the carrier 20can the electronic assemblies 19 in the module housing 18 of the electronic module 12 They can be advantageously arranged or removed for maintenance purposes.

[0029] These are in the module housing 18 of the electronic module 12 recorded electronic assemblies 19 These are at least electronic assemblies. 19 a battery management system and preferably also assemblies 19 for temperature monitoring and for assemblies 19 Voltage monitoring.

[0030] The module housing 18 of the respective electronic module 12 is attached to end faces oriented transversely to the vehicle's longitudinal direction L via end plates 21 sealed. The module housing 18 of the respective electronic module 12 is about these head plates 21 on the longitudinal beams 17 Can be mounted on the vehicle body.

[0031] Regarding the traction battery 10 Therefore, at least two battery modules are required. 11 and at least one electronic module 12 over the head plates 16 , 21 their respective module housings 13 , 18 individually on the longitudinal beams 17 mounted on the vehicle body, in particular by bolting. Especially in Fig. 4 are exceptions 22 in projections 23 a headplate 21 an electronic module 12 shown, which illustrates the guidance of screws and the screwing together of the electronic module shown. 12 with a longitudinal beam 17 to serve the vehicle body.

[0032] The module housings 13 , 18 the battery modules 11 and of at least one electronic module 12are load-bearing when viewed perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal direction L, thus providing load paths for lateral forces acting on the vehicle, for example in a side crash, in order to safely transfer such lateral forces to the longitudinal beams 17 to derive from the vehicle body.

[0033] These load paths are at least partially occupied by some of the walls. 18a , 18b , 18c and 18d of the module housing 18 of the respective electronic module 12 provided, in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 from the side walls 18a and 18b , that is, from the floor wall 18b and the roof wall 18a of the module housing 18 of the respective electronic module 12 .

[0034] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 6 represent the side walls 18a and 18b of the module housing 18 of the respective electronic module 12 further cooling channels24 ready. These cooling channels 24 serve to cool the components in the module housing 18 of the respective electronic module 12 recorded electronic assemblies 19 .

[0035] The module housing 18 of the respective electronic module 12 points to its base wall 18b , which are in a state of installation of the electronic module in the motor vehicle 12 It is directed downwards, a maintenance opening accessible from below. 25 on (see Fig. 2) According to Fig. 3 is this maintenance opening 25 via a maintenance cover 26 Closed. In its installed state in the vehicle, the maintenance cover can be removed. 26 the maintenance opening 25 opened, thus providing access to the components in the module housing 18 of the electronic module 12 recorded assemblies 19 be released. This allows work on the electronic assemblies to be carried out.19 of the electronic module 12 Maintenance work can be carried out without requiring the entire electronic module to be removed. 12 or even battery modules 11 to dismantle.

[0036] As already mentioned, the module housing contains 18 of at least one electronic module 12 at least electronic assemblies 19 of the battery management system and preferably assemblies 19 These modules are arranged for temperature and voltage monitoring. They are components of a so-called BMCe system. It is possible that if a single such electronic module... 12 is available, the same applies to assemblies 19 a charger such as voltage converters and assemblies 19 a battery temperature control system. These assemblies are components of a so-called IPB system. However, it is also possible that a separate electronic module is used. 12is present, which accommodates the electronic components of the charger and the components of a battery temperature control system, i.e., an IPB system.

[0037] Then, when the maintenance cover 26 the maintenance opening 25 When closed, the maintenance cover 26 opposite the module housing 18 of the respective electronic module 12 , namely opposite the floor wall 18b the same, sealed. For this purpose, the maintenance cover is used. 26 preferably a seal (not shown) in a section which is attached to the bottom wall 18b overlapping with the facility.

[0038] The seal between the maintenance cover 26 and floor wall 18b of the module housing 18 Ensures a fluid-tight seal and protects the electronic module 12 to prevent the ingress of liquids and moisture, which can damage the electronic module 12recorded electronic assembly 19 to protect against damage.

[0039] Into the maintenance cover 26 preferably a pressure equalization valve 27 and / or burst protection 28 Integrated. Burst protection. 28 can be achieved by structurally stiffening the maintenance cover 26 be provided.

[0040] The maintenance cover 26 is preferably a sheet metal part or a casting. This is preferably connected to the bottom wall. 18b of the module housing 18 of the electronic module 12 screwed together.

[0041] For the respective module housing 13 , 18 It is preferably an extrusion profile.

[0042] The maintenance cover 26 preferably forms with the module housing 18 and the module housing 18 end plates closing at the front 21an electromagnetic shield. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102014225845 A1

[0002] DE 102015007411 A1

[0003] DE 102018010105 A1

[0004] DE 102011109243 A1

[0005] CN 209822825 U

[0005] DE 102018202263 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Traction battery (10) of a motor vehicle, with at least two battery modules (11) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein each battery module (11) has a load-bearing module housing (13) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and battery cells (14) housed in the module housing (13), with at least one electronic module (12) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle behind, in front of or between the battery modules (11), wherein the respective electronic module (12) has a load-bearing module housing (18) transverse to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and electronic assemblies (19) housed in the module housing (18), namely at least electronic assemblies (19) of a battery management system of the traction battery, wherein the module housing (18) of the respective electronic module (12) has a maintenance opening (25) accessible from below when installed in the motor vehicle, which can be closed by a maintenance cover (26) and opened via the maintenance cover (26). [2] Traction battery according to claim 1, characterized by , that the module housing (18) of a single electronic module (12) accommodates electronic assemblies (19) of the battery management system, assemblies (19) for temperature monitoring and voltage monitoring, electronic assemblies (19) of a charger and assemblies (19) of a battery temperature control system. [3] Traction battery according to claim 1, characterized by , that the module housing (18) of a first electronic module (12) accommodates electronic assemblies (19) of the battery management system and assemblies (19) for temperature monitoring and voltage monitoring, the module housing (18) of a second electronic module (12) accommodates electronic assemblies (19) of a charger and assemblies (19) of a battery temperature control system. [4] Traction battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the electronic assemblies (19) included in the module housing (18) of the respective electronic module (12) are arranged on a carrier (20) and inserted into the module housing (18) via the carrier (20). [5] Traction battery according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the module housing (18) of the respective electronic module (12) is closed at end faces oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle via end plates (21), the module housing (18) of the respective electronic module (12) can be mounted on longitudinal members of a motor vehicle body via the end plates (21). [6] Traction battery according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the module housing (18) of the respective electronic module (12) has side walls, namely a front wall (18c), a rear wall (18d), a bottom wall (18b) and a top wall (18a), at least two of these walls, preferably the floor wall (18b) and the roof wall (18a), provide structurally stiffening load paths for shear forces. [7] Traction battery according to claim 6, characterized by , that at least two of these walls of the module housing (18) of the respective electronic module (12), preferably the bottom wall (18b) and the top wall (18a), provide cooling channels (24). [8] Traction battery according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the maintenance cover (26) is fluid-tight sealed against the module housing (18) of the respective electronic module (12). [9] Traction battery according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that The maintenance cover (26) incorporates a pressure equalization valve (27) and / or a burst protection device (28). [10] Traction battery according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized by , that the maintenance cover (26) together with the module housing (18) and the end plates (21) of the respective electronic module (12) forms an electromagnetic shield.

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