Arrangement with a sealing element for insertion into a battery module holder of an electrical energy storage device and method for manufacturing an arrangement

The sealing element with integrated sealing rings, current sleeves, and cooling openings addresses the challenge of sealing vent gases and managing electrical and cooling connections in motor vehicle battery systems, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.

DE102023004635A1Active Publication Date: 2025-05-15MERCEDES BENZ GROUP AG
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102023004635
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-11-15
Publication Date
2025-05-15
Estimated Expiration
2043-11-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing battery module sealing solutions fail to effectively seal vent gases from thermal events while allowing for reliable electrical and cooling connections, particularly in motor vehicle battery systems where precise alignment and tolerance compensation are critical.

Method used

A sealing element with radial and axial sealing rings, integrated current sleeves for high-voltage lines, cooling openings, and a carrier plate, which is inserted into the battery module holder to seal interfaces, compensate for tolerances, and provide alignment stops, thereby ensuring reliable sealing and connection management.

Benefits of technology

The proposed sealing element effectively prevents vent gases from escaping into the upper housing part while ensuring reliable electrical and cooling connections, thus enhancing the operational safety and efficiency of the battery module.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a sealing element (16) for insertion into a battery module holder (12) of an electrical energy storage device of an at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle, wherein the sealing element (16) is designed for arrangement on a mounting plate (28) of the battery module holder (12), wherein the mounting plate (28) is coupled at a top (28) to a battery housing top part (14) and is coupled at a bottom part to a battery module (22), wherein the sealing element (16) has a radial first sealing ring (30) for sealing the sealing element (16) against the mounting plate (28), and the sealing element (16) has an axial second sealing ring (32) for sealing the sealing element (16) against the battery module (22), and wherein at least one connecting element is passed through an inner region (34) of the sealing element (16) from the battery housing top part (14) to the battery module (22).Furthermore, the invention relates to an arrangement (10) and a method for producing an arrangement (10).
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sealing element for insertion into a battery module holder of an electrical energy storage device of an at least partially electrically operated motor vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to an arrangement and a method for producing or producing an arrangement.

[0002] Seals between two battery housing components at an interface for power and coolant lines are already known from the prior art. The battery housing is essentially made of rectangular extruded profiles (SPP) arranged transversely to the direction of travel and welded together. The extruded profiles form the lower part of the battery housing.

[0003] For example, two cell modules are inserted into each extruded profile, one from the left and the other from the right, up to the center. The cell modules contain the individual battery cells, their interconnections, as well as the cooling and sensor systems. The interfaces for high-voltage, control, and cooling are located on the top front. The cell modules are inserted into the extruded profile so that the interfaces are in the center. The cell modules form a self-contained system.

[0004] The battery's electrical wiring and cooling system are located on the top of the housing and are covered by a housing cover. This forms the top of the housing itself. The cell modules are connected through openings in the center of the extruded profiles. The extruded profiles are closed off at the sides by so-called L-profiles.

[0005] In particular, the cell modules must be aligned as precisely as possible in the extruded profiles to ensure reliable contact. Sealing must be provided between the upper and lower sections of the housing, and tolerance compensation must be provided at the interfaces between the extruded profiles and the cell block. In the event of a thermal event in one or more battery cells, these cells will emit gas. Venting gases, which can reach temperatures of up to 1200 degrees Celsius, can escape and move upwards out of the cell module into the area between the cell module and the extruded profile. From there, it should flow via a channel in the L-profiles to the rupture discs and then into the environment. However, the venting gas should not enter the upper section of the housing through the openings in the extruded profile through which contact is made with the cell modules.

[0006] US 11,431,058 B2 describes an inlet duct for a vehicle battery system comprising an inlet part having an inlet opening open to the vehicle interior, outlet parts which are separate from the inlet part and have outlet openings for supplying air introduced into the inlet opening to the battery system via two separate paths, and a grille provided in the inlet part and having a plurality of ribs forming a grille to cover the inlet opening.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a sealing element, an arrangement and a method for producing an arrangement by means of which an improved operation of an electrical energy storage device can be realized.

[0008] This object is achieved by a sealing element, an arrangement, and a method for producing an arrangement according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

[0009] One aspect of the invention relates to a sealing element for insertion into a battery module holder of an electrical energy storage device of an at least partially electrically operated motor vehicle, wherein the sealing element is designed to arrange a holding plate of the battery module holder, wherein the holding plate is coupled to a battery housing upper part on an upper side and is coupled to a battery module on an underside.

[0010] It is provided that the sealing element has a radial first sealing ring for sealing the sealing element relative to the mounting plate, and the sealing element has an axial second sealing ring for sealing the sealing element relative to the battery module, and wherein in an inner region of the sealing element at least one connecting element is passed through from the battery housing upper part to the battery module.

[0011] In particular, the invention proposes that the openings between the corresponding housing levels be sealed, in particular separately, by the mounting plate with the sealing element, which is inserted, for example, from above into the openings of the battery module mounting, which is particularly designed as an extruded profile, on the battery cell modules. The sealing element has an axial seal to the top of the battery cell modules and a radial seal to the extruded profile in order to achieve tolerance compensation between the extruded profile and the battery cell block.

[0012] The sealing area runs in a ring around the interfaces on the battery cell module, particularly for the connecting elements. This has the particular advantage that a seal can be achieved between the venting areas on the one hand and the electrical and cooling systems on the other, despite different mounting directions of cell modules and their contacting. Furthermore, tolerance compensation between the battery cell block and the extruded profile can be achieved. A stop for aligning the cell modules within the extruded profile can also be provided, thus eliminating the need for a corresponding stop device.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment, the sealing element has at least two current sleeves for passing through two high-voltage cables as a connecting element. In other words, at least two high-voltage cables are routed from the upper part of the battery housing to the battery module. These are then routed to the battery module, in particular via the current sleeves within the sealing element. In particular, the high-voltage contact of the cell modules is thus integrated directly into the sealing insert, which is connected to the cell module, for example, via the corresponding busbar screw connections, and the axial seal is pressed onto the cell module cover.

[0014] It has also proven advantageous if the two current sleeves are designed to additionally secure the battery module to a current busbar. For example, the current busbar can be formed on the top side of the current sleeve, and contact with the cell terminals of the battery module can be made on the bottom side of the current sleeve. The current sleeve can in turn have a thread. A screw can then be screwed from the busbar via the current sleeve into the terminal. This ensures reliable contact between the high-voltage lines or the current sleeves and the current busbar with the corresponding terminals.

[0015] It has also proven advantageous if the sealing element has at least two cooling openings for the passage of two cooling lines as a connecting element. In particular, coolant lines are also inserted through the annular opening in the sealing element between, for example, the high-voltage contacts. The coolant lines can be attached to the sealing insert. This also enables reliable cooling of the battery modules.

[0016] It is also advantageous if the sealing element has a carrier plate on which at least the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring are arranged. This creates a support structure for the sealing element, thereby achieving a reliable seal between the battery module holder and the battery module itself.

[0017] It is also advantageous if the carrier plate is formed from an electrically insulating material. Thus, for example, corresponding electrical surges can be prevented.

[0018] A further advantageous embodiment provides that the density element has a control line opening for conducting at least one control line as a connecting element. In particular, this line can also be designed as a low-voltage line. This can also be inserted through an annular opening in the density insert between the high-voltage openings. Thus, reliable control of the cell modules can also be ensured.

[0019] A further aspect of the invention relates to an arrangement for an electrical energy storage device of an at least partially electrically operated motor vehicle with at least one battery module holder, a battery housing upper part and a sealing element according to the preceding aspect.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the arrangement, a sealing element holder is formed on the holding plate, which is designed to receive the sealing element and / or has positioning elements and / or the holding plate has positioning elements which are designed to position the battery element relative to the holding plate. In particular, if, for example, the holding plate is designed to be correspondingly thin, the sealing element holder can be designed to establish a correspondingly reliable contact between the holding plate and the sealing element. Furthermore, the positioning elements can be designed to form corresponding stop elements when the battery modules are inserted laterally, so that a reliable positioning of the battery modules within the battery module holder can be achieved.

[0021] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing an arrangement according to the preceding aspect, comprising the steps of providing the battery module holder, inserting at least one battery module into a receptacle of the battery module holder, arranging the sealing element on a holding plate of the battery module holder, and arranging the battery housing upper part on the holding plate.

[0022] In particular, the corresponding stops can thus also be integrated, for example, in the corresponding sealing frame, which can also be referred to as a sealing element holder, which align the battery modules in the extruded profile, i.e. the battery module holder, both in the longitudinal and transverse directions, so that the corresponding interfaces of the battery modules are aligned as precisely as possible with the sealing frame and the sealing inserts can be reliably installed.

[0023] Advantageous embodiments of the sealing element are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the arrangement and the method.

[0024] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0025] Showing: Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an arrangement; Fig. 2 a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a sealing element; Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of an arrangement; Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an arrangement; Fig. 5 is a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of an arrangement; and Fig. 6 a further schematic sectional view of an embodiment of an arrangement.

[0026] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an arrangement 10. The arrangement 10 is designed for an electrical energy storage device (not shown) of an at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle (not shown). For example, the electrical energy storage device can have additional arrangements 10.

[0028] The arrangement 10 has at least one battery module holder 12, a battery housing upper part 14 and a sealing element 16 ( Fig. 2). In the present exemplary embodiment, in particular, the battery housing upper part 14 is already arranged on the battery module holder 12. The battery module holder 12 essentially has a plurality of extruded profiles 18. Furthermore, a corresponding interior space between the extruded profiles 18 can be closed off via so-called L-profiles 20.

[0029] In particular, in the spaces between the extruded profiles 18, i.e. the described interior spaces, corresponding battery modules 22 ( Fig. 3) arranged. The battery modules 22 are arranged in particular on the side. In particular, at least two battery modules 22 are arranged within the extrusion profiles. For example, a respective battery module 22 can be arranged on a left and a right side of the arrangement 10. In particular, in the present case, the upper battery housing part 14 is arranged centrally. For example, a cooling device 24 and an electrical or an electronics 26 can be arranged in the interior of the upper battery housing part 14.

[0030] Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a sealing element 16. The sealing element 16 is designed for insertion into the battery module holder 12. The sealing element 16 is in turn designed for arrangement on a mounting plate 28 of the battery module holder 12. The mounting plate 28 is coupled to the battery housing upper part 14 on an upper side and to a battery module 22 on a lower side.

[0031] For this purpose, the sealing element 16 has a radially first sealing ring 30 for sealing the sealing element 16 with respect to the mounting plate 28, and the sealing element 16 further has an axial second sealing ring 32 for sealing the sealing element 16 with respect to the battery module 22, and wherein in an inner region 34 of the sealing element 16 at least one connecting element is passed through from the battery housing upper part 14 to the battery module 22.

[0032] In particular, the Fig. 2 thus the sealing element 16, which further comprises at least two current sleeves 36 for passing through two high-voltage lines 38. The two current sleeves 36 can additionally be used to fix the battery module 22 to a busbar 40 ( Fig. 6) be trained.

[0033] Furthermore, the Fig. 2 that the sealing element 16 has at least two cooling openings 42 for the passage of two cooling lines 44 ( Fig. 6) as a connecting element. Furthermore, it is shown in particular that the sealing element 16 has a control line opening 46 for the passage of at least one control line 48 ( Fig. 6).

[0034] Furthermore, it is shown in particular that the sealing element 16 has a carrier plate 50 on which at least the first sealing ring 36 and the second sealing ring 32 are arranged.

[0035] The carrier plate 50 is in particular made of an electrically insulating material.

[0036] Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an arrangement 10. In the following embodiment, it is shown in particular that a sealing element holder 52 is formed on the mounting plate 28, which is designed to receive the sealing element 16. Furthermore, the Fig. 3, that the support plate 52 can have positioning elements 54 which are designed to position the battery module 22 relative to the support plate 22, 28.

[0037] Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an arrangement 10. In the following exemplary embodiment, it is shown in particular that the sealing element holder 52 has two receptacles for receiving two sealing elements 16. Each sealing element 16 is assigned in particular to a battery module 22 located underneath (not shown).

[0038] Fig. 5 shows a further schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the arrangement 10. In the following embodiment, in particular a section through the sealing element 16 is shown, in particular with the corresponding sealing rings 30, 32.

[0039] Fig. 6 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of an arrangement 10. In the following exemplary embodiment, a complete arrangement of the battery module 22 below the sealing element 16 is shown. The current sleeves 36 contact cell poles 56 of the battery module 22. A current busbar 40 is screwed to the pole 56 via a corresponding current-conducting screw 58 and via the current sleeves 26. List of reference symbols 10 Arrangement 12 Battery module holder 14 Battery housing upper part 16 Sealing element 18 extruded profile 20 L-profile 22 Battery module 24 Cooling device 26 Electrics / Electronics 28 Mounting plate 30 First sealing ring 32 Second sealing ring 34 Inner area 36 current sleeve 38 high-voltage line 40 Busbar 42 Cooling opening 44 Cooling line 46 Control line opening 48 Control line 50 carrier plate 52 Sealing element holder 54 Positioning element 56 cell pole 58 screw QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] US 11,431,058 B2

[0006]

Claims

[1] Sealing element (16) for insertion into a battery module holder (12) of an electrical energy storage device of an at least partially electrically operated motor vehicle, wherein the sealing element (16) is designed to be arranged on a holding plate (28) of the battery module holder (12), wherein the holding plate (28) is coupled on an upper side (28) to a battery housing upper part (14) and is coupled on an underside to a battery module (22), characterized by that the sealing element (16) has a radial first sealing ring (30) for sealing the sealing element (16) with respect to the mounting plate (28), and the sealing element (16) has an axial second sealing ring (32) for sealing the sealing element (16) with respect to the battery module (22), and wherein in an inner region (34) of the sealing element (16) at least one connecting element is passed through from the battery housing upper part (14) to the battery module (22). [2] Sealing element (16) according to claim 1, characterized by that the sealing element (16) has at least two current sleeves (36) for passing through two high-voltage lines (38) as a connecting element. [3] Sealing element (16) according to claim 2, characterized by that the two current sleeves (36) are additionally designed to fix the battery module (22) to a current busbar (40). [4] Sealing element (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sealing element (16) has at least two cooling openings (42) for the passage of two cooling lines (44) as a connecting element. [5] Sealing element (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sealing element (16) has a carrier plate (50) on which at least the first sealing ring (30) and the second sealing ring (32) are arranged. [6] Sealing element (16) according to claim 5, characterized bythat the carrier plate (50) is made of an electrically insulating material. [7] Sealing element (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sealing element (16) has a control line opening (46) for the passage of at least one control line (48) as a connecting element. [8] Arrangement (10) for an electrical energy storage device of an at least partially electrically operated motor vehicle, comprising at least one battery module holder (12), a battery housing upper part (14) and a sealing element (16) according to one of claims 1 to 7. [9] Arrangement (10) according to claim 8, characterized by that a sealing element holder (52) is formed on the holding plate (28), which is designed to receive the sealing element (16) and / or the sealing element holder (52) has positioning elements (54) which are designed to position the battery module (22) relative to the holding plate (28). [10] Method for producing an arrangement (10) according to one of claims 8 or 9, comprising steps: - Providing battery module holder (12); - inserting a battery module (22) into a receptacle of the battery module holder (12); - arranging the sealing element (16) on a mounting plate (28) of the battery module holder (12); and - Place the upper part of the battery housing (14) on the support plate (28).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Barrier sealing assemblies for sealing electrical housings of a vehicle

    DE102020104939A1

  • Arrangement for connecting electrical terminals and device for driving a compressor with the arrangement

    DE102020126962A1