Battery device for an at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle

Abstract

Battery device (1) for an at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle, comprising a battery module (10) with a module housing (2) and battery cells (3), and cooling plates arranged between adjacent battery cells (3). The module housing (2) has two opposing support plates (12) and housing side walls (42), which together enclose a receiving space (52) for the battery cells (3) and the cooling plates (4). The cooling plates (4) each have at least one end section (44) facing the support plate (12) on their long sides (24). The cooling plates (4) are connected to the support plates (12) by their end sections (44), such that the cooling plates (4) provide a load-transmitting support (54) between the support plates (12).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery device for an at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle, comprising at least one battery module with a plurality of battery cells housed in a module housing. Cooling plates are arranged between adjacent battery cells, each of which has at least one interior space through which a coolant can flow.

[0002] Such battery systems are generally designed to be as mechanically stable and torsionally rigid as possible. Furthermore, the battery cells housed within them should be as well protected as possible from mechanical impacts in all vehicle operating situations, including in the event of an accident.

[0003] Another important feature of such a battery system is its capacity or energy density relative to its total weight. For use in an electric vehicle, the battery system should also be as lightweight as possible and be able to be accommodated in the vehicle in a space-saving manner. For the longest possible range, the battery system should have the highest possible capacity.

[0004] In contrast, the object of the present invention is to provide a battery device that meets the previously discussed requirements as closely as possible and can be installed easily and economically. In particular, the battery device should be as lightweight and space-saving as possible while simultaneously providing the highest possible capacity.

[0005] This object is achieved by a battery device having the features of claim 1. Preferred developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims. Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiment.

[0006] The battery device according to the invention is provided for an at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle. The battery device comprises at least one battery module with at least one module housing and with a plurality of battery cells housed in the module housing. The battery module comprises cooling plates arranged between adjacent battery cells. In particular, the cooling plates each have at least one interior space through which a (liquid) coolant can flow. The module housing comprises at least two opposing support plates and (external) housing side walls (which extend in particular from one support plate to the other). The support plates comprise a housing base and a housing cover opposite the housing base. The support plates and the housing side walls together enclose a receiving space for the battery cells and the cooling plates.The battery cells and the cooling plates are lined up in a stacking direction so that the battery cells are arranged with their main surfaces adjacent to the main surfaces of the cooling plates. The main surfaces of the battery cells are spanned between the long sides and high sides of the respective battery cell. The main surfaces of the cooling plates are spanned between the long sides and high sides of the respective cooling plate. The cooling plates each have at least one end section on their long sides. In particular, the end sections each face one of the support plates. The cooling plates are each connected (in a load-bearing manner) to the support plates with their end sections. The cooling plates thus provide load-transmitting support between the support plates. In particular, the cooling plates are each connected with one end section to the housing base and with an opposite end section to the housing cover.

[0007] The present invention offers many advantages. A significant advantage is provided by the cooling plates and their structural integration into the module housing as load-bearing supports. This represents an advantageous functional integration of the cooling system and the structural components of the module housing. This allows, for example, the elimination of supports or heat sinks and the reduction of housing wall thicknesses. This provides more overall space for accommodating battery cells. At the same time, weight and installation space are saved, and the power density of the battery device can be increased.

[0008] In an advantageous and preferred embodiment, the battery cells are designed as structural components that effectively stiffen the module housing. This functional integration provides even more space for accommodating battery cells, thus further saving weight and space and increasing the power density of the battery device.

[0009] It is preferred that the battery cells interact (in a load-bearing manner) with the cooling plates and the support plates, and in particular also with the housing side walls (for mechanical stabilization of the module housing). In particular, forces acting at least in the stacking direction and / or in the direction of the vertical sides of the battery cells and / or transverse to the stacking direction or in the direction of the long sides of the battery cells can thereby be at least partially absorbed by the battery cells. In particular, the battery cells serve to mechanically stabilize the module housing.

[0010] Preferably, the battery cells each have a cell body that is compression-resistant at least in the direction of their vertical side. In particular, the cell bodies of the battery cells complement the cooling plates in their function as load-transmitting supports. In particular, at least the cooling plates and / or the cell bodies are connected to the support plates in such a way that compressive forces and / or shear forces can be absorbed. In particular, shear forces acting in the stacking direction and / or parallel to the main plane of the support plates can be absorbed. The cell bodies preferably each provide at least one load-transmitting support between the housing base and the housing cover.

[0011] It is advantageous and preferred that the cooling plates and / or the cell bodies are attached to the support plates so that tensile forces can also be absorbed. In particular, tensile forces acting in the stacking direction and / or transversely to the stacking direction and / or transversely to the main plane of the support plates can be absorbed. In particular, the cooling plates and / or the cell bodies are attached to the support plates in such a way that shear forces acting in the stacking direction and / or parallel to the main plane of the support plates can also be absorbed.

[0012] It is possible and advantageous for the battery cells to each fill a free space between the cooling plates and the support plates (in a form-fitting manner) such that the battery cells, the cooling plates, and the support plates together move a disk structure that is shear-resistant in the stacking direction. In particular, the disk structure is suitable and designed to absorb forces acting in the stacking direction and / or forces acting transversely to the stacking direction or in the direction of the long sides and / or forces acting parallel to the main plane of the support plates. In particular, the forces are shear forces. The disk structure extends in particular parallel to the main plane of the support plates and / or transversely to the main surface of the cooling plates or the battery cells. After assembly of the battery cells, the free spaces are in particular at least partially occupied by a battery cell each.

[0013] In an advantageous development, the battery cells, the cooling plates, the support plates, and in particular also the housing side walls together form a sandwich structure. In particular, the battery cells and the cooling plates form a core layer of the sandwich structure. In particular, the support plates each form a solid cover layer that seals off the core layer to the outside. In particular, the core layer is suitable and designed to support the cover layers and / or transmit shear forces.

[0014] The end sections of the cooling plates preferably each have at least one support section. In particular, the support sections are arranged transversely and preferably at right angles to the main surfaces of the cooling plates. In particular, the support sections are formed parallel to the main plane of the support plates. Such support sections enable the cooling plates to fulfill their function as supports between the support plates particularly well.

[0015] The support sections are preferably each provided by at least one formed and, for example, bent end section. In particular, the support sections are integrally connected to the end sections.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the support plates each comprise connection structures which protrude into the receiving space. In particular, the end sections and preferably at least the support sections are fastened to the connection structures. In particular, the connection structures are formed integrally with the support plate. In particular, the connection structures are each formed as at least one elevation running parallel to the long side. In particular, the end sections are each fastened to the connection structures by means of at least one connecting element formed separately from the support plates and the cooling plates. In particular, the cooling plates are not formed integrally with the support plates. In particular, the cooling plates can be fastened to the support plates during assembly of the module housing.

[0017] It is possible and advantageous for the connecting structures to each have at least one undercut. The undercut is formed, for example, as a groove running parallel to the long side. In particular, the groove is incorporated into the connecting structure. Preferably, the support sections extend into the undercuts. This enables a connection of the cooling plates to the support plates that is both easy to install and particularly resilient.

[0018] In particular, the support sections are positively prevented from leaving their respective undercuts by the battery cells arranged between the cooling plates. In other words, the battery cells arranged between the cooling plates ensure that the support sections remain in the undercuts and cannot emerge from the undercuts along the stacking direction.

[0019] In an advantageous development, the cooling plates extend with their end sections and in particular with their support sections into at least one connecting element each. Preferably, at least one connecting element is attached to the connecting structures and, for example, clamped and / or latched. Other types of mounting of the connecting elements to the connecting structures are also possible.

[0020] Preferably, the connecting elements each extend into the associated undercut. Preferably, the connecting elements each extend along a holding surface of the connecting structure facing the cooling plates. In particular, the connecting elements enclose the connecting structures at least in sections.

[0021] The connecting elements are preferably each fixed by at least one clamping element. In particular, the connecting elements are each held in the undercut by the clamping element. In particular, the clamping element extends from a connecting element to an adjacent connection structure. In particular, the clamping elements are each fixed by the battery cell arranged between the cooling plates and, in particular, pressed against the carrier plate. In particular, the clamping element is clamped between the connecting element and the adjacent connection structure, such that the connecting element is pressed into the undercut of its associated connection structure. The clamping element can be clamped or latched to the connecting element.

[0022] Preferably, the housing base and the housing cover are identically designed, at least with regard to the connection structures. Such identical parts enable particularly cost-effective production and rapid assembly of the battery modules. Identically designed connecting elements can preferably be used for the housing base and the housing cover.

[0023] In particular, the cooling plates are rigidly connected to one another in the stacking direction by at least one coolant line for supplying the cooling plates with a liquid coolant. In particular, the longitudinal axis of the coolant line and the stacking direction are parallel. In particular, the coolant line extends partially into the cooling plates or through the cooling plates. In particular, the coolant line also provides a structural component. However, it is also possible that the coolant line does not perform any structural functions.

[0024] It is possible and advantageous for the cooling plates to spatially separate the stacked battery cells from one another. In particular, the cooling plates provide a fire protection device or are part of such a device. In particular, the cooling plates provide fire protection walls arranged between the battery cells. In particular, the cooling plates are suitable and designed to prevent a fire from one battery cell from spreading to an adjacent battery cell. In the context of the present invention, a fire is understood to mean, in particular, so-called thermal propagation of the battery cell. In this case, hot gases and / or glowing particles occur, in particular.

[0025] The battery device is, in particular, a high-voltage battery. The battery device is, in particular, designed as a traction battery or is part of such a battery. The battery module is, in particular, part of a module arrangement having a plurality of interconnected battery modules. The battery device can comprise such a module arrangement having multiple battery modules or be designed as such. The battery device can comprise a main housing in which at least one battery module is arranged.

[0026] In particular, the long sides face the support plates. In particular, the high sides face the housing side walls. In particular, the long sides are longer than the high sides. Other geometries are also possible. In particular, the main surfaces of the battery cells and the main surfaces of the cooling plates are arranged parallel to one another. In particular, the cooling plates and the battery cells are arranged next to one another at least partially alternately in the stacking direction. In particular, the battery cells and the cooling plates each comprise two main surfaces, namely a front side and a back side. In particular, the front side and the back side are connected to one another via side surfaces. In particular, the side surfaces are formed by the long sides and the high sides. In particular, the side surfaces extend circumferentially around the battery cell or the cooling plate and transversely to the main surfaces.

[0027] The cooling plates are particularly rigid or dimensionally stable. The cooling plates have, in particular, solid walls that enclose the interior space through which the coolant can flow. In particular, the main surfaces of the cooling plates and the battery cells extend transversely and preferably at right angles to the support plates. The battery cells are, in particular, prismatic in design. The stacking direction runs, in particular, transversely to the main surfaces and parallel to the main plane of the support plates.

[0028] Preferably, the cooling plates and / or the battery cells are designed as structural components for the module housing. In particular, the cooling plates and / or the battery cells provide structural components that, in addition to the support plates and in particular also to the housing side walls, provide the mechanical stability of the module housing. Further suitable structural components may be provided. The structural components serve, in particular, to mechanically stabilize the module housing.

[0029] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments which are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0030] The figures show: Fig. 1 a purely schematic representation of a battery device according to the invention in a sectional side view; Fig. 2 the battery device of the Fig. 1 in a sectional perspective view obliquely from above; and Fig. 3 a detailed view of the battery device of the Fig. 1.

[0031] The Fig. 1 to 3 show a battery module 10 of a battery device 1 embodied as a high-voltage battery. The battery device 1 serves here as a traction battery for supplying an electric drive system of an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle. The battery module 10 comprises a module housing 2 with two support plates 12, which are embodied here as a housing base 22 and a housing cover 32. The module housing 2 also comprises housing side walls 42, which, together with the support plates 12, enclose a receiving space 52 for a plurality of battery cells 3 and cooling plates 4.

[0032] Of the multitude of battery cells 3, only one battery cell 3 is shown here as an example for the sake of clarity. In the intended assembly state, the remaining free spaces 53 between the cooling plates 4 are also equipped with battery cells 3. The battery cells 3 are arranged with their main surfaces 13 adjacent to the main surfaces 14 of the cooling plates 4 (stacking direction 8 outlined by a double arrow). The main surfaces 13 are formed between the long sides 23 and the high sides 33 of the battery cells 3. The main surfaces 14 are formed by the long sides 24 and high sides 34 of the cooling plates 4.

[0033] The cooling plates 4 each have an interior space 17 through which a liquid coolant can flow. A coolant line 7 is provided to supply the coolant, connecting the individual cooling plates 4 to one another. The longitudinal axis of the coolant line 7 runs parallel to the stacking direction 8 of the battery cells 3 and the cooling plates 4.

[0034] The cooling plates 4 each have an end section 44 on their long sides 24. They are connected to the housing base 22 with one end section 44, and to the housing cover 32 with the opposite end section. The cooling plates 4 thus provide a load-transferring support 54 between the carrier plates 12. The cooling plates 4 thus form structural components 5 for the mechanical stabilization of the module housing 2.

[0035] The connection of the end sections 44 to the support plates 12 is in the Fig.3. Support sections 64 are formed at the end sections 44, which extend transversely to the main surfaces 14 of the cooling plates 4 or parallel to the main plane of the support plates 12. For example, the support sections 64 are each provided by a bent end section 44.

[0036] The end sections 44 of the cooling plates 4 are each attached to a connecting structure 62 of the respective support plate 12. In the embodiment shown here, the connecting structures 62 are each equipped with an undercut 72 into which the associated support section 64 extends.

[0037] Connecting elements 6 are provided here to couple the support sections 64 to the connecting structures 62. The end sections 44 each extend into a connecting element 6. The connecting elements 6 extend into the associated undercut 72. Furthermore, the connecting elements 6 each extend along a holding surface 82 of the connecting structure 62 facing the cooling plates 4. Clamping elements 16 are provided here to secure the connecting elements 6. The clamping elements 16 each extend from a connecting element 6 to an adjacent connecting structure 62.

[0038] The battery cells 3 shown here also provide structural components for the mechanical stabilization of the module housing 2. To this end, they interact in a load-bearing manner with the cooling plates 4 and the support plates 12, and possibly also with the housing side walls 42. For example, the battery cells 3 have a compression-resistant cell body 43. As a result, the battery cells 3 act as load-transferring supports 54, analogous to the cooling plates 4.

[0039] In addition, the battery cells 3 fill the spaces 53 between the cooling plates 4 and the support plates 12 in such a form-fitting manner that a shear-resistant disk structure 15 is created. The disk structure 15 can absorb forces that run in the stacking direction 8 or parallel to the main plane of the support plates. The cooling plates 4 and battery cells 3, designed as structural components 5, result in an overall sandwich structure 25 for the battery module 10.

[0040] The function of the cooling plates 4 as structural components 5 can be supported by the coolant line 7. For example, the coolant line 7 provides a shear-resistant connection of the individual cooling plates 4 in the stacking direction 8.

[0041] As a further functional integration, the cooling plates 4 are part of a fire protection system. To this end, the cooling plates 4 spatially separate the stacked battery cells 3 from each other, preventing a fire from a thermally runaway battery cell from spreading to its neighboring battery cells 3. List of reference symbols: 1 battery device 2 module housings 3 battery cells 4 cooling plate 5 Structural component 6 Connecting element 7 Coolant line 8 Stacking direction 10 Battery module 12 Carrier plate 13 Main area 14 Main area 15 Disc structure 16 clamping element 17 Interior 22 Case back 23 Long side 24 Long side 25 Sandwich structure 32 housing cover 33 high side 34 high side 42 Housing side panel 43 cell bodies 44 final section 52 recording room 53 open space 54 Support 62 Connection structure 64 supporting section 72 undercut 82 holding surface

Claims

[1] Battery device (1) for an at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle, comprising at least one battery module (10) with a plurality of battery cells (3) housed in a module housing (2) and cooling plates arranged between adjacent battery cells (3), wherein the cooling plates (4) each have at least one interior space (17) through which a (liquid) coolant can flow, and wherein the module housing (2) has at least two opposing support plates (12), comprising a housing base (22) and a housing cover (32) opposite the housing base (22), and housing side walls (42), wherein the support plates (12) and the housing side walls (42) together enclose a receiving space (52) for the battery cells (3) and the cooling plates (4), wherein the battery cells (3) and the cooling plates (4) are lined up in a stacking direction (8) such that the battery cells (3) are arranged with their main surfaces (13),spanned between long sides (23) and high sides (33) of the respective battery cell (3), adjacent to the main surfaces (14) of the cooling plates (4), spanned between long sides (24) and high sides (34) of the respective cooling plate (4), , characterized by that the cooling plates (4) each have at least one end section (44) facing the support plate (12) on their long sides (24) and are each connected to the support plates (12) by their end sections (44), so that the cooling plates (4) provide a load-transmitting support (54) between the support plates (12). [2] Battery device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein battery cells (3) are designed as structural components (5) effective for stiffening the module housing (2) and interact with the cooling plates (4) and the support plates (12). [3] Battery device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery cells (3) have a cell body (43) which is pressure-resistant at least in the direction of their high side (33), and wherein the cell bodies (43) complement the cooling plates (4) in their function as load-transmitting supports (54). [4] Battery device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling plates (4) and / or the cell bodies (43) are fastened to the carrier plates (12) so that tensile forces can be absorbed. [5] Battery device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery cells (3) each fill a free space (53) between the cooling plates (4) and the support plates (12) such that the battery cells (3) and the cooling plates (4) and the support plates (12) together form a shear-resistant disc structure (15) which can absorb forces acting in the stacking direction (8). [6] Battery device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery cells (3) and the cooling plates (4) and the carrier plates (12) form a sandwich structure (25). [7] Battery device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the end sections (44) each have at least one support section (64) and wherein the support sections (64) are arranged transversely to the main surfaces (14) of the cooling plates (4). [8] Battery device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the support sections (64) are each provided by at least one deformed end section (44). [9] Battery device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier plates (12) each comprise connection structures (62) projecting into the receiving space (52) and wherein the end sections (44) are fastened to the connection structures (62). [10] Battery device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the connection structures (62) each have at least one undercut (72) and wherein the support sections (64) extend into the undercuts (72). [11] Battery device (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the cooling plates (4) extend with their end sections (44) into at least one connecting element (6) in each case and wherein at least one connecting element (6) is fastened and in particular locked to the connection structures (62). [12] Battery device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the connecting elements (6) each extend into the undercut (72) and along a holding surface (82) of the connection structure (62) facing the cooling plates (4). [13] Battery device (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the connecting elements (6) are each fixed by at least one clamping element (16) and wherein the clamping element (16) extends from a connecting element (6) to an adjacent connection structure (62). [14] Battery device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling plates (4) are connected to one another in a shear-resistant manner in the stacking direction (8) by a coolant line (7) for supplying the cooling plates (4) with a liquid coolant. [15] Battery device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling plates (4) spatially separate the stacked battery cells (3) from one another.

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