Fluid management module, traction battery and electric or hybrid vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fluid management module (1) for a traction battery (7) of an electric or hybrid vehicle (8), - with a housing part (2) on which a heat exchanger (3) for temperature control of a temperature control fluid, a filter device (4) for filtering the temperature control fluid and a pump (6) for conveying the temperature control fluid are arranged, - wherein the heat exchanger (3) is arranged on an outside (10) and the filter device (4) and the pump (6) are arranged on an opposite inside (11) of the housing part (2) of the fluid management module (1). This allows for a space-optimized and cost-effective design.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid management module and a traction battery with such a fluid management module. The invention also relates to an electric or hybrid vehicle with such a traction battery.

[0002] Electric or hybrid vehicles are increasingly attracting consumer attention due to environmental concerns and are therefore becoming increasingly common on the roads. In order to increase the range and performance of such electric or hybrid vehicles, it is desirable to keep the traction battery of such an electric or hybrid vehicle within a temperature range that is optimal for this traction battery. For this purpose, temperature control devices, such as cooling devices, are used in a conventional manner. In a hybrid vehicle, a cooling device already present for the combustion engine can be used, whereas in purely electric vehicles, such a temperature control device is used by the air conditioning system of the vehicle interior, or such a temperature control device is installed separately.

[0003] The disadvantage here, however, is that, similar to internal combustion engine-powered vehicles with a temperature control system and a filter system, all such components are usually arranged separately in an engine compartment, and corresponding supply lines for both the electrical supply and the temperature control fluid are routed between the individual components. This creates a large number of interfaces, which always pose at least a certain risk of leakage. Furthermore, such a separate arrangement of a temperature control system or a filter system in the engine compartment requires an increased variety of parts and a considerable amount of assembly work, making it correspondingly complex and expensive.

[0004] The present invention therefore addresses the problem of providing a fluid management module for a traction battery for an electric or hybrid vehicle, by means of which the disadvantages known from the prior art can be at least partially overcome.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0006] The present invention is based on the general idea of ​​arranging a fluid management module with a housing part on a battery housing of a traction battery, to which housing part a heat exchanger, a filter device and a pump are attached. In contrast to the prior art, the compact fluid management module is thus delivered, for example, as a prefabricated assembly and attached to the battery housing of the traction battery. The fluid flow of temperature control fluid between the pump, the heat exchanger and the filter device is preferably carried out at least partially within the housing part, thereby eliminating the need for a separate arrangement of the individual components, i.e. a separate arrangement of the heat exchanger, the pump and the filter device in an engine compartment, as well as complex and expensive fluid connections between these components.The fluid management module according to the invention has a housing part on which the heat exchanger for controlling the temperature of the temperature control fluid and thus for controlling the temperature of the traction battery, the filter device for filtering the temperature control fluid, and the pump for conveying the temperature control fluid are arranged. The fluid management module thus represents an extremely compact assembly. The heat exchanger is arranged on one first side (outside) of the housing part, while the filter device and the pump are arranged on the opposite second side (inside) of the housing part of the fluid management module. If the housing part is attached to the battery housing of the traction battery, for example, to drive the electric or hybrid vehicle, the housing part of the fluid management module forms part of this battery housing.The fluid management module is attached to the battery housing of the traction battery with its housing section in such a way that the filter device and the pump are arranged inside the battery housing and the heat exchanger outside the battery housing. By arranging the filter device and the pump inside the battery housing, these components can be arranged in a way that is not only protected but also space-optimized. The heat exchanger is arranged outside the battery housing and thus enables optimal cooling of the temperature control fluid. With the fluid management module according to the invention and the traction battery according to the invention, it is thus possible to create a cost-effective and at the same time compact traction battery, in which, in particular, a significantly reduced assembly effort can be achieved due to the previously required, but now absent, connecting lines between the pump, heat exchanger, and filter device.By eliminating the connecting lines or fluid lines between the aforementioned components, the variety of parts and thus storage and logistics costs can be reduced.

[0007] In a further advantageous embodiment of the fluid management module according to the invention, the filter device has a filter element that is inserted from the outside into a corresponding receptacle in the housing part and is thus accessible and replaceable from the outside. This offers the great advantage that during regular replacement of the filter element, the housing part itself can remain attached to the battery housing and only a cover or a heat exchanger, for example, needs to be removed in order to access and replace the filter element. A connection between the housing part and the battery housing can be achieved with the interposition of appropriate seals, for example via an adhesive connection, a screw connection, in particular via self-tapping screws, or a clip connection.The externally replaceable filter element facilitates maintenance and thus reduces maintenance and inspection costs.

[0008] In a further advantageous embodiment of the fluid management module according to the invention, the housing part has a filling nozzle for temperature control fluid. The filling nozzle can form an integral part of the housing part and is thus preferably manufactured together with it, for example, cast or injection-molded. The filling nozzle can be closed using a suitable cover or a screw plug. Providing the filling nozzle on the housing part can make filling the traction battery with temperature control fluid comparatively simple and thus particularly easy, even for inexperienced users. The filling nozzle is preferably located on the battery side and can therefore also be arranged in a space-optimized manner.

[0009] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the fluid management module according to the invention, the housing part has a vent for venting the battery housing. Such a vent is particularly necessary when filling the battery housing with temperature control fluid, wherein such a vent can be designed, for example, as a vent nipple that is tightly screwed into a corresponding receptacle in the housing part. In theory, the vent can also be integrated into the filling nozzle, so that it has a double-tube design and thus enables problem-free venting. A separation between the filling nozzle and the vent can be achieved, for example, by means of an O-ring seal in the housing part. Of course, separate nozzles, ieFor example, a filling nozzle and a vent nozzle are conceivable, which are attached to the housing part of the fluid management module or to a base plate of the heat exchanger. Valves can also be provided that close the corresponding openings after the filling is removed and prevent the escape of temperature control fluid, such as cooling oil, and the ingress of dirt.

[0010] The housing part is preferably made of die-cast aluminum or plastic. In an aluminum die-casting process, aluminum is pressed into a preheated negative mold in a liquid or pasty state under high pressure. Aluminum offers the significant advantage of being lightweight and enabling high heat transfer, so in this case, the housing part can also be used as a heat exchanger surface and contributes to cooling.

[0011] Alternatively, it is of course also conceivable to construct the housing part from plastic, in particular as a plastic injection-molded part, with polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) being particularly suitable. PPS is a thermoplastic high-temperature polymer and exhibits high chemical and corrosive resistance and high mechanical strength. Its chemical resistance and mechanical strength are maintained even at temperatures above 200°C, making it ideal for use in the traction battery according to the invention. A major advantage of constructing the housing part from plastic, in particular as a plastic injection-molded part, is its comparatively cost-effective yet high-quality production.

[0012] Alternatively, polyoxymethylene (POM) can of course also be used as the material for the housing part, to which, for example, carbon fibers are added in different quantities, in some areas CF 10, i.e. 10% carbon fibers, in order to be able to reliably dissipate electrical charges.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment of the fluid management module according to the invention, the heat exchanger has a base plate that is at least 2 mm, preferably 4 mm, thick, by means of which it is fixed to the housing, for example, by means of self-tapping screws. The selected thickness of the heat exchanger's base plate can create a predefined distance from the housing part, which reliably prevents drops from sticking.

[0014] The base plate can also cover the filter element receptacle, so that replacing the filter element requires only unscrewing the heat exchanger. This offers the significant advantage that no separate closure element is required to seal the filter element receptacle. Furthermore, the housing section, together with the base plate, can form a channel structure through which the temperature control fluid is guided, for example, from the heat exchanger to the filter unit or vice versa.

[0015] It is advisable to arrange a fluid-tight electrical plug connection through the housing part for electrical contact with the pump. The pump for conveying the tempering fluid is - as mentioned above - arranged within the battery housing in the fully assembled state of the traction battery and is contacted via an electrical cable with the fluid-tight electrical plug connection on the housing part. The tempering fluid is usually dielectric, so that the electrical lines can easily come into contact with the tempering fluid without any risk of a short circuit. The fluid-tight electrical plug connection on the housing part has, for example, plugs injected into the plastic of the housing part, which penetrate the housing part and can be connected from both sides, i.e.Electrical contact can be made from the inside of the battery housing by the pump's electrical cable, and from the outside of the battery housing by another cable. By integrating the fluid-tight electrical plug connection into or attaching the fluid-tight electrical plug connection to the housing part, a separate electrical plug connection, which would require complex sealing and always poses a leakage risk, can be dispensed with.

[0016] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the fluid management module, an EMC filter is arranged on the housing part. Such an EMC filter can suppress electromagnetic interference, thus ensuring reliable operation of the traction battery. The EMC filter shields a customer interface, in particular by means of a metallic, bare, and circumferential area for mounting an EMC strip. By integrating the EMC filter into the housing part, an additional function can be integrated into this assembly, thus eliminating the need for additional installation of such an EMC filter. This, in turn, reduces the variety of parts and, associated with it, storage and logistics costs, as well as assembly effort.

[0017] A molded elastomer hose is conveniently arranged to provide the fluid connection between the pump and the housing. The molded elastomer hose provides mechanical and acoustic decoupling between the pump and the housing, preventing vibrations from the pump during operation from being transmitted to the housing, which could potentially generate unpleasant noise in the vehicle interior. Alternatively, a so-called "bone" (plastic piece with an elastomer seal on both sides) can also be provided. Both the molded elastomer hose and the bone also allow for the compensation of manufacturing tolerances and movement tolerances between the pump and the housing.

[0018] The pump can also be mounted on the housing part via a bracket, which enables mechanical and acoustic decoupling. The bracket can, for example, comprise a clamp with an elastomer insert, whereby additional damping elements can be provided at the screw connections between the bracket and the housing part. The entire bracket, i.e., a pump holder, can also be made of acoustically dampening plastic, for example, polyamide with an elastomer component or a polypropylene component.

[0019] In another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one channel for a temperature control fluid is integrated into the housing part. By integrating at least one such channel, a connection between the filter device, the heat exchanger, and the pump can, for example, be completely or at least partially relocated within the housing part. Additionally or alternatively, it is of course also conceivable for at least some of such fluid-carrying channels to be integrated into the base plate of the heat exchanger, so that only supply and discharge openings need to be provided in the housing part.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment, the housing part has contact surfaces with the pump and the heat exchanger, which are coated with a paint or coating, in particular a KTL coating (cathode dip coating). Such a paint or coating can significantly reduce the risk of corrosion, for example if the pump and the housing part are made of different metals, which could lead to contact corrosion upon direct contact due to the different potential. In such contact corrosion, the less noble metal becomes the anode and the more noble metal the cathode, which in the long term leads to the dissolution of the inorganic material. The coating can prevent this.

[0021] To prevent infiltration of the seal, the outer wall of the sealing groove can be offset by at least 0.5 mm, for example. In addition or alternatively, the avoidance of scooping areas below the base plate of the heat exchanger, additional grooves around the sealing points and greasing of contact surfaces can be carried out.

[0022] The present invention is further based on the general idea of ​​specifying a traction battery with a battery housing and with a fluid management module according to the previous paragraphs. The housing part of the fluid management module forms part of the battery housing, wherein the fluid management module is attached to the battery housing of the traction battery with its housing part in such a way that the filter device and the pump are arranged inside the battery housing and the heat exchanger is arranged outside the battery housing. This makes it possible to achieve a compact design in which the pump and the filter device of the fluid management module are arranged inside the battery housing. Due to the fluid management module according to the invention, such a traction battery also requires a reduced variety of parts and reduced assembly effort.

[0023] The present invention is further based on the general idea of ​​equipping an electric or hybrid vehicle with a traction battery described in the previous paragraph, thereby transferring the advantages described with regard to the traction battery and the fluid management module to the electric or hybrid vehicle. Specifically, these advantages lie in a compact, easy-to-assemble, and cost-effective design.

[0024] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0025] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the respective combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Components mentioned above and those to be mentioned below of a higher-level unit, such as a device, a device, or an arrangement, which are designated separately, may form separate parts or components of this unit or be integral areas or sections of this unit, even if this is shown differently in the drawing.

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components.

[0027] They show, schematically Fig. 1 an exploded view of a fluid management module according to the invention for a traction battery according to the invention in an electric or hybrid vehicle also according to the invention, Fig. 2 a view of the fluid management module according to the invention from an inside, Fig. 3 a representation as in Fig. 2, but when viewed from the outside, Fig. 4 a housing part of the fluid management module according to the invention in a view corresponding to Fig. 2 with marked from different areas, Fig. 5 a representation as in Fig. 4, but from an outside, Fig. 6 a sectional view through the fluid management module according to the invention in the region of a connection between a pump and a housing part by means of a bone.

[0028] Accordingly Fig. 1 to 3, a fluid management module 1 according to the invention comprises a housing part 2 on which a heat exchanger 3, here a stacked-plate heat exchanger, for controlling the temperature of a temperature control fluid, a filter device 4 with a filter element 5 for filtering the temperature control fluid, and a pump 6 for conveying the temperature control fluid are arranged. The fluid management module 1 according to the invention is used in the area of ​​a traction battery 7 of an electric or hybrid vehicle 8, wherein the traction battery 7 has a battery housing 9.

[0029] If we consider the Fig. 1 to 3, it can be seen that the heat exchanger 3 is located on an outer side 10 of the housing part 2, while the pump 6 and the filter device 4 are arranged on an opposite inner side 11. The terms "outer side" 10 and "inner side" 11 refer to a fully assembled traction battery 7, to which the fluid management module 1 according to the invention is attached as a component of the battery housing 9. The inner side 11 is thus located inside the battery housing 9, while the outer side 10 is located outside the same.

[0030] Looking at the Fig. 1, it can be seen that the filter device 4 has the previously mentioned filter element 5, for example a pleated star or a sieve, wherein the filter element 5 is accessible from the outside 10 of the housing part 2 and is thus replaceable, so that for the regular replacement of the filter element 5 during maintenance or repair, the fluid management module 1 does not have to be removed from the battery housing 9 of the traction battery 7. The filter element 5 of the filter device 4 is pushed or plugged into a receptacle 12 of the housing part 2 from the outside 10.

[0031] The filter element 5 is covered on the outer side 10 by a base plate 13 of the heat exchanger 3, with seals 14, in particular made of ethylene acrylate rubber (AEM), arranged between the base plate 13 and the housing part 2. To replace the filter element 5, the heat exchanger 3 must first be removed from the housing part 2. For this purpose, for example, screws 15, in particular self-tapping screws, by which the heat exchanger 3 is attached to the housing part 2, must be loosened.

[0032] Also arranged on the housing part 2 is a filling nozzle 16 for filling the fluid management module 1 with temperature control fluid, which can be closed by a closure element 17, for example, a screw plug. To facilitate the smooth filling of the fluid management module 1 with temperature control fluid, a vent 18, in particular a vent nipple 19, can also be provided. In theory, the filling nozzle 16 can of course also consist of two tubes, one of which serves for filling and the other for venting.

[0033] The housing part 2 itself can be made of die-cast aluminum or plastic, with die-cast aluminum in particular offering high strength and, at the same time, a large heat-transfer surface through which, for example, heated temperature control fluid can transfer heat to the outside. Alternatively, a plastic construction, particularly as an injection-molded plastic part, is also conceivable, with polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) being particularly suitable. PPS possesses high mechanical strength and high resistance to corrosion and chemical processes and remains stable even at temperatures above 200°C. PPS is also fire-resistant.A plastic housing part 2 can also be designed with a metallic heat-shielding plate, in particular an embossed metal foil on the outer side 10, a plastic with a metallic shield (EMC shield) on the inner side 11 or the outer side 10, or a plastic with a metallic coating (fire protection, EMC shielding). Also conceivable is a fiber-reinforced plastic with a metallic fabric or, for example, polyoxymethylene with 10% carbon fibers (POM CF 10) to dissipate electrical charges.

[0034] The base plate 13 of the heat exchanger 3 has a thickness of at least 2 mm, preferably at least 4 mm, which prevents drops from getting stuck.

[0035] Looking at the Fig. 1, it can be seen that a fluid-tight electrical plug connection 20 for electrically contacting the pump 6 is arranged on the housing part 2. In the present case, the plug connection 20 is screwed to the housing part 2 with the interposition of a seal 14, for example using self-tapping screws, so that electrical contact can be made from both the outside 10 and the inside 11. An EMC filter, for example a metallic band 21, can also be arranged on the housing part 2. Between the pump 6 and the housing part 2, an elastomeric molded hose or a bone 22 can also be arranged, with both an elastomeric molded hose and a bone 22 at least reducing vibration transmission.

[0036] The pump 6 itself can be fixed to the housing part 2 via a bracket 23, in particular at a location, wherein the bracket 23 also enables acoustic and mechanical decoupling from the housing part 2 via corresponding elastomer inserts 24. Furthermore, the pump 6 can also be screwed to the housing part 2 via corresponding damping elements 25 and associated screws 15', which also provides mechanical and acoustic decoupling as well as vibration decoupling.

[0037] According to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the housing part 2 has contact surfaces 26 to the pump 6 and the heat exchanger 3 or generally to other components which have a paint finish or a coating 27, whereby in particular a direct metallic contact between different noble metals can be reliably excluded and thus a risk of contact corrosion can be reduced.

[0038] At least one channel 28 for temperature control fluid can be integrated into the housing part 2, thereby eliminating the previously required connecting lines, in particular fluid lines, between, for example, the pump 6 and the heat exchanger 3. Purely theoretically, it is also conceivable that such channels 28 are formed by the interaction of the base plate 13 of the heat exchanger 3 and the housing part 2. Irrespective of this, separate connecting lines are also eliminated here, which are not only expensive to manufacture but also complex and thus expensive to assemble.

[0039] All in all, with the fluid management module 1 according to the invention and the traction battery 7 according to the invention, a compact design can be achieved which is also easy to install, easy to maintain and cost-effective.

Claims

[1] Fluid management module (1) for a traction battery (7) of an electric or hybrid vehicle (8), - with a housing part (2) on which a heat exchanger (3) for tempering a tempering fluid, a filter device (4) for filtering the tempering fluid and a pump (6) for conveying the tempering fluid are arranged, - wherein the heat exchanger (3) is arranged on an outer side (10) and the filter device (4) and the pump (6) are arranged on an opposite inner side (11) of the housing part (2) of the fluid management module (1). [2] Fluid management module according to claim 1, characterized by that the filter device (4) has a filter element (5) which is accessible and replaceable from the outside (10) in a corresponding receptacle (12) of the housing part (2). [3] Fluid management module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the housing part (2) has a filling nozzle (16) for tempering fluid. [4] Fluid management module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing part (2) has a vent (17) for venting. [5] Fluid management module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing part (2) is made of die-cast aluminum or plastic. [6] Fluid management module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the heat exchanger (3) has a base plate (13) which is at least 2 mm, preferably at least 4 mm, thick, by means of which it is fixed to the housing part (2). [7] Fluid management module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an electrical plug connection (20) for electrically contacting the pump (6) is arranged on the housing part (2), which plug connection is continuous therethrough and fluid-tight or tightly connected to the housing part (2). [8] Fluid management module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat an EMC filter is arranged on the housing part (2) [9] Fluid management module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an elastomeric molded hose or a bone (22) is provided for the fluidic connection between the pump (6) and the housing part (2). [10] Fluid management module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing part (2) has contact surfaces (26) to the pump (6) and the heat exchanger (3) which have a paint finish or a coating (27), in particular a cathodic dip coating. [11] Fluid management module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one channel (28) for tempering fluid is integrated into the housing part (2). [12] Fluid management module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the pump (6) is arranged on the housing part (2) via a holder (23) which enables mechanical and acoustic decoupling. [13] Traction battery (7) with a battery housing (9), - with a fluid management module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the housing part (2) of the fluid management module (1) forms part of the battery housing (9), - wherein the fluid management module (1) with its housing part (2) is mounted on the battery housing (9) of the traction battery (7) in such a way that the filter device (4) and the pump (6) are arranged inside the battery housing (9) and the heat exchanger (3) is arranged outside the battery housing (9). [14] Electric or hybrid vehicle (8) with a traction battery (8) according to claim 13.

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