Battery arrangement

Abstract

A battery arrangement (12) comprises battery cells (20), a cell connector (25) and a temperature control device (27), wherein the battery cells (20) each comprise an electrode stack arrangement (50) with electrode arrangements (51, 52), wherein the electrode arrangements (51, 52) comprise electrodes (61, 62) and strip elements (55, 56), and wherein the electrode arrangements (51, 52) each comprise - a first electrode arrangement (51) with first electrodes (61) and first strip elements (55) and - a second electrode arrangement (52) with second electrodes (62) and second strip elements (56), wherein the cell connector (25) is formed at least in regions from metal, wherein the strip elements (55) of a first battery cell (20) and the strip elements (55; 56) of a second battery cell (20) are connected to the cell connector (25) and are electrically connected to one another via the cell connector (25), and wherein the temperature control device (27) is arranged in the region of the cell connector (25) and is designed to temperature control the strip elements (55, 55; 55, 56) of the first battery cell (20) and of the second battery cell (20) in the region of the cell connector (25).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a battery arrangement.

[0002] WO 2021 / 229 214 A1 shows a battery with battery cells, wherein two battery cells arranged adjacent to one another are connected to one another by electrical contact elements, wherein the electrical contact elements are thermally but not electrically conductively connected to a cooling plate or cooling elements through which a coolant flows.

[0003] US 2021 / 0 021 008 A1 shows a battery in which electrical contact elements of several battery cells are thermally coupled to a cooling plate via an electrical insulation layer.

[0004] DE 10 2019 121 313 B3 shows a battery with battery cells, wherein an end plate is arranged at one axial end of the battery cells, at which end plate the electrical contact elements of two adjacent battery cells are electrically connected to one another.

[0005] DE 10 2015 217 790 A1 shows a cooling plate through which coolant flows and which is thermally connected to several cell connectors.

[0006] DE 10 2017 121 963 A1 shows a cooling system for cooling cell connectors and electrical contact elements of the battery cells.

[0007] DE 10 2009 035 465 A1 shows a cooling channel structure for cooling cell connectors, wherein the cooling channel structure is integrated in a cell connector board.

[0008] DE 10 2018 003 591 A1 shows cell connectors around which a coolant flows.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new battery arrangement.

[0010] This problem is solved by the subject matter of claim 1.

[0011] A battery arrangement comprises battery cells, a cell connector and a temperature control device, wherein the battery cells each comprise an electrode stack arrangement with electrode arrangements, wherein the electrode arrangements comprise electrodes and strip elements, and wherein the electrode arrangements - a first electrode arrangement with first electrodes and first strip elements and - comprise a second electrode arrangement with second electrodes and second strip elements, wherein the cell connector is formed at least partially from metal, wherein the strip elements of a first battery cell and the strip elements of a second battery cell are connected to the cell connector and are electrically connected to one another via the electrically conductive cell connector, and wherein the temperature control device is arranged in the region of the cell connector and is designed to temperature control the strip elements of the first battery cell and the second battery cell in the region of the cell connector. The design of the cell connector for electrically connecting the strip elements and as a good heat conductor enables advantageous temperature control of the strip elements and thus also of the battery cells. Cooling from the strip elements offers good thermal connection and requires less installation space than inter-cell cooling.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the temperature control device comprises a cell connector channel, wherein the cell connector channel is formed in the cell connector and is configured to conduct a coolant in the cell connector channel to thereby temperature-control the cell connector and the strip elements connected to the cell connector. This enables effective temperature control of the cell connector and thus also of the strip elements.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the temperature control device comprises a temperature control plate, wherein the temperature control plate is in contact with the cell connector or with the strip elements, or with both, on the outside of the cell connector and is configured to temperature-control the cell connector and the strip elements. Cooling on the outside of the cell connector enables large-area and thus powerful cooling.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the temperature control plate has a temperature control plate channel, wherein the temperature control plate channel is configured to conduct a coolant in the temperature control plate channel to thereby temperature-control the strip elements connected to the cell connector and the cell connector. The heat transfer performance can thereby be increased.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the temperature control plate has a recess, and the cell connector extends into the recess to enable large-area contact between the temperature control plate and the cell connector.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the battery arrangement comprises a plurality of cell connectors and temperature control devices. The battery cells comprise strip elements on a first side and on a second side opposite the first side. The strip elements of a battery cell are each connected to one of the cell connectors on both the first side and the second side. A temperature control device is provided on both the first side and the second side for controlling the temperature of the strip elements in the region of the cell connectors. Providing the temperature control devices on both sides leads to an advantageous increase in the cooling or heating capacity, and the temperature in the battery cells can be effectively influenced.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the battery assembly comprises at least four battery cells and at least two cell connectors on a first side of the battery cells, wherein the at least two cell connectors comprise a first cell connector and a second cell connector, and wherein the strip elements of two battery cells are each connected to the first cell connector, and the strip elements of two further battery cells are each connected to the second cell connector. Thus, multiple cell connectors can be provided on one or both sides.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the cell connector has a curved profile, at least in sections. This allows for an increased surface area and thus good heat transfer.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the cell connector has a hollow profile. This increases the surface area while reducing the mass of the battery assembly compared to a solid solution.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, one of the battery cells has a predetermined first stack height in a first direction, and the cell connector has a profile with a maximum extension in the first direction, wherein the maximum extension is at least 50% of the first stack height, preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 100%, and particularly preferably at least 110%. This extension provides a large surface area and good heat transfer.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, one of the battery cells has a predetermined first stack height in a first direction, and the cell connector has a profile with a maximum extension in the first direction, wherein the maximum extension is at most 200% of the first stack height, preferably at most 160%, more preferably at most 120%, more preferably at most 110%, and particularly preferably at most 100%. This extension enables a large surface area, and at the same time, multiple cell connectors can be arranged side by side.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the battery assembly comprises a separator plate, wherein the separator plate is arranged between two battery cells and wherein the separator plate is connected to the cell connector. Such a separator plate structures the arrangement of the battery cells.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the battery assembly comprises separating plates and cell connectors, wherein the separating plates are each arranged between two battery cells, and wherein the separating plates are each connected to one of the cell connectors. The separating plates advantageously enable the positioning of the cell connectors.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the strip elements are at least partially connected to the cell connector via a welded joint. A welded joint can be produced reliably and has a low electrical resistance.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the strip elements are at least partially connected to the cell connector via a press connection. The strip elements are pressed against the cell connector via a press member.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the battery arrangement comprises a housing, a first connection element and a second connection element, wherein the first connection element and the second connection element are electrically connected to the battery cells and enable an electrical connection of the battery arrangement on the outside of the housing.

[0027] Further details and advantageous developments of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and illustrated in the drawings, which are in no way to be understood as limiting the invention, as well as from the dependent claims. It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below 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 present invention. It shows: Fig. 1 in a side view an electrode arrangement, Fig. 2 shows a schematic plan view of the electrode arrangement of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 in schematic longitudinal section a battery cell with electrode arrangements of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of a first embodiment of a battery arrangement, and Fig. 5 shows a schematic sectional view of a second embodiment of a battery arrangement.

[0028] In the following, identical or functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference symbols and are usually described only once. The description builds on each figure to avoid unnecessary repetition.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of an electrode arrangement 51 or 52, which comprises an electrode 61 or 62 and a strip element 55 or 56. Such strip elements 55, 56 serve to contact the electrode 61 or 62.

[0030] The electrode 61 or 62 has a longitudinal direction 91 and a transverse direction 92 transverse to the longitudinal direction.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows in a schematic plan view the electrode arrangement 51, 52 of Fig. 1.

[0032] The electrode arrangement 51 or 52 comprises a foil 53, also referred to as a conductor foil, which acts as an electrical conductor and enables current flow. An active material layer 54 is provided in the area of ​​the electrode 61, 62 on one side of the foil 53 or on both sides. The thickness 93 of the electrode 61, 62 is preferably in the range of 15 µm to 2 mm.

[0033] The strip element 55 or 56 is preferably at least partially or completely free of the active material layer 54, since this region is not effective for the galvanic cell. Furthermore, the strip element 55 or 56 without the active material layer 54 has a smaller thickness 94 than in the region of the electrode 61 or 62, respectively, and this enables better bending of the strip element 55 or 56 and a more compact design in the contacting area.

[0034] The thickness 94 of the strip element 55 or 56 is preferably in the range 4 µm to 50 µm.

[0035] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a battery cell 20 from above in a longitudinal section.

[0036] An electrode stack arrangement 50 comprises electrode assemblies 51 and electrode assemblies 52. Separators 63 are provided between the electrodes 61 of the electrode assemblies 51 and the electrodes 62 of the electrode assemblies 52. In the exemplary embodiment, electrodes 61 and electrodes 62 are always provided alternately. It is also possible to provide two identical electrodes 61 or two identical electrodes 62 adjacent to one another, at least partially—for example, in the center.

[0037] An electrolyte 64 is provided to allow ion flow.

[0038] The electrodes 61 and 62 extend in their longitudinal direction 91 between the strip elements 55 and 56. Preferably, all electrodes 61, 62 extend in the same longitudinal direction 91. However, the longitudinal direction 91 can also be at least partially different. The strip elements 55 of the electrode arrangements 51 are provided on a first side 95 of the electrode arrangements 51, 52 or the electrode stack arrangement 50, and the strip elements 56 are preferably positioned on a second side 96 of the electrode arrangements 51, 52 or the electrode stack arrangement 50, opposite the first side 95.

[0039] The battery cell is preferably designed as a lithium-ion battery cell.

[0040] Here, the positive electrode arrangement 51 preferably comprises a foil 53 made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the active material layer 54 preferably comprises an active material such as - Lithium cobalt(III) oxide, - lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide, - Lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide, or - Lithium iron phosphate.

[0041] The negative electrode arrangement 52 preferably comprises a foil 53 made of copper or a copper alloy, and the active material layer 54 preferably comprises an active material such as - Graphite, - nanocrystalline, amorphous silicon, - Lithium titanate, or - Tin dioxide.

[0042] Copper and aluminum are good heat conductors and therefore enable very efficient and advantageous cooling of the electrode arrangements 51, 52.

[0043] The active material layers 54 may each additionally comprise additives.

[0044] The battery cell 20 can also be constructed as a different cell type, for example as - Sodium-sulfur battery cell, - Nickel-iron battery cell, or - Nickel-zinc battery cell.

[0045] Preferably, the battery cell 20 is rechargeable, and such a battery cell 20 is also referred to as a secondary cell or secondary element.

[0046] The strip elements 55, 56 are also referred to as current collector foils or current collector foils.

[0047] Fig. 4 shows a battery arrangement 12 with battery cells 20, cell connectors 25, a temperature control device 27, a first connection element 38 and a second connection element 39.

[0048] The battery cells 20 each have an electrode stack arrangement 50 with electrode assemblies 51, 52. The electrode assemblies 51, 52 have electrodes 61, 62 and strip elements 55, 56.

[0049] The electrode arrangements 51, 52 each comprise a first electrode arrangement 51 with first electrodes 61 and first strip elements 55 and a second electrode arrangement 52 with second electrodes 62 and second strip elements 56.

[0050] The strip elements 55 of a first battery cell 20 and the strip elements 56 of a second battery cell 20 are connected to the cell connector 25 and electrically connected to one another via the cell connector 25. In the exemplary embodiment, adjacent battery cells 20 are always rotated such that both the first strip elements 55 and the second strip elements 56 are connected to the cell connectors 25. This results in a series connection of the battery cells 20. It is also possible to connect the battery cells 20 partially or completely in parallel.

[0051] The current flows via the strip elements 55, 56 between the respective active material layer 54 (cf. Fig. 2) and the associated cell connector 25 or connection element 38, 39.

[0052] The temperature control devices 27 are arranged in the region of the cell connectors 25 and are designed to temperature control the strip elements 55, 56 in the region of the cell connector 25.

[0053] The temperature control devices 27 each have a cell connector channel 28, which is formed in the cell connector 25 and is configured to conduct a coolant 29 in the cell connector channel 28. This allows the cell connector 25 and the strip elements 55, 56 connected to the cell connector 25 to be cooled.

[0054] The cell connectors 25 are preferably made of metal, at least in part. This enables a good electrical connection between the strip elements 55, 56, and metal is a good thermal conductor, allowing for effective heat dissipation from the battery cells 20.

[0055] The cell connectors 25 preferably have a curved profile, at least in sections. This allows the cell connectors 25 to be designed with a comparatively large surface area. On the one hand, this enables a large-area connection of the strip elements 55, 56, and on the other hand, the good surface area enables good heat transfer.

[0056] The cell connectors 25 preferably have a hollow profile. This allows the surface area to be increased, while the weight of the cell connectors 25 is still comparatively low. Furthermore, the hollow interior can be used for a coolant 29.

[0057] The strip elements 55, 56 are preferably at least partially connected to the cell connector 25 via a welded joint 58. A welded joint enables a secure electrical and mechanical connection and low electrical resistance. Furthermore, the welded joint can be formed through the entire stack of strip elements 55, 56.

[0058] The battery arrangement 12 preferably has a plurality of cell connectors 25 and temperature control devices 27. The battery cells 20 preferably have strip elements 55; 56 on the first side 95 and on the second side 96 opposite the first side 95. The strip elements 55, 56 of one of the battery cells 20 are preferably connected to one of the cell connectors 25 on both the first side 95 and the second side 96, and a temperature control device 27 is provided on both the first side 95 and the second side 96 for controlling the temperature of the strip elements 55, 56 in the region of the cell connectors 25. Cooling or heating from two opposite sides is particularly advantageous for good heat transfer between the battery cell 20 and the coolant.

[0059] The battery assembly 12 preferably has at least four battery cells 20 and at least two cell connectors 25 on the first side 95 of the battery cells 20. The cell connectors 25 preferably comprise a first cell connector 25 and a second cell connector 25. The strip elements 55, 56 of each two battery cells 20 are preferably connected to the first cell connector 25, and the strip elements 55, 56 of each two further battery cells 20 are preferably connected to the second cell connector 25. The cell connectors 25 can thus advantageously be arranged side by side.

[0060] Preferably, separating plates 80 are arranged between the battery cells 20.

[0061] Preferably, the separating plates 80 are mechanically connected to the cell connector 25. This allows the cell connectors 25 to be positioned simultaneously by positioning the separating plates 80.

[0062] The battery cells 20 have a predetermined stack height 70 in a first direction 99.

[0063] The cell connectors 25 preferably have a profile with a maximum extension 72 in the first direction 99, which maximum extension is at least 50% of the stack height 70, preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 100%, and particularly preferably at least 110%. This relatively large maximum extension results in a large surface area of ​​the cell connectors and thus good heat transfer.

[0064] The cell connectors 25 preferably have a profile with a maximum extension 72 in the first direction 99, which amounts to at most 200% of the stack height 70, preferably at most 160%, more preferably at most 120%, more preferably at most 110%, and particularly preferably at most 100%. This maximum extension enables good heat transfer, but several cell connectors 25 can still be used side by side on one side.

[0065] A housing 36 is schematically indicated. Two connection elements 38, 39 are provided on the housing 36 to enable electrical connection of the battery assembly from the outside of the housing 36. The housing 36 preferably extends around the entire battery assembly 12 and allows for the confinement of the electrolyte 64.

[0066] Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of the battery assembly 12.

[0067] The temperature control device 27 has a temperature control plate 31. The temperature control plate 31 is in contact with the cell connectors 25 on the outside of the cell connectors 25 or with the strip elements 55, 56 on the respective side 95 or 96 and is configured to temperature control the cell connectors 25 and the strip elements 55, 56.

[0068] The temperature control plate 31 preferably has a temperature control plate channel 32, which is configured to conduct the coolant 29 in the temperature control plate channel 32. This allows the strip elements 55, 56 connected to the respective cell connector 25 and the cell connector 25 to be cooled.

[0069] Preferably, there is electrical insulation between the temperature control plate 31 and the cell connectors 25 and / or the strip elements 55, 56 to prevent a short circuit between the cell connectors 25 via the temperature control plate 31. The electrical insulation can be achieved by an electrically non-conductive material on the temperature control plate 31 and / or an electrically non-conductive material provided in certain areas on the cell connectors 25.

[0070] The tempering devices 27 of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 can also be combined advantageously.

[0071] Naturally, various variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. 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] DE 10 2019 121 313 B3

[0004] DE 10 2015 217 790 A1

[0005] DE 10 2017 121 963 A1

[0006] DE 10 2009 035 465 A1

[0007] DE 10 2018 003 591 A1

[0008]

Claims

[1] Battery arrangement (12) comprising battery cells (20), a cell connector (25) and a temperature control device (27), wherein the battery cells (20) each have an electrode stack arrangement (50) with electrode arrangements (51, 52), wherein the electrode arrangements (51, 52) have electrodes (61, 62) and strip elements (55, 56), and wherein the electrode arrangements (51, 52) - a first electrode arrangement (51) with first electrodes (61) and first strip elements (55) and - a second electrode arrangement (52) with second electrodes (62) and second strip elements (56), wherein the cell connector (25) is formed at least in regions from metal, wherein the strip elements (55) of a first battery cell (20) and the strip elements (55; 56) of a second battery cell (20) are connected to the cell connector (25) and are electrically connected to one another via the cell connector (25), and wherein the temperature control device (27) is arranged in the region of the cell connector (25) and is designed to temperature control the strip elements (55, 55; 55, 56) of the first battery cell (20) and of the second battery cell (20) in the region of the cell connector (25). [2] Battery arrangement (12) according to claim 1, wherein the temperature control device (27) has a cell connector channel (28), wherein the cell connector channel (28) is formed in the cell connector (25) and is adapted to conduct a coolant (29) in the cell connector channel (28) in order to thereby temperature control the cell connector (25) and the strip elements (55, 55; 55, 56) connected to the cell connector (25). [3] Battery arrangement (12) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the temperature control device (27) has a temperature control plate (31), wherein the temperature control plate (31) on the outside of the cell connector (25) is in contact with the cell connector (25) or with the strip elements (55, 55; 55, 56) and is designed to temperature control the cell connector (25) and the strip elements (55, 55; 55, 56). [4] Battery arrangement (12) according to claim 3, wherein the temperature control plate (31) has a temperature control plate channel (32), wherein the temperature control plate channel (32) is adapted to conduct a coolant (29) in the temperature control plate channel (32) in order to thereby temperature control the strip elements (55, 55; 55, 56) connected to the cell connector (25) and the cell connector (25). [5] Battery arrangement (12) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the temperature control plate (31) has a recess (33), and wherein the cell connector (25) extends into the recess (33) to enable a large-area contact between the temperature control plate (31) and the cell connector (25). [6] Battery arrangement (12) according to one of the preceding claims, which has a plurality of cell connectors (25) and temperature control devices (27), in which the battery cells (20) have strip elements (55; 56) on a first side (95) and on a second side (96) opposite the first side (95), in which the strip elements (55; 56) of a battery cell (20) are each connected to one of the cell connectors (25) on both the first side (95) and the second side (96), and in which a temperature control device (27) for temperature control of the strip elements (55, 55; 55, 56) is provided in the region of the cell connectors (25) on both the first side (95) and the second side (96). [7] Battery arrangement (12) according to one of the preceding claims, which has at least four battery cells (20) and at least two cell connectors (25) on a first side (95; 96) of the battery cells (20), wherein the at least two cell connectors (25) comprise a first cell connector (25) and a second cell connector (25), and wherein the strip elements (55, 56) of two battery cells (20) in each case are connected to the first cell connector (25) and the strip elements (55, 56) of two further battery cells (20) in each case are connected to the second cell connector (25). [8] Battery arrangement (12) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the cell connector (25) has a curved profile at least in sections. [9] Battery arrangement (12) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the cell connector (25) has a hollow profile. [10] Battery arrangement (12) according to one of the preceding claims, in which one of the battery cells (20) has a predetermined first stack height (70) in a first direction (99), and in which the cell connector (25) has a profile with a maximum extension (72) in the first direction (99), wherein the maximum extension is at least 50% of the first stack height (70), preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 100% and particularly preferably at least 110%. [11] Battery arrangement (12) according to one of the preceding claims, in which one of the battery cells (20) has a predetermined first stack height (70) in a first direction (99), and in which the cell connector (25) has a profile with a maximum extension (72) in the first direction (99), wherein the maximum extension is at most 200% of the first stack height (70), preferably at most 160%, further preferably at most 120%, further preferably at most 110% and particularly preferably at most 100%. [12] Battery assembly (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a separator plate (80), wherein the separator plate (80) is arranged between two battery cells (20), and wherein the separator plate (80) is connected to the cell connector (25). [13] Battery arrangement (12) according to one of the preceding claims, which comprises separating plates (80) and cell connectors (25), wherein the separating plates (80) are each arranged between two battery cells (20), and wherein the separating plates (80) are each connected to one of the cell connectors (25). [14] Battery arrangement (12) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the strip elements (55; 56) are at least partially connected to the cell connector (25) via a welded connection (58) or via a press connection. [15] Battery assembly (12) according to one of the preceding claims, which comprises a housing (36), a first connection element (38) and a second connection element (39), wherein the first connection element (38) and the second connection element (39) are electrically connected to the battery cells (20) and enable an electrical connection of the battery assembly (12) on the outside of the housing.

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