Tempering element for a cover of a high-voltage battery

The temperature control element with conformable material and stiffening components addresses thermal management challenges in high-voltage batteries, ensuring efficient heat transfer and reduced space requirements, thereby optimizing battery performance.

DE102024104129A1Pending Publication Date: 2025-08-14DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102024104129
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-02-14
Publication Date
2025-08-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing high-voltage battery systems face challenges in efficiently managing temperature control due to the need for extensive assembly and installation space with conventional heat exchangers and heat-conducting media, which complicates the thermal management of battery cells.

Method used

A temperature control element with a fluid channel having a conformable material contact surface and complementary stiffening components, allowing for direct contact with battery cells without additional heat-conducting media, ensuring efficient heat transfer while minimizing space and assembly complexity.

Benefits of technology

The solution provides effective thermal management with reduced installation space and assembly complexity, enabling high-voltage batteries to operate within a narrow temperature window, enhancing power output and reducing the risk of overheating or underperformance.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a tempering element for a cover of a high-voltage battery, comprising at least one fluid channel with a front side and a rear side, wherein the fluid channel includes at least one contact surface for heat transfer. The temperature control element is characterized in that at least the contact surface of the fluid channel is formed from a conformable material, and on the front side outside the at least one contact surface is formed or stiffened by a component shaped complementarily to the fluid channel. The temperature control element proposed here enables a simple design and very good cooling performance without the use of thermal paste.
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to a tempering element for a cover of a high-voltage battery, a battery module with such a tempering element for a high-voltage battery, a high-voltage battery with such a battery module for a motor vehicle, and a motor vehicle with such a high-voltage battery.

[0002] Particularly in motor vehicles, a high power density of the traction battery is desirable within an electrified powertrain with a traction battery as the electrical energy source. Therefore, so-called high-voltage batteries are used for this purpose, as well as for other purposes. A large number of battery cells are combined to form a battery module. For optimal operation, these battery cells must be kept within a narrow temperature range, i.e., temperature-controlled. For example, it is known to use a heat exchanger with a coolant circulating in a pipe system, with a heat-conducting agent, such as a paste or a deformable mat, often provided between the heat exchanger and the area of ​​the battery cells to be cooled. This requires a great deal of assembly effort and / or a considerable amount of installation space.

[0003] Based on this, the present invention is based on the object of at least partially overcoming the disadvantages known from the prior art. The features of the invention are derived from the independent claims, for which advantageous embodiments are presented in the dependent claims. The features of the claims can be combined in any technically reasonable manner, whereby the explanations from the following description as well as features from the figures, which comprise additional embodiments of the invention, can also be consulted for this purpose.

[0004] The invention relates to a tempering element for a cover of a high-voltage battery, comprising at least one fluid channel with a front side and a back side, wherein the fluid channel comprises at least one contact surface for heat transfer.

[0005] The tempering element is characterized in particular in that at least the contact surface of the fluid channel is formed from a conformable material and is formed or stiffened on the front side outside the at least one contact surface by a component shaped complementarily to the fluid channel.

[0006] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, ordinal numbers used in the preceding and following descriptions serve only to clearly distinguish them and do not reflect the order or ranking of the designated components. An ordinal number greater than one does not necessarily imply that another such component must be present.

[0007] The temperature control element comprises at least one fluid channel through which a temperature control fluid, preferably a temperature control liquid, can be conducted. Accordingly, the fluid channel is designed to be at least liquid-tight (in accordance with the design), preferably fluid-tight (i.e., also gas-tight). The fluid channel is configured for good heat transfer between an environment and the guided temperature control fluid. Furthermore, the fluid channel is equipped with a contact surface that can conform to a mating surface of an element to be temperature controlled. This means that it is molded to the respective topology of the mating surface of an element to be temperature controlled, resulting in a large-area contact surface of the fluid channel.

[0008] In one embodiment, height differences in the range of up to 1 mm (one millimeter) or even 2 mm can be reproduced with full-surface contact of the contact surface. In one embodiment, bevels, kinks, and curves can be reproduced with full-surface contact of the contact surface, with a limit for a radius of curvature formed in the contact surface during nesting preferably being less than twice the material thickness of the material used for the contact surface.

[0009] This makes it possible to create a very good heat transfer to an element to be tempered, even if the counter surface is not ideally flat, without using an (additional) heat conducting agent such as a mat or paste.

[0010] However, the fluid channel is not formed entirely from the conformable material alone, but (preferably exclusively) in the region of at least one contact surface, i.e., where conformation is required. In other sections of the fluid channel, it is formed or supported (i.e., stiffened) by an insufficiently conformable material of a complementarily shaped component. For example, the complementarily shaped component is so stiff that no deformation, or no deformation relevant to the application, occurs under the desired internal pressure in the fluid channel. For example, such an internal pressure is up to 3 bar [three bar], preferably up to 2.5 bar. Alternatively, the internal pressure in the fluid channel corresponds approximately to atmospheric pressure, with, for example, a safety load limit of up to 1.5 bar.

[0011] Preferably, the conformable material of the contact surface is designed in such a way that it cannot withstand at least the maximum permissible internal pressure in the fluid channel during use without mechanical support. The material itself and / or a connection point represent a corresponding weak point.

[0012] In one embodiment, such a contact surface is dimensioned such that the conformable material is completely mechanically supported against the internal pressure by the mating surface of the element to be temperature-controlled. The conformation is preferably not limited by the residual stresses in the conformable material, as is the case, for example, when a balloon is pressed against a surface. On the contrary, residual stress in the conformable material, for example, is not a factor in the molding, and the internal pressure in the fluid channel is absorbed by the element to be temperature-controlled, not by the conformable material, even in the region of the mating surface. In one embodiment, the formation of folds and creases in the conformable material in the region of the contact surface is accepted.

[0013] It should be noted that a complementarily shaped component is shaped such that a desired geometry results during the flow through the fluid channel, wherein a constant hydraulic diameter is preferably selected, taking into account flow behavior at curves and kinks, or a hydraulic diameter in the fluid channel is never smaller than at a predetermined (throttle) point. At the same time, a hydraulic diameter is preferably nowhere significantly larger than at the predetermined throttle point. For example, a deviation is less than 10% [ten percent], preferably less than 5%.

[0014] It should also be noted that while the temperature control element is preferably arranged in the cover of a high-voltage battery, it can also be used in a housing wall or between two battery cells. For example, a contact surface is then formed on both the front and rear sides, so that in an advantageous embodiment, the conformable material of the contact surfaces of the fluid channel is mechanically supported by one of the two opposing battery cells (or even two battery modules) in a manner that conforms to the corresponding counter surface.

[0015] For an embodiment with a front side and a rear side that is only relevant mechanically (i.e. not for heat transfer), the rear side is formed or mechanically supported by a component of the temperature control element or by at least one component that is immediately adjacent during use (i.e. after assembly).

[0016] It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the tempering element that the stiffening component is a shell component, preferably a formed sheet metal element.

[0017] Using a shell component, a flat structure can be achieved while maintaining sufficient rigidity. Furthermore, a shell component can be manufactured cost-effectively in small to large series.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the shell component is a sheet metal element, preferably cold-formed, made of a metal, for example, aluminum or steel. In one embodiment, the shell component is a sheet metal element formed from a so-called organic sheet, preferably with fiber reinforcement. In one embodiment, the shell component is a sheet metal element formed from a fiber composite material. A thermoplastic (matrix) material is preferably used for all plastic-based sheet metal elements.

[0019] It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the tempering element that a plurality of contact surfaces are formed by the fluid channel along the channel path, The stiffening component has windows for the contact surfaces, which are interrupted by cross struts along the channel.

[0020] Many battery modules, such as those currently used in battery electric vehicles (BEVs), are designed to accommodate a large number of battery cells (e.g., 8, 12, 16, or 24). The required contact surface, with the conformable material, may be too long for a single contact surface extending continuously along the length of the consecutive battery cells. At the very least, it is then advantageous to provide several windows in the stiffening component, with each window corresponding to a contact surface. In other words, a single contact surface area is interrupted by one or more cross struts, creating a corresponding number of contact surfaces (i.e., a number one greater than the number of cross struts).

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the cross braces are designed to be as narrow as possible and / or arranged in an area where heat transfer is less important or less efficient than in the area in direct contact with the contact surfaces. It should be noted that, under certain circumstances, high manufacturing and assembly accuracy (and preferably low surface roughness) may be required in the area of ​​a cross brace, thus creating direct and extensive contact between the respective cross brace and the corresponding mating surface. Alternatively or additionally, a thermally conductive agent (preferably a thermally conductive paste) may be provided there.However, compared to previously known solutions, the use of a heat-conducting agent is considerably reduced, namely to the small area(s) of at least one cross strut, so that a more efficient and / or less space-requiring, albeit more cost-intensive, solution can be used under certain circumstances.

[0022] It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the tempering element that a component stiffening the fluid channel is provided on the front and on the back, wherein preferably one of the components is flat, preferably a cut-out sheet metal element.

[0023] In this embodiment, the at least one fluid channel is supported on both the front and rear sides and thus stiffened. In one embodiment, the temperature control element already completely forms a cover for a battery module and / or a battery housing cover for a high-voltage battery. For example, at least one of the stiffening components simultaneously forms (preferably in one piece) a connection to a module housing or battery housing. In one embodiment, the stiffening components are fixed to one another by means of such a connection; in one embodiment, they are fixed to one another exclusively by means of such a connection.

[0024] In one embodiment, apart from the stiffening component on the front side (i.e., the front-side component) and the stiffening component on the rear side (i.e., the rear-side component), no further components are part of the temperature control element, preferably the (battery housing) cover formed thereby. The temperature control element or the (battery housing) cover are then formed exclusively by the at least one fluid channel (comprising the conformable material) and the two stiffening components.

[0025] In one embodiment, the connection forms a positive connection. In one embodiment, the connection forms a screw connection and / or rivet connection, wherein the screws or rivets used for this purpose are not part of the connection of the temperature control element, but are formed separately from the connection as a holding means.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, one of the components, preferably the rear component, is flat, meaning no elevation or depression is introduced by a manufacturing process. For example, the flat component is a sheet metal blank or an organic sheet, whereby this component is merely cut out of the (flat) raw material. It should be noted that this does not preclude the flat component from forming at least one window for a contact surface of the fluid channel.

[0027] It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the tempering element that the front-side component and the rear-side component are connected to one another, preferably in a materially bonded manner, all the way around the at least one fluid channel.

[0028] Here, an advantageous embodiment is shown in which the front component and the rear component are connected to one another (preferably directly, i.e., without an intermediate piece). In one embodiment, this connection is formed outside the at least one fluid channel or outside its material. In one embodiment, the (conformable) material of the fluid channel is enclosed, i.e., fixed, in this connection by the front component and the rear component, preferably using the same manufacturing process, particularly preferably in the same (preferably single) manufacturing step.

[0029] In one embodiment, the front component and the rear component are (indirectly or preferably directly) caulked together, i.e., joined by cold forming. In one embodiment, they are connected to each other by (hard or soft) soldering. In another embodiment, they are connected to each other by welding (preferably laser welding or friction welding), preferably at least in a liquid-tight manner, particularly preferably fluid-tight.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the conformable material of the at least one fluid channel is enclosed all around by the connection between the front-side component and the rear-side component, for example, thereby securely sealed or only there at least liquid-tightly (preferably exclusively liquid-tightly).

[0031] It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the temperature control element that the conformable material is formed from two films, wherein the two films are joined to one another, preferably in a material-to-material manner, at least adjacent to and outside the at least one fluid channel in at least liquid-tight, preferably planar, contact with one another.

[0032] Here, it is proposed that the conformable material be composed of two films, one of which is arranged on the front and the other on the back. At least the film with a contact surface is made of a conformable material. Preferably, both films are made of the same material.

[0033] The at least one fluid channel is formed in that the films are connected to one another (preferably directly) outside the fluid channel (over their entire surface or exclusively in an adjacent strip). This creates an at least liquid-tight, preferably fluid-tight, connection. Furthermore, so much excess material is formed between the adjacent connections (to the left and right of a channel extension) that, under a suitable internal pressure, a channel through which the temperature control fluid can flow is formed, namely the fluid channel. In one embodiment, the excess material is provided solely on the side of the contact surface, particularly preferably exclusively on the front side, so that, under a suitable internal pressure, an elevation for the fluid channel through which flow is formed solely on the (preferably contact) side with the at least one contact surface.

[0034] In one embodiment, the two films are joined together (preferably directly) by welding, for example ultrasonic welding.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the regions of the films in which the at least one fluid channel is not formed are connected to one another over their entire surface or at specific points (preferably directly). This component, consisting exclusively of the front-side film and the rear-side film, is preferably already joined to one another and is then joined to the front-side component (and optionally the rear-side component). In one embodiment, the fluid channel of the pre-joined films is already formed to be at least liquid-tight. In one embodiment, the fluid channel is only liquid-tight when the front-side component and the rear-side component are joined.

[0036] It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the tempering element that the conformable material from which the at least one fluid channel is formed is formed in a flat manner and that the at least one fluid channel is formed as an elevation, preferably exclusively towards the front side, from a flat plane, wherein the planar plane is preferably at least partially joined to at least one of the components, and / or wherein the planar plane preferably extends between at least two channel sections of the fluid channel.

[0037] Here, an embodiment of the at least one fluid channel is proposed that is easy to manufacture, in which at least one of the fluid channels, preferably all of the fluid channels, is formed using a flat, conformable material. For example, the conformable material is formed in a tubular, double-layered configuration. Alternatively, the conformable material (for example, as described above) is formed from two films.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment, the flat plane of the conformable material formed in this way (at least on the side of the contact surface) is partially or fully bonded, for example, to the front component and / or rear component. It is sufficient, for example, to prevent slipping of the film toward the adjacent component by absorbing this slippage due to the gravitational resistance of the bonded connection. Alternatively, one or more positive and / or non-positive connections are additionally formed in the area of ​​the flat plane (for example, by caulking or riveting) between the front component and the rear component. This provides additional stiffening of the fluid channel and / or the stiffening components.

[0039] By extending the flat plane between two channel sections of the fluid channel, the stability of the fluid channel is increased in the pre-joined state, and preferably also in the state joined to the at least one stiffening component. This makes the pre-joined fluid channel easier to handle during production. In the joined state, a tensile force from the flat plane resulting from an expansion (due to internal pressure) of the respective channel section of the fluid channel can be prevented, preferably by connecting the flat plane to the at least one stiffening component.

[0040] According to a further aspect, a battery module for a high-voltage battery is proposed, comprising at least the following components: - at least one battery cell with a battery terminal; - control electronics for the at least one battery cell electrically connected to the respective battery terminal - a module housing for accommodating the at least one battery cell; - a module cover; and - a temperature control element according to an embodiment as described above, wherein the temperature control element is in heat-transferring contact with its at least one contact surface with at least one of the battery cells, preferably with at least one of the battery terminals, and / or the control electronics, wherein the tempering element is preferably integrated into the module cover.

[0041] For many applications, a high-voltage battery with sufficient capacity is formed by a plurality of battery modules, which in turn comprise a large number of battery cells. The battery modules form an easily manageable subunit of the high-voltage battery.

[0042] Each of the battery cells includes a battery terminal, via which at least one desired voltage can be drawn. In one embodiment, measured values ​​and / or control commands can also be transmitted via the battery terminal.

[0043] The at least one battery cell is housed in a module housing, making it easy to handle and, if necessary, encapsulated against expansion and / or fire or the spread of fire to an adjacent battery module and / or battery cell. For example, the module housing is trough-shaped, and the at least one battery cell is inserted therein, preferably held at a defined distance from one another by corresponding retaining elements of the module housing.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the module housing comprises at least one temperature control channel for controlling an internal temperature in the module housing or the at least one battery cell.

[0045] The module housing can be closed by means of the module cover, preferably the at least one battery cell within the module housing is thus completely encapsulated from the environment.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, control electronics are integrated into the battery module, by means of which a voltage drop and, if necessary, other operating parameters can be controlled, preferably regulated. In one embodiment, a temperature measurement is carried out within the battery module, and a voltage drop at the battery cells can be regulated or at least switched off depending on this. In an advantageous embodiment, further parameters at the battery cells or in the battery module are monitored, for example, the expansion of a battery cell or its so-called vent (relief valve).

[0047] Furthermore, a temperature control element is included in an embodiment as described above. This ensures very good heat transfer into the temperature control fluid, i.e., a partition wall of the fluid channel with a low heat capacity (due to its mass) and also a low thermal insulation effect due to the close fit, so that the formation of a gap between the fluid channel and the element to be temperature controlled is (virtually) impossible or at least a technically negligible phenomenon.

[0048] The element of the battery module to be temperature-controlled is at least one of the battery cells, preferably all of the battery cells within the battery module. Preferably, the at least one fluid channel is brought into direct contact with a battery terminal of the respective battery cell by its contact surface. Alternatively or additionally, the contact surface of the fluid channel is brought into thermally conductive contact with the (preferably present) control electronics. The contact is preferably formed directly (at least in the areas of the contact surface(s)), i.e., without an additional thermally conductive medium (thermal paste and / or thermally conductive mat).

[0049] It should be noted that in one embodiment, a contact surface of the fluid channel is provided both on the front and on the back, for example for arranging between two battery cells and / or a battery cell (preferably its battery terminal) and the control electronics

[0050] In an advantageous embodiment, the temperature control element is integrated into the module cover, or the module cover is formed by the temperature control element. It should be noted that in one embodiment, multiple temperature control elements are provided, for example, in at least one wall of the module housing, between battery cells, and / or between a battery cell and the (if present) control electronics.

[0051] According to a further aspect, a high-voltage battery for a motor vehicle is proposed, comprising at least the following components: - at least one battery module, preferably according to an embodiment as described above, with at least one battery cell; and - at least one temperature control element according to an embodiment according to the above description, wherein the temperature control element is in heat-transferring contact with its at least one contact surface with at least one of the battery modules, preferably directly with at least one of the battery cells, wherein preferably a battery housing cover is provided, in which at least one of the temperature control elements is integrated.

[0052] A high-voltage battery is used in a motor vehicle mostly (but not exclusively) as a traction battery, i.e., for propelling the BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) using at least one electric drive motor. Enormous storage capacities must be achieved while maintaining the smallest possible spatial dimensions and mass. A significant step toward this goal is achieved by maintaining the smallest possible temperature window, because a high-voltage battery that is too cold results in reduced power output, and a battery cell must not overheat, just as excessive heat also reduces power output.

[0053] For the large capacity of a high-voltage battery, such as that used in a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), a plurality of battery modules is provided, which, as previously explained, enable good handling of the plurality of battery cells for a high-voltage battery. In one embodiment, at least one of the battery modules is designed as previously described. The at least one battery module is housed in a battery housing, and the battery housing is completely sealable by means of a battery housing cover.

[0054] A temperature control element is provided in the at least one battery module or as a separate component, specifically in one embodiment according to the preceding description. The temperature control element thus comprises at least one fluid channel, which has a conformable material in its at least one contact surface, so that no heat-conducting agent (e.g., paste or mat) is required there, and preferably, direct contact is formed between the conformable material and the respective element to be temperature-controlled.

[0055] As part of the at least one battery module, the temperature control element is preferably in direct contact with the at least one battery cell, preferably its battery terminal. Particularly preferably, its contact surface is made of conformable material. As part of the battery housing

[0056] As part of the battery housing, the temperature control element is configured to control the temperature of at least one of the battery modules accommodated therein. Preferably, the temperature control element is integrated into the battery housing cover, or the battery housing cover is formed by the temperature control element. It should be noted that in one embodiment, multiple temperature control elements are provided as part of the battery housing, for example, in at least one wall of the battery housing, between battery modules, and / or between a battery module and (if present) control electronics of the high-voltage battery.

[0057] It should be noted that in one embodiment, a battery module comprises at least one temperature control element and the high-voltage battery (outside the at least one battery module) comprises at least one further temperature control element.

[0058] According to a further aspect, a motor vehicle is proposed, comprising a vehicle frame, a propulsion device and a drive train with an electric drive motor and a high-voltage battery according to an embodiment according to the above description, preferably for supplying the electric drive motor with an electrical power voltage, wherein for propelling the motor vehicle, the drive motor is connected to the propulsion device via the drive train in a torque-transmitting manner.

[0059] The motor vehicle has, for example, a hybrid drive with an electric drive motor and an internal combustion engine, or exclusively an electric drive motor for propelling the motor vehicle. Alternatively, for example, a combustion engine alone is provided. The high-voltage battery is configured to supply power to an electrically powered, high-performance component of the motor vehicle. Such a high-performance component is, for example, a starter motor for an internal combustion engine, an air conditioning compressor for an air conditioning system and / or for a cooling circuit for power components of the motor vehicle, and / or alternatively, an electric drive motor for propelling the motor vehicle.

[0060] The motor vehicle is, for example, a passenger car, a truck or another commercial vehicle (e.g. a bus or snow plow).

[0061] The vehicle frame is the structural component or structural assembly of the motor vehicle to which the other components of the motor vehicle are directly or indirectly connected (e.g., in a conventional manner). The propulsion system is, for example, one or more wheel axles with (each) at least two drive wheels that can be supplied with torque (preferably via a differential as needed). The wheels of the motor vehicle (and thus also the drive wheels of the propulsion system) are connected to the vehicle frame, preferably via a damping wheel suspension.

[0062] The drive train is designed to generate or provide, as needed, a torque for propelling the motor vehicle. For this purpose, at least one drive motor is provided as a torque source (as already indicated above). In one embodiment, a drive motor is provided for each drive wheel or each (drive) wheel axle. In one embodiment, a single drive motor is provided. In one embodiment, a drive motor is only an indirect torque source for propelling the motor vehicle, for example, in a so-called range extender.

[0063] The high-voltage battery is designed as described above. The high-voltage battery is mounted in the vehicle frame and connected to the at least one electrically operated high-performance component of the motor vehicle for delivering a power current. The delivery of stored electrical voltage is preferably controllable by means of a controller on board the motor vehicle.

[0064] The invention described above is explained in detail below against the relevant technical background with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show preferred embodiments. The invention is in no way limited by the purely schematic drawings, whereby it should be noted that the drawings are not to scale and are not suitable for defining proportions. It is shown in Fig. 1: a temperature control element in a schematic exploded view; Fig. 2: a tempering element according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view; Fig. 3: a battery module for a high-voltage battery in a perspective view; and Fig. 4: A motor vehicle with a high-voltage battery in a top view.

[0065] In Fig. 1 shows a schematic exploded view of a temperature control element 1. The temperature control element 1 can be used, for example, in or as a cover 2 of a battery module 19 of a high-voltage battery 3 for temperature control. See Fig. 3. The tempering element 1 comprises for this purpose a plurality (here purely optionally two) of fluid channels 4 through which a tempering fluid, preferably a tempering liquid, can be conducted and comprises a front side 5 (as shown inclined at approximately 45° to the image plane) and an opposite rear side 6, which is hidden here.

[0066] In the simple embodiment shown, the fluid channels 4 form the temperature control element 1 with a front-side component 9 and a rear-side component 13. The fluid channels 4 are accordingly (in use as designed) designed to be at least liquid-tight, preferably fluid-tight (i.e. also gas-tight), whereby here they are designed (purely optionally) as purely front-side elevations 16.

[0067] The fluid channels 4 are provided with contact surfaces 7 (pars-pro-toto two of twelve and in Fig. 2 better identifiable), which is attached to a counter surface 33 (compare Fig. 3) of an element to be tempered, for example, a battery module 19. This means a molding to the respective topology of the counter surface 33 of an element to be tempered, resulting in a large-area contact surface 7 of the fluid channel 4.

[0068] The fluid channels 4 have flat planes 17 between the elevations 16, which form channel sections 18. Because the flat planes 17 extend between two channel sections 18 of the fluid channel 4, the stability of the fluid channel 4 is increased in the pre-joined state, and preferably also in the joined state with the at least one stiffening component 9.

[0069] The fluid channels 4 are largely made of a conformable material 8. However, the fluid channels 4 are not formed entirely from the conformable material 8 alone, but (preferably exclusively) in the region of the contact surface 7, i.e., where conformation is required. In other sections of the fluid channel 4, it is formed or supported (i.e., stiffened) by an insufficiently conformable material of the complementarily shaped (front-side) component 9. For example, the complementarily shaped component 9 is so stiff that, under the desired internal pressure in the fluid channel 4, no deformation, or no deformation relevant to the application, occurs. Here, the contact surface 7 is dimensioned such that the conformable material 8 is completely mechanically supported against the internal pressure by the counter surface 33 of the element to be temperature-controlled.The conforming is preferably not limited by the residual stresses in the conformable material 8, as is the case, for example, when a balloon is pressed against a surface.

[0070] The conformable material 8 is composed here, for example, of two films 14, 15, one of which is arranged as the front film 14 and the other as the rear film 15. At least the front film 14 forms the contact surfaces 7. The fluid channels 4 are formed by the films 14, 15 being connected to one another (preferably directly and fluid-tight) outside the fluid channel 4 or the elevations 16 (over the entire surface or exclusively in an adjacent strip).

[0071] The complementarily shaped (front-side) component 9 is shaped such that a desired geometry results in the course of the flow through the fluid channel 4, wherein a constant hydraulic diameter is preferably selected taking into account flow behavior at curves and kinks, or a hydraulic diameter in the fluid channel 4 is never smaller than at a predetermined (throttle) point. At the same time, a hydraulic diameter is preferably nowhere significantly larger than at the predetermined throttle point. The front-side component 9 is designed here as a shell component which is made from a preferably cold-formed sheet metal element made of a metal, for example aluminum or steel. Alternatively, the shell component is a sheet metal element formed from a so-called organic sheet, wherein fiber reinforcement is preferably provided.

[0072] The fluid channels 4 are supported and thus stiffened on both the front side 5 and the rear side 6, with the stiffening being implemented on the front side 5 by means of the front-side component 9, and the stiffening on the rear side 6 by means of the rear component 13. In the preferred embodiment shown here, the rear component 13 is flat, thus no elevation 16 or depression is introduced by means of a manufacturing process. For example, the flat component 13 is a sheet metal blank or an organic sheet, with this component 13 merely being cut out of the (flat) raw material.

[0073] The front-side component 9 also comprises a plurality of windows 11 (four of twelve designated pars pro toto) for the contact surfaces 7 of the fluid channels 4, each window 11 corresponding to a contact surface 7. In other words, a single contact surface area is interrupted by one or more cross struts 12 (four of eight designated pars pro toto) so that a corresponding number of contact surfaces 7 is created (i.e., a number one greater than the number of cross struts 12). Here, the cross struts 12 are designed to be as narrow as possible and / or arranged in a region in which heat transfer is less important or less efficient than in the region in direct contact with the contact surfaces 7.

[0074] In Fig. 2 is a tempering element 1 according to Fig. 1 is shown in a perspective view and therefore reference is made to the previous description. The tempering element 1 is assembled here but otherwise shown in the same view as in Fig. 1 and thus here again the front 5 is visible and the back 6 is hidden.

[0075] Here, for example, at least one of the stiffening components 9, 13 (preferably in one piece) simultaneously forms a connection to a module housing 23 or battery housing 31. Here, it is clearly evident that the windows 11 of the front-side component 9 complementarily accommodate the contact surfaces 7 of the fluid channels 4 or the channel sections 18 and simultaneously stiffen the fluid channels 4. Between the channel sections 18, the flat planes 17 are supported by the stiffening components 9, 13, preferably glued to them (front and / or back). In the direction of the channel path 10 of the fluid channels 4, the contact surfaces 7 are interrupted by the cross struts 12 of the front-side component 9, preferably in a section that does not require particularly good heat transfer.

[0076] In Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a battery module 19 for a high-voltage battery 3. The battery module 19 comprises a plurality of battery cells 20 arranged within a module housing 23. Here, the module housing 23 is trough-shaped, and the battery cells 20 are inserted therein, preferably held at a defined distance from one another by corresponding holding elements of the module housing 23. In this exemplary embodiment, the module housing 23 comprises a temperature control channel for controlling an internal temperature in the module housing 23.

[0077] Each of the battery cells 20 comprises a battery terminal 21, via which at least one desired voltage can be drawn. In one embodiment, measured values ​​and / or control commands can also be transmitted via the battery terminal 21 (see Fig. 4). The module housing 23 can be closed by means of a module cover 24 (here, cover 2). This completely encapsulates the battery cells 20 within the module housing 23 from the environment. The temperature control element 1 is integrated within the module cover 24. This ensures very good heat transfer into the temperature control fluid within the channel path 10 (shown very schematically here) of the fluid channels 4, i.e., a partition wall of the fluid channel 4 with a low heat capacity (due to its mass) and, moreover, a low thermal insulation effect due to the close fit, so that the formation of a gap between the fluid channel 4 and the element to be temperature-controlled, here the battery cells 20 or their busbar 34, is (virtually) impossible or at least a technically negligible phenomenon.

[0078] The counter surface 33 of the temperature control element 1 to be tempered is formed here, for example, by the busbar 34 of the battery cells 20. The busbar 34 connects the battery cells 20 in series, so that their voltages are added, thus forming a corresponding high-voltage battery 3, by means of which, for example, a propulsion device 28 of a motor vehicle 25 can be driven.

[0079] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a top view of a motor vehicle 25 with a high-voltage battery 3. In addition to the high-voltage battery 3 in a battery housing 31, the motor vehicle 25 includes a drive train 29 with an electric drive motor 30, a vehicle frame 27, and a propulsion device 28.

[0080] The high-voltage battery 3 is configured to supply power to a high-performance, electrically powered component of the motor vehicle 25. Such a high-performance component is, for example, an air conditioning compressor for an air conditioning system and / or for a cooling circuit for power components of the motor vehicle 25, and / or alternatively, the electric drive motor 30 for propelling the motor vehicle 25.

[0081] The vehicle frame 27 is the structural component or structural assembly of the motor vehicle 25, to which (for example, in a conventional manner) the remaining components of the motor vehicle 25 are directly or indirectly connected. The propulsion device 28 is, for example, one or more wheel axles with (each at least) two drive wheels that can be supplied with torque (preferably via a differential 35 as needed). The wheels 32 of the motor vehicle 25 (and thus also the drive wheels of the propulsion device 28) are connected to the vehicle frame 27, preferably via a damping wheel suspension. The high-voltage battery 3 is mounted in the vehicle frame 27 and connected to the at least one electrically operated, high-performance component of the motor vehicle 25 for the output of a power current, and the output of stored electrical voltage is preferably controllable by means of a control system on board the motor vehicle 25.

[0082] To control the high-voltage battery 3, the motor vehicle 25 additionally comprises control electronics 22, which is communicatively connected to a battery module 19 of the high-voltage battery 3. The battery housing 31 is sealed off from the environment by a battery housing cover 26 (here, cover 2) and comprises one or more temperature control elements 1.

[0083] The drive train 29 is designed to generate or provide, as needed, a torque for propelling the motor vehicle 25. The electric drive motor 30 is provided as the torque source for this purpose.

[0084] The temperature control element proposed here enables a simple design and very good cooling performance without the use of thermal paste. List of reference symbols 1 tempering element 2 lids 3 high-voltage battery 4 fluid channel 5 Front 6 Back 7 Contact surface 8 supple material 9 front component 10 Channel course 11 windows 12 cross braces 13 rear component 14 front foil 15 back foil 16 Survey 17 flat plane 18 canal section 19 Battery module 20 battery cells 21 Battery terminal 22 Control electronics 23 module housings 24 module covers 25 motor vehicles 26 Battery housing cover 27 vehicle frames 28 Propulsion equipment 29 Drivetrain 30 drive machine 31 Battery housing 32 wheels 33 Counter surface 34 Busbar 35 Differential

Claims

[1] Tempering element (1) for a cover (2) of a high-voltage battery (3), comprising at least one fluid channel (4) with a front side (5) and a back side (6), wherein the fluid channel (4) comprises at least one contact surface (7) for heat transfer, characterized by , that at least the contact surface (7) of the fluid channel (4) is formed from a conformable material (8), and on the front side (5) outside the at least one contact surface (7) is formed or stiffened by a component (9) shaped complementarily to the fluid channel (4). [2] Tempering element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the stiffening component (9) is a shell component, preferably a formed sheet metal element. [3] Tempering element (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a plurality of contact surfaces (7) are formed by the fluid channel (4) along the channel course (10), wherein for the contact surfaces (7) the stiffening component (9) has windows (11) which are interrupted by cross struts (12) along the channel course (10). [4] Tempering element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a component (9, 13) stiffening the fluid channel (4) is provided on the front side (5) and on the rear side (6), wherein preferably one of the components (13) is flat, preferably a cut-out sheet metal element. [5] Tempering element (1) according to claim 4, wherein the front-side component (9) and the rear-side component (13) are connected to one another, preferably by a material fit, circumferentially around the at least one fluid channel (4). [6] Tempering element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conformable material (8) is formed from two films (14, 15), wherein the two films (14, 15) are joined to one another, preferably in a material-to-material manner, at least adjacent to and outside the at least one fluid channel (4) in at least liquid-tight, preferably planar, contact with one another. [7] Tempering element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conformable material (8) from which the at least one fluid channel (4) is formed is formed in a planar manner and the at least one fluid channel (4) is formed as an elevation (16), preferably exclusively towards the front side (5), from a planar plane (17), wherein preferably the planar plane (17) is at least partially joined in a material-to-material manner to at least one of the components (9, 13), and / or wherein preferably the planar plane (17) extends between at least two channel sections (18) of the fluid channel (4). [8] Battery module (19) for a high-voltage battery (3), comprising at least the following components: - at least one battery cell (20) with a battery terminal (21); - control electronics (22) for the at least one battery cell (20) electrically connected to the respective battery terminal (21) - a module housing (23) for accommodating the at least one battery cell (20); - a module cover (24); and - a temperature control element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature control element (1) is in heat-transferring contact with its at least one contact surface (7) with at least one of the battery cells (20), preferably with at least one of the battery terminals (21), and / or the control electronics (22), wherein the tempering element (1) is preferably integrated in the module cover (24). [9] High-voltage battery (3) for a motor vehicle (25), comprising at least the following components: - at least one battery module (19), preferably according to claim 8, with at least one battery cell (20); and - at least one temperature control element (1) according to one of Claim 1 to Claim 7, wherein the temperature control element (1) is in heat-transferring contact with its at least one contact surface (7) with at least one of the battery modules (19), preferably directly with at least one of the battery cells (20), wherein a battery housing cover (26) is preferably provided, in which at least one of the temperature control elements (1) is integrated. [10] Motor vehicle (25), comprising a vehicle frame (27), a propulsion device (28) and a drive train (29) with an electric drive machine (30) and a high-voltage battery (3) according to claim 9, preferably for supplying the electric drive machine (30) with an electrical power voltage, wherein for propelling the motor vehicle (25) the drive machine (30) is connected to the propulsion device (28) via the drive train (29) in a torque-transmitting manner.

Citation Information

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