Battery, in particular traction battery of a motor vehicle, motor vehicle

Abstract

Battery (1), in particular a traction battery of a motor vehicle (100), wherein the battery (1) comprises a cell module (10), wherein the cell module (10) comprises a plurality of battery cells (2) arranged one behind the other in a stacking direction (X), wherein spacer elements (3) are arranged between the battery cells (2), wherein the spacer elements (3) each have a projection (3.1) with a first shape in a transverse direction (Y) orthogonal to the stacking direction (X), wherein the cell module (10) comprises a retaining plate (4) which has receptacles (4.1) for receiving the projections (3.1) with a second shape, wherein the second shape and the first shape are designed for positive locking of the spacer elements (3) in the transverse direction (Y) and / or in a vertical direction (Z) orthogonal to the transverse direction (Y) and stacking direction (X) on the retaining plate (4), characterized in that the spacer elements (3) are designed as compression and cooling elements.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery, in particular a traction battery for a motor vehicle. The present invention further relates to a motor vehicle.

[0002] In battery manufacturing, battery cells are typically stacked to form cell modules. During battery operation, particularly during charging and discharging, and during the aging process of the battery cells, the cells undergo a change in volume. The volume change during charging and discharging is referred to as "breathing." This is at least partially reversible, meaning the battery cells expand and contract during charging and discharging. The volume change during the general aging process of the battery cells is called "swelling." Swelling is typically irreversible.

[0003] Stacking the battery cells into cell modules results in a significant change in the volume of the battery cell stack, particularly along the stacking direction.

[0004] Typically, the battery cells are arranged in a module housing and supported by the module housing. If additional elements, such as cooling components, are provided between the battery cells, these must also be supported by the module housing or, for example, bonded to the battery cells.

[0005] Batteries with stacked battery cells are known from publications DE 10 2020 105 893 A1 and DE 10 2012 222 732 A1. Spacers are provided between the battery cells, which engage with a locking plate of the battery.

[0006] A recurring design challenge lies in the need to avoid obstructing coolant flow by supporting the battery cells and cooling elements, while simultaneously ensuring sufficient movement for breathing and swelling. Furthermore, a simple fixing solution is desired that does not negatively impact the mounting of the cell modules.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a battery, in particular a traction battery for a motor vehicle, and a motor vehicle, which do not exhibit the disadvantages of the prior art described above, but rather enable the fixing of spacers between the battery cells without negatively affecting the necessary freedom of movement or the flow of coolant. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a material-efficient fixing method that simplifies the battery manufacturing process.

[0008] This problem is solved by a battery according to claim 1 and by a motor vehicle according to claim 9.

[0009] The battery according to the invention is, in particular, a traction battery for a motor vehicle. The battery comprises at least one cell module, which itself has a plurality of battery cells arranged one behind the other along a stacking direction. Spacers are arranged between the battery cells. Each spacer has a projection that extends along a transverse direction orthogonal to the stacking direction. The projections are held in a first form. The cell module further comprises a retaining plate. The retaining plate is preferably made of an electrically insulating material. For example, the retaining plate is made of a glass fiber reinforced plastic. The retaining plate has receptacles for receiving the projections of the spacers. For this purpose, the receptacles are held in a second form so that the first form engages positively with the second form.This fixes the spacer elements along a vertical direction orthogonal to the stacking direction and the transverse direction.

[0010] It is conceivable that the spacers rest against the locking plate along the transverse direction and are thus fixed by the locking plate along that direction. However, it is also conceivable that the spacers are fixed along the transverse direction by a positive engagement of the first form with the second form.

[0011] In particular, the cell module is designed to have two retaining plates positioned opposite each other along the transverse direction, with the battery cells and spacers arranged between them. It is conceivable that both retaining plates have recesses for receiving projections of the spacers, and that these recesses on both retaining plates have the second type. Specifically, it is designed that both retaining plates are identical in construction and that all details and features described in connection with the retaining plate apply to both. Therefore, the following text is limited to the description of one retaining plate.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that a coolant flow is supplied to the battery cells along the vertical direction. In other words, the retaining plates form a termination of the battery cell stack in the transverse direction. The battery cells remain accessible for the introduction of the coolant flow along the vertical direction.

[0013] Securing the spacers along the transverse and vertical directions to the securing plates still allows movement along the stacking direction. This advantageously facilitates breathing and swelling.

[0014] The stacking direction, transverse direction, and vertical direction serve only for orientation within a Cartesian coordinate system and do not restrict a specific absolute spatial orientation of the battery within the meaning of the present invention. In particular, the stacking direction can be arranged along, orthogonal to, or arbitrarily oriented to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0015] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and in the description with reference to the drawings.

[0016] According to the invention, the spacer elements are designed as compression and cooling elements. This advantageously makes it possible to ensure the necessary compression of the battery cells. Furthermore, effective cooling of the battery cells is possible by arranging the cooling elements between them. Preferably, the cooling elements have cooling channels for the targeted delivery of a coolant.

[0017] Preferably, the spacer elements each have two cooling elements, each arranged in contact with a battery cell. This advantageously allows the cooling channels of the cooling elements to direct the coolant along the battery cells, applying it directly to the cells. A compression element is arranged between the two cooling elements of the spacer element. The compression element is made of an elastic material, in particular an elastomer. It is conceivable that the compression element is made of a plurality of elastomer strips arranged parallel to each other.

[0018] It is particularly conceivable that the protrusions are arranged on the cooling elements. For this purpose, the cooling elements are preferably mechanically stable, for example made of a plastic, in particular a glass fiber reinforced plastic.

[0019] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first shape has a lip and / or a hook and / or a groove and / or at least one notch and / or at least one lug. The second shape is designed to correspond to the first shape. This advantageously makes it possible to ensure secure fixation of the spacers by means of a positive fit.

[0020] Preferably, the retaining plate has a main extension plane that is arranged parallel to the stacking direction and parallel to the vertical direction. The retaining plate thus closes off the stack of battery cells in the transverse direction. Furthermore, at least one receptacle along the stacking direction is dimensioned larger than the projection accommodated in the receptacle. This allows movement of the spacer element along the stacking direction. Preferably, several, and in particular all, receptacles along the stacking direction are dimensioned larger than the width of the projection accommodated in each receptacle.

[0021] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the retaining plate has openings for the passage of electrical contacts of the battery cells. This advantageously allows the electrical contacts to be connected to a cell connector, which is arranged such that the retaining plate is positioned between the cell connector and the battery cells. The preferably electrically insulating retaining plate thus offers a further safety advantage by electrically isolating the cell connector from the coolant. Preferably, the electrical contacts are positioned on opposite sides of the openings along the vertical direction. This advantageously secures the battery cells along the vertical direction through the retaining plate.

[0022] Preferably, the openings along the stacking direction are dimensioned larger than the contacts. This advantageously allows movement of the battery cells along the stacking direction, so that breathing and swelling are possible without problems.

[0023] In particular, the spacers are not glued to the battery cells. The securing plates fix the battery cells and spacers in place, eliminating the need for adhesive. This lack of adhesive allows for subsequent adjustments to the battery cell and spacer arrangement. Furthermore, the absence of adhesive facilitates the compensation of breathing and swelling.

[0024] Another object of the present invention for solving the problem stated at the outset is a motor vehicle comprising a battery according to the invention.

[0025] All details, features and advantages previously disclosed in connection with the battery according to the invention also relate to the motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0026] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the drawings and from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings merely illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, which do not limit the inventive concept. Fig. Figure 1 schematically illustrates a cell module of a battery according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 schematically illustrates a detail of a cell module of a battery according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 schematically illustrates a cell module of a battery according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 schematically illustrates different first forms of a projection of a cell module of a battery according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 5 schematically illustrates a motor vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a battery according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a cell module 10 of a plurality of cell modules 10 of a battery 1 (see Figure 1). Fig. 5) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a schematic, isometric representation. The battery 1 is here a traction battery of a motor vehicle 100 (see Figure 1). Fig. 5) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The cell module 10 comprises a plurality of battery cells 2, which are stacked one behind the other along a stacking direction X. Spacers 3 are arranged between the battery cells 2. Details of the spacers 3 are described in the Fig. Figure 2 shows a view of two battery cells 2 with the spacer element 3 along a transverse direction Y, which is arranged orthogonally to the stacking direction X and orthogonally to a vertical direction Z. Furthermore, the Fig. 2 a cross-sectional view with a viewing direction along the vertical direction Z.

[0029] The spacer element 3 is a compression and cooling element. For this purpose, it has two cooling elements 3.2 in which cooling channels 3.4 are arranged. The cooling channels 3.4 serve to guide a coolant directly along the battery cells 2 and are located in Fig. 2 clearly visible. The coolant is supplied to the cooling channels 3.4 along the vertical direction Z. A compression element 3.3 is located between the cooling elements 3.2 (see figure). Fig. 2) arranged. The compression element 3.3 is, for example, made of an elastomer and serves to apply a defined degree of mechanical pressure to the battery cells 2.

[0030] During operation of battery 1, particularly during charging and discharging as well as during the natural aging process of battery 1, the volume of the battery cells 2 changes. This causes movement of the battery cells 2 and the spacers 3 along the stacking direction X. To accommodate this movement, but still to fix the battery cells 2 and the spacers 3 along the vertical direction Z and the transverse direction Y, a locking plate 4 is arranged on both sides of the cell module 10, parallel to the vertical direction Z and the stacking direction X. The battery cells 2 rest against the locking plates 4 and are thus fixed in the transverse direction Y (see figure). Fig. 3).

[0031] The retaining plate 4 has receptacles 4.1 for receiving projections 3.1, which are arranged on the spacer elements 3, more precisely on the cooling elements 3.2 of the spacer elements 3, and project along the transverse direction Y. The projections 3.1 are held in a first form, which engages positively in a second form of the receptacles 4.1. The resulting positive fit secures the spacer elements 3 in the transverse direction Y and in the vertical direction Z. Examples of a first form of the projections 3.1 are: Fig. 4 can be seen from this. Fig. Figure 4 shows, as examples of initial forms, a lip, a hook, a groove, a lip undercut with two notches, and an initial form with several prongs. The second form shown in Figure 4.1 is executed accordingly.

[0032] To allow movement of the battery cells 2 and the spacer elements 3 along the stacking direction X, several, and preferably all, receptacles 4.1 along the stacking direction X are designed to be wider than the projections 3.1. This is shown in Fig. Figure 3 is shown. For clarity, the Fig. 3 only two battery cells 2 and two spacer elements 3.

[0033] To contact the battery cells 2, the retaining plate 4 has openings 4.2 through which electrical contacts 2.1 of the battery cells 2 protrude. A cell connector 5 connects the electrical contacts 2.1 of the battery cells 2 to each other. The openings 4.2 are dimensioned such that the contacts 2.1 rest against them along the vertical direction Z, thus fixing the battery cells 2 along the vertical direction Z. To allow movement along the stacking direction X, the openings 4.2 are larger along the stacking direction X than the electrical contacts 2.1.

[0034] The fuse plate 4 is made of a solid and electrically insulating material, for example fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0035] The mounting of the battery cells 2 and the spacers 3 in the retaining plate 4 allows free access for the flow of coolant along the vertical direction Z into the cooling channels 3.4. The spacers 3 are not bonded to the battery cells 2, which, for example, allows for subsequent adjustments to the arrangement of the battery cells 2 and spacers 3. Overall, this significantly simplifies the assembly of the spacers 3 and battery cells 2 into the cell module 10. Reference symbol list 1 battery 2 battery cells 2.1 Contact 3 spacer elements 3.1 Advantage 3.2 Cooling element 3.3 Compression element 3.4 Cooling channel 4. Backup plate 4.1 Recording 4.2 Opening 5 cell connectors 10-cell module 100 motor vehicles

Claims

[1] Battery (1), in particular a traction battery of a motor vehicle (100), wherein the battery (1) comprises a cell module (10), wherein the cell module (10) comprises a plurality of battery cells (2) arranged one behind the other in a stacking direction (X), wherein spacer elements (3) are arranged between the battery cells (2), wherein the spacer elements (3) each have a projection (3.1) with a first shape in a transverse direction (Y) orthogonal to the stacking direction (X), wherein the cell module (10) comprises a retaining plate (4) which has receptacles (4.1) for receiving the projections (3.1) with a second shape, wherein the second shape and the first shape are designed to positively lock the spacer elements (3) in the transverse direction (Y) and / or in a vertical direction (Z) orthogonal to the transverse direction (Y) and stacking direction (X) on the retaining plate (4), characterized by , that the spacer elements (3) are designed as compression and cooling elements. [2] Battery (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the spacer elements (3) each have two cooling elements (3.2), wherein the cooling elements (3.2) are each arranged adjacent to a battery cell (2), wherein a compression element (3.3) is arranged between the two cooling elements (3.2) of a spacer element (3). [3] Battery (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the projections (3.1) are arranged on the cooling elements (3.2). [4] Battery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first form has a lip and / or a hook and / or a groove and / or at least a notch and / or at least a nose, wherein the second form is designed to correspond to the first form. [5] Battery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the locking plate (4) has a main extension plane which is arranged parallel to the stacking direction (X) and parallel to the vertical direction (Z), wherein at least one, preferably several and in particular all receptacles (4.1) along the stacking direction (X) are dimensioned larger than the width of the projection (3.1) received in the receptacle (4.1). [6] Battery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the locking plate (4) has openings (4.2) for passing electrical contacts (2.1) of the battery cells (2), wherein the contacts (2.1) preferably abut sides of the openings (4.2) opposite each other in the vertical direction (Z). [7] Battery (1) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the openings (4.2) along the stacking direction (X) are dimensioned larger than the contacts (2.1). [8] Battery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the spacer elements (3) are not glued to the battery cells (2). [9] Motor vehicle (100) comprising a battery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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