Battery module, manufacture and use thereof and motor vehicle with such a battery module

Abstract

Battery module for a motor vehicle, characterized by the following features: - a cooling plate (11) accessible in a front connection area (10) and - means provided on the cooling plate (11) for screwing in a hose connector (14) in the connection area (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module. The present invention also relates to its manufacture and use, as well as to a corresponding motor vehicle. State of the art

[0002] The performance and service life of battery modules are crucial for the overall functionality of battery-electric vehicles. Temperature control of these modules plays a key role, as both excessively high and too low operating temperatures can impair battery performance and reduce service life.

[0003] To ensure efficient temperature control, the battery modules are equipped with cooling plates that enable direct heat dissipation. These cooling plates are typically designed as flat, heat-conducting components, usually made of metal such as aluminum. They are positioned to promote heat transfer between the battery cells and the environment.

[0004] State-of-the-art cooling plates are preferably mounted on the bottom or top of the battery modules to enable effective heat dissipation through convection. To achieve cooling, fluid contact is required, which is achieved by connecting coolant-carrying hose nozzles to the cooling plate. These nozzles serve as connecting elements for hoses or pipes through which the cooling medium flows.

[0005] Battery modules also include a cell module controller (CMC) or a cell supervision circuit (CSC).

[0006] CN 116137356 A describes a cooling plate for a battery that features integrated receptacles for cable connectors. These cable connectors can be screwed into the designated receptacles.

[0007] CN 210372459 U describes a fluid connector designed as a quick connector that can be coupled to the cooling plate of a battery. It is inserted into a receptacle in the cooling plate and locked there.

[0008] DE 102021126530 A1 describes a cooling plate connected to a hose connection via a detachable rotating joint. This allows for easy assembly and disassembly of the hose connection from the cooling plate.

[0009] CN 218385397 U describes a detachable connector for a cooling plate, specifically designed for a battery enclosure. The unique feature of this connector is that the separation line is not located directly on the cooling plate, but rather on the wall feedthrough of the battery enclosure. This allows for easy installation and removal of the cooling plate without having to open the battery enclosure.

[0010] CN 220121950 U describes a method for attaching cooling water connections to a cooling plate. The connections are secured with two screws and a screw plate integrated into the cooling plate.

[0011] DE 102018102927 A1 describes a cooling plate equipped with plug-in connectors to facilitate installation and removal. These plug-in connectors enable quick and easy connection to the associated cooling lines. If necessary, the cooling plate can thus be easily replaced or removed for maintenance.

[0012] DE 102020202306 A1 and EP 4095986 A1 each describe a cooling plate equipped with a projection. This projection serves as a connection point for the respective cooling system. Disclosure of the invention

[0013] One problem arises from the need to ensure efficient and reliable temperature control in automotive battery modules, while at the same time enabling easy and quick maintainability and replaceability of electronic components.

[0014] The layout of the electronics, especially the boards responsible for battery management, creates a spatial conflict with the required connection area of ​​the cooling plate. The requirement for a compact design exacerbates this problem.

[0015] When multiple battery modules are arranged side by side in a vehicle, the installation space must be designed so that it does not interfere with the space for installing and replacing the electronics. This is particularly problematic when the electronics are located on the outside of the battery modules.

[0016] Another problem is that the cooling plates are often made of thin metal sheets that don't offer the necessary strength to directly and securely attach hose connectors. Especially with thin aluminum sheets, it's difficult to create a thread that can withstand the mechanical stress of screwing in and out without compromising the integrity of the cooling plate.

[0017] The described problem is solved by a battery module, a method for its production and use, and a motor vehicle according to the independent claims.

[0018] This approach allows the hose nozzle to be removed when necessary, facilitating access to the electronic components and ensuring their replaceability. This allows for flexible maintenance and repair of the electronics without compromising the cooling function.

[0019] The introduction of a threaded connector that is integrally connected to the cooling plate provides a robust base for the hose connector, even when using thin metal sheets.

[0020] An alternative embodiment, which provides a protrusion attached to the battery module housing, allows the hose nozzle to be positioned at a location independent of the cooling plate, thus expanding the possibilities for the spatial arrangement of the components within the battery module. This approach improves space utilization, particularly in vehicles where the battery modules are distributed across the entire width.

[0021] In summary, the proposed design achieves improved integration of temperature control systems in battery modules without compromising maintainability and replaceability.

[0022] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a battery module according to the prior art. Fig. 2 shows - in a representation of the housing without front panel and circuit board - a battery module according to the invention with threaded and screwed-in hose connector. Fig. 3 shows a supplementary representation of the module according to Fig. 2 with front panel and circuit board, but without hose connector. Fig. 4 shows - in a representation of the housing without front panel and circuit board - a battery module according to the invention with a projection (“balcony”) and screwed-in hose connector. Fig. 5 shows a supplementary representation of the module according to Fig. 4 with front panel and circuit board, but without hose connector. Embodiments of the invention

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a battery module whose cooling plate is accessible in a front connection area that overlaps the space provided for the CMC or CSC board.

[0024] Fig. Figure 2 shows a battery module modified according to the invention. The cooling plate (11) reveals a soldered threaded connector (12). A hose connector (14) is screwed into this threaded connector (12), thus enabling fluidic contact. The connection area (10) is designed so that the hose connector (14) can be easily removed for maintenance or replacement.

[0025] In the supplementary presentation according to Fig. 3 shows the battery module with the front panel (15) and the circuit board (16). The hose connector (14 - Fig. 2) was removed, ensuring accessibility to the circuit board (16) in the Y direction. This illustration illustrates how the invention enables uncomplicated replacement of electronic components without compromising cooling.

[0026] The Fig. Figure 4 presents a further embodiment of the battery module, in which a projection (13), also referred to as a "balcony," is attached to the battery module housing. The hose connector (14) is screwed into the projection (13). This requires a housing consisting of an extruded profile that is machined on the front side (in the Y direction).

[0027] Fig. 5 shows the module from Fig. 4 in a supplementary illustration with front panel (15) and circuit board (16), but again without the hose connector (14 - Fig.4). This configuration illustrates the possibility of removing the circuit board (16) in the Y direction below the projection (13). List of reference symbols 10 Connection area 11 Cooling plate 12 threaded connectors 13 lead 14 hose connectors 15 Front panel 16 circuit boards 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] CN 116137356 A

[0006] CN 210372459 U

[0007] DE 102021126530 A1

[0008] CN 218385397 U

[0009] CN 220121950 U

[0010] DE 102018102927 A1

[0011] DE 102020202306 A1

[0012] EP 4095986 A1

[0012]

Claims

[1] Battery module for a motor vehicle, characterized by the following characteristics: - a cooling plate (11) accessible in a front connection area (10) and - means provided on the cooling plate (11) for screwing in a hose fitting (14) in the connection area (10). [2] Battery module according to claim 1, characterized by the following characteristics: - the means include a threaded fitting (12) and - the threaded fitting (12) is materially bonded to the cooling plate (11). [3] Battery module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the following characteristics: - the battery module has a housing that accommodates the cooling plate (11), and - the means include a projection formed on the housing (13). [4] Battery module according to claim 3, characterized by the following characteristics: - the housing has a front panel (15) bordering the connection area (10) and - the battery module has a circuit board (16) supported by the front panel (15). [5] Battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the following characteristic: - the cooling plate (11) is made of aluminum sheet. [6] Battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the following characteristic: - the battery module has another cooling plate on one side opposite the cooling plate (11). [7] Manufacturing a battery module according to claim 2, characterized by the following characteristic: - the threaded fitting (12) is soldered to the front of the cooling plate (11) in the connection area (10). [8] Manufacturing a battery module according to claim 4, characterized by the following characteristics: - the housing is made from an extruded profile, - the projection (13) is formed by machining the end face of the extruded profile, - the cooling plate (11) is attached to the housing and - the housing is closed below the projection (13) with the front panel (15). [9] Use of a battery module according to claim 4, characterized by the following characteristics: - To temper the battery module, the hose fitting (14) is screwed into the connection area (10) of the cooling plate (11) perpendicular to the projection (13) in front of the front plate (15) and - To remove the circuit board (16), the hose fitting (14) is unscrewed and the circuit board is detached from the front panel (15) below the projection (13). [10] motor vehicle, characterized by the following characteristics: - the motor vehicle has battery modules according to claim 4 and - the battery modules are arranged side by side such that the front plates (15) lie in a plane that extends parallel to the roll axis and yaw axis of the motor vehicle.

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