Support for a supporting structure of a battery system for an electric vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a support, in particular a cross member, for a supporting structure of a battery system for an electric vehicle, comprising a first profile and a second profile, wherein the second profile has at least one receiving device for receiving electrical components, wherein the first profile and / or second profile are designed and arranged relative to one another such that they together form a heat management channel which can be supplied with fluid.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a support, in particular a cross member, for a supporting structure of a battery system for an electric vehicle.

[0002] The invention further relates to a support structure for a battery system.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a battery system with a support structure.

[0004] The increasing electrification of vehicles, especially cars, requires increasingly powerful batteries. It has become common practice to install batteries in the vehicle body to provide the required electrical energy. Fully electric passenger vehicles (BEVs), in particular, require high-capacity batteries that can also be charged with high power.

[0005] In order to protect batteries from damage in the event of a passenger car accident, it has become known from DE 10 2013 102 502 A1 to provide a cross member on a battery which is intended to prevent or at least limit deformation in the event of a collision.

[0006] The disadvantage of this design is that the cross member protects the battery mainly in the event of an impact on the rear of the vehicle, but offers little or insufficient protection in the event of a side impact.

[0007] In addition, batteries heat up during charging, especially during high-power charging. Therefore, it has become common practice to arrange cooling paths around the battery cells to cool them.

[0008] The disadvantage of this design is that although the battery cells are cooled, the connections of the battery cells to the busbars are not.

[0009] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a support for a support structure of a battery system for an electric vehicle, a support structure for a battery system and a battery system which have increased mechanical load-bearing capacity and improved cooling properties.

[0010] Another task is to provide an alternative carrier, an alternative support structure and an alternative battery system.

[0011] In one embodiment, the present invention achieves the above-mentioned objects in a carrier, in particular a cross member, for a supporting structure of a battery system for an electric vehicle, comprising a first profile, and a second profile as a result of that the second profile has at least one receiving device for receiving electrical components, wherein the first profile and / or second profile are designed and arranged relative to one another in such a way that they together form a heat management channel which can be supplied with fluid.

[0012] In one embodiment, the present invention achieves the above-mentioned objects with a support structure for a battery system, comprising at least one carrier according to one of claims 1-8.

[0013] In one embodiment, the present invention achieves the above-mentioned objects with a battery system having a support structure according to claim 9.

[0014] One of the advantages achieved is that a carrier for a battery system can be provided that allows temperature control of the battery system and has high mechanical stability.

[0015] Further features, advantages and further embodiments of the invention are described below or will become apparent thereby.

[0016] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the first and / or the second profile is / are at least L-shaped, in particular C-shaped. In particular, the first and second profiles are L-shaped or the first and second profiles are C-shaped. The two profiles can be arranged next to one another in such a way that the heat management channel is formed between the two profiles. For example, two L-shaped profiles can be connected in such a way that the short sides of the L-shape rest against the long sides of the L-shape, so that the two profiles together have a rectangular profile. One advantage of this is that the bending and torsional resistance of the support is increased.

[0017] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the first profile is arranged at least partially within the second profile. For example, the first and second profiles can be C-shaped, with the first profile being smaller than the second profile. In this case, the first profile can be arranged within the second profile. One advantage of this is that the bending and torsional resistance of the beam is increased.

[0018] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the first and second profiles are connected to each other, in particular by welding. One advantage of this is that the two profiles can be securely arranged next to each other. A further advantage is that the tightness of the heat management channel is increased.

[0019] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, at least the second profile, in particular the first and second profiles, are made of plastic, in particular of reinforced plastic. In particular, the profiles can be made of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic. Possible plastics include, for example, polyamide or polyethylene. One advantage of this is that the support can be manufactured at low cost. A further advantage is that the weight of the support can be reduced.

[0020] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the receiving device has at least one opening for the passage of electrical components. The electrical components can be, in particular, the battery connection points, also called battery tabs. The battery tabs can protrude through the opening into the heat management channel and thus be cooled there. One advantage of this is that the charging power can be increased.

[0021] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the at least one opening is designed in the form of a slot. The battery tabs can be inserted through the slot and then secured to the carrier. One advantage of using slots is that the possibility of fluid leaking from the thermal management channel into the battery is reduced.

[0022] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the second profile is designed such that, after being received in the receiving device, electrical components are at least temporarily accessible for electrical connection. For example, the battery tabs can be bent over after being inserted into the receiving device of the second profile so that they are secured in the second profile. The first profile can then be welded to the second profile, thus closing the heat management channel.

[0023] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures.

[0024] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0025] Preferred embodiments and embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description.

[0026] It shows in schematic form Fig. 1a shows a carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 1b shows a further carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a support structure for a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 3 a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig. 1a shows a carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The support 1 comprises a first profile 2 and a second profile 3. The first profile 2 is C-shaped with a longer leg 5a and two shorter transverse legs 5b, 5c, wherein the transverse legs 5b, 5c are arranged perpendicular to the leg 5a. Analogously, the second profile 3 also consists of a longer leg 4a and two shorter transverse legs 4b, 4c. The first profile 2 comprises a shorter leg 5a than the leg 4a of the second profile 3. In particular, the leg 5a of the first profile 2 is smaller than the length of the leg 4a of the second profile 3 minus the thicknesses 6b, 6c of the transverse legs 4b, 4c of the second profile 3. The first profile 2 can thus be arranged in the second profile 3. The two profiles 2 and 3 are arranged in opposite directions, i.e. the transverse legs 5b, 5c of the first profile 2 are arranged on the leg 4a of the second profile 3.The length of the transverse limbs 5b, 5c of the first profile 2 is less than the length of the transverse limbs 4b, 4c of the second profile 3 less a thickness 9 of the limb 4a of the second profile 3. Accordingly, the first profile 2 is arranged entirely within the second profile 3. It is also conceivable that the length of the transverse limbs 5b, 5c of the first profile 2 is greater and thus the first profile 2 partially protrudes from the second profile 3.

[0029] The C-shape of the first profile 2 and the second profile 3 increases the bending and torsional resistance of the beam 1.

[0030] The first and second profiles 2, 3 are made of plastic, for example, polyamide. It is also conceivable for one of the profiles 2, 3 or both profiles 2, 3 to be made of metal. Furthermore, it is conceivable for an adhesion promoter to be provided between the profiles 2, 3. The first profile 2 and the second profile 3 can be welded together, in particular by friction welding, or glued together.

[0031] A thermal management channel 7 through which a cooling fluid can flow is provided between the first profile 2 and the second profile 3. The thermal management channel 7 is defined by the transverse legs 5b, 5c of the first profile 2, the leg 5a of the first profile 2, and the leg 4a of the second profile 3.

[0032] Slots 8a, 8b are provided in the leg 4a of the second profile 3, through which electrical components of a battery (not shown) can be inserted. The slots 8a, 8b are arranged such that they extend to the heat management channel 7.

[0033] Fig. 1b shows another carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] The carrier 1 according to Fig. 1b essentially corresponds to carrier 1 according to Fig. 1a. In contrast to carrier 1 according to Fig. 1a, the first and second profiles 2, 3 of the beam 1 are according to Fig. 1b is L-shaped. The first profile 2 has a leg 5a and a transverse leg 5b; the second profile 3 has a leg 4a and a transverse leg 4b. The profiles 2, 3 are arranged such that the transverse legs 4b, 5b each rest on the legs 4a, 5a, so that the heat management channel 7 is formed between the profiles 2, 3.

[0035] The first profile 2 and the second profile 3 are essentially the same size, so that the beam 1 has a rectangular profile. The L-shape of the first profile 2 and the second profile 3 increases the bending and torsional resistance of the beam 1.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows a support structure for a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] The supporting structure 10 comprises a beam 1 according to Fig. 1a with a first profile 2 and a second profile 3. A housing 11 is arranged on the carrier 1, wherein the housing 11 is arranged on the leg 4a of the second profile 3. The housing 11, together with the carrier 1, forms a cavity 12 for a battery cell (not shown).

[0038] Fig. 3 shows a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] The battery system 20 comprises a battery cell 21 and a support structure 10 with a carrier 1. The battery cell 21 comprises two electrical components 22a, 22b, here in the form of tabs, which provide the electrical connection of the battery cell 21 to a vehicle (not shown). The tabs 22a, 22b protrude from the battery cell 21 and extend through the slots 8a, 8b into the thermal management channel 7. It is possible for the tabs 22a, 22b to be bent in the thermal management channel 7, so that the battery cell 21 is secured to the carrier 1.

[0040] A cooling fluid can be passed through the heat management channel 7 so that the flags 22a, 22b can be cooled.

[0041] To manufacture the battery system 20, a battery cell 21 and a second profile 3 can first be provided. The tabs 22a, 22b can then be pushed through the slots 8a, 8b of the second profile 3. The battery cell 21 is positioned on a side facing away from the transverse limbs 4b, 4c. The tabs 22a, 22b are secured, in particular folded, on a side facing the transverse limbs 4b, 4c. The first profile 2 is then provided and positioned on the second profile 3. In a next step, the first profile 2 is secured, for example, by gluing, to the second profile 3. This closes the heat management channel 7, allowing it to be filled with a cooling fluid.

[0042] In summary, the present invention has at least one of the following advantages and / or provides the following features: - Cooling of the battery flags. - Increased bending and torsional resistance. - Weight reduction.

[0043] Although the present invention has been described using preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in many ways. List of reference symbols 1 carrier 2 First profile 3 Second profile 4a Leg 4b, 4c transverse legs 5a Leg 5b, 5c transverse leg 6b, 6c Thick transverse legs 7 Thermal management channel 8a, 8b slots 9 Thick thighs 10 Supporting structure 11 housings 12 Cavity 20 Battery system 21 battery cells 22a, 22b Electrical components 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 2013 102 502 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Support (1), in particular a cross member, for a supporting structure (10) of a battery system (20) for an electric vehicle, comprising a first profile (2), and a second profile (3) characterized by , that the second profile (3) has at least one receiving device (8a, 8b) for receiving electrical components (22a, 22b), wherein the first profile (2) and / or second profile (3) are designed and arranged relative to one another in such a way that they together form a heat management channel (7) which can be supplied with fluid. [2] Carrier (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the first and / or the second profile (2, 3) is at least L-shaped, in particular C-shaped. [3] Carrier (1) according to one of claims 1-2, characterized by that the first profile (2) is arranged at least partially within the second profile (3). [4] Carrier (1) according to one of claims 1-3, characterized bythat the first and second profiles (2, 3) are connected to one another, in particular by welding. [5] Carrier (1) according to one of claims 1-4, characterized by that at least the second profile (3), in particular the first and second profile (2, 3), are made of plastic, in particular of reinforced plastic. [6] Carrier (1) according to one of claims 1-5, characterized by that the receiving device (8a, 8b) has at least one opening for the passage of electrical components (22a, 22b). [7] Carrier (1) according to claim 6, characterized by that the at least one opening is in the form of a slot (8a, 8b). [8] Carrier (1) according to one of claims 1-7, characterized by that the second profile (3) is designed such that electrical components (22a, 22b) are at least temporarily accessible for electrically connecting the electrical components (22a, 22b) after being received in the receiving device (8a, 8b). [9] Support structure (10) for a battery system (20), comprising at least one carrier (1) according to one of claims 1-8. [10] Battery system (20) with a support structure (10) according to claim 9.

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