BATTERY SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a battery system comprising a metallic battery housing and a metallic component housing, wherein at least one battery module with at least one battery cell and a control unit for controlling and monitoring the at least one battery module are arranged in the battery housing, and wherein at least one electrical component is arranged in the component housing, which is electrically connected to the at least one battery module.

[0002] The invention further relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one battery system according to the invention. State of the art

[0003] It is becoming apparent that electrically powered motor vehicles will be increasingly used in the future. Such electrically powered motor vehicles, such as hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles, each comprise a battery system for supplying energy. The battery system comprises a battery housing for accommodating at least one battery module and a control unit for controlling and monitoring the at least one battery module. The battery system may also comprise other electrical components arranged in one component housing or in several separate component housings.

[0004] Typically, the battery housing and the component housing(s) are made of metal to provide shielding from electromagnetic interference, high mechanical strength and / or good heat dissipation.

[0005] In order to shield against electromagnetic interference, the battery housing and the component housing(s) as well as the electrical components arranged in the two housings are connected to a common ground potential.

[0006] In a vehicle, the common ground potential is the body or frame. As a conductive component that extends across the entire vehicle, it also serves as the return conductor for the electrical system. Thus, only one cable needs to be laid to supply power to each consumer.

[0007] The document US 2006 / 0169526 A1 discloses a lead-acid battery used to supply power in a power steering system.

[0008] Document US 2015 / 0037647 A1 discloses a battery module arranged in a housing. A battery control unit and a DC-DC converter are also arranged in the housing.

[0009] Document WO 2012 / 090523 A1 discloses an electric vehicle comprising high-voltage batteries and low-voltage batteries, a DC-DC converter, and a controller. The housing of the DC-DC converter is made of metal and is electrically insulated from the metallic vehicle chassis by an insulator and grounded via a grounding connection. The batteries are grounded via the vehicle chassis, and the housing of the DC-DC converter is mechanically connected to the battery housing and electrically insulated from each other.

[0010] The document JP 4 832225 B2 discloses a battery system comprising a metallic battery housing and a metallic component housing, wherein at least one battery module with at least one battery cell is arranged in the battery housing and at least one electrical component is arranged in the component housing, wherein the component housing is arranged on the battery housing, wherein the component housing and the battery housing are mechanically connected to one another and electrically insulated from one another.

[0011] The document JP 2011 138685 A discloses a battery system comprising a metallic battery housing and a metallic component housing, wherein at least one battery module with at least one battery cell is arranged in the battery housing and wherein at least one electrical component is arranged in the component housing and is electrically connected to the at least one battery module, wherein the component housing is arranged on the battery housing, wherein the component housing and the battery housing are connected to a first ground potential and the component housing is connected to a second ground potential. Disclosure of the invention

[0012] A battery system is proposed. The battery system comprises a metallic battery housing and a metallic component housing. At least one battery module with at least one battery cell and a control unit for controlling and monitoring the at least one battery module are arranged in the battery housing. At least one electrical component, which is electrically connected to the at least one battery module, is arranged in the component housing.

[0013] Preferably, the battery housing and the component housing are each made of cast aluminum. The battery housing and the component housing each have a feedthrough for power and signal transmission.

[0014] The at least one battery module is preferably arranged on a base of the battery housing and has a positive pole and a negative pole, between which the at least one battery cell is connected. The at least one battery cell can be circular-cylindrical or prismatic.

[0015] According to the invention, the component housing is arranged on the battery housing. The battery housing and the component housing are mechanically connected to one another and electrically insulated from one another. The battery housing is connected to a first ground potential, while the component housing is connected to a second ground potential. The first ground potential differs from the second ground potential. It is conceivable that the first ground potential is a floating potential.

[0016] A first temperature control device is formed between the battery housing and the component housing, wherein the first temperature control device is insulated from the battery housing and the component housing. The first temperature control device is designed such that a seal is inserted between the battery housing upper part and the component housing lower part, wherein a first temperature control channel is formed in an area enclosed by the seal between the battery housing upper part and the component housing lower part, or the first temperature control device is designed as a Peltier element unit. [Page 4, lines 18 ff.]

[0017] The battery housing and the component housing are electrically insulated from each other if an insulator is arranged at least at the respective connection points between the battery housing and the component housing.

[0018] The battery housing and the component housing can advantageously be connected to each other in a materially bonded manner, for example by means of adhesive bonding.

[0019] The battery housing and the component housing can also advantageously be connected to one another in a form-fitting manner, for example by screws. For example, the battery housing and the component housing each have fastening holes for this purpose. The fastening holes of the component housing can each be designed as a through-hole. Electrically non-conductive screws, such as plastic screws, can be used. However, it is also conceivable that electrically conductive screws are used. The respective fastening holes and contact surfaces of the screw heads can each be coated with an insulator. It is also conceivable that the shanks of the respective electrically conductive screws and contact surfaces of the screw heads are coated with an insulator.In addition to the insulator coating, a countersink can be provided at both ends of the respective mounting holes in the component housing. Furthermore, a sliding and tough coating, such as a polyimide coating, can be applied to the bearing surfaces of the respective screw heads to prevent abrasion of the coating.

[0020] The battery housing and the component housing are designed in such a way that they have the necessary resistance to different mechanical loads.

[0021] Preferably, the battery housing is coated with an insulator. The insulator can be, for example, a cathodic dip coating. It is also conceivable that hard anodizing or insulating adhesive tape could be used. The insulator can be coated exclusively on a surface of the battery housing facing the component housing. It is also conceivable that the battery housing could be completely coated with the insulator.

[0022] Preferably, the component housing is also coated with the insulator. The insulator can be coated exclusively on a surface of the component housing facing the battery housing. It is also conceivable for the entire component housing to be coated with the insulator.

[0023] The insulator for coating the battery housing and / or the component housing and the insulator for coating the respective fastening holes and the contact surfaces of the screw heads or the shafts of the respective electrically conductive screws can be the same or different.

[0024] The battery system according to the invention preferably comprises a disconnect switch unit for disconnecting a discharge current or a charging current of the at least one battery module. The disconnect switch unit is preferably arranged in the battery housing. The at least one battery module is electrically connected to the at least one electrical component via the disconnect switch unit.

[0025] Preferably, the battery housing has a second temperature control device. The second temperature control device can comprise a second

[0026] Ground potential. Other electrical components supplied by at least one battery module, as well as housings for the other electrical components, are also connected to the common ground potential.

[0027] Due to the impedance of the line between the negative terminal of at least one battery module and the electrical ground potential, the potential of the negative terminal deviates from the common ground potential. However, the other electrical components supplied by the at least one battery module are designed for the common ground potential.

[0028] This means that the additional electrical components supplied by the at least one battery module cannot be integrated into the battery housing if the battery housing is connected to the negative terminal of the at least one battery module. If the additional electrical components are arranged in a different housing or each have its own housing, there must be no electrically conductive connection between the battery housing and this other housing or these housings. The disadvantage of this is that the battery system cannot be constructed in a compact manner.

[0029] With the battery system according to the invention, which has a battery housing for the at least one battery module and the control unit as well as a component housing for the further electrical components, wherein the battery housing and the component housing are insulated from one another, the battery housing and the component housing can be assembled in a compact manner and connected to different ground potentials.

[0030] With the battery system according to the invention, the need for installation space is thus significantly reduced.

[0031] Furthermore, the effort required for electrical connections between the at least one battery module and the other electrical components is reduced. This reduces manufacturing costs.

[0032] With the battery system according to the invention, a common temperature control circuit can be used for the battery housing and the component housing. This leads to a further reduction in manufacturing costs. Short description of the drawings

[0033] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings and the following description.

[0034] It shows: Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a battery system according to the invention. Embodiments of the invention

[0035] Figure 1 represents the subject matter of the invention only schematically.

[0036] Figure 1shows a schematic sectional view of a battery system 100 according to the invention. The battery system 100 comprises a battery housing 200 made of cast aluminum, which has a battery housing lower part 210 and a battery housing upper part 220 placed on the battery housing lower part 210.

[0037] The battery system 100 further includes a cast aluminum component housing 300 having a lower component housing portion 310 and an upper component housing portion 320.

[0038] The battery system 100 further comprises a battery module 10, a control unit 20 for controlling and monitoring the battery module 10, and a circuit breaker unit 30 for switching off a discharge current or a charging current of the battery module 10.

[0039] The battery module 10 is arranged on a base 212 of the battery housing lower part 210 and comprises several prismatic battery cells 12 arranged next to one another, each having a positive terminal 13 and a negative terminal 14. In Figure 1 Twelve battery cells 12 are shown, specifically, from the left, a first battery cell 121 to a twelfth battery cell 1212. Of course, more or fewer than twelve battery cells 12 can be arranged in the battery module 10. The battery cells 12 are electrically connected to one another in series by means of several cell connectors 15. The positive terminal 13 of the first battery cell 121 represents a positive pole of the battery module 10, and the negative terminal 14 of the twelfth battery cell 1212 represents a negative pole of the battery module 10.

[0040] It is also conceivable that the battery cells 12 are connected in parallel to each other.

[0041] The control unit 20 is arranged on the battery module 10. The control unit 20 is electrically connected to the battery module 10 or the individual battery cells 12 via several conductors 18 for control and monitoring purposes.

[0042] The isolating switch unit 30 for switching off a discharging current or a charging current of the battery module 10 is arranged above the control unit 20.

[0043] The disconnect switch unit 30 has a first terminal 31 and a second terminal (not shown). The first terminal 31 is electrically connected by a connector 50 to the positive terminal 13 of the first battery cell 121, which represents the positive pole of the battery module 10.

[0044] The component housing 300, in which an electrical component 80, which can be embodied as a DC-DC converter, is arranged on the battery housing upper part 220 of the battery system 100 according to the invention, is arranged. The component housing 300 has a component housing lower part 310 and a component housing upper part 320 placed on the component housing lower part 310.

[0045] The battery housing upper part 220 and the component housing lower part 310 are each provided with a feedthrough (not shown) for power and signal transmission. The circuit breaker unit 30 is electrically connected to the electrical component 80 through the feedthroughs.

[0046] The battery housing upper part 220 is coated with an insulator 40. The insulator 40 can be, for example, a cathodic dip coating. It is also conceivable that hard anodizing or insulating adhesive tape is used. The insulator 40 can be coated exclusively on a surface of the battery housing upper part 220 facing the component housing lower part 310. It is also conceivable that the battery housing upper part 220 is completely coated with the insulator 40.

[0047] The component housing lower part 310 is also coated with the insulator 40. The insulator 40 can be coated exclusively on a surface of the component housing lower part 310 facing the battery housing upper part 220. It is also conceivable that the component housing lower part 310 is completely coated with the insulator 40.

[0048] Advantageously, the battery housing lower part 210 and / or the component housing upper part 320 can also be coated with the insulator 40.

[0049] The battery housing upper part 220, the component housing lower part 310, and the component housing upper part 320 are screwed together. The battery housing upper part 220 has a plurality of first fastening holes 222. The component housing lower part 310 has a plurality of second fastening holes 312, and the component housing upper part 320 has a plurality of third fastening holes 322. The second and third fastening holes 312, 322 are each formed as a through-hole. Electrically non-conductive screws 90, such as plastic screws, are used to fasten the battery housing upper part 220, the component housing lower part 310, and the component housing upper part 320 to one another.

[0050] A sealing cord 330 is inserted between the component housing lower part 310 and the battery housing upper part 220. A first temperature control channel (not shown) for conducting a temperature control medium is formed in an area (not shown) enclosed by the sealing cord 330 between the component housing lower part 310 and the battery housing upper part 220. The first temperature control channel is insulated from the battery housing upper part 220 and the component housing lower part 310.

[0051] The battery housing 200 can have a second temperature control device (not shown). The second temperature control device can have a second temperature control channel for conducting the temperature control medium, which can be made in the material of the battery housing lower part 210 and / or the battery housing upper part 220. The second temperature control device can also be designed as a Peltier element unit. The second temperature control device designed as a Peltier element unit can be arranged on the bottom 212 of the battery housing lower part 210 and between the bottom 212 and the battery module 10.

[0052] The first tempering channel can be hydraulically connected in series with the second tempering channel (not shown) to form a common tempering circuit.

[0053] For the control unit 20, a potential of the negative pole of the battery module 10, which is represented by the negative terminal 14 of the twelfth battery cell 1212, is selected as the ground potential.

[0054] The potential of the negative pole of the battery module 10 can also be selected for the first ground potential of the battery housing 200. However, it is also conceivable that the first ground potential is a floating potential.

[0055] A different potential is selected for the second ground potential of the component housing 300, which differs from the first ground potential. The second ground potential is selected for the electrical component 80 arranged in the component housing 300.

[0056] If the battery system 100 according to the invention is used in a motor vehicle, the component housing 300 can be electrically connected to a body of the motor vehicle, and thus the second ground potential is equal to a potential of the body. The battery housing 200 can be electrically connected to the negative terminal of the battery module 10, and thus the first ground potential is equal to the potential of the negative terminal. The battery housing 200 can also be set to a floating potential. This means that the battery housing 200 is electrically insulated from all other electrically conductive parts of the motor vehicle.

[0057] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described here and the aspects highlighted therein. Rather, numerous modifications are possible within the scope of the claims, which are within the scope of one skilled in the art.

Claims

1. Battery system (100), comprising a metallic battery housing (200) and a metallic component housing (300), wherein at least one battery module (10) having at least one battery cell (12) and a control unit (20) for controlling and monitoring the at least one battery module (10) are arranged in the battery housing (200), and wherein at least one electrical component (80) is arranged in the component housing (300), which electrical component is electrically connected to the at least one battery module (10), wherein the component housing (300) is arranged on the battery housing (200), wherein the component housing (300) and the battery housing (200) are mechanically connected to one another and electrically insulated from one another, and wherein the battery housing (200) is connected to a first earth potential and the component housing (300) is connected to a second earth potential, wherein the first earth potential is different from the second earth potential, wherein a first temperature-control device is formed between the battery housing (200) and the component housing (300), wherein the first temperature-control device is insulated from the battery housing (200) and the component housing (300), and wherein the first temperature-control device is designed in such a way that a seal (330) is inserted between a battery housing upper part (220) and a component housing lower part (310), wherein a first temperature-control channel is designed in a region enclosed by the seal (330) between the battery housing upper part (220) and the component housing lower part (310), or the first temperature-control device is in the form of a Peltier element unit.

2. Battery system (100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the battery housing (200) and the component housing (300) are connected to one another in a cohesive or form-fitting manner.

3. Battery system (100) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the battery housing (200) and / or the component housing (300) are both coated with an insulator (40).

4. Battery system (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a disconnect switch unit (30) for disconnecting a discharging current or a charging current of the at least one battery module (10) is arranged in the battery housing (200).

5. Battery system (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the battery housing (200) has a second temperature-control device.

6. Battery system (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one electrical component (80) is in the form of a DC-DC converter.

7. Motor vehicle, which comprises at least one battery system (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 6.

8. Motor vehicle according to Claim 7, characterized in that the first earth potential is a floating potential.

9. Motor vehicle according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the second earth potential is equal to a potential of a body of the motor vehicle.