ACCUMULATOR ARRANGEMENT WITH ONE ACCUMULATOR UNIT AND ONE HEAT TRANSFER ENTER AS WELL AS HEAT TRANSFER ENTER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an accumulator arrangement of the type specified in claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a heat transfer element for such an accumulator arrangement according to claim 10.

[0002] Modern motor vehicles typically have at least one electric battery unit. Especially when these vehicles are at least partially electrically powered, this battery unit is particularly powerful and requires special protective devices to ensure both highly efficient operation and to protect the user, particularly the user of a motor vehicle equipped with this battery unit, from undesirable effects. For example, to provide a particularly advantageous operating temperature for the battery unit, temperature control or cooling devices are known from the prior art, by means of which the battery unit can be temperature-controlled or cooled.Furthermore, pipe elements are known from the prior art through which so-called venting gases, which are generated in an undesirable manner - especially due to a faulty operation - by the accumulator unit, can be discharged or routed away from an environment of the accumulator unit, for example from a housing of the accumulator unit.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2008 059 969 A1 discloses a device for cooling a battery, comprising a heat-conducting plate arranged in a battery housing, through which a coolant from a vehicle's air conditioning system can flow, wherein several electrically interconnected individual cells are thermally connected to the heat-conducting plate. The battery housing of this conventional device has an opening for gas discharge, to which a pipe is connected, the end of which facing away from the battery being located outside the vehicle interior, wherein one or more coolant lines are led from the air conditioning system through the pipe and into the opening to the heat-conducting plate in the battery housing. Due to the at least three separately designed conduit elements (pipe, coolant supply line, and coolant outlet), the conventional battery cooling device is particularly complex.Furthermore, the coolant lines are located inside the pipe, which means that the respective positional arrangement possibilities of the pipe and / or the coolant lines (for example, during the manufacture of the motor vehicle equipped with the accumulator unit) depend on each other and are consequently very limited.

[0004] JP H 08 255 637 A describes how each battery cell is electrically interconnected, and a power supply line is routed from the terminals at both ends through holes formed in a housing. A retaining element is attached to the lower part of the battery cells, which has holes to allow the passage of gas and cool air released by the battery cell. A foil with an opening similar to the retaining element is inserted into the retaining element, and the foil is connected to a stopper via a spring and is moved to the right. This movement is controlled by an electromagnetic switch. When gas leakage is detected by a pressure sensor, a control unit supplies the drive current to a solenoid of the electromagnetic switch, and the foil is moved to the right to interrupt the cooling channel and allow gas to escape.The gas escaping from the battery cells can be vented to the outside without coming into contact with the battery cells.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to enable a particularly versatile use and a particularly safe operation of a battery unit, in particular in a motor vehicle.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by an accumulator arrangement with the features specified in claim 1. Furthermore, this problem is solved by a heat transfer body with the features specified in claim 10. Features, advantages, and advantageous embodiments of the accumulator arrangement according to the invention are to be regarded as features, advantages, and advantageous embodiments of the heat transfer body according to the invention, and vice versa. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims.

[0007] According to the invention, an accumulator arrangement for a motor vehicle is provided. The accumulator arrangement comprises at least one electric accumulator unit, which is designed, in particular, as a traction accumulator. This is because the motor vehicle, which can be designed, in particular, as a car, i.e., a passenger car and / or a truck, is at least partially electrically powered or propelled. For this purpose, the motor vehicle has an electric drive unit that is electrically connected or connectable to the accumulator unit or the traction accumulator. In motor operation of the electric drive unit or in discharge operation of the accumulator unit, the latter provides electrical energy to the electric drive unit, which is converted by the electric drive unit into mechanical work for propelling or moving the motor vehicle.During charging of the battery unit, or during generator or recuperation operation of the electric drive unit, the latter supplies electrical energy to the battery unit, which is then stored, at least temporarily, in the battery unit. This means that the battery unit is an electrical energy storage device. To ensure a particularly advantageous operating temperature and, consequently, particularly efficient charging and discharging of the electric battery unit or traction battery, the battery unit must be temperature-controlled, for example, by cooling. For this purpose, the battery assembly includes a heat transfer element. The heat transfer element and the battery unit are arranged in a common battery compartment, for example, in a shared housing.The heat transfer element and the accumulator unit are either directly or indirectly adjacent to each other. If the accumulator unit and the heat transfer element are directly adjacent, it may be designed, for example, that they directly adjoin corresponding surfaces, such as heat transfer surfaces. The accumulator unit and the heat transfer element are indirectly adjacent, for example, if a (separate) heat-conducting element and / or a heat-insulating element is arranged between the corresponding heat transfer surfaces.

[0008] The heat transfer body further comprises a wall structure in which a channel element through which a coolant flows is formed. This means that the channel element has at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening, such that the coolant can flow through the channel element between the inlet opening and the outlet opening. The inlet opening and the outlet opening therefore penetrate the wall structure of the heat transfer body at least where the channel element opens into the surrounding environment of the heat transfer body. For operation of the heat transfer body or the accumulator arrangement, this means that the coolant – in particular a gas, preferably air – flows into the channel element or the heat transfer body via the inlet opening, flows through the channel element or the heat transfer body, and flows out of the channel element or the heat transfer body via the outlet opening.

[0009] To enable particularly versatile use and especially safe operation of the accumulator unit or accumulator assembly, a predefined connection device is formed on the wall structure according to the invention, by means of which the accumulator chamber and the channel element can be fluidically connected. For this purpose, the connection device is adjustable from a blocked position to a flow-through position. In the blocked position, the connection device prevents the flow of fluid from the accumulator chamber into the channel element. Conversely, the connection device allows the flow of fluid from the accumulator chamber into the channel element. In other words, the flow of fluid from the accumulator chamber into the channel element is blocked by moving the connection device to the blocked position.However, the flow of fluid from the accumulator chamber into the channel element is enabled when the connecting device is adjusted to the flow-through position.

[0010] The fluid in the accumulator compartment is, for example, a gas, in particular venting gas, which is generated undesirably by the accumulator unit and which must be discharged from the accumulator compartment. This means that the channel element and the accumulator compartment can be fluidically connected to each other for the purpose of discharging or venting the venting gas by adjusting the connection device to the flow-through position. Consequently, the venting gas is discharged from the accumulator compartment through the connection device and finally via the channel element. This means that the channel element or the heat transfer element at least partially forms a conduit element through which the venting gas can be discharged from the accumulator compartment.

[0011] While it is conceivable that the channel element or heat transfer element is part of a closed coolant circuit, it is preferred that the channel element or heat transfer element at least partially forms an open coolant circuit. This means that an open end of the open coolant circuit, particularly extending from the channel element, opens into the environment of the accumulator assembly, especially the environment of the vehicle. Therefore, if the vehicle is equipped with the accumulator assembly, it is preferably provided that the open end of the open coolant circuit, through which the heat transfer element or channel element is supplied with coolant or air, opens into the environment of the vehicle on an outside surface. In this respect, during operation of the accumulator assembly or...The heat transfer body heats the coolant, which is in the form of air, within the heat transfer body in order to dissipate heat or cool the accumulator unit, and then directs it into the environment of the motor vehicle.

[0012] By allowing the venting gas and / or other fluid from the accumulator compartment to be discharged into the vehicle's surroundings or the accumulator assembly via the channel element and / or other pipe elements forming the open coolant circuit, the accumulator assembly can be manufactured in a particularly simple and / or cost-effective manner, as a separate pipe element for discharging the venting gases or other gases from the accumulator compartment is unnecessary. This means that the open coolant circuit has a dual function: firstly, it conducts the coolant during operation of the accumulator assembly, and secondly, when the connection device is in the flow-through position, it discharges the gases or venting gases from the accumulator compartment.By eliminating the need for a separate venting gas guide element, the battery arrangement, and consequently a vehicle equipped with it, is designed to be particularly mass-efficient. This means that the correspondingly equipped vehicle can be operated or driven with particularly high fuel and / or energy efficiency and / or low emissions.

[0013] By ensuring that the gases or venting gases from the accumulator compartment of the accumulator assembly are in no way connected to any element or component of the accumulator assembly or the vehicle that comes into contact with the vehicle's interior or passenger compartment, it is effectively prevented that the gases or venting gases from the accumulator compartment enter the interior or passenger compartment, for example, via a vehicle air conditioning system, and thus have an undesirable effect on at least one occupant of the vehicle and / or another element in the vehicle's interior. This is because the (open) coolant circuit and the vehicle air conditioning system are designed separately and operated fluidically independently of each other.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment of the accumulator arrangement, the connecting device is adjustable from the blocked position to the flow-through position due to a triggering event in the accumulator compartment. This means that the connecting device can be adjusted from the blocked position to the flow-through position when the triggering event occurs in the accumulator compartment. It is conceivable that, due to the triggering event, the fluid or gas, in particular venting gas, is generated, for example, by the accumulator unit and flows into the accumulator compartment. Accordingly, the triggering event could be, for example, a short circuit in one or more of the accumulator cells of the accumulator unit. Furthermore, the triggering event could be an undesired heat generation in the accumulator unit or...between individual battery cells, which can lead, for example, to the decomposition of electrochemically active materials and consequently to their outgassing.

[0015] It is intended that the connecting device remains in the blocked position, at least as long as the triggering event has not yet occurred. After the triggering event has occurred and / or as long as the triggering event is occurring, it is intended that the connecting device is moved to or remains in the open position. By linking the movement of the connecting device from the blocked position to the open position and the triggering event (in a process engineering sense), it is particularly advantageously ensured that the connecting device is not moved to the open position in an undesirable manner.

[0016] The triggering event can be a mechanical event, a thermal event, and / or a chemical event. A mechanical event could be, for example, a pressure increase in the accumulator compartment or the mechanical effect of the weight of the fluid being discharged from the accumulator compartment. A thermal event could be, for example, a temperature increase in the accumulator compartment. Such a temperature change could be due to a change of state of the fluid being discharged from the accumulator compartment. Furthermore, a fire in the accumulator compartment, for example, a fire involving the fluid being discharged from the accumulator compartment, could lead to the temperature increase that constitutes the triggering event. A chemical reaction in the accumulator compartment, for example, between the fluid being discharged from the accumulator compartment or...The triggering event can also be caused by contact between the venting gas and an inner wall of the accumulator compartment or other elements inside the accumulator compartment, and / or a chemical reaction between fluid components of the fluid being discharged from the accumulator compartment. The connection device is specifically designed to move from the closed position to the open position when the mechanical, thermal, and / or chemical event directly affects the connection device.

[0017] It has proven advantageous if the connecting device is reversibly adjustable between the closed and open positions. This means that, after the connecting device has been moved from the closed to the open position, it can be moved back from the open to the closed position. It is particularly preferred that the connecting device be non-destructively and reversibly adjustable between the closed and open positions. This ensures that, after the fluid or venting gas to be discharged from the accumulator chamber has been discharged as intended, the connecting device and, consequently, the heat transfer element are not irreversibly damaged.Thus, the connecting device and consequently the heat transfer element can still be operated as intended after the triggering event, in particular after the triggering event no longer occurs.

[0018] As explained above and as provided in a further advantageous embodiment of the accumulator arrangement, an outlet opening of the channel element leads into the surroundings of the accumulator arrangement, in particular into the surroundings of the vehicle. For this purpose, a coolant guide element, for example a pipe element, can be provided between an outlet opening of the channel element and the surroundings of the accumulator arrangement or the vehicle, via which the channel element and the surroundings are fluidically connected or connectable. This ensures that the fluid or venting gas is not directed into the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the accumulator arrangement, it has a valve assembly fluidically connected to the inlet opening of the channel element. This valve assembly, at least in the flow-through position of the connecting element, allows the coolant to flow through the inlet opening into the channel element in the direction of flow, while preventing the fluid or venting gas from flowing through the inlet opening and out of the channel element in the opposite direction. The valve assembly therefore has at least one valve located upstream of or at the inlet opening of the channel element, viewed in the direction of coolant flow. This valve can be, for example, purely mechanically operated, actuated, or adjustable, and thus designed, for instance, as a check valve.In the case of the check valve, a blocking side, which blocks the flow in the counter-current direction, points in the direction of flow, whereas a flow-through side of the check valve, which allows the flow in the direction of flow, points in the counter-current direction.

[0020] The valve assembly or check valve prevents the coolant or air from flowing out of the channel element in the opposite direction (i.e., through the inlet opening). It also prevents the fluid from the accumulator chamber from flowing out of the channel element or heat transfer body via the connecting device, the channel element, and the inlet opening (i.e., in the opposite direction). If the fluid flowing into the channel element from the accumulator chamber causes a pressure increase within the channel element, the blocking effect of the valve assembly or check valve is further enhanced. This protects components of the accumulator assembly and / or the vehicle located upstream (i.e., in the opposite direction) to the valve assembly or check valve from the fluid or venting gas.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, a control unit can be provided that is designed to detect the position to which the connecting device is set and to control a function of the accumulator assembly depending on the detected position. This means that the accumulator assembly incorporates the control unit. For example, it can be provided that a warning signal is provided by means of the control unit, for instance to an occupant of the vehicle's passenger compartment, if and / or as long as the connecting device is in the flow-through position. For this purpose, the control unit and an output unit directed at the passenger compartment occupant can be connected wirelessly and / or via a cable. This is advantageous insofar as the passenger compartment occupant can be informed that the connecting device is in the flow-through position.Based on this information, the occupant, who may be the driver of the vehicle, can react accordingly, for example by taking the vehicle to a service facility.

[0022] In connection with the valve assembly and the control unit, it is specifically provided that the function of the accumulator assembly, controllable by means of the control unit, includes adjusting the valve assembly between a valve open position, in which the valve assembly is open to flow of coolant at least in the direction of flow, and a valve closed position, in which the valve assembly is closed to flow of fluid or venting gas at least in the counterflow direction. In particular, in the valve closed position, the valve assembly may be configured to block flow in both the direction of flow and in the counterflow direction. Accordingly, the control unit and the valve assembly are coupled or can be coupled to each other, so that the valve assembly can be controlled by means of the control unit.This means that the valve assembly has at least one electrically or electromechanically adjustable, operable, or actuated valve. For this purpose, this valve has at least one actuator by means of which the valve assembly or the electrical or electromechanical valve can be adjusted between the valve flow position and the valve blocking position.

[0023] For example, it is provided that when the control unit determines that the connecting device is or will be in the flow-through position, the valve device or the electrical or electromechanical valve is or is already in the valve blocking position to prevent further coolant or air from flowing into the channel element via the inlet side. Similarly, it is provided that when the control unit detects that the connecting device is in the blocking position, the flow of coolant or air into the channel element via the inlet opening is allowed.

[0024] Due to the appropriate design of the control unit or the valve assembly, the flow of coolant, especially air, into the accumulator compartment is blocked, particularly in the open-circuit position of the connecting device. If, for example, an undesirable chemical and / or thermal reaction occurs in the accumulator compartment, especially outside the accumulator unit, such as a fire, it is advantageous to prevent the oxygen supply to this area in order to avoid further accelerating the chemical reaction or the fire.

[0025] The accumulator arrangement can be operated particularly efficiently if – alternatively or additionally – the function controllable by the control unit includes switching a coolant drive unit, fluidically connected to the channel element, between an activated operating mode, in which the coolant drive unit drives the coolant through the channel element, and a deactivated operating mode. In other words, the control unit is designed to switch the coolant drive unit, which may be, for example, a pump, a compressor, etc., on and / or off. Thus, if the accumulator arrangement is designed to prevent the flow of coolant or air into the channel element, for example, because the connection device is in the flow-through position, the coolant drive unit is deactivated or already deactivated by the control unit.It is switched off, meaning it has been switched to the deactivated operating mode. Therefore, the coolant drive unit is not operated unnecessarily, at least not as long as there is no need for additional coolant or air and / or for the coolant to be driven.

[0026] Similarly, the coolant drive unit can be switched from deactivated to activated operating mode using the control unit. If the control unit detects that the connecting device is or has been moved into the locked position, there is (again) a need for additional coolant or air and / or for the coolant to be driven through the channel element or the heat transfer element. This is because, when the connecting device is in the locked position, the accumulator unit is cooled via the heat transfer element or the air flowing through it. This means that the coolant drive unit can be operated with particular efficiency depending on the position to which the connecting device is moved.

[0027] The invention further relates to a heat transfer body for a battery assembly. The heat transfer body has a wall structure in which a channel element through which a coolant flows is formed. The heat transfer body is further configured to form a battery assembly together with a battery unit. This means that the heat transfer body is, in particular, the heat transfer body described above.

[0028] To enable particularly versatile use and especially safe operation of the accumulator unit by means of the heat transfer body, the invention provides for a connecting device on the wall structure of the heat transfer body. The connecting device allows the environment surrounding the heat transfer body and the channel element to be fluidically connected. For this purpose, the connecting device is adjustable from a closed position to a flow-through position. In the closed position, the connecting device prevents the flow of fluid from the environment into the channel element, whereas in the flow-through position, the connecting device allows the flow of fluid from the environment into the channel element.

[0029] The heat transfer element according to the invention also includes embodiments that have already been described in connection with the accumulator arrangement according to the invention. For this reason, these embodiments and their associated advantages are not described again here.

[0030] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawing. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0031] This shows Fig. 1 a schematic and sectional view of an accumulator arrangement with a connecting device; Fig. 2 a schematic and sectional partial view of the accumulator arrangement with the connecting device having a breaking element; Fig. 3 a schematic and sectional partial view of the accumulator arrangement with the connecting device having a melting element; and Fig. 4 a schematic and sectional partial view of the accumulator arrangement with the connecting device having a closing element.

[0032] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0033] In the following, an accumulator arrangement 1 and a heat transfer body 2 are described together.

[0034] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic and cutaway view of the accumulator arrangement 1, which includes a connecting device 3 that will be described in more detail below. The accumulator arrangement 1 is intended for a motor vehicle (not shown), which may be, in particular, a car – that is, a passenger car and / or truck – a motorcycle, a self-propelled work machine, a bus, etc. The motor vehicle is at least partially electrically powered or propelled; that is, the motor vehicle is, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, etc. Accordingly, the motor vehicle has an electrical energy storage device and an electric drive device. In the present example, the electrical energy storage device of the electrically driven or propelled vehicle is shown.The traction power supply of the motor vehicle is formed by an accumulator unit 4, which can also be referred to as a high-voltage storage device or traction accumulator ("traction battery"). The accumulator unit 4, or traction accumulator, is part of the accumulator arrangement 1, meaning that the accumulator arrangement 1 includes the traction accumulator or accumulator unit 4.

[0035] To regulate the temperature of the accumulator unit 4, i.e., to heat and / or cool it, the heat transfer body 2 and the accumulator unit 4 are adjacent to each other and are each designed to ensure particularly efficient heat transfer between them. For example, the accumulator unit 4 and the heat transfer body 2 may be bonded together. To achieve this bond, a thermal paste, an adhesive, a metallic material that is initially liquid or pasty and then hardens, etc., may be used between the accumulator unit 4 and the heat transfer body 2.

[0036] The heat transfer body 2 and the accumulator unit 4 are arranged in a common accumulator compartment 5, which is at least partially enclosed by a housing 6 of the accumulator assembly. Both the accumulator unit 4 and the heat transfer body 2 are located within the accumulator compartment 5 or within the housing 6 of the accumulator assembly 1. This is because the accumulator compartment 5 is formed by an interior space of the housing 6 or an interior space defined and / or enclosed by the housing 6. It may be provided that at least one outer wall 7 of the housing 6 is formed by an outer wall or at least a portion thereof 8 of the accumulator unit 4 and / or by at least one outer wall or at least a portion thereof 9 of a wall structure 10 of the heat transfer body 2.

[0037] The wall structure 10 of the heat transfer body 2 has a top surface 11, which in this example adjoins a bottom surface 12 of the accumulator unit 4. Furthermore, the heat transfer body 2, or rather its wall structure 10, has a bottom surface 13 opposite the top surface 11, such that the wall structure 10 is formed by two spaced-apart outer wall sections 9, one of which forms the top surface 11 and the other forming the bottom surface 13. A channel element 15, through which a coolant 14 can flow, extends through the wall structure 10. The inlet opening 16 of this channel element forms an inlet opening of the heat transfer body 2, and the outlet opening 17 forms an outlet opening of the heat transfer body 2.In other words, the inlet opening 16 of the channel element 15 and the inlet opening of the heat transfer body 2 coincide, with the outlet opening 17 of the channel element 15 and the outlet opening of the heat transfer body 2 also coincide.

[0038] The accumulator arrangement 1 further comprises a valve assembly 18, via which a coolant drive unit 19, for example a pump, a compressor, etc., and the inlet opening 16 are fluidically connected. Thus, when the coolant 14, which is in particular a gas, in this case air, is compressed or driven by the coolant drive unit 19 during operation of the heat transfer body 2 or during operation of the accumulator arrangement 1, the air or the coolant 14 flows through a conduit element 20, for example a pipe, a hose, etc., via which an outlet side or pressure side of the coolant drive unit 19 and the valve assembly 18 are fluidically connected. The valve assembly 18 is further connected to the inlet opening 16 of the channel element 15, which means that the valve assembly 18 is located between the inlet opening 16 of the channel element 15 and the outlet side or pressure side of the coolant drive unit 19.The pressure side of the coolant drive unit 19 is arranged.

[0039] Thus, as the coolant 14 or the air flows in the direction of flow 21 – driven by the coolant drive unit 19 – through the conduit element 20, it then flows through the valve assembly 18, then the inlet opening 16, then the channel element 15, before finally exiting the channel element 15 or the heat transfer body 2 via the outlet opening 17. It is provided that the coolant 14 or the air flows into a (second) conduit element 22 as it exits the heat transfer body 2 or its channel element 15. The first end of this second conduit element 22 is fluidically connected to the channel element 15 or the outlet opening 17. A second end 23 of the second conduit element 22 opens into the surroundings of the accumulator assembly 1, so that the coolant 14 – i.e., the air – flows into these surroundings due to the operation of the accumulator assembly 1 or the heat transfer body 2.If the motor vehicle is equipped with the accumulator assembly 1, the second end 23 of the second conduit element 22 is designed to open into the surroundings of the motor vehicle. In other words, the channel element 15 is fluidically extended via the conduit element 22 connected to its outlet opening 17 such that the outlet opening 17 opens via the conduit element 22 into the surroundings of the accumulator assembly 1 or into the surroundings of the motor vehicle.

[0040] Furthermore, it is provided for in the accumulator arrangement 1 that none of the coolant-carrying elements are fluidically connected to any interior of the vehicle, such as a driver's cab, passenger compartment, etc. Instead, it is provided that all elements of the accumulator arrangement 1 that carry the coolant 14 or the air and the interior of the vehicle are fluidically separated or isolated from each other.

[0041] Furthermore, a control unit 24 is provided in the accumulator arrangement 1, which is designed to control at least one function of the accumulator arrangement 1.

[0042] For example, as a by-product or product of a faulty operation of the accumulator unit 4, at least one fluid, in particular a gas, different from the coolant 14 or from air, may collect in the accumulator compartment 5. This at least one fluid or gas different from the coolant 14 is referred to below as venting gas 25 (see Fig. 2 , Fig. 3 , Fig. 4 ) To prevent damage to the accumulator assembly 1 caused by the accumulation of venting gas 25 and / or by the venting gas 25 itself in the accumulator compartment 5, this venting gas 25, insofar as it has formed or is formed, must be removed or vented from the accumulator compartment 5. Advantageously, this is done in a controlled manner to prevent, for example, the housing 6 of the accumulator assembly 1 from bursting and the venting gas 25 from escaping the accumulator compartment 5 in an uncontrolled manner, e.g., explosively.

[0043] In order to efficiently and safely discharge the venting gas 25 from the accumulator chamber 5, the accumulator arrangement 1 in this example has a connecting device 3, which is formed on the wall structure 10 of the heat transfer body 2. Specifically, the connecting device 3 is formed at a predefined location 26 on the wall structure 10 of the heat transfer body 2. The connecting device 3 allows the accumulator chamber 5 and the channel element 15 to be fluidically connected. For this purpose, the connecting device 3 can be adjusted from a blocked position, in which it prevents the flow of the venting gas 25 from the accumulator chamber 5 into the channel element 15, to a flow-through position, in which it allows the flow of the venting gas 25 from the accumulator chamber 5 into the channel element 15. Fig. 1 The connecting device 3 is shown in the locked position.

[0044] If the connecting device 3 is in the locked position, the coolant 14 cannot flow into the accumulator chamber 5 during operation of the accumulator assembly 1 or the heat transfer body 2, because the channel element 15 and the accumulator chamber 5 are fluidically separated or sealed from each other. However, if a triggering event occurs, for example, due to the accumulation of the venting gas 25 in the accumulator chamber 5, the connecting device 3 is moved from the locked position to the open position. This triggering event could, for example, be the accumulation of the venting gas 25 in the accumulator chamber 5. Further triggering events are conceivable, or the triggering event could comprise further sub-events. The respective sub-event and / or the triggering event could be a mechanical event, a thermal event, and / or a chemical event.In any case, the triggering event or sub-events are related to the generation and / or accumulation of the venting gas 25 in the accumulator compartment 5. For example, the mechanical event could be a pressure increase in the accumulator compartment 5, resulting from the inflow of the venting gas 25 into the accumulator compartment 5. Furthermore, it could be a thermal event, particularly in the accumulator compartment 5, for example, if the venting gas 25 has a comparatively high temperature, leading to a (significant) temperature increase in the accumulator compartment 5. Finally, the venting gas 25 could contain chemical elements and / or molecules that react with each other and / or with other components of the accumulator assembly 1 located in the accumulator compartment 5, such as the outer wall / outer wall section 8 of the accumulator unit 4, an inner wall of the housing 6, etc.A particularly prominent example of a chemical and / or thermal event is a fire.

[0045] To detect, sensing, or recording the triggering event and / or the venting gas 25 in the accumulator compartment 5, the accumulator assembly 1 has a sensor 27, which includes at least one sensor in the accumulator compartment 5, i.e., within the housing 6. This sensor is, in particular, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and / or a chemical sensor or gas sensor. The sensor 27, or the sensor itself, can be coupled to, or is coupled with, the control unit 24 to provide the control unit 24 with corresponding sensor results. This means that, due to the sensor 27, the control unit is also configured to detect the venting gas 25 or the triggering event in the accumulator compartment 5.

[0046] If, during operation of the accumulator arrangement 1, the triggering event and / or the venting gas 25 is present in the accumulator chamber 5, the connecting device 3 is moved into the flow-through position, so that the accumulator chamber 5 and the channel element 15 are then fluidically connected. In this way, the predefined point 26 can be designed as a predetermined breaking point, whereby the connecting device 3 then has a breaking element 28. Such a breaking element 28 is in Fig. 2 Figure 26 shows a schematic and cutaway partial view of the accumulator assembly 1 with the connecting device 3. The predefined point 26, or the predetermined breaking point, i.e., the connecting device 3 or its breaking element 28, is designed such that, during operation of the accumulator assembly 1, the pressure of the coolant 14 or the air prevailing in the channel element 15 does not cause the breaking element 28 to break, tear, etc. Furthermore, the breaking element 28 is designed such that, if the venting gas 25 is present in the accumulator chamber 5, particularly in sufficient quantity and / or at sufficient pressure, the breaking element 28, or the predetermined breaking point, breaks or tears, so that, due to the broken or torn predetermined breaking point or the broken or torn breaking element 28, the accumulator chamber 5 and the channel element 15 are fluidically connected. At the predefined point 26, i.e., the breaking element 28, the pressure of the coolant 14 or the air prevailing in the channel element 15 does not cause the breaking element 28 to break, tear, etc.The predetermined breaking point and / or the fracture element 28 is, in particular, at least a partial area of ​​the corresponding outer wall portion 9 of the heat transfer body 2. This means that the outer wall portion 9, which forms the top surface 11 of the heat transfer body 2, in the locked position of the connecting device 3, i.e., with the predetermined breaking point intact, fluidically seals the accumulator chamber 5 and the channel element 15 from each other, at least at the predefined location 26. The connecting device 3 is in the flow-through position to the extent that the fracture element 28 is torn and broken.

[0047] As an alternative to the configuration in which the fracture element 28 is an integral part of the outer wall section 9, it can be provided that the fracture element 28 is made of a different material than the corresponding outer wall section 9. For example, the material of the fracture element 28 can be a metal, a fabric, a plastic, etc., different from that of the outer wall section 9.

[0048] To facilitate the breaking or tearing of the fracture element 28 at the predefined location 26 or at the predetermined breaking point, the accumulator assembly 1, in particular the connecting device 3, has a mandrel element 29 whose tip is fixedly directed towards the fracture element 28, the mandrel element 29 being arranged on the side of the channel element 15. For example, a limit pressure for the accumulator chamber 5 can be specified, above which or at which the fracture element 28 breaks or tears as intended. This limit pressure must be designed to be much higher than the pressure that can be generated in the channel element 15 by means of the coolant drive device 19. This limit pressure can be determined or specified, for example, by forming a required distance between the tip of the mandrel element 29 and the fracture element during the manufacture of the accumulator assembly 1 or during the manufacture of the heat transfer body 2. The venting gas 25 or...The pressure increase induced in the accumulator chamber 5 presses the fracture element 28 against the tip of the mandrel element 29, causing the fracture element 28 to penetrate the mandrel element 29. This weakens the material at the penetration point, ultimately leading to the fracture element 28 tearing due to the pressure or the venting gas 25. This exposes the predefined point 26, or the predetermined breaking point, for the flow of the venting gas 25. In other words, the venting gas 25 is blown into the heat transfer body 2 or the channel element 15.

[0049] The connecting device 3 is designed to open when the pressure in the accumulator chamber 5 is higher than the pressure of the coolant 14 or the air in the channel element 15. To prevent the venting gas 25 from flowing through the channel element 15 against the flow direction 21, i.e., in the counterflow direction 30, particularly towards the coolant drive device 19, the flow of the venting gas 25 in the counterflow direction 30 is blocked / blocked or prevented by means of the valve device 18. The valve device 18 can, for example, include a check valve that—at least when or as long as the connecting device 3 is in the open position—blocks the flow of the venting gas 25 and / or the coolant 14 in the counterflow direction 30. For this purpose, the check valve can be arranged at the inlet opening 16.The check valve must be fluidically connected to the coolant drive unit 19 and, in particular, arranged between the coolant drive unit 19 and the channel element 15. Furthermore, the check valve acts such that, in the open position of the connecting device 3, coolant 14 continues to flow from the coolant drive unit 19 through the check valve into the channel element 15.

[0050] In general, with the accumulator arrangement 1, it is possible that, after the connecting device 3 has been moved into the flow-through position, the venting gases 25 and the coolant 14 form a common fluid mixture. In other words, the venting gases 25 and the air mix, particularly within the channel element 15, since the venting gases 25 flow into the channel element 15 and into the air contained therein via the open connecting device 3. With regard to the check valve, this means that the check valve prevents the flow of the fluid mixture, i.e., the coolant 14 and / or the venting gases 25, in the counterflow direction 30.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally to the check valve, which is in particular purely mechanically operable or adjustable, an electrically or electromechanically adjustable or openable valve of the valve assembly 18 can be used to prevent the flow of the venting gases 25, the coolant 14 and / or the fluid mixture in the counterflow direction 30, i.e., from the channel element 15 beyond the inlet opening 16. Such an electrically or electromechanically operable valve can, for example, have an actuator that can be coupled to or is coupled to the control unit 24. The control unit 24 is then configured to open and / or close the valve assembly 18 or the electrically or electromechanically adjustable valve, or to adjust it between a valve flow position and a valve blocking position. In particular, it is provided that the control unit 24 can be used to control the valve assembly 18 or the electrically or electromechanically adjustable valve.The electrically or electromechanically operated valve is adjustable between the valve flow position and the valve blocking position, regardless of the position of the connecting device 3.

[0052] The predetermined breaking point or breaking element 28 can be caused to break or tear according to the triggering events described above, for example, by the material of the breaking element 28 being decomposed (chemically and / or thermally) due to the venting gases 25 present in the accumulator chamber 5, for example by burning, melting, etc. It can be provided, for example, that the material of the predetermined breaking point or the material of the breaking element 28 is dissolved or softened due to the venting gases 25, causing the material of the breaking element 28 to eventually tear, so that the connecting device 3 is then moved into the flow-through position.

[0053] As previously described, the control unit 24 is configured to control the valve assembly 18, with the adjustment of the valve assembly 18 between the open position and the closed position being a function of the accumulator arrangement 1. It is preferred that the control unit 24 detects the position in which the connecting device 3 is adjusted and, depending on this detected position (i.e., whether the connecting device 3 is in the open position or the closed position), controls the function of the accumulator arrangement 1, for example, adjusting the valve assembly 18 between the open position and the closed position. For this purpose, it is particularly provided that the control unit 24 detects the triggering event in the accumulator compartment 5, for example, by means of the sensor 27. The triggering event can also be called the venting event.If the control unit 24 detects the triggering event or venting event, the valve assembly 18 is designed to be moved into the valve closed position. In the valve closed position, the flow through the valve assembly 18 is blocked, at least in the counterflow direction 30. This is particularly intended for cases where a pressure difference between the pressures of the channel element 15 and the accumulator chamber 5 is insufficient to block the flow of fluid or fluid mixture in the counterflow direction 30 through the valve assembly 18 or the purely mechanically operated or adjustable check valve during the venting event.

[0054] With renewed reference to Fig. 1 It can be seen that the control unit 24 is also coupled or can be coupled to the coolant drive unit 19. The control unit 24 is further configured to switch the coolant drive unit 19 between an activated operating mode and a deactivated operating mode, which is a further function of the accumulator arrangement 1. In the activated operating mode, the coolant drive unit 19 drives the coolant 14 or the air through the line element 20, through the valve assembly 18, through the channel element 15, and finally through the second line element 22 into the vicinity of the accumulator arrangement 1 or the motor vehicle. The deactivated operating mode, on the other hand, represents, for example, a configured state of the coolant drive unit 19 such that in the deactivated operating mode, orWith the coolant drive unit 19 switched off, the coolant 14 is not driven via the coolant drive unit 19. The coolant drive unit 19 and the channel element 15 are fluidically separated from each other in the valve closed position of the valve unit 18 and fluidically connected to each other in the valve open position of the valve unit 18. In conjunction with the check valve of the valve unit 18, the coolant drive unit 19 and the channel element 15 are fluidically connected to each other in the flow direction 21. Furthermore, with regard to the check valve of the valve unit 18, the coolant drive unit 19 and the channel element 15 are fluidically separated or sealed from each other in the counterflow direction 30.

[0055] To prevent further coolant 14 or air from being driven or conveyed into the duct element 15 by the coolant drive unit 19, the control unit 24 switches the coolant drive unit 19 to the deactivated operating mode when the connecting device 3 is in the flow-through position. This means that the coolant drive unit 19 of the accumulator assembly 1 is deactivated due to the triggering event or the venting event, thus stopping any further supply of coolant 14 or air.

[0056] Further embodiments of the connecting device 3 are shown below. It should be understood that the accumulator assembly 1 can have more than one connecting device 3. Furthermore, the positional arrangement shown in the figures is merely exemplary. It is particularly conceivable that the connecting device 3 is arranged directly between the accumulator unit 4 and the heat transfer body 2. This applies especially if the connecting device 3 has the predetermined breaking point, which – as already described – can at least partially form the corresponding outer wall portion 9 of the heat transfer body 2. In other words, it is possible for the connecting device 3 to be completely or partially covered or concealed by the accumulator unit 4.

[0057] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a schematic and cutaway partial view of the accumulator assembly 1 with the connecting device 3, which has a melting element 31. This means that the melting element 31 is formed at the predefined location 26, for example, at the predetermined breaking point. For example, the melting element 31 can form the breaking element 28 of the predetermined breaking point. In principle, the melting element 31 functions analogously to the breaking element 28. When the venting gases 25 collect in the accumulator compartment 5, a temperature increase occurs in the accumulator compartment 5 due to the venting gases 25. This temperature increase occurs because the venting gases 25 warm or heat the accumulator compartment 5. Accordingly, the temperature of the venting gases 25, or the temperature increase, affects the melting element 31, which melts due to the thermal energy of the venting gases 25. Due to the melting, or rather, the venting gases 25, the temperature of the accumulator compartment 5 increases.After the melting element 31 has melted, the connecting device 3 is moved into the flow-through position, thereby fluidically connecting the channel element 15 and the accumulator chamber 5. As a result, the venting gases 25 are able to flow out of the accumulator chamber 5 and into the channel element 15.

[0058] The melting element 31 is designed in such a way that it does not melt solely at a temperature generated in the channel element 15 during normal operation of the coolant drive unit 19. Instead, a significantly higher temperature is required to melt the melting element 31, for example, the temperature generated or increased by the venting gases 25 in the accumulator chamber 5.

[0059] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows a schematic and sectioned partial view of the accumulator arrangement 1 with the connecting device 3, which has a locking element 32. In this embodiment, the connecting device 3 further has a pivoting element 33, which is pivotably attached, for example via a hinge element 34, to the outer wall portion 9, which has the predefined location 26 or the connecting device 3. By means of the pivoting element 33, the connecting device 3 can be adjusted between the closed position and the open position. Fig. 4The flow-through position is shown. In the flow-through position, the pivoting element 33 is pivoted out of the closed position. The pivoting element 33 is reversibly pivoted to the outer wall portion 9, which has the connecting device 3, by means of the closing element 32, which in this example is designed as a spring element. Here, the spring element or the closing element 32 is designed and arranged such that the pivoting element 33 can be moved from the closed position to the flow-through position by tensioning the spring element. Furthermore, the closing element 32 or the spring element is designed such that the pivoting element 33 can be moved from the flow-through position to the closed position by releasing the spring element. Thus, if the venting gases 25 are present in the accumulator chamber 5, which flow via the connecting device 3 into the channel element 15 and finally into the environment of the accumulator arrangement 1 or...The gases that are to be discharged from the motor vehicle exert an opening force 35 on the connecting device 3 or on the pivoting element 33, such that, overcoming the spring force of the spring element or the closing element 32, the pivoting element 33 is moved into the flow-through position. The opening force 35 results, for example, from a pressure increase caused by the venting gases 25 flowing into or accumulating in the accumulator compartment 5.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, the joint element 34 may have a drive unit that can be coupled to or is coupled to the control unit 24. Furthermore, the control unit 24 is designed to detect the venting gases 25 and / or the corresponding triggering event in the accumulator compartment 5 by means of the sensor 27 and, based on this, to control the joint element 34 or the drive unit such that, if the venting gases 25 are present in the accumulator compartment 5 or if the triggering event occurs, the pivoting element 33 is moved into the flow-through position. If the control unit 24 then detects that the venting gases 25 or the corresponding triggering event is not present or no longer present in the accumulator compartment 5, the control unit 24 is designed to deactivate the drive unit or the corresponding triggering event.The joint element 34 is controlled such that the pivot element 33 is moved from the flow-through position to the locked position. Alternatively or additionally to the drive unit of the joint element 34, the pivot element 33 can be moved from the flow-through position to the locked position by the pressure in the accumulator chamber 5 and the pressure of the channel element 15 approaching each other, so that the opening force 35 is overcome by the spring force of the tensioned spring element or the tensioned closing element 32, thereby moving the pivot element 33 into the locked position.

[0061] This configuration of the connecting device 3 is an example of how the connecting device 3 can be reversibly adjusted between the closed position and the flow-through position. This is advantageous because it prevents damage to the connecting device 3, the heat transfer element 2, and consequently the accumulator arrangement 1 after the venting event or the respective triggering event, allowing them to continue to be used or operated as intended.

[0062] Overall, the invention demonstrates how the accumulator arrangement 1 or the accumulator unit 4 can be used and operated in a particularly versatile and flexible manner. This is because the channel element 15 creates, at least in some areas, a conduit system through which the venting gases 25 can be discharged from the accumulator chamber 5 as intended. Therefore, no separate pipe or conduit system is required for the accumulator arrangement 1 to discharge the venting gases 25 from the accumulator chamber 5. Consequently, the heat transfer body 2 or its channel element 15 has a dual function. First, the channel element 15 serves to conduct the coolant 14 or the air, through which heat from the accumulator unit 4 is dissipated particularly efficiently. Second, the channel element 15 serves to discharge the venting gases 25 from the accumulator chamber 5.Consequently, the battery arrangement 1 is designed to be particularly mass-efficient, which also results in a particularly mass-efficient vehicle equipped with the battery arrangement 1. As a result, the vehicle can then be operated in a particularly fuel-efficient and / or energy-efficient and / or low-emission manner.

[0063] Because the channel element 15 forms, at least in part, the piping system for the removal of the venting gases 25 from the accumulator compartment 5, the additional advantage is that the gas temperature of the venting gases 25 is reduced as they flow through the connecting device 3. This is related, for example, to a reduction in pressure or expansion of the venting gases 25, which occurs at the latest when the connecting device 3 is moved from the closed position to the open position. In this context, it should be understood that the venting gases 25 and the coolant 14, or the air or cooling air, are mixed together, so that further cooling of the venting gases 25 occurs as they are removed from the accumulator compartment 5.

[0064] Although the present example stipulates that the interior of the accumulator unit 4 and the heat transfer element 2 are gas-tightly encapsulated from each other, it is possible that air or coolant 14 may at least partially flow into the accumulator unit 4. This is because the coolant 14 or the cooling air inside the accumulator unit 4—depending on the principle or technical design of the accumulator unit 4—does not necessarily lead to damage to the accumulator unit 4. In other words, leakage air may be permissible within technically acceptable limits.

[0065] The heat transfer body 2, or rather its channel element 15, forms at least a partial open coolant circuit. In other words, the second end 23, which is fluidically connected to the outlet opening 17 of the channel element 15, is freely exposed to the environment of the accumulator assembly 1 or the vehicle and, in particular, is not fluidically connected to a suction side of the coolant drive unit 19 or the pump or compressor. This means that, in the present example, the temperature control of the accumulator unit 4 by means of the heat transfer body 2 is achieved by drawing in air from the environment of the coolant drive unit 19 (and, if necessary, heating or cooling it), forcing this air through the channel element 15 to cool the accumulator unit 4, and finally exiting into the environment at the open end 23 of the open coolant circuit.In particular, it is provided that the second end 23 of the second line element 22 exits at a distance from the coolant drive unit 19, so that the coolant drive unit 19 does not immediately draw in the air exiting from the accumulator arrangement 1.

[0066] As an alternative to the open refrigerant circuit, a closed refrigerant circuit is conceivable. In this case, means must be provided to prevent the venting gases 25 entering the heat transfer body 2 or its channel element 15 via the connecting device 3 from being circulated, for example, by the refrigerant drive device 19, because the venting gases 25 can have a negative or damaging effect on the refrigerant drive device 19. Furthermore, measures for pressure reduction must be provided in the closed refrigerant circuit to relieve the pressure induced by the venting gases 25 without damaging components of the closed refrigerant circuit.

Claims

1. Storage battery arrangement (1) for a motor vehicle, in which a storage battery unit (4) and a heat transfer body (2) are arranged in a common storage battery space (5) and are adjacent to each other, wherein the heat transfer body (2) has a wall structure (9, 10) in which a channel element (15) is formed through which a coolant (14) can flow, characterized in that a predefined connecting device (3) is formed on the wall structure (9, 10), which connecting device is adjustable from a block position, in which the connecting device (3) blocks a flow of a fluid (14, 25) from the storage battery space (5) into the channel element (15), to a through-flow position, in which the connecting device (3) releases the flow of the fluid (14, 25) from the storage battery space (5) into the channel element (15), wherein the channel element (15) has an inflow opening (16) and an outflow opening (17).

2. Storage battery arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting device (3) can be adjusted from the block position to the through-flow position as a result of a triggering event in the storage battery space (5).

3. Storage battery arrangement (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the triggering event is a mechanical event, a thermal event and / or a chemical event.

4. Storage battery arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting device (3) is reversibly adjustable between the block position and the through-flow position.

5. Storage battery arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that an outflow opening (17, 23) of the channel element (15) opens into an environment of the storage battery arrangement (1).

6. Storage battery arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a valve device (18) fluidically connected to an inflow opening (16) of the channel element (15), by means of which valve device, in the through-flow position of the connecting element (3), a flow of the coolant (14) through the inflow opening (16) into the channel element (15) in the flow direction (21) is released and a flow of a fluid (14, 25) through the inflow opening (16) out of the channel element (15) in the counterflow direction (30) is blocked.

7. Storage battery arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a control unit (24) which is designed to detect which of the positions the connecting device (3) is in and to control a function of the storage battery arrangement (1) depending on the detected position.

8. Storage battery arrangement (1) according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the function controllable by means of the control unit (24) comprises adjusting the valve device (18) between a valve through-flow position, in which the valve device (18) is released for a through-flow of the coolant (14) at least in the flow direction (21), and a valve block position, in which the valve device (18) is blocked for a through-flow of the fluid (14, 25) at least in the counterflow direction (30).

9. Storage battery arrangement (1) according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterized in that the function controllable by means of the control unit (24) comprises switching a coolant drive device (19) fluidically connectible to the channel element (15) between an activated operating mode, in which the coolant drive device (19) drives the coolant (14) through the channel element (15), and a deactivated operating mode.

10. Heat transfer body (2) for a storage battery arrangement (1), having a wall structure (9, 10) in which a channel element (15) through which a coolant (14) can flow is formed, characterized in that a connecting device (3) is formed on the wall structure (10), which connecting device is adjustable from a block position, in which the connecting device (3) blocks a flow of a fluid (14, 25) from an environment into the channel element (15), to a through-flow position, in which the connecting device (3) releases the flow of the fluid (14, 25) from the environment into the channel element (15), wherein the channel element has an inflow opening (16) and an outflow opening (17).