TEMPERATURE CONTROL ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR MAKING A TEMPERATURE CONTROL ARRANGEMENT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature control arrangement having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The invention further relates to a method for producing a temperature control arrangement having the features of claim 12.

[0003] Electric vehicles typically have battery modules to provide the required electrical energy. These battery modules are usually located in a battery housing, which is positioned between the vehicle's axles.

[0004] To optimally utilize the energy stored in the battery modules, they must be kept within defined temperature ranges. For example, during high loads, the heat generated in the battery modules must be dissipated to prevent the battery from overheating. Heating may also be necessary at low outside temperatures or in preparation for the charging process.

[0005] To ensure appropriate temperature control of the battery modules, it is known in the prior art to connect temperature control plates to the battery housing. The temperature control plates preferably have fluid channels through which a temperature control fluid flows, which can absorb heat from the battery housing and thus from the battery modules arranged in the battery housing or transfer it to them.

[0006] Regarding the design of the fluid supply of the temperature control arrangements, there are various concepts in the prior art. For example, DE 10 2020 113 425 B3 discloses a connecting element that is connected to a channel opening of the fluid channel and to a fluid guide of the motor vehicle. However, this connecting element has two significant disadvantages. Firstly, coupling the connecting element to the temperature control plate is complex, and secondly, manufacturing the connecting element is costly due to its complexity.

[0007] US 11 239 512 B2 discloses a temperature control arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 and shows a counterflow heat exchanger with lateral connections.

[0008] A counterflow heat exchanger with inline fittings is known from US 10 608 305 B2.

[0009] Further prior art is provided by DE 10 2020 107 366 A1 and US 11 155 150 B2.

[0010] Based on the prior art, the object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved tempering arrangement and a method for its production.

[0011] The objective part of this object is achieved by a tempering arrangement according to claim 1. The process-related part of the object is achieved by the method for producing a tempering arrangement according to claim 12 .

[0012] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the tempering arrangement according to the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0013] The temperature control arrangement according to the invention comprises a battery housing for accommodating battery modules for an electrically powered vehicle.

[0014] In the context of the invention, battery modules are also understood to mean battery elements and / or battery cells.

[0015] The temperature control arrangement further comprises a temperature control plate connected to the battery housing. The temperature control plate can be used to control the temperature of the battery modules arranged in the battery housing, i.e., to cool or heat them. For this purpose, the temperature control plate has at least one fluid channel, wherein the fluid channel has at least one channel opening through which a temperature control fluid can be introduced into or discharged from the fluid channel.

[0016] The temperature control plate has at least one connection opening. The temperature control plate can be connected to a fluid guide of the motor vehicle via the connection opening. Essential to the invention is that a cap is joined to the temperature control plate, wherein the cap fluidically connects the channel opening and the connection opening by forming an overflow channel. The temperature control fluid provided by the fluid guide can thus flow through the connection opening, the overflow channel, and the channel opening into the fluid channel. A reverse flow direction is also possible.

[0017] According to the invention, the temperature control plate and the cap are located opposite each other, at least in sections, in the overflow channel. The shape of the overflow channel thus depends significantly on the design of the cap. The cap, and thus the overflow channel, can thus be adapted to specific structural or fluidic requirements without requiring adjustment of the other components of the temperature control plate. The temperature control arrangement according to the invention thus offers a high degree of flexibility with regard to the design and dimensioning of the fluid supply and discharge of the temperature control plate.

[0018] The cap is preferably hot- or cold-formed in one piece from aluminum or stainless steel sheet. This makes it a simple and cost-effective component to manufacture. The cap is preferably shaped such that, when arranged on the temperature control plate according to the invention, the outer contour of the cap rests seamlessly on the temperature control plate, thus without forming a gap. This simplifies the subsequent joining process and ensures a fluid-tight fit of the cap on the temperature control plate.

[0019] The cap preferably has a flattened portion on its outer contour. This flattened portion provides a suitable joining surface for welding the cap to the temperature control plate.

[0020] The temperature control plate and the battery housing are made of aluminum and / or stainless steel.

[0021] Preferably, the fluid channel is defined by the battery housing. This has the advantage that the temperature control fluid flowing through the fluid channel comes into direct contact with the battery housing. This ensures optimal heat transfer between the battery housing and the temperature control fluid. A further advantage is that the temperature control plate can be formed from a single workpiece or sheet metal. The fluid channels of the temperature control plate can be formed using a hot or cold forming process.

[0022] Alternatively, the temperature control plate is designed as a double-walled temperature control plate, at least in sections. In this case, the temperature control plate has an upper plate and a lower plate, with the fluid channel being defined by the upper plate. The channel opening is preferably formed in the upper plate. The lower plate of the temperature control plate rests against the battery housing. This design variant has the advantage that the temperature control fluid does not come into direct contact with the battery housing. Heat transfer thus occurs between the lower plate and the battery housing. This can be advantageous, for example, if the surface of the battery housing is not designed for contact with the temperature control fluid.

[0023] According to the invention, the temperature control plate is welded circumferentially to the battery housing, forming a first weld seam. The first weld seam is located on the side of the temperature control plate facing away from the battery housing. A corresponding welded connection ensures a secure hold between the temperature control plate and the battery housing. Furthermore, this joining process is cost-effective.

[0024] According to the invention, the cap covers the first weld seam, wherein the cap is welded to the temperature control plate in a fluid-tight manner, forming a second weld seam. This results in the first weld seam and the second weld seam intersecting. The fact that the temperature control plate is welded to the battery housing before the cap is arranged on the temperature control plate has the advantage of ensuring a secure connection between the battery housing and the temperature control plate, even in the area of ​​the cap. The outer contour of the cap can also have a recess such that any bead of the first weld seam protruding beyond the temperature control plate lies in the recess when the cap is arranged on the temperature control plate.

[0025] Preferably, the temperature control plate has a projection that extends beyond the battery housing, with the at least one connection opening being arranged within the projection. Thus, the fluid guide can be connected to the connection opening without resulting in an increase in the installation height of the temperature control arrangement.

[0026] For this purpose, a connecting piece is preferably connected to the connection opening. The connection opening is connected to the fluid guide of the motor vehicle via the connecting piece. The connecting piece extends in particular transversely to the side of the temperature control plate facing the battery housing. In contrast to common solutions in the prior art, the connecting piece does not protrude beyond the battery housing, but runs from the connection opening essentially parallel to a narrow side of the battery housing. The installation height of the temperature control arrangement is therefore not further increased by the connecting piece or the fluid guide connected to it. This embodiment thus solves a further problem, namely, based on the prior art, to provide a temperature control arrangement with the lowest possible installation height.

[0027] The temperature control plate preferably has two connection openings. In this case, one connection opening is designed as a fluid inlet and one connection opening as a fluid outlet. Furthermore, the fluid channel preferably has two channel openings, one channel opening being designed as a fluid inlet and one channel opening as a fluid outlet. In this embodiment, the temperature control arrangement can have two caps. One cap fluidically connects the connection opening designed as a fluid inlet to the channel opening designed as a fluid inlet. The other cap fluidically connects the connection opening designed as a fluid outlet to the channel opening designed as a fluid outlet. The temperature control fluid can thus flow into the overflow channel through the connection flow designed as a fluid inlet and reach the fluid channel through the channel opening designed as a fluid inlet.After the battery housing has been tempered, the heated or cooled tempering fluid flows through the channel opening designed as a fluid outlet into the second overflow channel formed by the temperature control plate and the second cap, and from there through the connection opening designed as a fluid outlet back into the vehicle's fluid system. Thus, a closed fluid circuit is formed.

[0028] If the temperature control assembly has two caps, they can be connected using the same material. This simplifies both the arrangement of the caps and the joining process with the temperature control plate.

[0029] Both the fluid channel and the cap have a maximum height. Preferably, the maximum height of the cap is less than or equal to the maximum height of the fluid channel. Thus, the cap does not further increase the height of the temperature control assembly.

[0030] The fluid channel preferably has a bulge in front of the channel opening. The maximum overall height of the fluid channel is preferably located in this bulge. Starting from the point of maximum overall height, this decreases, in particular, linearly until the fluid channel ends or the temperature control plate comes into contact with the battery housing. Thus, a beveled area of ​​the fluid channel is formed. The channel opening is preferably arranged in this beveled area of ​​the fluid channel. This has proven particularly advantageous for fluid guidance and for joining the cap.

[0031] An angle of between 5° and 30°, particularly preferably between 15° and 25°, is preferably formed between the bevelled region of the fluid channel and the battery housing.

[0032] The temperature control arrangement according to the invention can be manufactured using a method which comprises the steps described below.

[0033] First, the battery housing is prepared. Then, the temperature control plate is arranged on the battery housing. The temperature control plate has a fluid channel, the fluid channel has a channel opening, and the temperature control plate has a connection opening.

[0034] In the next step, the temperature control plate is welded circumferentially to the battery housing, forming the first weld seam. The weld seam is located on the side of the temperature control plate facing away from the battery housing.

[0035] The cap is then placed on the temperature control plate, whereby the cap partially covers the first weld seam and the cap fluidically connects the channel opening and the connection opening to form an overflow channel.

[0036] The cap is welded circumferentially and fluid-tight to the temperature control plate, forming the second weld seam. This results in the first weld seam and the second weld seam crossing each other.

[0037] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 shows a temperature control arrangement according to the invention in a perspective view, Figure 2 shows the temperature control arrangement according to the invention in a sectional view and Figure 3 shows an embodiment variant of the cap.

[0038] In the figures, the same reference symbols are used for identical or functionally corresponding components or components, even if a repeated description is omitted for reasons of simplification.

[0039] Figure 1shows a temperature control arrangement 1 according to the invention, which comprises a battery housing 2 for accommodating battery modules for an electrically powered vehicle. The battery housing 2 is arranged beneath a vehicle interior and between the axles of an electrically powered vehicle (not shown here).

[0040] The temperature control assembly 1 further comprises a temperature control plate 3. The temperature control plate 3 is welded circumferentially to the side of the battery housing 2 facing away from the vehicle, i.e., to the underside of the battery housing 2, forming a first weld seam 4. The first weld seam 4 is located on the side of the temperature control plate 3 facing away from the battery housing 2.

[0041] The temperature control plate 3 has a fluid channel 5, which has a channel opening 6 designed as a fluid inlet and a channel opening 7 designed as a fluid outlet.

[0042] The temperature control plate 3 further comprises a connection opening 8 designed as a fluid inlet and a connection opening 9 designed as a fluid outlet. According to the invention, a cap 10 is joined to the temperature control plate 3, wherein the cap 10 fluidically connects the channel opening 6 designed as a fluid inlet and the connection opening 8 designed as a fluid inlet by forming an overflow channel 11. The overflow channel 11 formed by the cap 10 and the temperature control plate 3 is particularly also shown in the sectional view in Figure 2 For illustration purposes, in the example shown, Figure 1 a cap 10 is only arranged at the inlet openings 6, 8 and not at the outlet openings 7, 9.

[0043] The temperature control fluid (not shown in the figures) can flow into the overflow channel 11 through the connection opening 8 designed as a fluid inlet and into the fluid channel 5 through the channel opening 6 designed as a fluid inlet. After the temperature control of the battery housing 2, the heated or cooled temperature control fluid flows through the channel opening 7 designed as a fluid outlet into the second overflow channel formed by the temperature control plate 3 and the second cap (not shown), and from there through the connection opening 9 designed as a fluid outlet back into the fluid guide of the vehicle. Thus, a closed fluid circuit is formed for cooling or heating the battery modules located in the battery housing 2.

[0044] The shape of the overflow channel 11 is significantly influenced by the design of the cap 10. The cap 10, and thus the overflow channel 11, can thus be adapted to specific structural or fluidic requirements without requiring adaptation of the other components of the temperature control plate 3. The temperature control arrangement 1 according to the invention thus offers a high degree of flexibility with regard to the design and dimensioning of the fluid supply to the temperature control plate 3.

[0045] The fluid channel 5 has a bulge 12 in front of the respective channel openings 6, 7. In this bulge 12, the fluid channel 5 has its maximum height hF. Starting from the point of maximum height hF, the height of the fluid channel 5 decreases linearly until the fluid channel 5 ends or the temperature control plate 3 comes into contact with the battery housing 2. A beveled area 13 is thus formed. The channel openings 6, 7 are arranged in the beveled area 13 of the fluid channel 5. This has proven particularly advantageous for fluid guidance as well as for joining the cap 10.

[0046] An angle α of between 5° and 30°, particularly preferably between 15° and 25°, is preferably formed between the bevelled region 13 of the fluid channel 5 and the battery housing 2.

[0047] The fluid channel 5 is defined by the battery housing 2. The temperature control fluid (not shown in detail) flowing in the fluid channel 5 thus comes into direct contact with the battery housing 2. This ensures optimal heat transfer between the temperature control fluid and the battery housing 2.

[0048] Figure 2 further shows that the temperature control plate 3 and the cap 10 are located opposite each other at least in sections in the overflow channel 11. The temperature control plate 3 seals the fluid channel 5 laterally and on Figure 2relative to the bottom. The top side of the fluid channel 5 is covered by the battery housing 2. On the side of the beveled area 13 facing away from the fluid channel 5, the temperature control plate 3 rests against the battery housing 2 and is welded to it. Here, the temperature control plate 3 covers the top side of the overflow channel 11 formed by the cap 10. Relative to the flowing temperature control fluid, the temperature control plate 3 is thus displaced from the top side of the overflow channel 11 to the bottom side of the fluid channel 5.

[0049] The temperature control plate 3 has a projection 14 that projects beyond the battery housing 2. Both connection openings 8, 9 are arranged within the projection 14.

[0050] The connection openings 8, 9 are each connected to a connecting piece 15. The connecting pieces 15 are connected to a fluid guide of the motor vehicle (not shown in detail).

[0051] The connecting pieces 15 each extend transversely to the side of the temperature control plate 3 facing the battery housing 2. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the connecting pieces 15 run essentially parallel to a narrow side 16 of the battery housing 2. The temperature control arrangement 1 thus offers the further advantage that the design of the fluid supply and fluid discharge concept does not additionally increase the installation height hB of the temperature control arrangement 1.

[0052] The cap 10 partially covers the first weld seam 4, whereby the cap 10 is welded fluid-tight to the temperature control plate 3, forming a second weld seam 17. The first weld seam 4 and the second weld seam 17 intersect. Figure 1For illustrative purposes, the first weld seam 4 is visible through the cap 10. By subsequently arranging the cap 10 on the first weld seam 4, a secure connection between the temperature control plate 3 and the battery housing 2 can be ensured, even in the area of ​​the overflow channel 11.

[0053] The cap 10 has a flattened portion 18 on its outer contour. The flattened portion 18 provides a suitable joining surface for welding the cap 10 to the temperature control plate 3.

[0054] The fluid channel 5 has a maximum height hF, and the cap 10 has a maximum height hK. In the illustrated embodiment, the maximum height hK of the cap 10 is smaller than the maximum height hF of the fluid channel 5. This also has the advantage that the height hB of the temperature control arrangement 1 is not additionally increased.

[0055] If the temperature control arrangement 1 has two caps 10, these can be connected with the same material or formed as a single piece. A corresponding design is shown in Figure 3 The two caps 10 are formed in one piece and connected to each other via a connecting web 19. This simplifies the arrangement of the caps 10 on the temperature control plate 3 and the joining process of the caps 10 to the temperature control plate 3. Reference symbol:

[0056] 1 -Temperature control arrangement 2 -Battery housing 3 -Temperature control plate 4 -First weld seam 5 -Fluid channel 6 -Channel opening 7 -Channel opening 8 -Connection opening 9 -Connection opening 10 -Cap 11 -Overflow channel 12 -Bump 13 -Bevelled area 14 -Protrusion 15 -Connecting piece 16 -Narrow side 17 -Second weld seam 18 -Flattening 19 -Connecting web hB - installation height hK - maximum height of fluid channel hF - maximum height of cap

Claims

1. Temperature control arrangement (1), comprising a battery housing (2) for accommodating battery modules for an electrically powered vehicle, and a temperature control plate (3), wherein the temperature control plate (3) has at least one fluid channel (5) and the fluid channel (5) has at least one channel opening (6, 7), wherein the temperature control plate (3) is connected to the battery housing (2), wherein the temperature control plate (3) has at least one connection opening (8, 9), wherein a cap (10) is joined to the temperature control plate (3) and the cap (10) connects the channel opening (6, 7) and the connection opening (8, 9) in a fluid-conducting manner by forming an overflow channel (11), wherein the temperature control plate (3) and the cap (10) are opposite one another at least in some sections in the overflow channel (11), characterised in that the temperature control plate (3) is welded circumferentially to the battery housing (2) to form a first weld seam (4), and the first weld seam (4) is located on the side of the temperature control plate (3) facing away from the battery housing (2), wherein the cap (10) partially covers the first weld seam (4), wherein the cap (10) is welded to the temperature control plate (3) in a fluid-tight manner to form a second weld seam (17), such that the first weld seam (4) and the second weld seam (17) intersect.

2. Temperature control arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the fluid channel (5) is delimited by the battery housing (2).

3. Temperature control arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the temperature control plate (3) is configured as a temperature control plate (3) which is at least partially double-walled and has an upper plate and a lower plate, wherein the fluid channel (5) is delimited by the upper plate and the lower plate and the channel opening (6, 7) is formed in the upper plate.

4. Temperature control arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the temperature control plate (3) has a projection (14) which projects beyond the battery housing (2), wherein the at least one connection opening (8, 9) is arranged within the projection (14).

5. Temperature control arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the temperature control plate (3) has two connection openings (8, 9), wherein one connection opening (8) is configured as a fluid inlet and one connection opening (9) is configured as a fluid outlet.

6. Temperature control arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the fluid channel (5) has two channel openings (6, 7), wherein one channel opening (6) is configured as fluid inlet and one channel opening (7) is configured as fluid outlet.

7. Temperature control arrangement (1) according to claim 5 and 6, characterised in that the temperature control arrangement (1) has two caps (10), wherein one cap (10) fluidically connects the connection opening (8), configured as fluid inlet, to the channel opening (6), configured as fluid inlet, and one cap (10) fluidically connects the connection opening (9), configured as fluid outlet, to the channel opening (7), configured as fluid outlet.

8. Temperature control arrangement (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that the two caps (10) are connected using the same material.

9. Temperature control arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that a connecting piece (15) is connected to the connection opening (8, 9).

10. Temperature control arrangement (1) according to claim 9, characterised in that the connecting piece (15) extends transversely to the side of the temperature control plate (3) facing the battery housing (2).

11. Temperature control arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the fluid channel (5) has a maximum construction height (hF) and the cap (10) has a maximum construction height (hK), wherein the maximum construction height of the cap (10) is smaller than or equal to the maximum construction height of the fluid channel (5).

12. Method for producing a temperature control arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the method comprises the following steps: • providing a battery housing (2) for accommodating battery modules for an electrically powered vehicle, a temperature control plate (3), wherein the temperature control plate (3) has a fluid channel (5), the fluid channel (5) has a channel opening (6, 7) and the temperature control plate (3) has a connection opening (8, 9), and a cap (10), • arranging the temperature control plate (3) on the battery housing (2), • circumferentially welding the temperature control plate (3) to the battery housing (2) to form a first weld seam (4), wherein the first weld seam (4) is located on the side of the temperature control plate (3) facing away from the battery housing (2), • arranging the cap (10) on the temperature control plate (3), wherein the cap (10) partially covers the first weld seam (4) and the cap (10) fluidically connects the channel opening (6, 7) and the connection opening (8, 9) to form an overflow channel (11), and • welding the cap (10) to the temperature control plate (3) in a circumferentially fluid-tight manner to form a second weld seam (17), such that the first weld seam (4) and the second weld seam (17) intersect.