Temperature-control component and temperature-control assembly for a rechargeable battery, use of a temperature-control component, and method for introducing a temperature-control component into a battery

Abstract

The invention relates to a temperature-control component (1) for controlling the temperature of rechargeable batteries or modules (2) and / or battery cells for receiving, storing, and outputting electrical energy. An outer casing of the temperature-control component (1) is formed substantially from two planar contact elements (3) which are directly or indirectly connected to one another peripherally at the edges and enclose at least one fluid-conducting cavity (9) between one another and at least one of which consists of a metal plate or a planar shaped part made of metal, said metal plate or planar shaped part having a material thickness which is selected, relative to the planar extent thereof or relative to the extent and shape of the fluid-conducting cavity (9), such that the outer casing of the temperature-control component (1) can be deformed by applying negative pressure or positive pressure to the fluid-conducting cavity (9) and subsequently substantially returns to its original shape by virtue of the elastic restoring force thereof. The invention also relates to temperature-control assemblies having a plurality of temperature-control components (1) and to a method for introducing temperature-control components, wherein the overall height (11) of the temperature-control components (1) is reduced under the effect of negative pressure in order to introduce the temperature-control components into gaps between the modules (2) of the battery, and the temperature-control components (1) are then applied onto both sides of the modules (2) by removing the negative pressure.

Description

[0001] Tempering body and tempering arrangement for a rechargeable battery, use of a tempering body and method for introducing a tempering body into a battery

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a temperature control body for controlling the temperature of batteries, battery cells, or modules for receiving, storing, and releasing electrical energy according to the preamble of claim 1, as well as to a temperature control arrangement comprising a number of such temperature control bodies. The invention further relates to a method for inserting such a temperature control body as an intermediate layer between two adjacent modules and / or battery cells of a battery composed of a number of horizontally and / or vertically stacked modules and / or battery cells for receiving, storing, and releasing electrical energy.

[0004] A temperature control body of this type has an outer shell formed essentially by two flat contact elements that are directly or indirectly connected to each other along their edges and enclose at least one fluid-conducting cavity between them. The temperature control body also has at least one inlet and at least one outlet, which make the fluid-conducting cavity (or cavities) accessible from the outside through the outer shell.

[0005] Such a temperature control body is applied to at least one module and / or at least one battery cell of the battery, but in particular is used as an intermediate layer between two modules and / or battery cells of the battery, and is then in thermally conductive contact with at least one, preferably both, adjacent modules and / or battery cells. There, it primarily performs the classic tasks of a heat sink to cool the modules and / or battery cells of the battery, which typically heat up during charging and discharging, and to maintain them, if possible, at an operating temperature at which the modules and / or battery cells exhibit their greatest efficiency, i.e., function optimally.

[0006] Especially in the field of battery-electric vehicles, it is desirable or even necessary, depending on the situation, to heat the battery modules and / or battery cells to an optimal or at least appropriate operating temperature. The subject of the present invention is therefore not a heat sink in the narrow sense, which merely cools the battery modules and / or battery cells, but rather a temperature control body intended to keep the modules and / or battery cells within a desired operating temperature range.

[0007] Particularly in battery-electric vehicles, but also in other applications, such as stationary energy storage systems for photovoltaically generated electrical energy, the installation space of the battery, which is usually composed of a large number of modules and / or battery cells, must be as small as possible to achieve a certain storage capacity. Therefore, there is usually only a narrow gap between the individual modules and / or battery cells of the battery, in order to dissipate the heat generated in the modules and / or battery cells by means of heat sinks arranged therein, or to regulate the temperature of the modules and / or battery cells. These gaps are often not plane-parallel, and the surfaces of the modules to be temperature-controlled are often not flat, but contoured.If the heat sinks are used as conductor cooling (in the contact area) or in the base plate cooling area, it may be necessary for the flat contact elements to be non-plane-parallel or even contoured. To ensure optimal heat transfer between the modules and the intervening temperature control elements, thermally conductive pastes (gap fillers) are often required. It is obvious that this disproportionately increases the battery's manufacturing effort.

[0008] WO 2022 / 069524 A1 discloses a temperature control body as a cooling device for a rechargeable battery, the outer shell of which is essentially formed by two flat contact elements. These are connected to each other circumferentially at the edges, enclosing a fluid-conducting cavity between them, which is provided with an inlet and an outlet. According to this prior art, the flat contact elements are each made of a single- or multi-layer film, in particular a plastic composite film. An important property of these films is their flexural flexibility, which allows them to adapt to any unevenness of the module when fluid is flowing through them, thus establishing a heat-conducting contact over a large area without the need for a gap filler.

[0009] Even though this state-of-the-art technology offers advantages due to the low height of the temperature control body and the elimination of thermal paste, the thermal conductivity of the plastic films used is not optimal. The low mechanical strength of the plastic films and the desired flexural flexibility of the outer shell of the temperature control body also lead to difficulties in inserting the temperature control body into the gap between two modules.

[0010] The present invention is therefore based on the object of proposing a temperature control body of the type mentioned at the outset with improved properties when installed in a rechargeable battery and of providing a temperature control arrangement for a rechargeable battery with a number of such temperature control bodies.

[0011] A further object underlying the present invention is to propose a method for introducing a temperature control body between two adjacent modules and / or battery cells of a rechargeable battery, with which a reliable heat-conducting contact is established between the temperature control body and at least one adjacent module and / or at least one adjacent battery cell.

[0012] The first-mentioned object is achieved by a tempering body having the features of claim 1 and by a tempering arrangement having the features of claim 22 or by a tempering arrangement having the features of claim 23. Preferred embodiments and further developments of the tempering body according to the invention can be found in claims 2 to 14; an advantageous further development of the tempering arrangement from claims 22 or 23 is set out in claim 24.

[0013] The latter object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 16 and by a method having the features of claim 19. Advantageous developments of these methods can be found in claims 17 and 18 as well as 20 and 21.

[0014] The temperature control body according to the invention therefore has, as is known per se from the prior art, an outer shell formed essentially from two flat contact elements that are directly or indirectly connected to one another along their edges and enclose at least one fluid-conducting cavity between them. The temperature control body also has at least one inlet and at least one outlet, which make the fluid-conducting cavity (or cavities) accessible from the outside through the outer shell and enable the removal or supply of heat by means of a fluid, which is in particular water or a water-glycol mixture.Deviating from the prior art, at least a first of the two flat contact elements according to the invention consists of a metal plate or a flat molded part made of metal, the material thickness of which is selected in relation to its flat extent or in relation to the extent and shape of the fluid-conducting cavity or cavities such that the outer shell of the temperature control body can be deformed by subjecting at least one fluid-conducting cavity to negative pressure in a range from 100 mbar to 700 mbar, preferably 400 mbar to 600 mbar, ie with a rough vacuum, or with overpressure in a range from 0.5 to 10 bar, preferably 0.5 to 1.5 bar, and then essentially returns to its original shape by elastic restoring force, preferably by the elastic restoring force that is inherent in the metal.

[0015] For special applications, it can also be provided within the scope of the invention that the elastic restoring force is supported or generated by spring elements which are arranged in particular in the fluid-carrying cavity.

[0016] For the sake of better readability of the following description of the invention, only one fluid-conducting cavity of the temperature control body will be referred to in the following. However, it should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, a temperature control body may also have more than one fluid-conducting cavity, and mentioning only one cavity does not preclude this.

[0017] The use of metal plates or flat metal molded parts as flat contact elements that form the outer shell of the temperature control body has several significant advantages over the above-mentioned state of the art, according to which plastic or plastic composite films are used as flat contact elements:

[0018] Metal surfaces are naturally more mechanically resistant than plastic surfaces, which facilitates handling during the assembly of battery modules, especially when inserting temperature control bodies between two battery modules. Furthermore, metallic materials generally have good thermal conductivity, whereas plastics tend to exhibit thermal insulation properties; however, the thermal conductivity of the outer shell is an important property for a temperature control body. The recyclability of metals is outstanding, and their long-term stability cannot be achieved with plastics, especially when used in battery-electric vehicles, which must operate over a very wide temperature range. Furthermore, the movement of the vehicle can generate relative movement within the battery and corresponding friction between the adjacent surfaces.Finally, the temperature control body according to the invention, whose outer shell is made of metal on at least one side, is fire-resistant and can thus effectively delay or even prevent a fire within the battery that starts in one of its modules from spreading throughout the battery. Furthermore, in the event of a fire, cooling of the entire system can continue, since there is no risk of a major leak due to the destruction of the temperature control body.

[0019] Due to the inventive selection of the (low) material thickness of the metal plate or the flat molded metal part, a temperature control body according to the invention can be very easily inserted into a gap between two modules, particularly when the fluid-conducting cavity is evacuated with a rough vacuum and the outer shell is thereby elastically deformed, whose clear gap width is approximately equal to or smaller than the original height of the outer shell of the temperature control body. By subsequently venting the fluid-conducting cavity, the outer shell of the temperature control body can be caused to elastically reshape itself and thus lie in large-area contact with the adjacent modules or at least one of these modules in a heat-conducting manner. This is even the case when the surfaces of the modules are not flat or not plane-parallel.

[0020] The method according to the invention is designed accordingly, which serves to introduce the temperature control body as an intermediate layer between two adjacent modules and / or battery cells of a rechargeable battery for receiving, storing and releasing electrical energy, which is composed of a number of horizontally and / or vertically stacked modules and / or battery cells, wherein the temperature control body is to be brought into heat-conducting contact with at least one of these modules and / or battery cells, preferably with both adjacent modules and / or battery cells:

[0021] According to a first variant of the method according to the invention, a (horizontal and / or vertical) stack of at least two modules and / or battery cells arranged stationary relative to one another is first provided, and a plane-parallel or contoured gap with a predetermined clear gap width is left between these modules and / or battery cells. The temperature control body, which is to serve as an intermediate layer, is selected such that its height, viewed in the direction of a mean surface normal of the planar contact elements, essentially corresponds to the clear gap width or is preferably greater than this gap width.To insert the temperature control body between the two adjacent modules, its fluid-carrying cavity is subjected to negative pressure in a range of 100 mbar to 700 mbar, preferably 400 mbar to 600 mbar, so that the overall height of the temperature control body is reduced by elastic deformation of at least one of the two flat contact elements, thus becoming less than the clear gap width. In this state, the temperature control body can be inserted into the gap.The negative pressure is then removed, for example, by simply venting the fluid-conducting cavity, so that the elastic deformation of the first flat contact element or the two contact elements of the temperature control body is essentially reversed by its or their material-inherent elastic restoring force, and the outer shell of the temperature control body thereby contacts the adjacent modules, preferably with prestress, to establish the desired heat-conducting contact. Instead of or in addition to the material-inherent elastic restoring force, spring elements can also be provided inside the fluid-conducting cavity.

[0022] Optionally, the fluid-conducting cavity of the temperature control body can also be pressurized in a range of 0.5 bar to 10 bar, preferably 0.5 bar to 1.5 bar, to eliminate any residual plastic deformation and / or to optimize the contact of the outer shell with uneven module surfaces. Applying excess pressure to the fluid-conducting cavity of the temperature control body is particularly preferred when the gap is not plane-parallel, but has areas with a gap width greater than the clear gap width, for example, in undercut areas.

[0023] In a second variant of the method according to the invention, a stack of at least two modules and / or battery cells is provided, between which a temperature control body according to the invention is initially interposed in contact with the adjacent modules and / or battery cells. The modules and / or battery cells are then clamped against one another, for example by means of a clamping frame, by moving the modules and / or battery cells toward one another against the elastic restoring force of at least the first of the flat contact elements of the temperature control body until the outer shell of the temperature control body, due to its elasticity and optionally with the assistance of applying excess pressure to the fluid-conducting cavity, contacts the adjacent modules and / or battery cells to establish the desired thermally conductive contact.This procedure is particularly suitable for modules and / or battery cells with contoured surfaces, whereby a correspondingly contoured molded part is preferably used as a flat contact element.

[0024] In the context of the present invention, it is preferred if at least the first planar contact element consists of a stainless steel plate or a planar molded part made of stainless steel, which is preferably selected from materials with the material number 1.4404 or comparable austenitic or ferritic stainless steels or comparable materials.

[0025] The first flat contact element preferably has a material thickness of less than 1 mm, preferably less than or equal to 0.1 mm, in order to ensure the properties according to the invention, in particular when stainless steel, preferably with the material numbers mentioned above, is used as the material. It has been shown that, for typical dimensions of rechargeable batteries consisting of a module stack and used for battery-electric vehicles, a material thickness of the outer shell of the temperature control body according to the invention of slightly less than 0.1 mm is optimal with regard to the properties according to the invention, as well as with regard to robustness, fire resistance, and an advantageously low overall height of the temperature control body of typically less than 4 mm, while still providing sufficient heat dissipation.

[0026] The fluid-conducting cavity of the temperature control body according to the invention is particularly preferably designed as a meandering channel between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet. This ensures that the fluid flow through the temperature control body is as uniform as possible across its surface, preventing the formation of areas where the fluid flow is reduced. At the same time, a meandering channel can generate turbulence in the fluid flow, which ensures better heat transfer from the module surface to be temperature-controlled into the fluid, since the fluid is continuously mixed as it flows through the cavity.

[0027] Other channel routing types, particularly those commonly used in heat sinks according to the prior art, are also usable within the scope of the invention. To avoid excessive pressure losses, it can also be very advantageous to design the fluid-conducting cavity, even if it is designed as a meandering channel, in such a way that crossflow of at least a portion of the fluid is possible.

[0028] In order to enhance or specifically influence the effect of mixing the fluid in the fluid-conducting cavity, thereby optimizing the heat distribution in the flowing fluid and consequently the heat transfer from the fluid to the module or vice versa, it is also particularly preferred within the scope of the invention, regardless of the shape of the fluid-conducting cavity, if it is equipped with flow-influencing elements for generating or intensifying turbulent flow behavior of a fluid flowing through the cavity, wherein these flow-influencing elements are preferably formed into at least the first planar contact element. The forming can be carried out in particular by embossing, for example, stamping and stamping, which is a particularly efficient forming technique for metal sheets.

[0029] A major advantage of molded-in, flow-influencing elements is that they can prevent the fluid-carrying cavity from collapsing when it is evacuated.

[0030] For the purpose of uncomplicated and cost-effective production of the temperature control body according to the invention, it is preferred if the outer shell of the temperature control body is formed essentially from two thin-walled metal plates made of blanks, in particular stainless steel blanks, with a wall thickness of preferably less than 1 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 0.1 mm, as flat contact elements, which are connected to one another circumferentially at the edges by welding, soldering, or gluing and enclose a fluid-conducting cavity between them. The metal plates can be prepared, for example, in a drop forge, such that they enclose, for example, a meandering channel as a fluid-conducting cavity between them.

[0031] This preferred embodiment of a temperature control body according to the invention also preferably has an embossed structure in its thin-walled metal plates for influencing the flow of a fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet through the fluid-conducting cavity and for preventing the fluid-conducting cavity from collapsing. Advantageously, the embossed structure can be formed into the thin-walled metal plates simultaneously with the formation of the fluid-conducting cavity by forming, in particular cold forming, for example in a drop forge. Here, too, it is particularly advantageous that the embossed structures can also serve to prevent the fluid-conducting cavity from collapsing during evacuation.

[0032] In this preferred embodiment of the temperature control body, whose outer shell consists essentially of two thin-walled metal plates, the inlet and outlet (or the multiple inlets and multiple outlets) comprise at least one inlet nozzle and at least one outlet nozzle, each of which is soldered, welded, or glued to an opening in one of the thin-walled metal plates, or which is each inserted between the thin-walled metal plates at the edge connection and soldered, welded, or glued there, depending on the desired flow conditions or the installation situation. Inlet and outlet nozzles, whose axes run essentially parallel to the central plane of the temperature control body, offer the advantage of the lowest possible flow resistance.

[0033] In order to be able to temperature control areas of the modules around the electrical contact surfaces, the flat contact elements of the temperature control body according to the invention can be electrically insulated, at least in some areas. For example, the area of ​​the electrical contacts can be protected by applying (e.g., by gluing or stamping) an electrically non-conductive (insulating) layer in such a way that electrical short circuits in the area of ​​the contact surfaces of the modules are prevented. This layer can be made of ceramic or another insulating material.

[0034] The use of the temperature control body according to the invention as an intermediate layer between two adjacent modules and / or battery cells of a rechargeable battery for receiving, storing and releasing electrical energy, wherein the battery is composed of a number of stacked modules and / or battery cells and the intermediate layer is in thermally conductive contact with at least one of these modules and / or battery cells, also offers advantages according to the invention as such.

[0035] According to the invention, the above-mentioned object is also achieved by a temperature control arrangement for a rechargeable battery, which is composed of a number of stacked modules and / or battery cells for receiving, storing, and releasing electrical energy. In a first variant, the temperature control arrangement consists of a number of temperature control bodies according to the invention, which are intended for insertion into gaps between two modules and / or battery cells of the battery, wherein the temperature control bodies are connected to one another in a fluid-conducting manner by means of metal hoses, in particular annularly corrugated hoses, or metal bellows. The metal hoses or metal bellows are attached to the inlets and / or outlets of the temperature control bodies, so that the fluid flows through them, in particular in series one behind the other. Depending on the wiring, the temperature control bodies can also be flowed through in parallel.

[0036] This design of a temperature control assembly is particularly easy to manufacture, requires minimal installation space, and, thanks to the flexibility of the metal hoses or metal bellows, ensures an outstanding service life of the temperature control assembly, even when the battery is installed in a battery-electric vehicle, is subject to movement and vibration during operation, and the temperature control assembly is subject to temperature-related expansion. Furthermore, this design of the temperature control assembly enables the implementation of the method according to the invention, in which the temperature control bodies are first inserted between the modules and / or battery cells of the battery, and the modules and / or battery cells are then clamped against one another, which naturally reduces the distance between the individual temperature control bodies.In a second variant of the temperature control arrangement according to the invention, it comprises a number of temperature control bodies, a supply pipe, and a return pipe, wherein the temperature control bodies are connected to the supply pipe in a fluid-conducting manner by means of metal hoses, in particular annularly corrugated hoses, or metal bellows, which are attached to the inlets of the temperature control bodies, and are connected to the return pipe in a fluid-conducting manner by means of metal hoses, in particular annularly corrugated hoses, or metal bellows, which are attached to the outlets of the temperature control bodies. In this case, the metal hoses or metal bellows can be attached to the inlets and / or outlets of the temperature control bodies by means of quick-assembly couplings, so that the temperature control bodies are first inserted as intermediate layers between the modules and / or battery cells using the method according to the invention and can then be easily connected to the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe.

[0037] In this second variant of a temperature control arrangement according to the invention, the individual temperature control bodies are connected in parallel for fluidic purposes, through which the fluid then flows not successively in series, but in parallel. This is ideal for applications in which the temperature of the fluid changes significantly during operation due to heat transfer from or to the modules.

[0038] Thus, the present invention provides, in particular, a temperature control body that normally or predominantly functions as a heat sink for dissipating heat generated in modules and / or battery cells of a rechargeable battery when absorbing or releasing electrical energy. It is robust, friction-resistant, durable, easy to install, space-saving, and fireproof, and can be designed to be aerodynamically efficient for the heat-transporting fluid. In addition, the metal plates or flat molded metal parts used for the outer shell expand with increasing temperature, increasing the contact pressure of the outer shell against the module surface to be cooled, further improving heat transfer.

[0039] By applying a negative pressure prior to installation of the temperature control body, the height of the body is reduced, allowing it to be inserted into the gap between two modules and / or battery cells. After pressure equalization and optionally the application of positive pressure after installation, the temperature control body expands again, resulting in a large-area and, if necessary, form-fitting contact with the modules and / or battery cells to be temperature-controlled. The use of gap fillers is not necessary.

[0040] The procedure according to the invention according to the second variant of a method according to the invention described above, in which the stack of modules is first provided with interposed temperature control bodies as intermediate layers and only then are the modules brought into their operational spacing by clamping, finally makes it possible to produce a relevant battery without a previously indispensable, complex housing, in that the modules are held in place merely by a clamping frame.

[0041] An exemplary embodiment of a temperature control body designed according to the invention, as well as exemplary embodiments of temperature control arrangements designed according to the invention, are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which also illustrate examples of methods according to the invention. These exemplary embodiments do not limit the scope and significance of the preceding description of the invention and the patent claims, but may contain further features according to the invention.

[0042] Shown are: Figure 1 a horizontal sectional view of a tempering body along its flat extension plane;

[0043] Figures 2a and 2b are vertical sectional views of a temperature control body in its original form and with negative pressure in the fluid-carrying cavity;

[0044] Figure 3 is a horizontal sectional view of a temperature control body with inlet and outlet nozzles mounted on the edge;

[0045] Figures 4a to 4c are schematic illustrations of a method according to the invention for inserting a temperature control body between modules of a battery;

[0046] Figures 5a and 5b are schematic illustrations of a method for clamping a temperature control body between modules of a battery;

[0047] Figure 6 is a side view of a temperature control arrangement according to the invention for a battery using temperature control bodies, flow pipe, return pipe and metal hoses.

[0048] The figures show schematic representations and are neither to scale nor proportional with regard to the exemplary dimensions. In particular, the height of the temperature control body has been exaggerated for illustrative purposes. Spatial orientations such as vertical and horizontal are also only exemplary. In other embodiments, the temperature control body may extend vertically instead of horizontally as shown.

[0049] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a temperature control body 1 designed according to the invention in a horizontal sectional view along its plane of extension. A contact element 3 was formed from a stainless steel plate and forms part of the outer shell of the temperature control body 1. With another contact element designed as a counterpart (not visible here), a fluid-conducting cavity 9 designed as a channel 5 is enclosed by a covering connection. For the sake of completeness, the invention encompasses fluids of any temperature; for example, it may also be desirable to heat bodies in thermal contact with the temperature control body 1.

[0050] The contact element 3 shown and its counterpart are connected to each other all the way around. An inlet nozzle 7a and an outlet nozzle 7b are attached to the contact element 3 perpendicular to the section plane. These nozzles provide external access to the channel 5. A fluid, in this case liquid coolant 6, is introduced into the channel 5 through the inlet nozzle 7a. The coolant 6 can flow out through the outlet nozzle 7b. If, for example, a pumping device is fluidically connected to the inlet nozzle 7a and the outlet nozzle 7b, a pressure gradient can be generated between them, causing the introduced coolant 6 to flow. To enable a uniform coolant flow across the surface of the temperature control body 1, the channel 5 is designed as a meandering channel. In the present example, nubs 10 are embossed into the contact element 3 along the entire length of the channel 5. These nubs 10 cause flow turbulence in the coolant 6.

[0051] Figures 2a and 2b each show a sectional view of the temperature control body 1, with the section being taken vertically to the plane of extension of the temperature control body 1. Two contact elements 3 are brought together in a covering manner, joined circumferentially at the edges, and form a meandering channel 5. Only two sections of the channel 5 are shown as examples. In this exemplary embodiment, two knobs 10 are arranged in each section of the channel 5 shown, which generate turbulence in the coolant flow. In the present case, the contact elements 3 were formed from stainless steel blanks. The material thickness of the blanks was selected depending on the width of the channel and the shape of the contact element so that a preferably elastic prestress is created in the blanks when the temperature control body 1 is deformed. For example, the material thickness can be 0.1 mm.For optimal heat transfer, the smallest possible material thickness should always be used, consistent with the mechanical requirements and an economical manufacturing process. The illustration is not to scale; in the illustrated example, the wall thicknesses of the contact elements 3 are much thinner than appears in the figure relative to the size of the fluid-carrying cavity 9.

[0052] Figure 2a shows the temperature control body 1 at normal pressure in channel 5. In this example, the contour shown corresponds to the original shape of the temperature control body 1. The temperature control body 1 assumes this original shape if it is not deformed. Deformation can occur, for example, if positive or negative pressure is initially applied in channel 5. During deformation, mechanical stress is created in the temperature control body 1, preferably in the elastic range, due to the selected material, the material thickness, the expansion, and the shape of the cavity 9. If normal pressure is applied, the temperature control body 1 returns to its original shape due to the mechanical stress, provided that only elastic deformation has occurred. Any plastic deformation can be additionally provided for via a design allowance ("geometrically predefined shape"), or, if necessary, compensated for by deformation in the other direction.

[0053] Figure 2b shows the temperature control body under negative pressure in channel 5. The negative pressure causes the cavity 9 formed as channel 5 to contract. This thins the temperature control body. This deformation results in the buildup of mechanical stress, which counteracts the negative pressure. In addition to the mechanical stress, the studs 10 mounted in channel 5 also counteract the negative pressure and prevent channel 5 from collapsing. When normal pressure returns to channel 5, the temperature control body 1 returns to its original shape shown in Figure 2a due to the mechanical stress. This can be achieved, if not only elastic deformations occurred, using the aforementioned concept of the "geometrically predefined shape." If the residual stress of the material is insufficient, the restoring force can be increased accordingly by inserting a spring or spring element.

[0054] Another embodiment of the temperature control body 1 is shown in Figure 3. Therein, the temperature control body 1 is formed from two contact elements 3 that are brought together to form a cover and joined circumferentially at the edges. The fluid-conducting cavity 9 is formed between the contact elements 3. The cavity 9 is accessible from the outside through the laterally mounted inlet nozzle 7a and the likewise laterally mounted outlet nozzle 7b. Strictly speaking, the contact elements 3 are only partially connected to one another circumferentially, as this connection is interrupted by the laterally mounted nozzles 7a, 7b. In the present case, the cavity 9 is not designed as a channel. Therefore, this embodiment has poorer flow properties of the coolant 6 than the design in Figure 1. However, one advantage arises in that more coolant 6 can be accommodated and that pressure losses are reduced.

[0055] Figures 4a to 4c depict schematic side views of the temperature control body 1 and stacked modules 2 of a battery during various steps of a method according to the invention for inserting the temperature control body. A clear gap with a predetermined gap width 8 is located between the modules 2. The surface normal, which is perpendicular to a plane of extension of the temperature control body 1, points upward in these side views. An overall height 11 of the temperature control body 1 is defined by the extension of the contact elements 3 along a surface normal and varies with deformation. Inlet nozzles 7a and outlet nozzles 7b are arranged one behind the other in perspective.

[0056] In Figure 4a, normal pressure prevails in the fluid-conducting cavity 9 of the temperature control body 1. The temperature control body 1 is in its original form, in which its height 11 is greater than the gap width 8 between the battery modules. In Figure 4b, the fluid-conducting cavity 9 of the temperature control body 1 has been subjected to negative pressure via the inlet connection 7a and outlet connection 7b. As a result, the height 11 has been reduced to such an extent that it is smaller than the gap width 8. A mechanical stress is created in the temperature control body 1, which counteracts the negative pressure in the cavity 9. In this state, the temperature control body 1 is pushed between the modules 2.

[0057] Figure 4c shows the temperature control body at normal pressure in its cavity 9 after being pushed between the modules 2. Due to the mechanical tension, the temperature control body 1 strives to return to its original shape. However, it is located between the modules 2, whose distance (gap width 8) is less than the overall height 11 of the temperature control body 1 in its original shape. The temperature control body 1 expands until its overall height 11 is as large as the gap width 8. Then, it cannot widen, is clamped between the battery modules 2, and is in thermal contact with them. Unless solely elastic deformation occurs, plastic deformation can be compensated for or even deliberately introduced using the aforementioned concept of design allowance or "geometrically predefined shape."

[0058] An exemplary embodiment of a method for inserting a temperature control body 1 between two modules 2 of a battery is schematically illustrated in Figures 5a and 5b. Figure 5a shows several temperature control bodies 1 that have been pushed between the modules 2 of a battery. In the present case, normal pressure prevails in the cavities of the temperature control bodies 1, so that the temperature control bodies 1 are in their original shape. Alternatively, the cavities 9 of the temperature control bodies 1 can be subjected to negative pressure, so that their respective height 11 is smaller than in their original shape. The modules 2 are not in thermal contact with the temperature control bodies 1. It is also possible for them to be in thermal contact but not tightly clamped against one another. In this state, the temperature control bodies 1 are movable in their position.

[0059] In the next step, the modules 2 and the temperature control bodies 1 are clamped against each other. This is shown in Figure 5b. The clamping is achieved by generating an external tension, which in the example is effected over a large area using a clamping frame 12. After clamping, the modules 2 are in thermal contact with the temperature control bodies 1 and are fixed in their position. The inherent clamping force of the temperature control bodies 1 counteracts the external clamping force, so that the cavities 9 of the temperature control bodies 1 do not collapse. Optionally, the cavities can be subjected to overpressure during clamping, which enables stronger clamping and thus closer thermal contact between the contact elements 3 and the modules 2.

[0060] The temperature control bodies 1 are fluidically connected to one another by metal bellows 16, which are each attached on the one hand to the inlet connection 7a of a temperature control body 1 and on the other hand to the outlet connection 7b of an adjacent temperature control body 1, thus fluidically connecting these two adjacent temperature control bodies 1. The metal bellows 16 are particularly axially movable, so that they are not damaged during the clamping of the modules 2 as described above. The temperature control bodies 1 of this exemplary embodiment, together with the metal bellows 16, form an example of a temperature control arrangement designed according to the invention.

[0061] Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of a temperature control arrangement for a battery. In this arrangement, temperature control bodies 1 have been inserted between the modules 2 of a battery. At the inlet nozzles 7a, all temperature control bodies 1 are fluidically connected to a flow pipe 15a by means of metal hoses 13, while the outlet nozzles 7b are also connected to a return pipe 15b by means of metal hoses 13. The metal hoses 13 are attached to the inlet and outlet nozzles 7a, 7b of the temperature control bodies 1 by means of quick-assembly couplings 14. The metal hoses 13 ensure extensive mechanical decoupling or vibration decoupling of the flow and return pipes 15a, 15b from the temperature control bodies 1 and the modules 2 of the battery, which, for example, also allows a procedure according to Figures 5a and 5b.While the cooling fluid 6 flows through the temperature control bodies 1 one after the other in series, here the temperature control bodies are connected in parallel with regard to the cooling fluid flow. However, both variants can also be operated in parallel or in series (not shown). By adding a pump and coolant (both not shown), an efficient, closed cooling circuit can be easily realized with the temperature control arrangements shown in Figures 5a, 5b, and 6.

[0062] List of reference symbols:

[0063] 1 tempering body

[0064] 2 Module

[0065] 3 Contact element

[0066] 5 channel

[0067] 6 Coolant

[0068] 7a Inlet nozzle

[0069] 7b Drain nozzle

[0070] 8 gap width

[0071] 9 fluid-conducting cavity

[0072] 10 studs

[0073] 11 Height of the temperature control body

[0074] 12 clamping frames

[0075] 13 metal hose

[0076] 14 Quick-assembly coupling

[0077] 15a Flow pipe

[0078] 15b Return pipe

[0079] 16 metal bellows

Claims

Claims 1. A temperature control body (1) for controlling the temperature of rechargeable batteries, battery cells and / or modules (2) for receiving, storing and releasing electrical energy, wherein an outer shell of the temperature control body (1) is formed essentially from two flat contact elements (3) which are directly or indirectly connected to one another at the edges and enclose at least one fluid-conducting cavity (9) between them, wherein the temperature control body (1) is provided with at least one inlet (7a) and at least one outlet (7b) which make the fluid-conducting cavity (9) accessible from the outside through the outer shell, characterized in that at least a first of the two flat contact elements (3) consists of a metal plate or a flat molded part made of metal, the material thickness of which is selected in relation to its flat extent or in relation to the extent and shape of the fluid-conducting cavity (9),that the outer shell of the temperature control body (1) can be deformed by applying negative pressure in a range of 100-700 mbar, preferably 400-600 mbar, or overpressure in a range of 0.5-10 bar, preferably 0.5-1.5 bar to the fluid-conducting cavity (9) and then essentially returns to its original shape by elastic restoring force.

2. Tempering body according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the first flat contact element (3) consists of a stainless steel plate or a flat molded part made of stainless steel, in particular of material number 1.4404 or of comparable austenitic or ferritic stainless steels or comparable materials.

3. Tempering body according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the first flat contact element (3) has a material thickness of less than 1 mm, preferably less than or equal to 0.1 mm.

4. Tempering body according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one fluid-conducting cavity (9) between the inlet and the outlet is designed as a meandering channel (5).

5. Tempering body according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one fluid-conducting cavity (9) is equipped with flow-influencing elements (10) for generating or amplifying turbulent flow behavior of a fluid flowing through the cavity (9).

6. Tempering body according to claim 5, characterized in that the flow-influencing elements (10) are formed into at least the first flat contact element (3), in particular by embossing.

7. Tempering body according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the elastic restoring force, which allows the outer shell of the tempering body (1) to return substantially to its original shape, is inherent in the material and / or is generated by spring elements, which are preferably arranged in the fluid-conducting cavity (9).

8. Tempering body according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the outer shell of the tempering body (1) is formed essentially from two thin-walled metal plates made of blanks, in particular stainless steel blanks, as flat contact elements (3), which are connected to one another circumferentially at the edges by welding, soldering or gluing and enclose the fluid-conducting cavity (9) between them.

9. Tempering body according to claim 8, characterized in that the thin-walled metal plates have an embossed structure for influencing the flow of a fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet through the fluid-conducting cavity (9).

10. Tempering body according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that contours such as channels (5) or channel halves for forming the fluid-conducting cavity (9) are formed into the thin-walled metal plates, in particular by cold forming, preferably stamping.

11. Tempering body according to claims 8 and 9, characterized in that a number of knobs (10) and / or short beads are formed, in particular stamped, into the contours as flow-influencing elements.

12. Tempering body according to claims 8 and 9, characterized in that a number of knobs (10) and / or short beads are provided as structural stabilizing elements, which in particular also prevent the fluid-conducting cavity (9) into which contours are formed, in particular stamped 13. Tempering body according to at least one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the inlet and the outlet are formed by an inlet nozzle (7a) and an outlet nozzle (7b), which are each soldered, welded or glued to an opening in one of the thin-walled metal plates, or which are each inserted between the thin-walled metal plates at the edge connection and are soldered, welded or glued there.

14. Tempering body according to at least one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the flat contact elements (3) are electrically insulated at least in some areas.

15. Use of a temperature control body (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 14 as an intermediate layer between two adjacent modules (2) and / or battery cells of a rechargeable battery for receiving, storing and releasing electrical energy, which is composed of a number of horizontally and / or vertically stacked modules (2) and / or battery cells, wherein the intermediate layer is in thermally conductive contact with at least one of these modules (2) and / or battery cells.

16. Method for introducing a temperature control body (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 14 as an intermediate layer between two adjacent modules (2) and / or battery cells of a rechargeable battery for receiving, storing and releasing electrical energy, which is composed of a number of horizontally and / or vertically stacked modules (2) and / or battery cells, wherein the temperature control body (1) is in heat-conducting contact with TI is brought to at least one of these modules (2) and / or battery cells, preferably with both adjacent modules (2) and / or battery cells, with the following process steps: (a) providing at least two stacked modules (2) and / or battery cells and leaving a parallel or contoured gap with a predetermined clear gap width (8) between these modules (2) and / or battery cells; (b) providing a temperature control body (1) whose overall height (11), viewed in the direction of the surface normal of the planar contact elements (3), substantially corresponds to the clear gap width (8) or is greater than this gap width (8); (c) applying negative pressure in a range of 100-700 mbar, preferably 400-600 mbar, to at least one fluid-conducting cavity (9) of the temperature control body (1), so that the overall height of the temperature control body (1) is reduced by preferably elastic deformation of at least a first of the two flat contact elements (3) and is thereby smaller than the clear gap width (8); (d) inserting the tempering body (1) into the gap; (e) removing the negative pressure so that the elastic deformation of the first planar contact element (3) or of the two contact elements (3) is substantially reversed by its or their material-inherent elastic restoring force and / or by virtue of at least one spring element arranged in the fluid-conducting cavity (9) and the outer shell of the temperature control body (1) thereby contacts the adjacent modules (2) and / or battery cells in order to establish the heat-conducting contact.

17. The method according to claim 16, comprising the additional step of: (f) applying overpressure in a range of 0.5-10 bar to at least one fluid-carrying cavity (9) of the temperature control body (1), preferably 0.5-1.5 bar, so that any residual plastic deformation is eliminated.

18. The method according to claim 16, comprising the additional step of: (f') Applying excess pressure in a range of 0.5-10 bar, preferably 0.5-1.5 bar, to at least one fluid-conducting cavity (9) of the temperature control body (1), so that the outer shell of the temperature control body (1) also makes thermally conductive contact with at least one of the modules (2) and / or battery cells in regions of the gap between the adjacent modules (2) and / or battery cells which have a greater gap width (8) than the clear gap width (8).

19. Method for inserting a temperature control body (1) between two adjacent modules (2) and / or battery cells of a rechargeable battery for receiving, storing and releasing electrical energy, which is composed of a number of horizontally and / or vertically stacked modules (2) and / or battery cells, wherein the temperature control body (1) is brought into heat-conducting contact with at least one of these modules (2) and / or battery cells, preferably with both adjacent modules (2) and / or battery cells, with the following method steps: (a) providing a stack of at least two modules (2) and / or battery cells, between which a temperature control body (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 14 is arranged in contact with the adjacent modules (2) and / or battery cells; (b) clamping the modules (2) and / or battery cells by moving them towards each other against the elastic restoring force of at least the first of the planar contact elements (3) until the outer shell of the temperature control body (1) thereby contacts the adjacent modules (2) and / or battery cells in order to establish the heat-conducting contact.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein a clamping frame (12) is used to clamp the modules (2) and / or battery cells with intermediate tempering bodies (1).

21. A method according to any one of claims 19 or 20, comprising the additional step of: (c) Applying excess pressure in a range of 0.5-10 bar, preferably 0.5-1.5 bar, to at least one fluid-conducting cavity (9) of the temperature control body (1) before, during or after step (b) in order to increase the counterforce against the tensioning of the modules (2) and / or battery cells.

22. A temperature control arrangement for a rechargeable battery, which is composed of a number of horizontally and / or vertically stacked modules (2) and / or battery cells for receiving, storing and releasing electrical energy, wherein the temperature control arrangement consists of a number of temperature control bodies (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 14, which are provided for insertion into gaps between modules (2) and / or battery cells of the battery, wherein the temperature control bodies (1) are connected to one another in a fluid-conducting manner by means of metal hoses (13), in particular annularly corrugated hoses, or metal bellows (16), which are attached to the inlets and / or outlets of the temperature control bodies (1).

23. A temperature control arrangement for a rechargeable battery for receiving, storing and releasing electrical energy, which is composed of a number of horizontally and / or vertically stacked modules (2) and / or battery cells, wherein the temperature control arrangement consists of a flow pipe (15a), a return pipe (15b) and a number of temperature control bodies (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 14, which are intended for insertion into gaps between modules (2) and / or battery cells of the battery, wherein the temperature control bodies (1) are connected to the flow pipe (15a) in a fluid-conducting manner by means of metal hoses (13), in particular annularly corrugated hoses, or metal bellows (16), which are attached to the inlets of the temperature control bodies, and are connected to the return pipe (15b) in a fluid-conducting manner by means of metal hoses (13), in particular annularly corrugated hoses, or metal bellows (16), which are attached to the outlets of the temperature control bodies (1).

24. Tempering arrangement according to one of claims 22 or 23, wherein the metal hoses (13) or metal bellows (16) are attached to the inlets and / or outlets of the tempering bodies (1) by means of quick-assembly couplings (14).

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