Lithium cell module

Abstract

The invention relates to a lithium cell module with a housing (2) and a plurality of lithium cells (3) which are arranged in a row (5, 6) one behind another within the housing (2) in the longitudinal direction (4) of the housing, wherein the housing (2) has a main body (7) which is U-shaped in cross section and provides a housing base (8) and two side walls (9) arranged thereon, characterised by at least one heat pipe (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4) running in the longitudinal direction (4.1) of the housing, which heat pipe equips the housing (2), in particular the housing base (8).

Description

[0001] Lithium cell module

[0002] The invention relates to a lithium cell module with a housing and a plurality of lithium cells arranged in a series one behind the other inside the housing in the longitudinal direction of the housing.

[0003] Lithium cell modules of the generic type are known from the prior art, therefore a separate printed reference is not required at this point.

[0004] A typical lithium cell module has a housing. Inside the housing are multiple lithium cells, which are electrically interconnected. Typically, the lithium cells are arranged in a row along the length of the housing, and several such rows may be provided.

[0005] Lithium cell modules of this type are used primarily as traction modules for railway transport. The focus is particularly on catenary-free railway lines operated with purely electrified trains, which necessitates battery operation.

[0006] The fundamental problem with modules of this type is the risk of failure. This occurs when a cell within the module, or a parallel group of cells, experiences thermal runaway, i.e., burns out. Such a failure is particularly problematic with lithium cells, as the combustion process itself produces oxygen, which then fuels the fire. Therefore, fire suppression is difficult in the event of a failure.

[0007] Since extinguishing a damaged cell is fundamentally impossible or unlikely to succeed within a short time, the design incorporates the possibility that a damaged cell or a parallel array of damaged cells will burn completely. However, it is essential to prevent such a fire from triggering a chain reaction, i.e., propagation. In other words, it must be prevented that the fire from spreading from one damaged cell to a neighboring cell. Prior art has identified the use of fire barriers or fire protection barriers between individual cells or parallel-connected cells. Such measures, however, cannot prevent propagation, only delay it. For a fire to spread, it is sufficient that a cell not yet affected is heated to over 150 °C by a neighboring burning cell.Since a burning cell reaches a temperature of 600 °C or more, it is not possible to prevent a temperature increase in a neighboring cell to over 150 °C simply by using intermediate fire protection mats. Therefore, the chain reaction is not prevented, but only delayed.

[0008] In principle, delayed propagation is entirely sufficient as a safety measure. Modules of this type are primarily used as traction batteries in trains. A propagation delay of at least 30 minutes is perfectly adequate in this case to completely evacuate a train. The propagation delay already achieved provides sufficiently extensive protection to ensure that there is no risk to people.

[0009] From the train operator's perspective, however, it is problematic that even if no personal injury occurs, an accident could still lead to an unintended train fire. Therefore, the aim is not only to delay the spread of the fire as much as possible, but, if feasible, to prevent it entirely, in order to protect the property.

[0010] For example, it is known from DE 10 2019 118 356 A1 in this context to arrange battery housings with a cooling device comprising coolant pipes, coolant channels, and tanks in the base of the housing. Water flows through the cooling device under normal operating conditions. The problem, however, lies in the need for a properly functioning pump and a properly functioning energy supply.

[0011] In this context, it should also be noted that while traction batteries have a cooling channel, modules for emergency power generators, such as those also used in trains, do not. However, such modules must also be resistant to propagation in the event of a failure. Therefore, the object of the invention is to provide a generic lithium cell module that is designed to be resistant to propagation in the event of a failure.

[0012] To solve this problem, the invention proposes a generic lithium cell module characterized in that the housing has a base body with a U-shaped cross-section, which provides a housing base and two side walls arranged thereon, comprising a heat pipe extending in the longitudinal direction of the housing, which is received by the housing base.

[0013] The housing of the lithium cell module according to the invention has a base body with a U-shaped cross-section. This base body provides a housing base on one side and two side walls arranged thereon on the other. In the fully assembled state, the base body accommodates the lithium cells of the lithium cell module, with the lithium cells being arranged in a row one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the side walls, i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the housing.

[0014] In its fully assembled state, the lithium cells are held in place by the base of the housing and are thus supported by it. Lateral protection of the lithium cells is ensured by the side walls located on the base of the housing.

[0015] The purpose of a heat pipe according to the invention is to distribute the heat energy released in the event of a failed battery cell evenly across all cells and the module housing. This achieves cooling of the failed cell, with a temperature of approximately 200 °C being sufficient. Since a temperature of 600 °C is expected in the event of a failure, this represents a temperature difference of 400 °C. The other cells in the module, including the cell housing, have sufficient mass to absorb this temperature difference through their own heating. The result is an even distribution of heat across the entire module, with the consequence that the failed cell is cooled sufficiently to eliminate any risk of heat propagation to neighboring cells.

[0016] The particular advantage of a heat pipe is that, as a passive element, it does not require an external energy supply. For the purposes of this invention, a "heat pipe" refers to a tubular heat exchanger. It utilizes the phase transition for heat transfer between two solid interfaces. At a hot interface of a heat pipe, a volatile working fluid in contact with a thermally conductive solid surface transforms into vapor by absorbing heat from that surface. The vapor then migrates along the heat pipe to the cold interface and condenses back into a liquid, releasing the latent heat. The liquid then returns to the hot interface by capillary action, and the cycle repeats.A typical heat pipe consists of a sealed tube or pipe made of a metallic material compatible with the working fluid, such as copper for water heat pipes or aluminum for ammonia heat pipes. The heat pipe is partially filled with a working fluid and then sealed. The mass of the working fluid is selected such that the heat pipe contains both vapor and liquid across its operating temperature range. The working fluids are chosen according to the temperatures at which the heat pipe must operate. With regard to the invention, it is preferred that the working fluid be mercury (operating temperature range 523-923 K) or sodium (operating temperature range 873-1473 K). In a heat pipe, the condensed liquid is returned to the hot interface by means of a wick structure that exerts a capillary action on the liquid phase of the working fluid.Preferred wick structures include sintered metal powder, screens, and / or grooved wicks with a series of grooves parallel to the pipe axis. A heat pipe advantageously functions regardless of its orientation.

[0017] In principle, it is possible to bring a heat pipe into thermal contact with the cells or a housing side wall, base, or lid. However, according to the invention, it is provided that the housing base is equipped with a heat pipe. Preferably, this is done from the outside. This is because, for particularly close thermal contact, the battery cells are to be bonded into the housing. The use of a thermally conductive adhesive is preferred. This has the production advantage that it is simplest to bond the cells to the housing base rather than to the side walls.

[0018] For mounting the heat pipe on the housing base, at least one channel is preferably formed on the housing base side. The channel provides a U-shaped groove in cross-section. The heat pipe engages at least partially in this groove. Adhesive bonding can be provided to ensure the heat pipe is securely attached to the housing base. Due to the manufacturing process, the ends of the heat pipes are sealed by flattening. It has been shown that using two heat pipes with smaller initial diameters is more energy-efficient than using a single heat pipe with a larger initial diameter. This advantageously results in a larger effective surface area in contact with the housing base for two heat pipes with relatively smaller diameters than for a single heat pipe with a comparatively larger diameter.

[0019] It is therefore a preferred feature of the invention that two heat pipes form a heat pipe pair. Preferably, they are aligned parallel to each other along their longitudinal extent. More preferably, they contact each other along their longitudinal extent. The respective sheaths of the heat pipes are in contact with each other. This contact can be made indirectly, for example, by using an adhesive to fix the heat pipes to each other. Alternatively, direct contact can be achieved. This is particularly suitable when the heat pipes are themselves bonded to the housing base. Both methods serve to secure the position of the heat pipes and ensure proper function.

[0020] According to a preferred feature of the invention, a further heat pipe or a further heat pipe pair is provided. Preferably, the individual heat pipe or the further heat pipe pair extends in the longitudinal direction of the housing, with which the housing, in particular the housing base, is equipped. Preferably, the further heat pipe pair is arranged spaced apart from the first heat pipe pair in the housing width direction. The housing according to the invention can be configured to accommodate one or more rows of lithium cells extending parallel in the longitudinal direction of the housing. It is preferred to assign a heat pipe or a heat pipe pair to each row of lithium cells. The assignment is preferably such that the heat pipe or heat pipe pair, on the one hand, and the lithium cells of the associated row, on the other hand, are arranged on a common vertical axis, which is perpendicular in cross-section to the housing base. Preferably, the heat pipe or heat pipe pair is arranged in a manner that allows the heat pipe or heat pipe pair to extend in the direction of the housing width.The heatpipe pair on the one hand and the lithium cells of the associated series on the other hand are arranged in cross-section with reference to the height axis centered on them.

[0021] Battery modules are preferably stacked vertically. In the event of a failure, a flame develops near the failed cell, usually only briefly, for example, for 50 seconds. However, the heat generated at this moment is so intense that modules positioned vertically above the failed cell are directly exposed to flame propagation. This can result in the aluminum base, including the heat pipe, melting or even causing burn holes. To prevent this, the heat pipes are preferably covered by a strip-shaped cover adjacent to the vertically adjacent module arrangement. This cover is preferably made of sheet steel. This provides sufficient thermal protection in the event of a failure of the lower battery cell or its associated module.

[0022] For manufacturing reasons, it is preferable to provide groove-shaped receiving slots for the cover on the underside of the housing, into which the steel protective plate can be inserted longitudinally along the housing base. In the final assembly state, this results in a sandwich-like design, whereby the housing base of the module is covered by a steel sheet, with the heat pipe, preferably two heat pipes in the form of a heat pipe pair, arranged in the space between the steel sheet and the housing base, aligned parallel to each other longitudinally along the housing base.

[0023] Various measures can be taken to ensure the secure positioning of a steel sheet on the housing base. Preferably, the steel sheet is held under spring tension by the retaining grooves of the housing base. Alternatively, position-secure end elements, in particular end caps, can be provided, with which at least one of the grooves receiving the steel sheet is closed on one end and the other. Alternatively, bonding can be provided, in which case the heat pipe or heat pipe pair is preferably bonded to the aluminum base of the housing on one side and to the steel sheet on the other.

[0024] According to a further feature of the invention, the base body is a bent sheet metal part.

[0025] According to a first alternative of the invention, the base body is formed from a sheet metal part, for example a sheet metal panel or plate. This is formed by bending to create the base body. As a result, the base body is formed as a bent sheet metal part.

[0026] Designing the base body as a sheet metal bent part offers the particular advantage of simplified and cost-effective manufacturing. By simply forming a sheet of metal through bending, both the angled side walls and channel grooves in the housing base can be created.

[0027] According to a further feature of the invention, the base body is an extruded profile.

[0028] According to this alternative design, the base body is formed from an extruded profile. This method of manufacturing the base body is also simple and therefore cost-effective. Furthermore, a one-piece base body can be produced in a single operation, featuring, as previously described, a housing base, two attached side walls, and channel grooves in the housing base for receiving the heat pipe or heat pipe pair.

[0029] According to a further feature of the invention, a channel groove for receiving the heat pipe or heat pipe pair is formed by milling.

[0030] According to this alternative, a channel groove is formed by milling. The base body can be designed as a bent part, an extruded profile, or in some other way, but without channel grooves on the bottom of the housing. These are formed separately, preferably by milling.

[0031] Forming a channel groove by milling has the particular advantage that, according to a further feature of the invention, it is possible to easily create a channel groove with a shoulder on the cover side. The channel groove thus has a stepped cross-section. The shoulder serves to receive a cover, which then engages positively in the shoulder in the final assembly. A particular advantage of this design is that the housing base is flat on its underside facing away from the lithium cells. This is because the covers are each arranged in the groove widening formed by the shoulder. According to a further feature of the invention, the channel grooves are provided for in the large side facing away from the lithium cells, i.e., the underside of the base body. Preferably, the large side facing the lithium cells, i.e.,The top surface of the base body and / or the large side facing away from the lithium cells, i.e., the underside of the base body, is designed to be flat. Such a flat design of the large sides enables optimized heat transfer and also ensures gap-free integration of the lithium cells by the base body on the one hand, and improved stackability of multiple lithium cell modules on top of each other on the other.

[0032] End plates are used to close the end faces of the U-shaped base body. One end plate is provided for each end face of the base body. In the fully assembled state, the base body is closed at the end faces by the two end plates.

[0033] In its fully assembled state, the two end plates accommodate the lithium cells arranged in a row. The end plates act as supports for the lithium cells, ensuring they are securely clamped between them. The end plates are themselves supported by the base body, allowing for a corresponding force transmission between the end plates via the base body. This ensures the secure positioning of the lithium cells within the base body. Furthermore, the end plates provide a defined compression of the cell stack, thus guaranteeing a longer cell lifespan.

[0034] According to a further feature of the invention, the housing has a lid that is detachably attached to the base body. In the fully assembled state, the lid serves as a pole-side cover for the lithium cells. Thus, in the fully assembled state, the lithium cells are completely enclosed by the housing. The lid is detachably attached to the housing base body, which advantageously allows selective access to the lithium cells.

[0035] According to a preferred feature of the invention, in addition to the at least one heat pipe or at least one heat pipe pair, a fluid channel extending longitudinally along the housing is integrated into the housing base. In the intended use of the lithium cell module, this channel serves as a cooling channel and is supplied with a fluid acting as a coolant. The particular feature of the invention is that the fluid channel is integrated into the housing base of the base body. In contrast to the prior art, the fluid channel can be designed with a smaller diameter due to the synergistic combination with the heat pipe according to the invention, since the amount of heat to be dissipated is advantageously reduced compared to a design without a heat pipe.This reduces the need for coolant and allows the pump required to generate the necessary volume flow within the fluid channel to be less powerful, and therefore smaller and more compact.

[0036] The remaining advantages over the prior art, which rely on cooling plates, remain. This preferred design results in inherently optimized cooling during intended operation. The thermal interfaces between the cooling plates and the housing, as found in prior art designs, are eliminated, and the integrated design of the fluid channel provides an overall cooled base body. This enables optimized heat dissipation from the lithium cells via three housing sides: the base and the two adjacent side walls. This optimized heat dissipation ensures more efficient cooling of the lithium cells compared to prior art designs, resulting in optimized operation of the lithium cell module and an improved service life.

[0037] According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that a further fluid channel extending in the longitudinal direction of the housing is integrated into the housing base.

[0038] The housing base has several fluid channels, for example two, three or more, each running longitudinally along the housing, i.e., parallel to each other. The fluid channels are preferably spaced equally apart in the transverse direction of the housing.

[0039] In this context, it is particularly preferred to provide one fluid channel per row of lithium cells. Accordingly, one fluid channel is assigned to each row of lithium cells arranged in series. For multiple rows of lithium cells arranged longitudinally, a corresponding number of fluid channels are provided for each row, ensuring that each row of lithium cells has its own fluid channel. This results in optimized cooling of the lithium cells.

[0040] According to a further feature of the invention, a transverse channel connecting the fluid channels is integrated into the base of the housing. This creates a fluid-flow-closed fluid channel system, whereby, in the preferred application, fluid can flow from one fluid channel to the next through the transverse fluid channels by which the fluid channels are fluid-flow-coupled. In the simplest embodiment, two parallel fluid channels are provided, which are fluid-flow-coupled via a common transverse fluid channel. In this case, fluid supplied via one fluid channel can be transferred via the transverse fluid channel to the other fluid channel and vice versa.

[0041] According to a further feature of the invention, a fluid channel and / or a fluid transverse channel is provided that, in the radial direction, each is completely bounded and fluid-tightly sealed by the base body of the housing, in particular by the base body section that forms the housing bottom. This allows the fluid channel to preferably be completely embedded in the section of the base body forming the housing bottom, thereby achieving a greater spatial distance to the channel grooves for receiving the heat pipe, which are preferably formed on the lower large side of this section. This results in particularly effective cooling across the entire housing bottom.

[0042] According to an alternative embodiment, a fluid channel can be formed in the same way as a channel for receiving a heat pipe. In this case, the fluid channel has a U-shaped cross-section and a strip-shaped fluid channel cover, in particular made of sheet steel, which seals the fluid channel groove in a fluid-tight manner.

[0043] This fluid channel design, using a closed fluid channel groove, proves to be particularly simple and therefore cost-effective to manufacture. It is preferred that, in a first manufacturing step, the fluid channel groove is integrally integrated into the base body. Then, in a second manufacturing step, only the open side of the fluid channel groove needs to be closed, resulting in a preferred fluid channel or transverse fluid channel.

[0044] According to a further feature of the invention, the fluid channel grooves are provided in the large side facing away from the lithium cells, i.e., the underside of the base body. Alternatively, the large side facing the lithium cells, i.e., the top side of the base body, can also be equipped with longitudinal fluid channel grooves. However, it is preferred to equip the underside with corresponding fluid channel grooves, so that a continuous, i.e., uninterrupted and flat surface is created on the lithium cell side, on which the lithium cells rest for optimized heat dissipation. This configuration has proven particularly advantageous in combination with the heat pipe according to the invention, since the heat transfer between the lithium cell on the one hand and the heat pipe on the other is improved.

[0045] According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that a fluid channel is in fluid-technical connection with a fluid inlet and / or a fluid outlet connection.

[0046] In normal operation, a coolant, such as water, is supplied to the fluid channel via the fluid inlet connection. After passing through the fluid channel, it exits via the designated fluid outlet connection.

[0047] Preferably, a base body is equipped with several fluid channels and / or transverse channels, forming a fluid channel system. This fluid channel system is connected to the fluid inlet and outlet connections. For this purpose, for example, a first fluid channel can be equipped with a fluid inlet connection, while another fluid channel provides the fluid outlet connection. The two fluid channels are fluidically connected to each other via a transverse fluid channel, so that, as a result, coolant can be supplied to the fluid channel system via one fluid channel, and after passing through the fluid system, it exits via the other fluid channel thanks to the fluid outlet connection provided by that channel. If, in the intended application, a plurality of lithium cell modules according to the invention are used, they are supplied with coolant simultaneously, thus ensuring parallel supply of coolant to the cell modules.This ensures that all cell modules are cooled evenly. Such even cooling cannot be achieved, however, if the fluid systems of the individual cell modules are connected in series.

[0048] The invention is explained below with reference to exemplary embodiments which are not to be understood as limiting to the person skilled in the art. These examples show

[0049] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a lithium cell module according to the invention;

[0050] Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view from below of the lithium cell module with partially closed channel slots;

[0051] Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of the lithium cell module with closed channel slots;

[0052] Fig. 4 Enlargement of the representation according to Fig. 3 of a lithium cell module according to the invention with a detailed view of cell row 6.

[0053] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view from above of a lithium cell module 1 according to the invention.

[0054] The lithium cell module 1 comprises a housing 2 and a plurality of lithium cells 3 arranged within the housing 2. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the lithium cells 3 are arranged in a row one behind the other in the longitudinal direction 4.1 of the housing. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 2 accommodates two rows of lithium cells 3 arranged side by side in the width direction 4.2 of the housing, namely a first cell row 5 and a second cell row 6. The housing 2 has a base body 7. This has a U-shaped cross-section and comprises a base 8 and two side walls 9 attached to it, which extend from the base 8 in the height direction 4.3 of the housing. In the final assembly state, the open end faces of the base body 7 are closed by end plates, which are not shown in detail in the figures. The end plates accommodate the cell rows 5 and 6 between them.Furthermore, the housing 2 has a cover, which is also not shown in detail in the figures. This cover is preferably replaceable and is attached to the base body 7, covering the lithium cells 3 on the terminal side.

[0055] Figure 2 shows that at least one heat pipe 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4 extending in the longitudinal direction 4.1 of the housing is integrated into the base 8 of the main body 7. Of these four heat pipes 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, two heat pipes 10.1 and 10.2, and two heat pipes 10.3 and 10.4, respectively, form heat pipe pairs 11 and 12. The heat pipe pairs 11 and 12 are bonded to the base 8 by means of a thermally conductive adhesive.

[0056] Channels 13 and 14 are provided for integrating the heat pipe pairs into the housing, each accommodating a heat pipe pair 11 and 12. The housing base 8 has channel grooves 15 and 16 extending in the longitudinal direction 4.1 of the housing to form the channels 13 and 14. Channel groove 15 is shown in the closed state with reference to Fig. 2, while channel groove 16 is shown in the open state. However, both channel grooves 15 and 16 are intended to be closed with a strip-shaped cover 17 in the form of steel sheet strips. The heat pipe pairs 11 and 12 are bonded to the cover on the cover side using a thermally conductive adhesive. The present figure shows channel groove 15 closed with the strip-shaped cover 17. The heat pipe pair 11 is connected to the cover 17 using a thermally conductive adhesive.

[0057] The channel grooves 15, 16 can be formed, for example, by milling. Alternatively, the channel grooves 12 can be formed by deformation of the base body 7, for example, by bending, punching, and / or the like. Alternatively, the housing base 8 can be formed as an extruded part and provide the channel grooves 15, 16 in one piece. In the illustrated embodiment, the strip-shaped cover 17 serves to cover the channel groove 15. This is achieved structurally by equipping each channel groove 15, 16 with longitudinally extending, opposing grooves 18 on the groove opening side. In the final assembly state, the strip-shaped cover 17 is inserted into the grooves 18.

[0058] The large side 19 of the housing base 8 facing the lithium cells 3 is flat, so that the lithium cells 3 rest fully on this large side 19.1 in the fully assembled state. Since the channel grooves 15, 16 are formed on the large side 19.2 facing away from the lithium cells 3, the large side 19.1 facing the lithium cells 3 has an uninterrupted design, which allows for optimized heat transfer from the lithium cells 3 to the base body 7 and from there to the heat pipe pairs 11, 12.

[0059] Furthermore, fluid channels 20 extending in the longitudinal direction 4.1 of the housing base 8 of the main body 7 are integrated into the housing base. In the intended use, the fluid channels 20 serve as a cooling channel system through which a coolant, which may be water, for example, is guided.

[0060] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, a total of four fluid channels 20 are integrated into the housing base 8 of the base body 7. Two fluid channels 20 are spatially assigned to each channel 13, 14. Furthermore, a transverse fluid channel (not shown) is integrated into the housing base 8, which fluidically connects at least some of the fluid channels 20.

[0061] The fluid channel system is connected via the open end faces of the fluid channels 20 to fluid inlet and outlet connections not shown.

[0062] Figures 3 and 4 show the lithium cell module 1 in cross-section. It can be seen that the two channels 13, 14, as well as the associated heat pipe pairs 11, 12, are spaced apart from each other in the housing width direction 4.2. The channel grooves 15, 16 are closed with corresponding covers 17 in the form of sheet steel strips. For this purpose, the covers 17 are each inserted into the groove-like receiving slots 18 formed opposite each other in each channel groove 15, 16. In cross-section, the channel grooves 15, 16 have a central recess and a shoulder on each side adjoining the recess in the housing width direction 4.2. The respective shoulder forms the groove-like receiving slots 18 on the opposite side of the recess. The respective heat pipe pair 11, 12 is arranged in the corresponding recess. The recess primarily serves as a centering aid for the heat pipe pair 11, 12 in the channel groove 15, 16.

[0063] Channel 13, with the heat pipe pair 11 arranged therein, is aligned with cell row 5 on a common vertical axis 22 in the housing height direction 4.3. Channel 13, the heat pipe pair 11 arranged therein, and cell row 5 are each centered with respect to the vertical axis 22 in the housing width direction 4.2. The two cooling channels 20 associated with channel 13 are spaced apart on opposite sides of the vertical axis 22. The vertical axis 22 forms an axis of symmetry with respect to these two cooling channels 20.

[0064] Channel 14, with the heat pipe pair 12 arranged therein, is aligned with cell row 6 on a common vertical axis 23 in the housing height direction 4.3. Channel 14, the heat pipe pair 12 arranged therein, and cell row 6 are each centered with respect to the vertical axis 23 in the housing width direction 4.2. The two cooling channels 20 associated with channel 14 are spaced apart on opposite sides of the vertical axis 23. The vertical axis 23 forms an axis of symmetry with respect to these two cooling channels 20.

[0065] The two fluid channels 20 spatially assigned to each channel 13, 14 form a fluid channel pair 21.

[0066] The fluid channels 20 are fully integrated into the housing body section forming the housing base 8. In each radial direction, they are completely sealed off by the housing body 7. Reference numeral

[0067] 1 lithium cell module

[0068] 2 cases

[0069] 3 Lithium cells 4.1 Housing longitudinal direction

[0070] 4.2 Housing width direction

[0071] 4.3 Housing height direction

[0072] 5 cell row

[0073] 6 cell rows 7 basic body

[0074] 8 Case base

[0075] 9 side walls

[0076] 10.1 Heatpipe

[0077] 10.2 Heatpipe 10.3 Heatpipe

[0078] 10.4 Heatpipe

[0079] 11 heatpipe pairs

[0080] 12 heatpipe pairs, 13 channels

[0081] 14-channel

[0082] 15 channel groove

[0083] 16 Channel groove 17 Strip-shaped cover

[0084] 18 recording slots

[0085] 19.1 Large page

[0086] 19.2 Large page

[0087] 20 fluid channel 21 fluid channel pair

[0088] 22 Height axis

[0089] 23 Height axis

Claims

Patent claims 1. Lithium cell module (1) with a housing (2) and a plurality of lithium cells (3) arranged in series (5, 6) one behind the other in the longitudinal direction (4) of the housing within the housing (2), wherein the housing (2) has a base body (7) with a U-shaped cross-section, which provides a housing bottom (8) and two side walls (9) arranged thereon, characterized by at least one heat pipe (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4) extending in the longitudinal direction (4.1) of the housing, with which the housing (2), in particular the housing bottom (8), is equipped.

2. Lithium cell module according to claim 1, characterized in that a further heat pipe (10.1 , 10.2, 10.3, 10.4) extending in the longitudinal direction (4.1) of the housing is provided, with which the housing (2), in particular the housing base (8), is equipped.

3. Lithium cell module according to claim 2, characterized in that the two heat pipes (10.1 , 10.2, 10.3, 10.4) form a heat pipe pair (11, 12) wherein they are spaced apart from each other in the housing width direction (4.2).

4. Lithium cell module according to claim 3, characterized by a further single heat pipe (10.1 , 10.2, 10.3, 10.4) extending in the longitudinal direction (4.1) of the housing or a further pair of heat pipes (11, 12) extending in the longitudinal direction (4.1) of the housing, with which the housing (2), in particular the housing base (8), is equipped.

5. Lithium cell module according to claim 4, characterized in that the further heat pipe pair (12) is arranged spaced apart from the first heat pipe pair (11) in the housing width direction.

6. Lithium cell module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing base (8) has at least one channel (13, 14) extending in the longitudinal direction (4.1) of the housing for receiving the provides heatpipe (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4) or of the heatpipe pair (11, 12).

7. Lithium cell module claim 6, characterized in that the at least one channel (13, 14) has a channel groove (15, 16) with a U-shaped cross-section, into which the at least one heat pipe (10.1 , 10.2, 10.3, 10.4) and / or the at least one heat pipe pair (11 , 12) engages at least partially.

8. Lithium cell module according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least one heat pipe (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4) and / or the at least one heat pipe pair (11 , 12) is attached to the housing base (8) within the channel groove (15, 16) by means of a thermally conductive adhesive.

9. Lithium cell module according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the at least one channel (13, 14) has a strip-shaped cover (17) which closes an open longitudinal side of the channel groove (15, 16).

10. Lithium cell module according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one channel (13, 14) has groove-shaped receiving slots into which the cover (17) is inserted in the longitudinal direction of the housing base (8).

11. Lithium cell module according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the cover (16) is made of sheet steel.

12. Lithium cell module according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the base body (7) is a bent sheet metal part.

13. Lithium cell module according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the base body (7) is an extruded profile.

14. Lithium cell module according to claim 1, characterized in that two channels (13, 14) are formed in the base (8) of the housing (2) diverging from each other in the housing width direction (4.2), each channel (13, 14) having a channel groove (15, 16) extending in the housing longitudinal direction (4.1), wherein two heat pipe pairs (11, 12) are provided, each of which a heatpipe pair (11, 12) is arranged in a channel groove (15, 16) of a channel (13, 14), wherein a heatpipe pair (11, 12) is formed from two heatpipes (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4) which are aligned parallel to each other and are in direct contact with each other along their longitudinal extent, wherein the heatpipe pairs (11, 12) within the respective channel groove (15, 16) with the The housing base (8) is bonded by means of a thermally conductive adhesive, wherein both channels (13, 14) each provide groove-shaped receiving slots (18) into which a strip-shaped cover (17) is inserted, wherein the respective cover (17) is made of sheet steel and each closes an open longitudinal side of the respective channel groove (15, 16).

15. Lithium cell module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one fluid channel (20) extending in the longitudinal direction (4) of the housing base (8) is additionally integrated.

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