DE102018200608A1 - Cell module for a battery system - Google Patents

Abstract

Cell module (10) for a battery system, comprising:
at least two single cells (20), which are electrically interconnected to provide a module voltage of the cell module (10),
- at least one electric heating mat (30) for heating the single cells (20), wherein the heating mat (30) in the cell module (10) is integrated, and is electrically connected to at least one of the individual cells (20) to provide a power supply of the heating mat (30 ) via the module voltage.

Description

The present invention relates to a cell module for a battery system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a battery system with at least two cell modules.

It is known from the prior art that in cell modules for a battery system heating of the individual cells can be carried out by an external heat supply.

In the DE 10 2013 015 757 A1 a cell block for a battery having a plurality of electrically connected in series and / or parallel individual cells and at least one arranged on the cell block temperature control is disclosed.

In the DE 10 2005 022 204 B4 a method for heating a battery in a vehicle with a battery heater is disclosed.

The DE 10 2015 010 983 A1 discloses a battery having a plurality of individual cells or cell blocks interconnected electrically in parallel with one another and a base temperature control device for the basic temperature control of all individual cells.

A disadvantage of the known solutions is often that a complex interconnection and an increased space requirement is necessary to heat the heating z. B. provide over heaters. It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to reduce the complexity of the cell module necessary to provide the heating.

The above object is achieved by a cell module with the features of claim 1 and by a battery system with the features of claim 10. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the respective dependent claims, the description and the drawings. In this case, features and details that are described in connection with the cell module according to the invention apply, of course, also in connection with the battery system according to the invention, and in each case vice versa, so that with respect to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention is always reciprocally referred to or can be.

• - wenigstens zwei Einzelzellen, vorzugsweise Pouch-Zellen, welche elektrisch miteinander verschaltet sind, um eine (elektrische) Modulspannung des Zellmoduls bereitzustellen,
• - wenigstens eine elektrische Heizmatte zum Erwärmen der Einzelzellen.

The object is achieved in particular by a cell module for a battery system, in particular for a vehicle, comprising:

• at least two individual cells, preferably pouch cells, which are electrically connected to one another in order to provide a (electrical) module voltage of the cell module,
• - At least one electric heating mat for heating the individual cells.

In this case, provision is made in particular for the at least one heating mat to be integrated in the cell module and to be electrically connected to at least one of the individual cells in order to supply the at least one heating mat with energy via the module voltage (ie possibly also at least part of the module voltage, eg. only via the voltage of the at least one connected single cell). This has the advantage that the operation of the heating mat can be made possible independently of external voltage sources, that is to say, it can preferably be provided completely by the cell module. In this way, the Verschaltungsaufwand and the complexity of the cell module is significantly reduced.

In this case, it is in particular also a further advantage that an improved operation of the cell module is possible by the heating by means of the at least one heating mat. This is primarily due to the fact that due to the influence of the electrolyte on the internal resistance, the internal resistance at low temperatures deteriorates. This effect has an effect on the performance of the cells and thus also on the performance of a vehicle in which the cell module can possibly be used.

A heating mat can advantageously at least one heating element, for. B. at least one heating wire or the like, which is electrically operated for heating. The heating mat is characterized in particular by a flat shape, and thus preferably has a much larger (eg at least 10 times or at least 100 times) extent in the longitudinal and width direction than in the depth. Under a heating mat is possibly also understood a heating foil, which is flexibly deformed and / or bendable configured. Due to the electrical current flow through the heating element, which is made possible by means of the energy supply of the heating mat, it can come to a heat radiation. This can be suitable for heating the individual cells of the cell module and thus optimizing the operation of the individual cells. The decisive factor here is that the heating mat is operated primarily and specifically for heating the individual cells, so it is not just a parasitic heating.

For example, it can be provided that the power supply of the at least one heating mat is provided exclusively via the module voltage, ie a self-sufficient Power supply of the heating mat in the sense of a self-powered system is used, preferably for this purpose at least a portion of the module voltage of the heating mat is supplied, wherein preferably the module voltage is provided by the individual cells and / or via an electrical connection of the cell module. The connection, preferably a high-voltage connection, z. B. for tapping the cell voltage of the individual cells, so the module voltage, and / or used to charge the individual cells. For this purpose, the connection is formed in particular on the outside of the cell module, that is to say made contactable from outside the cell module. For example. serves the connection for electrical connection with other cell modules in a battery system and / or for connection to a vehicle electronics and / or an electrical system. To provide the connection, for example, at least one or two terminals can be fastened to a housing of the cell module. Via electrical conductors in the housing, the connection can be connected internally to the individual cells and / or the heating mat. This has the advantage that no additional external connections for providing the power supply of the heating mat must be provided.

For the energy supply of at least one heating mat, this z. B. have an electrical supply connection, which is connected via an electrical conductor, such as at least one conductor, a cable or the like, electrically connected to at least one voltage tap at least one of the individual cells. Since the voltages of the individual cells together can form the module voltage, in this way at least part of the module voltage for the power supply of the heating mat can be tapped off. This has the advantage that the energy supply can be provided internally, that is, a dedicated external power supply for the heating mat can be dispensed with. In other words, it is not necessary for a separate heating mat connection to be used for power supply for commissioning the at least one heating mat. So it is possible that the heating mat is operated "self-sufficient" by the cell module. In this way, the cell module can be provided as a closed system. In addition, it may be provided that the module voltage is also supplied externally, in particular via high-voltage connections of the cell module. However, this is not a dedicated power supply for the heating mat, but an external provision of the module voltage. This externally provided module voltage is primarily used primarily to provide the individual cells with electricity, z. B. to charge. Only secondarily, this module voltage in this case also serves to supply energy to the at least one heating mat. With fully charged individual cells, the module voltage and thus also the power supply of the at least one heating mat can also be provided exclusively internally by the individual cells.

Furthermore, it can be provided in the cell module according to the invention that at least one conductor element is provided, which has electronics of the cell module and the at least one heating mat. As a conductor element z. B. a (in particular flexible) board or circuit or a composite thereof or the like understood. The conductor element has the at least one heating mat z. B. such that at least part of the components of the heating mat is formed by electrical conductors of the conductor element. For example. For example, the conductor element may comprise heating wires of the at least one heating mat. This has the advantage that a space-saving and cost-effective integration of the heating mat in the cell module is possible.

Advantageously, it is provided that the individual cells are interconnected in parallel or in series, and thus provide the module voltage (eg, depending on the circuit, as the sum of the voltages at the individual cells or according to the voltage of a single cell). For this purpose, at least one module voltage tap this interconnection of the individual cells may be provided, for. B. via at least one electrically conductive connection of respective terminals of the individual cells. In order to provide the at least one heating mat with energy, so as to enable a heating operation of the heating mat, at least one of the individual cells can provide a power supply for the heating mat. In other words, the power supply can be provided via the module voltage, that is to say the voltages of the individual cells. It is advantageous if the proportion of the module voltage, which is used for energy supply, is adapted to a specification of the heating mat (ie in particular to the energy requirement). For this purpose, a corresponding circuit of the cell module can be used, which can be provided at least partially by an electronic and / or conductor element, for example a voltage divider or the like.

It is also advantageous if the conductor element is designed as a flexible printed circuit board, and preferably at least a portion of the heating mat, in particular at least one component of the heating mat, on a support element (the conductor element) is printed. For this purpose, it is possible, for example, for heating ink, in particular PTC heating ink, to be printed on the printed circuit board or on the carrier element in order to provide a heating element (PTC stands for "positive temperature coefficient"). This provides the advantage that the heating mat can be accommodated in the cell module to save space.

The conductor element may, for example, as at least one printed circuit board, in particular flexible PCB, be executed. A flexible printed circuit board is understood in particular to be an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit), that is to say an arrangement with printed electrical conductor tracks and / or circuits which are preferably formed on a flexible base material. This has the advantage that the printed circuit board can be designed to be flexible, and thus, if necessary, can also be brought into different shapes and geometries (for example, wound or bent). The interconnects and circuits can be z. B. be printed with an electrically conductive paint on the base material. The base material is z. B. as a carrier element, in particular carrier film, running, and preferably made of polyimide and / or polyester. The conductor element can have a maximum thickness of 10 micrometers and / or a maximum bending radius of 1 mm.

Furthermore, it is optionally possible within the scope of the invention for the conductor element to be arranged between the individual cells, that is to say for the conductor element to be arranged between the individual cells. H. between at least two individual cells of the cell module, and in particular between all adjacent individual cells of the cell module. In this case, the conductor element may have a bend, so that the shape of the conductor element is adapted to the arrangement of the individual cells in the cell module. The conductor element may, for. B. at least partially guided around the individual cells and / or wound and / or wound and / or serpentine in the cell module to advantageously so as to save space. Furthermore, energy efficiency can be improved by arranging directly on the individual cells since the heat does not have to be transported to the cells over several layers of material.

Further, it is optionally possible that the conductor element and / or the heating mat are integrally formed, and / or only a single conductor element and / or only a single heating mat are provided in a cell module. It is advantageous if exactly one conductor element and / or exactly one heating mat is provided in a cell module, since this can be arranged due to the flexibility or flexibility between many or all individual cells, so no further conductor elements or heating mats for a comprehensive and large-scale heating are necessary. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of conductor elements and / or heating mats may be provided, which are each - in particular sandwiched - arranged between individual cells.

Preferably, it can be provided that the conductor element is designed as a flat conductor with a flexible carrier film as a carrier element, and is preferably designed as a flexible printed circuit. This enables flexible and adaptable integration in the cell module.

A further advantage within the scope of the invention can be achieved if an electronics of the cell module has at least one electronic switch element which electrically connects the at least one heating mat to the at least one individual cell in order to switch the energy supply of the heating mat, wherein preferably the switch element is connected externally via a connection (eg a pin) can be activated. Alternatively or additionally, the electronics of the cell module may include a temperature sensor to detect the temperature in the cell module and / or the individual cells. In this way, the heating of the individual cells via the at least one heating mat can be regulated particularly advantageous, for. B. automated via an electronic control and / or regulating unit. For example. the detected temperature is evaluated by the control and / or regulating unit in order to control the switch element in dependence thereon. The switching element, such as a transistor or relay or the like, controls z. B. a flow of current to the at least one heating mat to control the heating and thus act on the temperature of the individual cells.

In a further possibility, it may be provided that the at least one heating mat is arranged in each case between each pair of adjacent individual cells, and preferably directly contacts the respective individual cells, wherein preferably at least four or at least eight or at least ten individual cells are integrated in the cell module. This allows a particularly efficient heating, in particular by a sandwich-like arrangement of the heating mat.

Optionally, it is provided in embodiments of the cell module according to the invention that an electrical connection, in particular high-voltage connection, is arranged for electrical connection to an external electrical system on a housing of the cell module, whereby the module voltage can be externally provided and / or influenced. The external electrical system is z. As a vehicle electronics or a component of a vehicle electrical system, in particular high-voltage vehicle electrical system, the vehicle and / or a voltage source or a battery management system or the like.

• - wenigstens zwei Einzelzellen, welche elektrisch miteinander verschaltet sind, um eine Modulspannung des Zellmoduls bereitzustellen,
• - wenigstens eine elektrische Heizmatte zum Erwärmen der Einzelzellen.

Likewise provided by the invention is a battery system for a vehicle having at least two cell modules, preferably cell modules according to the invention, each comprising:

• at least two individual cells, which are electrically interconnected to provide a module voltage of the cell module,
• - At least one electric heating mat for heating the individual cells.

It is provided that the heating mat is integrated in the cell module, and is electrically connected to at least one of the individual cells to provide the power supply of the heating mat on the voltage of this at least one single cell, so on the module voltage. Thus, the battery system according to the invention brings the same advantages as have been described in detail with reference to a cell module according to the invention. The battery system and the individual cells can be designed to be rechargeable, and thus z. B. form a rechargeable energy storage (accumulator) for a vehicle.

The vehicle is, for example, designed as a trackless land vehicle, preferably with a high-voltage electrical system and / or an electric motor. In particular, the vehicle is designed as a passenger vehicle and / or electric vehicle and / or hybrid vehicle. Preferably, in embodiments of electric vehicles, no internal combustion engine is provided in the vehicle, it is then driven exclusively by electrical energy.

• 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Zellmoduls,
• 2 eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Zellmoduls,
• 3 eine Explosionsdarstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Zellmoduls,
• 4 eine weitere Explosionsdarstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Zellmoduls,
• 5 eine Elektronik des Zellmoduls.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description in which, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of the invention are described in detail. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may each be essential to the invention individually or in any desired combination. Each show schematically:

• 1 a perspective view of a cell module according to the invention,
• 2 another perspective view of a cell module according to the invention,
• 3 an exploded view of a cell module according to the invention,
• 4 a further exploded view of a cell module according to the invention,
• 5 an electronics of the cell module.

In the following figures, the identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features of different embodiments.

In 1 schematically is a cell module according to the invention 10 shown in which a housing 40 of the cell module 10 can be seen in the assembled state. Not visible from the outside is at least one heating mat 30 , which is used to heat single cells 20 of the cell module 10 serves. Thus, the at least one heating mat 30 completely in the cell module 10 integrated. The housing 40 has at least one front end plate 41 , a floor 42 and at least one sidewall 43 on. On each of these housing elements 41 . 42 . 43 If necessary, a heating mat 30 be provided. This allows one to the arrangement of the individual cells 20 adapted heating with high heating efficiency.

Next is recognizable that a connection 50 , that is a terminal of the cell module 10 , on the housing 40 is arranged. This allows an electrically conductive connection to the single cells 20 manufacture and thereby tap the module voltage.

A particular advantage results from the fact that this module voltage also for supplying energy to the at least one heating mat 30 is being used. Thus, there is no further external connection for the power supply of the heating mat 30 necessary.

In 2 you can see that the heating mat 30 large area on one side of the housing (eg a housing element 41 . 42 . 43 ), in particular completely or predominantly or at least 90% of this housing side or on this housing element 41 . 42 . 43 extends. This can cause the heating mat 30 according to 2 at the top or (alternatively or additionally) according to 3 on the ground 42 of the housing 40 extend to the most efficient heating of the individual cells 20 provide.

According to 3 can be seen from the schematic diagram shown therein that the heating mat 30 in a ladder element 60 , z. B. a flexible circuit board, can be integrated. This can be in addition to the components of the heating mat 30 also strip conductors and / or electronics 61 of the cell module 10 respectively. The Electronic 61 is in 5 by way of example with a switch element 63 and a temperature sensor 64 shown. Furthermore, it can be seen that the circuit board as a base material is a carrier element 62 may have, which is designed in particular flexible and flexible.

An advantage of the flexible design of the carrier element 62 and thus also the heating mat 30 is based 4 clear. So the heating mat can 30 flexible and even between the individual cells 20 be laid and / or wound in order to save space, the heat to the individual cells 20 transferred to. Also, it may be possible that multiple heating mats 30 are provided, which are optionally formed separately and / or spaced from each other. Thus, for example, at least two or at least three or at least 5 heating mats 30 or at least one heating mat 30 per single cell 20 be provided. Pictured is in 4 by way of example a first heating mat 31 and a second heating mat 32 as well as an nth heating mat 34 where n can be any positive integer. Alternatively or In addition, a heating mat can also be used 30 in the region of a housing element 44 be arranged.

The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention solely by way of example. Of course, individual features of the embodiments, if technically feasible, can be combined freely with one another, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

cell module

20

single cell

30

heating mat

31

first heating mat

32

second heating mat

34

nth heating mat

40

casing

41

endplate

42

ground

43

Side wall

44

another housing element

50

Connection, terminal

60

Conductor element, flexible printed circuit board

61

electronics

62

support element

63

switching element

64

temperature sensor

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102013015757 A1 [0003]
• DE 102005022204 B4 [0004]
• DE 102015010983 A1 [0005]

Claims (10)

Cell module (10) for a battery system, comprising: at least two individual cells (20), which are electrically interconnected to provide a module voltage of the cell module (10), - at least one electric heating mat (30) for heating the single cells (20), wherein the heating mat (30) in the cell module (10) is integrated, and is electrically connected to at least one of the individual cells (20) to provide a power supply of the heating mat (30 ) via the module voltage. Cell module (10) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the power supply of the at least one heating mat (30) is provided exclusively via the module voltage, for which purpose at least a part of the module voltage of the heating mat (30) is supplied, wherein the module voltage through the individual cells (20) and / or via a electrical connection (50) of the cell module (10) is provided. Cell module (10) after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that at least one conductor element (60) is provided, which has an electronics (61) of the cell module (10) and the at least one heating mat (30). Cell module (10) after Claim 3 , characterized in that the conductor element (60) is designed as a flexible printed circuit board, and at least one component of the heating mat (30) is printed on a carrier element (62) of the printed circuit board. Cell module (10) after Claim 3 or 4 , characterized in that the conductor element (60) between the individual cells (20) is arranged, and having a bend, so that the shape of the conductor element (60) is adapted to the arrangement of the individual cells (20) in the cell module (10). Cell module (10) according to one of Claims 3 to 5 , characterized in that the conductor element (60) is designed as a flat conductor with a flexible carrier film as a carrier element (62), and is preferably designed as a flexible printed circuit. Cell module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an electronics (61) of the cell module (10) has at least one electronic switch element (63) which electrically connects the at least one heating mat (30) to the at least one individual cell (20). connects to switch the power supply of the heating mat (30), wherein preferably the switch element (63) externally via a connection (50) is designed to be activated. Cell module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one heating mat (30) between each pair of adjacent individual cells (20) is arranged, and preferably the respective individual cells (20) contacted directly, preferably at least four or at least eight or at least 10 individual cells (20) are integrated in the cell module (10). Cell module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an electrical high-voltage connection for electrical connection to an external electrical system is provided on a housing (40) of the cell module (10), whereby the module voltage can be externally provided and / or influenced , Battery system for a vehicle having at least two cell modules (10), each comprising: at least two individual cells (20), which are electrically interconnected to provide a module voltage of the cell module (10), - At least one electric heating mat (30) for heating the single cells (20), wherein the heating mat (30) in the cell module (10) is integrated, and is electrically connected to at least one of the individual cells (20) to the power supply of the heating mat (30 ) via the module voltage.

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