SEPARATING DEVICE FOR A BATTERY MODULE, BATTERY MODULE, AND MOTOR VEHICLE

Abstract

A separating device for a battery module. The separating device includes a first separating element and a second separating element, which are arranged congruently with respect to one another and adjacent one another. Furthermore, the first separating element and the second separating element enclose a chamber between them, and the chamber is filled with a flame-retarding and/or insulating fluid.

Claims

1. A separating device for a battery module comprising: a first separating element and a second separating element, which are arranged congruently with respect to one another and adjacent one another, wherein the first separating element and the second separating element enclose a chamber between them, wherein the chamber is filled with a flame-retarding and/or insulating fluid.

2. The separating device according to claim 1, wherein the flame-retarding and/or insulating fluid is formed as a gas, which particularly includes carbon dioxide or halogen or monoammonium phosphate, or is formed as a fluid or as an additive.

3. The separating device according to claim 1, wherein the separating device has a third separating element which is arranged between the first separating element and the second separating element, wherein the third separating element is formed as a fabric board or fiberboard.

4. The separating device according to claim 1, wherein the separating device has at least one opening, preferably a burst opening, by which the flame-retarding and/or insulating fluid can be removed from the chamber, particularly when a temperature and/or a pressure in the chamber reaches a predetermined value.

5. The separating device according to claim 1, wherein the first separating element and the second separating element have embossments corresponding to one another for forming the chamber, wherein the embossments of the first separating element extend away from the second separating element and the embossments of the second separating element extend away from the first separating element, wherein the embossments of the first separating element and of the second separating element are arranged opposite one another.

6. The separating device according to claim 5, wherein the chamber is divided into several chamber regions, which are formed by the embossments of the first separating element and of the second separating element.

7. The separating device according to claim 1, wherein the first separating element and the second separating element are formed from a heat-conducting material, wherein the first separating element and the second separating element are formed from steel as the heat-conducting material.

8. A battery module comprising: several battery cells and at least one separating device including: a first separating element and a second separating element, which are arranged congruently with respect to one another and adjacent one another, wherein the first separating element and the second separating element enclose a chamber between them, wherein the chamber is filled with a flame-retarding and/or insulating fluid wherein the at least one separating device is arranged between two adjacent battery cells.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein the battery module has a heat-dissipation device, which particularly comprises a thermally conductive paste and/or a cooling element, wherein the battery cells and the separating device are arranged on the heat-dissipation device in a vertical direction of the battery module.

10. A motor vehicle having a battery module according to claim 8.

11. The separating device according to claim 2, wherein the separating device has a third separating element which is arranged between the first separating element and the second separating element, wherein the third separating element is formed as a fabric board or fiberboard.

12. The separating device according to claim 2, wherein the separating device has at least one opening, preferably a burst opening, by which the flame-retarding and/or insulating fluid can be removed from the chamber, particularly when a temperature and/or a pressure in the chamber reaches a predetermined value.

13. The separating device according to claim 3, wherein the separating device has at least one opening, preferably a burst opening, by which the flame-retarding and/or insulating fluid can be removed from the chamber, particularly when a temperature and/or a pressure in the chamber reaches a predetermined value.

14. The separating device according to claim 2, wherein the first separating element and the second separating element have embossments corresponding to one another for forming the chamber, wherein the embossments of the first separating element extend away from the second separating element and the embossments of the second separating element extend away from the first separating element, wherein the embossments of the first separating element and of the second separating element are arranged opposite one another.

15. The separating device according to claim 3, wherein the first separating element and the second separating element have embossments corresponding to one another for forming the chamber, wherein the embossments of the first separating element extend away from the second separating element and the embossments of the second separating element extend away from the first separating element, wherein the embossments of the first separating element and of the second separating element are arranged opposite one another.

16. The separating device according to claim 4, wherein the first separating element and the second separating element have embossments corresponding to one another for forming the chamber, wherein the embossments of the first separating element extend away from the second separating element and the embossments of the second separating element extend away from the first separating element, wherein the embossments of the first separating element and of the second separating element are arranged opposite one another.

17. The separating device according to claim 2, wherein the first separating element and the second separating element are formed from a heat-conducting material, wherein the first separating element and the second separating element are formed from steel as the heat-conducting material.

18. The separating device according to claim 3, wherein the first separating element and the second separating element are formed from a heat-conducting material, wherein the first separating element and the second separating element are formed from steel as the heat-conducting material.

19. The separating device according to claim 4, wherein the first separating element and the second separating element are formed from a heat-conducting material, wherein the first separating element and the second separating element are formed from steel as the heat-conducting material.

20. The separating device according to claim 5, wherein the first separating element and the second separating element are formed from a heat-conducting material, wherein the first separating element and the second separating element are formed from steel as the heat-conducting material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0032] Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are described in the following. The following is shown:

[0033] FIG. 1 a schematic representation of a separating device with a first separating element and a second separating element with embossments which have a rectangular contour, in a perspective view;

[0034] FIG. 2 a schematic representation of a separating device with a first separating element and a second separating element with embossments which have an oval contour, in a perspective view;

[0035] FIG. 3 a schematic representation of one half of the separating device from FIG. 1 in a sectional representation, in a perspective view;

[0036] FIG. 4 a schematic representation of two halves of two adjacent battery cells of a battery module with the separating device from FIG. 1 between the adjacent battery cells in a sectional representation, in a perspective view;

[0037] FIG. 5 a schematic representation of the two adjacent battery cells with the separating device from FIG. 4 arranged in between in a front view and a heat-dissipation device for dissipating heat from the battery cells to the heat-dissipation device, via the separating device;

[0038] FIG. 6 a schematic representation of the two adjacent battery cells with the separating device from FIG. 4 arranged in between in a front view and an application of force from the battery cells to the separating device; and

[0039] FIG. 7 a schematic representation of the two adjacent battery cells with the separating device from FIG. 4 arranged in between in a front view and a fluid exiting from the separating device via an opening upon an application of heat from the battery cells to the separating device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The exemplary embodiments explained in the following refer to preferred embodiments of the disclosure. With the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments represent individual features to be considered independently of one another, which also further embody the disclosure independently of one another. Thus, the disclosure should also comprise combinations of the features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented through further described features of the disclosure.

[0041] The same reference numerals refer to equivalent features and functions in the figures.

[0042] FIG. 1 shows a separating device 10 for a battery module (not shown in FIG. 1) in a perspective view. FIG. 2 shows an alternative design of the separating device 10′. FIG. 3 shows the separating device 10 from FIG. 1 in a sectional view. The structure and the designs of separating device 10 as well as separating device 10′ will be explained in greater detail in the following as relates to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3.

[0043] The separating device 10 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 has a first separating element 12 and a second separating element 14. Because only one side of the separating device 10 is shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 1 shows the first separating element 12. The first separating element 12 and the second separating element 14 are identical or formed to correspond to one another. In particular, the first separating element 12 and the second separating element 14 have the same geometry and/or dimensions. The first separating element 12 and the second separating element 14 have a rectangular shape. In particular, the first separating element 12 and the second separating element 14 are formed as rectangular plates. The first separating element 12 and the second separating element 14 are arranged adjacent one another. In this case, the first separating element 12 and the second separating element 14 are arranged adjacent one another such that they have at least partial contact. Furthermore, the first separating element 12 and the second separating element 14 are arranged congruently with one another, overlap, or cover each other thus completely. The first separating element 12 and the second separating element 14 are connected to one another with positive-locking, particularly welded, on an edge region or on the circumferential edge. For example, the first separating element 12 and the second separating element 14 can be connected by means of laser welding. The connection is indicated by the hatched area and/or line which extends on the edge of the separating device.

[0044] Furthermore, the first separating element 12 and the second separating element 14 are formed from a heat-conducting material. For example, the first separating element 12 and the second separating element 14 are formed from steel. Especially preferably, the first separating element 12 and the second separating element 14 are formed as steel sheets which particularly have a predetermined thickness.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, a chamber 16 is formed between the first separating element 12 and the second separating element 14. The first separating element 12 and the second separating element 14 are arranged at a predetermined distance apart from one another in the region of the chamber 16. In particular, the first separating element 12 and the second separating element 14 do not have contact in the region of the chamber 16. Furthermore, the chamber 16 is divided into individual chamber regions 16a, 16b, 16c. According to the embodiment of the separating device 10 from FIG. 3, the chamber 16 is divided into three chamber regions 16a, 16b, 16c. In this case, the chamber regions 16a, 16b, 16c are connected or coupled to one another, particularly fluidly. The chamber 16 and/or the chamber regions 16a, 16b, 16c are formed by embossments 18 of the first separating element 12 and embossments 19 of the second separating element 14. The embossments 18 of the first separating element 12 and the embossments 19 of the second separating element 14 are identical to one another and are situated in the same position as relates to the plane which is spanned by the width or longitudinal direction x.sub.T and the vertical direction y.sub.T. In particular, the embossments 18 of the first separating element 12 and the embossments 19 of the second separating element 14 are arranged opposite one another. In this case, the first chamber region 16a is formed by a first embossment 18a of the first separating element 12 and a first embossment 19a of the second separating element 14, the second chamber region 16b is formed by a second embossment 18b of the first separating element 12 and a second embossment 19b of the second separating element 14, and the third chamber region 16c is formed by a third embossment 18c of the first separating element 12 and a third embossment 19c of the second separating element 14. The embossments 18 of the first separating element 12 and the embossments 19 of the second separating element 14 refer particularly to steps or recesses or impressions or notches or curves. In particular, the embossments 18 of the first separating element 12 and the embossments 19 of the second separating element 14 are formed by stamping or by deep-drawing. The respective embossments 18 of the first separating element 12 and the respective embossments 19 of the second separating element 14 are arranged on the respective separating element 12, 14 at a predetermined distance apart from one another. In particular, the embossments 18, 19 of the respective separating element 12, 14 are arranged offset or spaced apart from one another.

[0046] The first separating element 12 has a front side 20 and a back side 22 opposite the front side 20. Furthermore, the second separating element 14 also has a front side 24 and a back side 26 opposite the front side 24. In this case, the back side 22 of the first separating element 12 is facing the back side 26 of the second separating element 14. If the first separating element 12 and the second separating element 14 are arranged adjacent one another, the embossments 18 of the first separating element 12 extend away from the second separating element 14, particularly from the back side 26 of the second separating element 14. Furthermore, the embossments 19 of the second separating element 14 extend away from the first separating element 12, particularly from the back side 22 of the first separating element 12. Due to the embossments 18, 19, the first separating element 12 and the second separating element 14 have protrusions or curves on their front sides 20, 24. Because the first separating element 12 and the second separating element 14 are formed identical to one another, the embossments 18, 19 are situated at the same points.

[0047] Outside the embossments 18, 19, the first separating element 12 and the second separating element 14 are arranged closer to one another in the chamber 16 or in the region of the chamber 16 than in the remaining chamber 16.

[0048] The first separating element 12 and the second separating element 14 extend in a width or longitudinal direction x.sub.T and in a vertical direction y.sub.T. The width or longitudinal direction x.sub.T and the vertical direction y.sub.T span one plane between them. The separating device 10 is shown in a sectional view or halved in FIG. 3. In this case, the cross-section extends perpendicular as relates to the plane which is spanned between the width or longitudinal direction x-r and the vertical direction y.sub.T. In this case, the embossments 18 of the first separating element 12 and the embossments 19 of the second separating element 14 have a U shape in the cross-section. Furthermore, the embossments 18 of the first separating element 12 and the embossments 19 of the second separating element 14 have a rectangular contour as relates to the plane which is spanned between the width or longitudinal direction x.sub.T and the vertical direction y.sub.T. The first embossment 18a of the first separating element 12 and the first embossment 19a of the second separating element 14 and the second embossment 18b of the first separating element 12 and the second embossment 19b of the second separating element 14 preferably form a loop or track which has a rectangular shape or contour. The first chamber region 16a and the second chamber region 16b are shaped like a channel due to the U shape of the first embossments 18a, 19a and the second embossments 18b, 19b in the cross-section. The first chamber region 16a and the second chamber region 16b extend about the third chamber region 16c. The third chamber region 16c is formed by the third embossment 18c of the first separating element 12, and the third embossment 19c of the second separating element 14 is formed as a cuboid cavity.

[0049] The embossments 18, 19 of the first separating element 12 and of the second separating element 14 are arranged centrally on the first separating element 12 and on the second separating element 14. Accordingly, the chamber 16 is arranged centrally or centrically between the first separating element 12 and the second separating element 14. In this case, the remaining first separating element 12 and the remaining second separating element 14 form an edge or a frame outside the chamber 16.

[0050] FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the separating device 10′. In this case, the separating device 10′ is formed and/or constructed with a first separating element 12′ and a second separating element as relates to the arrangement thereof as well as the dimensions and the manner in which the first separating element 12′ and the second separating element are connected, similar to the separating device 10 in the figures FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, which is why reference is made at this juncture to the statements regarding FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. The separating device 10′ is also only shown in a front view with the front side 20′ of the first separating element in FIG. 2, whereby only the first separating element 12′ can be seen.

[0051] Separating device 10′ and separating device 10 differ in the shape and/or the contour of the embossments 18′ of the first separating element 12′ and the embossments of the second separating element (not shown in FIG. 2). In this case, the embossments 18′ of the first separating element 12 and the embossments of the second separating element have a U shape in the cross-section, the same as with separating device 10. Furthermore, the embossments 18′ of the first separating element 12 and the embossments of the second separating element have an oval contour as relates to the plane which is spanned between the width or longitudinal direction x.sub.T and the vertical direction y.sub.T. In contrast to the embossments 18 of the first separating element 12 and the embossments 19 of the second separating element 14, the first separating element 12′ and the second separating element each have two embossments—a first embossment 18a′ of the first separating element and a first embossment of the second separating element and a second embossment 18b′ of the first separating element and a second embossment of the second separating element. The first embossment 18a′ of the first separating element 12 and the first embossment of the second separating element preferably form a loop or track which has an oval shape or contour. The first chamber region is formed in the shape of a channel due to the U shape of the first embossments of the first separating element 12′ and of the second separating element in the cross-section. The first chamber region and thus the first embossments of the first separating element 12′ and of the second separating element extend about the second chamber region and thus about the second embossments of the first separating element 12′ and of the second separating element. The second chamber region, which is formed by the second embossments of the first separating element 12′ and of the second separating element, is formed as a cavity, particularly with an oval contour.

[0052] As with the embodiment in FIG. 1, the embossments 18′ of the first separating element 12′ and of the second separating element are arranged centrally on the first separating element 12′ and on the second separating element and/or arranged opposite one another. Accordingly, the chamber is arranged centrally between the first separating element 12′ and the second separating element. In this case, the remaining first separating element 12′ and the remaining second separating element form an edge or a frame outside the chamber.

[0053] FIG. 4 shows two battery cells—a first battery cell 28 and a second battery cell 30—of a battery module 27, in a perspective view. The battery module 27 may have several, preferably more than two, battery cells. The separating device 10 is arranged between the first battery cell 28 and the second battery cell 30. In this case, the first separating element 12 is at least partially adjacent the first battery cell 28, and the second separating element 14 is at least partially, i.e. completely or partially, adjacent the second battery cell 30. The first battery cell 28 and the second battery cell 30 are preferably formed prismatically or have the shape of a prism. Furthermore, an expansion or a dimension of the first separating element 12 and of the second separating element 14 is adapted to an expansion and/or dimension of the adjacent surface of the first battery cell 28 and/or of the second battery cell 30. Thus, the first battery cell 28, the separating device 10, and the second battery cell 30 are arranged sequentially next to one another, in a main extension direction x.sub.B of the battery module 27.

[0054] FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7 further show a heat-dissipation device 32 of the battery module 27. In this case, the first battery cell 28, the separating device 10, and the second battery cell 30 are arranged on the heat-dissipation devices 32. The heat-dissipation device 32 comprises a thermally conductive paste 34 and a cooling element 36 or a cooling device. The cooling element 36 can be formed, for example, as a cooling plate. In this case, the heat-dissipation device 32 of the battery module 27, particularly the cooling element 36 and the thermally conductive paste 34, and the battery cells—first battery cell 28 and second battery cell 30—are arranged adjacent each other with the separating device 10 in between, in the vertical direction y.sub.B of the battery module 27.

[0055] FIG. 5 shows an input of heat of the first battery cell 28 and the second battery cell 30 in or on the separating device 10 as well as the heat dissipation by means of the separating device 10. In the event of a propagation, i.e. an output of heat of the first battery cell 28 and of the second battery cell 30, heat is emitted from the first battery cell 28 and from the second battery cell 30 to the separating device 10, which is indicated by arrow 38. The absorbed heat is dissipated in the direction of the heat-dissipation device 32 by means of the separating device 10, which is indicated by arrow 40.

[0056] FIG. 6 shows an application of force of the first battery cell 28 and of the second battery cell 30 onto the separating device 10. In the event of an expansion of the first battery cell 28 and of the second battery cell 30, particularly in the main extension direction x.sub.B of the battery module 27, a force is applied to the separating device 10, which is indicated by arrow 42. The chamber 16 of the separating device 10 is hereby pressed together or compressed and/or the separating device 10 is deformed. The deformation of the separating device 10 is indicated by the two lines 44.

[0057] The battery module 27 with the battery cells 28, 30 heats up during the charging and discharging phase. If this temperature reaches a critical value, spontaneous combustion may result. This input of heat from the battery cells is also shown in FIG. 7, as already described regarding FIG. 5.

[0058] In order to prevent spontaneous combustion or a spread to further battery cells, the chamber 16 of the separating device 10 is filled with a fluid, which is indicated by the hatched area 46 in FIG. 7. The fluid is preferably formed as a flame-retarding or insulating fluid. “Flame-retarding” here particularly means that the fluid has a predetermined fire resistance. In this case, the fluid may be formed as a gas or as a liquid. If it is a gas for example, the gas may preferably comprise carbon dioxide or halogen or monoammonium phosphate.

[0059] If the input of heat to the separating device 10 or within the battery cells 28, 30 or within the battery module 27 is too high, for example a temperature or a pressure in the separating device 10 or in the chamber 16 of the separating device 10 or a temperature of the battery cells or of the battery module 27 reaches a predetermined value, the fluid can exit the chamber 16, as is indicated by arrow 48. To this end, the separating device 10 may have an opening or an outlet. The opening in this case is preferably formed as a burst opening. For example, the separating device 10 has a channel, on a side or region facing away from particularly the heat transfer unit 32, which connects, particularly fluidly, the chamber 16 to an environment or an outer region of the separating device 10. The channel or the opening can be closed and opened by means of a valve or a closing element as soon a predetermined, critical value is reached within the chamber 16 or the battery cells or the battery module 27.

[0060] As a whole, the examples show how a membrane separating plate can be provided by the disclosure. Cell propagation should be prevented, and “swelling forces” can simultaneously be absorbed, and heat from the battery cell can be dissipated by a separating plate—primarily made of steel. This is achieved by means of a separating plate which is a membrane composed of at least 2 layers. The membrane can be filled with various gases, whereby at least two properties, a spring stiffness and an insulation quality, can be set. The gases or fluids can be flame-retarding—for example CO2, halogen, monoammonium phosphate—or contain flame-retarding additives. The liquid or gas exits through defined “burst regions” or burst openings in the event of a cell propagation and reduces or inhibits the resulting fire damage within the battery housing. The membrane can have different stiffness levels on its surface due to the ribbing and/or embossments. The propagation behavior can be further improved by “inserting” a further layer—primarily fabric board or fiberboard—between the two layers.