Clamping device for battery cells as well as battery module, battery, battery system, vehicle and method for producing a battery module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clamping device (300) for battery cells (100), characterized by: a container that comprises a space (310) with a variable volume for receiving a fluid, the container being designed such that a battery cell (100) or a plurality of battery cells (100) can be clamped. The invention also relates to a battery module, a battery, a battery system, a vehicle and a method for producing a battery module (20; 30; 40; 50; 60).

Claims

1. A battery module comprising: a housing having opposed walls; at least two battery cells arranged between the opposed walls of the housing; and a clamping device (300) for compressing the plurality of battery cells (100), the entirety of the clamping device being positioned between the opposed walls of the housing; and the clamping device and the at least two battery cells arranged in a row between the opposed walls such that each of the at least two battery cells is compressed between the clamping device and one of the opposed walls, wherein the clamping device comprises a closed receptacle that comprises a space (310) with a variable volume containing a fluid such that the receptacle compresses the battery cells, and wherein the clamping device comprises a carrier element having an internal cavity that has a constant volume, that has an opening on one side and that forms a first part of the space with the variable volume, and wherein a flexible membrane covers the opening and is bowed away from the opening when the clamping device is in an uncompressed state so that the flexible membrane defines an internal space that forms a second part of the space with the variable volume.

2. The battery module as claimed in claim 1, wherein; the receptacle contains the fluid, or the fluid comprises a liquid, water, silicone oil, gas, inert gas, nitrogen, noble gas, argon, krypton or gel, the fluid is compressible, or the fluid is non-compressible.

3. A battery system, comprising: the battery module as claimed in claim 1.

4. A vehicle, comprising: the battery module as claimed in claim 1.

5. The battery module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible membrane (320) comprises a foil/film (330), a synthetic material film, a metallized film or a metal foil or fabric.

6. The battery module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible membrane is embodied in an electrically conductive manner.

7. The battery module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible membrane comprises an electrically conductive material, aluminum, copper or carbon.

8. The battery module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible membrane is embodied in an electrically non-conductive manner.

9. The battery module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier element comprises a metal, aluminum or a synthetic material.

10. The battery module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier element is an end plate (210).

11. The battery module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receptacle comprises a closure (395), a valve, a safety valve or an excess pressure valve.

12. The battery module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receptacle comprises a seam, adhesive seam or weld seam.

13. The battery module as claimed in claim 1, wherein both of the at least two battery cells are compressed between the clamping device and one of the opposed walls.

14. The battery module as claimed in claim 13, wherein the at least two battery cells includes a third battery cell, wherein the third battery cell is compressed between the clamping device and the other of the opposed walls.

15. The battery module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery cells are prismatic battery cells.

16. A method for producing a battery module (20; 30; 40; 50; 60), comprising: providing a housing having opposed walls, providing at least two battery cells, providing a clamping device for compressing the battery cells, the clamping device comprising a receptacle that comprises a space (310) having a variable volume for receiving a fluid and a carrier element having an internal cavity that has a constant volume, that has an opening on one side and that forms a first part of the space with the variable volume, and wherein a flexible membrane covers the opening and is bowed away from the opening when the clamping device is in an uncompressed state so that the flexible membrane defines an internal space that forms a second part of the space with the variable volume, arranging the entirety of the clamping device (300) and the at least two battery cells (100) in a row in the housing between the opposed walls, after arranging the clamping device and the at least two battery cells in the housing, filling the space of the clamping device (300) with the fluid, thereby compressing each of the at least two battery cells between the clamping device and one of the opposed walls, and thereafter closing the space of the clamping device.

17. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein: the procedure of filling the space of the clamping device (300) includes closing the receptacle.

18. The method as claimed in claim 17, furthermore comprising: closing the receptacle, and cooling or liquefying the fluid, wherein: the procedure of filling the space of the clamping device (300) includes: warming the fluid in the receptacle or allowing the re-warming of the fluid in the receptacle.

19. The method as claimed in claim 16, furthermore comprising: checking a pressure of the fluid in the receptacle, or adjusting the pressure.

20. A battery module comprising: a housing having opposed walls; at least two battery cells arranged between the opposed walls of the housing; and a clamping device (300) for compressing the plurality of battery cells (100), the clamping device and the at least two battery cells arranged in a row between the opposed walls such that each of the at least two battery cells is compressed between the clamping device and one of the opposed walls, wherein the clamping device comprises a closed receptacle defining a space (310) having a variable volume containing a fluid such that the receptacle compresses the battery cells, and wherein the space is subdivided into a multiplicity of chambers, wherein the clamping device comprises a carrier element having an internal cavity that has a constant volume, that has an opening on one side and that forms a first part of the space with the variable volume, and wherein a flexible membrane covers the opening and is bowed away from the opening when the clamping device is in an uncompressed state so that the flexible membrane defines an internal space that forms a second part of the space with the variable volume.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further features and advantages of the present invention will be evident to the person skilled in the art with reference to the attached drawings and from the description hereinunder of exemplary embodiments that are however not to be regarded as limiting the invention.

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a battery module 10 in accordance with the prior art,

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic plan view of a battery module 20 having a clamping device 300.sub.1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention,

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic plan view of a battery module 30 having a clamping device 300.sub.1 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention,

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic plan view of a battery module 40 having a clamping device 300.sub.1 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention,

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic plan view of another battery module 50 having a clamping device 300.sub.1 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention,

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic plan view of a battery module 60 having two clamping devices 300.sub.1, 300.sub.2 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention,

(8) FIGS. 7-15 illustrate schematic lateral sectional views of clamping devices 300 in accordance with embodiments of the invention,

(9) FIGS. 16-18 illustrate schematic longitudinal sectional views of clamping devices 300 in accordance with other embodiments of the invention,

(10) FIG. 19 illustrates a schematic sectional view of a clamping system 70 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, and

(11) FIG. 20 illustrates a schematic sectional view of a modified clamping system 80 in accordance with this embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(12) FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic plan view of a battery module 20 having a clamping device 300.sub.1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

(13) The battery module 20 comprises a multiplicity of prismatic battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.4, which are arranged adjacent to one another, and a packaging device, by way of example a pack frame, which comprises a first end plate 210.sub.1, a second end plate 210.sub.2, a first clamping band 220.sub.1 and a second clamping band 220.sub.2 and encompasses the multiplicity of prismatic battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.4. The battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.4 can be embodied by way of example as nutshell-cells. The clamping bands 220.sub.1, 220.sub.2 can be fastened to the end plates 210.sub.1, 210.sub.2 by way of example by means of a multiplicity of adhesive connections, riveted connections, weld connections 215.sub.11 . . . 5.sub.22 such as spot welds or weld seams or screw connections.

(14) Furthermore, the battery module 20 comprises a clamping device 300.sub.1 for clamping the multiplicity of battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . .100.sub.4. The clamping device 300.sub.1 can be arranged, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1, between the first end plate 210.sub.1 and an adjacent battery cell 100.sub.1 of the multiplicity of battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.4. The clamping device 300.sub.1 can where necessary be in a relaxed, by way of example folded, state. The clamping device 300.sub.1 can be in a tensioned, by way of example unfolded, state so that it can clamp the multiplicity of battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.4. The clamping device 300 can be embodied as an expander clamping device (expander). The clamping device 300.sub.1 or the expander can comprise a flexible receptacle that encompasses an internal space (hollow space) having a variable volume. The receptacle can comprise or be embodied as a membrane such as a flexible membrane. The membrane can be embodied by way of example in a balloon-type, bag-type, cushion-type or drum-type manner. The membrane can be embodied in an elastic or flexible manner. The receptacle or the membrane can comprise by way of example foils/films such as synthetic material films, metallized films or metal foils or fabric. The receptacle or membrane can be embodied in an electrically conductive manner so that the clamping device 300.sub.1 can produce an electrical connection. For this purpose, the receptacle or membrane can be coated by way of example with an electrically conductive material such as aluminum, copper or carbon. Alternatively, the receptacle or membrane can be embodied in an electrically non-conductive manner. Furthermore, the clamping device 300.sub.1 can comprise an element that supports the membrane.

(15) The element can comprise by way of example a metal such as aluminum or a synthetic material. It is possible to connect one foil/film to another foil/film or to the element by way of example by means of an adhesive, by way of example by means of a liquid adhesive material or an adhesive band, or by means of welding such as laser welding, friction welding, ultrasound welding. The receptacle can be embodied in a cylindrical manner. In the tensioned state, the clamping device 300.sub.1 or the receptacle contains a fill medium it its internal space. The fill medium can comprise a fluid, by way of example a liquid such as water or silicone oil, a gas or inert gas such as nitrogen or a noble gas such as argon or krypton, or a gel such as a compressible gel. If the fill medium is a gas, a gas having a low coefficient of diffusion can be preferably used in order to prevent the leakage or slow down the rate of leakage of the gas by way of example through the membrane. The fill medium can be compressible or non-compressible. If the fill medium is compressible, for example if a gas is used as the fill medium, the compressed fill medium can produce the force of clamping the multiplicity of battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.4. If the fill medium is non-compressible, for example if a liquid is used as the fill medium, the force for clamping the multiplicity of battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.4 can be applied by means of a flexible membrane. Furthermore, the clamping device 300.sub.1 or the receptacle can comprise a non-compressible medium such as water and a compressible medium such as air. The clamping device 300.sub.1 or the receptacle comprises a closure. Consequently, the clamping device 300.sub.1 or the receptacle can be closed or sealed after being filled with the fill medium. Alternatively, the clamping device 300.sub.1 or the receptacle can comprise a valve such as a safety valve or excess pressure valve. Consequently, the pressure of the fill medium can be checked and/or adjusted by way of example within the scope of a repair, maintenance and/or overhaul procedure. If by way of example a part of the fill medium has escaped, a prevailing actual pressure can be increased back to its desired pressure or, if the volume of the multiplicity of battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.4 is increased as a result of the electrodes swelling, the actual pressure can be reduced back to the desired pressure. In a similar manner, the actual pressure during the operation of the multiplicity of battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.4 can be monitored and dynamically controlled. It is thus possible to increase the actual pressure during the charging procedure if the volume of the multiplicity of battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.4 reduces, and during the discharging procedure if the volume of the multiplicity of battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.4 increases it is possible to reduce the actual pressure.

(16) The production process of the battery module 20 can include arranging or positioning the clamping device 300.sub.1 and the multiplicity of battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.4 in the packaging device, in other words between the first end plate 210.sub.1 and the second end plate 210.sub.2 and clamping or unfolding the clamping device 300.sub.1 for clamping the multiplicity of battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.4. In so doing, the clamping or unfolding procedure can be performed by way of example by means of filling the clamping device 300.sub.1 with the fill medium via a connection or a connection aperture. When using a gas as the fill medium, the fill pressure can be by way of example 10 bar. The connection can be permanently closed or sealed, by way of example adhered or welded, after the filling procedure. Alternatively, the connection can comprise a closure or a valve such as a safety valve or an excess pressure valve that remain in the connection after the filling procedure. Alternatively, said clamping device can be unfolded by way of example in accordance with the thermal equation of state by (re-)heating a clamping device 300.sub.1 to the ambient temperature, said clamping device already being filled with a gas and then rapidly cooled by way of example in liquid nitrogen.

(17) FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic plan view of a battery module 30 having a clamping device 300.sub.1 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

(18) The battery module 30 is similar to the battery module 20 that is described with regard to FIG. 2, wherein the clamping device 300.sub.1 is integrated in the first end plate 210.sub.1. In general, the clamping device 300.sub.1 can be integrated into a device of the packaging device.

(19) FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic plan view of a battery module 40 having a clamping device 300.sub.1 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

(20) The battery module 40 corresponds essentially to the battery module 20 that is described with regard to FIG. 2. In the case of the battery module 40, the clamping device 300.sub.1, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 4, is arranged between two battery cells 100.sub.2, 100.sub.3 of the multiplicity of battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.4 so that the clamping device 300.sub.1 is arranged essentially in the center of the battery module 40. Consequently, the clamping device 300.sub.1 can act in a symmetrical manner on the multiplicity of battery cells. Furthermore, the center of gravity of the battery module 40 is essentially in the center of the battery module 40. In general, the clamping device 300.sub.1 can be arranged between two adjacent battery cells, by way of example battery cells 100.sub.1, 100.sub.2 or battery cells 100.sub.3, 100.sub.4 of the multiplicity of battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.4 .

(21) FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic plan view of another battery module 50 having a clamping device 300.sub.1 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

(22) The battery module 50 is similar to the battery module 20 that is described with regard to FIG. 2, wherein the packaging device is embodied as a housing 200 by way of example in one piece and/or as a bath-shaped housing shell.

(23) FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic plan view of a battery module 60 having two clamping devices 300.sub.1, 300.sub.2 in accordance with the invention a further embodiment of the invention.

(24) The battery module 60 corresponds essentially to the battery module 20 that is described with regard to FIG. 2. Furthermore, the battery module 60 comprises a second clamping device 300.sub.2 that can be arranged, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 6, between the second end plate 210.sub.2 and an adjacent battery cell 100.sub.4 of the multiplicity of battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.4 .

(25) FIGS. 7-15 illustrate schematic lateral sectional views of clamping devices 300 in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

(26) The clamping device 300 in accordance with FIG. 7 comprises a balloon-type receptacle 320 having an internal space 310 than can be filled. The receptacle 320 comprises a connection 390 that is closed with a closure or valve 395. The connection 390 can be arranged on a boundary region of the receptacle, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The balloon-type receptacle 320 can be embodied in one piece, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The balloon-type receptacle 320 can be embodied by way of example in a rectangular, such as square, or round shape.

(27) The clamping device 300 in accordance with FIG. 8 comprises a cushion-type receptacle that comprises a first foil/film 330.sub.1, a second foil/film 330.sub.2, and a connection 390, which are connected to one another by means of seams 380 such as adhesive seams or weld seams so that an internal space 310 is formed. The connection 390 is closed by means of a closure or valve 395. The cushion-type receptacle 320 can be embodied by way of example in a rectangular, such as square, or round shape.

(28) The clamping device 300 in accordance with FIG. 9 comprises a bag-type receptacle that comprises a first foil/film 330.sub.1, a second foil/film 330.sub.2, and a connection 390, which are connected to one another by means of seams 380 such as adhesive seams or weld seams so that an internal space 310 is formed. The first foil/film 330.sub.1 and the second foil/film 330.sub.2 can comprise folds so that the receptacle can be embodied in the form of a folded bellows or a concertina. The connection 390 is closed by means of a closure or valve 395. The bag-type receptacle can be embodied by way of example in a rectangular, such as square, or round shape.

(29) The clamping device 300 in accordance with FIG. 10 comprises a receptacle that comprises an element (carrying element, carrier) 340 and a foil/film 330, which are connected to one another by means of seams 380 such as adhesive seams or weld seams so that an internal space 310 is formed. The element 340 is dimensionally stable and supports the foil/film 330. The element 340 can be embodied by way of example as an end plate, housing, frame element, carrier frame or crash frame. The connection 390 is embodied in a boundary region of the element 340 and is closed by means of a closure or valve 395. The connection 390 is connected in a fluid conductive manner in the same boundary region to the internal space 310 so that an additional internal space having a constant volume (dead volume or dead space) in the element 340 in relation to the internal space 310 having a variable volume and consequently its influence during a pressure change is comparatively small. Consequently the relationship of the volume of the internal space 310 to the volume of the additional internal space determines an elastic constant of the clamping device 300. The receptacle can be embodied by way of example in a rectangular, such as square, or round shape.

(30) The clamping device 300 in accordance with FIG. 11 corresponds essentially to the clamping device 300 illustrated in FIG. 10. The connection 390 is connected in a central region in a fluid conductive manner to the internal space 310 having a variable volume so that the additional internal space having a constant volume in the element 340 in relation to the internal space 310 having a variable volume and consequently its influence during a pressure change is greater in comparison to the clamping device 300 that is illustrated in FIG. 10.

(31) The clamping device 300 in accordance with FIG. 12 corresponds essentially to the clamping device 300 that is illustrated in FIG. 10. The element 340 comprises a further additional internal space 310.sub.3 having a constant volume that is connected in a fluid conductive manner to the connection 390 and the internal space 310.sub.1 so that the additional internal space having a constant volume in the element 340 in relation to the internal space 310.sub.1 having a variable volume and consequently its influence in the case of a change in pressure is essentially greater in comparison to the clamping device 300 that is illustrated in FIG. 10. It is possible by means of selecting a large dead volume to achieve a reduction in pressure as the gas is escaping.

(32) The clamping device 300 in accordance with FIG. 13 corresponds essentially to a combination of the clamping device 300 that is illustrated in FIG. 10 and the clamping device 300 that is illustrated in FIG. 12. The element 340 comprises the further additional internal space 310.sub.3 having a constant volume, and the connection 390 is connected in the central region in a fluid conductive manner to the additional internal space 310.sub.3 so that the additional internal space having a constant volume in the element 340 in relation to the internal space 310.sub.1 having a variable volume, and consequently its influence in the case of a change in pressure is even greater in comparison to the clamping device 300 that is illustrated in FIG. 10.

(33) The clamping device 300 in accordance with FIG. 14 corresponds essentially to the clamping device 300 that is illustrated in FIG. 12. The connection 390 is connected in a fluid conductive manner at a peripheral surface of the further additional internal space 310.sub.3 to the further additional internal space 310.sub.3 so that the clamping device 300 can be embodied in a more compact manner in comparison to the clamping device 300 that is illustrated in FIG. 12.

(34) The clamping device 300 in accordance with FIG. 15 is similar to the clamping device 300 that is illustrated in FIG. 14. The clamping device 300 in accordance with FIG. 14 comprises a receptacle that comprises an element 340, a first foil/film 330.sub.1 and a second foil/film 330.sub.2 that are arranged opposite one another and/or are connected to the element 340 by means of seams 380 such as an adhesive seam or weld seams so that a first internal space 310.sub.1 having a first variable volume, a second internal space 310.sub.2 having a variable volume and a third internal space 310.sub.3 having a constant volume that are connected in a fluid conductive manner to one another are formed. The element 340 can be described as communicating ducts. Whereas the first foil/film 330.sub.1 is used for clamping a first battery cell or a multiplicity of battery cells 100.sub.3, 100.sub.4, the second foil/film 330.sub.2 can be used by way of example, as described with regard to FIG. 4, for clamping a second battery cell or a multiplicity of battery cells 100.sub.1, 100.sub.2. Alternatively, the second foil/film 330.sub.2 can be used as a compensating element. In so doing, the relationship of the volume of the first internal space 310.sub.1 with respect to the total volume of the second internal space 330.sub.2 and the third internal space 330.sub.3 determines the elastic constants of this clamping device 300.

(35) FIGS. 16-18 illustrate schematic longitudinal sectional views of clamping devices 300 in accordance with other embodiments of the invention.

(36) The clamping device 300 in accordance with FIG. 16 corresponds essentially to the clamping device 300 that is illustrated in FIG. 8 and comprises the cushion-type receptacle. The foils/films 330 and the connection 390 are connected to one another in a boundary region by means of seams such as adhesive seams 380 or weld seams so that the internal space 310 is formed.

(37) The clamping device 300 in accordance with FIG. 17 corresponds essentially to the clamping device 300 that is illustrated in FIG. 16. The clamping device 300 comprises furthermore a multiplicity of linear seams 385 such as adhesive seams or weld seams that connect the foils/films 330 to one another and are embodied in the internal space 310 in such a manner that the internal space 310 is structured or subdivided into a multiplicity of chambers that are connected to one another in a fluid conductive manner.

(38) The clamping device 300 in accordance with FIG. 18 corresponds essentially to the clamping device 300 that is illustrated in FIG. 17. The clamping device 300 comprises furthermore a multiplicity of cross-shaped seams 385 such as adhesive seams or weld seams that connect the foils/films 330 to one another and are embodied in the internal space 310 in such a manner that the internal space 310 is structured or subdivided into a multiplicity of chambers that are connected to one another in a fluid conductive manner.

(39) Alternatively, a clamping device can comprise a multiplicity of internal chambers or a multiplicity of chambers that are not connected to one another in a fluid conductive manner.

(40) FIG. 19 illustrates a schematic sectional view of a clamping system 70 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

(41) The clamping system 70 comprises a clamping element 300.sub.2 having a dead volume 310.sub.3, which is similar to the clamping device 300 that is described with regard to FIG. 13, an element 300.sub.1, which is similar to the clamping device 300 that is described with regard to FIG. 11, a chamber 365 for receiving a fluid volume and connecting ducts 355, which connect the clamping element 300.sub.2, the element 300.sub.1, the connection 390 and the chamber 365 to one another in a fluid conductive manner. The foil/film 330.sub.1 of the element 300.sub.1 can be recessed, as illustrated in FIG. 19. The element 300.sub.1 can be used as a clamping element for clamping battery cells or as an expansion element for storing a variable fluid volume without changing the external dimensions. The clamping system 70 can comprise a liquid as a working medium and, in the chamber 365, a gas as a pressure storage medium.

(42) The system 70 can comprise a multiplicity of clamping elements and/or be installed by way of example in a crash frame.

(43) FIG. 20 illustrates a schematic sectional view of a modified clamping system 80 in accordance with this embodiment of the invention.

(44) The modified clamping system 80 corresponds essentially to the clamping system 70 that is described with regard to FIG. 19. In contrast to the clamping system 70, the modified clamping system 80 comprises separate carrying elements 350.sub.1, 350.sub.2, a separate storage element 360 in which the chamber 365 is embodied, and/or separate communicating connection elements (ducts, hoses) 350.sub.3 so that a free, where necessary spatially separate, arrangement of the elements is rendered possible.

(45) In conclusion, it is to be noted that expressions such as including, containing and comprising or the like do not exclude that further elements or steps can be provided. The numbers used are merely an example so that a multiplicity can include 2, 4, 5, 6 or more elements or steps. Furthermore, reference is made to the fact that a or one do not exclude a multiplicity. Furthermore, it is to be noted that numbers in words or ordinal numbers such as first, second etc. are used exclusively to differentiate between elements and steps without specifying or limiting a chronological order of the arrangement of the elements or of the performance of the steps. Moreover, the features that are described in conjunction with the different embodiments can be combined in an arbitrary manner with one another. Finally, it is to be noted that the reference numerals in the claims are not be regarded as limiting the protective scope of the claims.