Connection apparatus and method for controlling the temperature of battery cells, and temperature-control apparatus, battery module, battery pack, battery and battery system

Abstract

Connection apparatus (500; 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2) for controlling the temperature of a battery cell (100.sub.1, 100.sub.2), characterized by: a fastening device for fastening the connection apparatus (500; 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2) to a temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2) which comprises a channel for accommodating a temperature-control medium, and a connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2), which comprises a channel for accommodating the temperature-control medium, for connection of a connecting line (600.sub.11, 600.sub.12, 600.sub.21, 600.sub.22) to an opening in the channel of the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2), wherein: the connection apparatus (500; 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2) can be fastened to the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2) in such a way that a further opening in the channel of the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) is aligned with an opening in the channel of the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2).

Claims

1. A connection apparatus (500; 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2) for controlling the temperature of a battery cell (100.sub.1, 100.sub.2), comprising: a temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2), which comprises a channel for accommodating a temperature-control medium, a connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2), which comprises a channel for accommodating the temperature-control medium, for connection of a connecting line (600.sub.11, 600.sub.12, 600.sub.21, 600.sub.22) to an opening in the channel of the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2), and a fastening device for fastening the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) to the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2), wherein the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) is configured to be fastened to the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2) in such a way that a further opening in the channel of the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) is aligned with an opening in the channel of the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2) and the temperature-control medium can flow through the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) into the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2) or out of the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2), and wherein a material of the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) is different from a material of the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2), and wherein the material of the connection device comprises plastics, the connection apparatus also comprises a centering lug (515) on one of the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) and the temperature control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2), and a centering hole (415) on the other of the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) and the temperature control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2), wherein the centering lug (515) fits into the centering hole (415) to orient the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) on the temperature control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2).

2. The connection apparatus (500) according to claim 1, wherein: the fastening device comprises a latching arm (570.sub.1, 570.sub.2, 570.sub.3).

3. The connection apparatus (500) according to claim 1, wherein: the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) is integrally formed.

4. The connection apparatus (500) according to claim 1, wherein: the connection apparatus (500; 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2) is integrally formed.

5. The connection apparatus (500) according to claim 1, wherein the opening in the channel of the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) is positioned in the centering lug (515) and the opening in the channel of the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2) is positioned in the centering hole (415).

6. A temperature-control apparatus (20; 30; 40), comprising: the connection apparatus (500; 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2) according to claim 1.

7. A battery module, comprising: a battery cell (100.sub.1, 100.sub.2); a connection apparatus (500; 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2) for controlling a temperature of the battery cell (100.sub.1, 100.sub.2); a temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2) including a channel for accommodating a temperature-control medium; a connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) including a channel for accommodating the temperature-control medium; a connection line (600.sub.11, 600.sub.12, 600.sub.21, 600.sub.22) to connect to an opening in the channel of the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2); a fastening device for fastening the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) to the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2); a centering lug (515) on one of the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) and the temperature control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2), and a centering hole (415) on the other of the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) and the temperature control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2), wherein the centering lug (515) fits into the centering hole (415) to orient the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) on the temperature control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2), wherein the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) is configured to be fastened to the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2) in such a way that a further opening in the channel of the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) is aligned with an opening in the channel of the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2) and the temperature-control medium can flow through the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) into the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2) or out of the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2), and wherein the material of the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) is different from the material of the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2), and wherein the material of the connection device comprises plastics.

8. A battery pack, comprising: the connection apparatus (500; 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2) according to claim 1.

9. A battery (10), comprising: the connection apparatus (500; 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2) according to claim 1.

10. A battery system, comprising: the connection apparatus (500; 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2) according to claim 1.

11. A vehicle, motor vehicle, electric motor vehicle or hybrid vehicle, comprising: the connection apparatus (500; 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2) according to claim 1.

12. A method for controlling the temperature of a battery cell (100.sub.1, 100.sub.2), comprising: providing a connection apparatus (500; 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2) comprising a fastening device for fastening the connection apparatus (500; 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2) to a temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2) which comprises a channel for accommodating a temperature-control medium, and a connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2), which comprises a channel for accommodating the temperature-control medium, for connection of a connecting line (600.sub.11, 600.sub.12, 600.sub.21, 600.sub.22) to an opening in the channel of the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2), wherein the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) is formed from a material that is different from a material of the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2), and wherein the material of the connection device comprises a plastic, and fastening the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) to the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2) in such a way that a further opening in the channel of the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) is aligned with an opening in the channel of the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2) and the temperature-control medium can flow through the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) into the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2) or out of the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2), providing a centering lug (515) and a centering hole (415), wherein one of the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) and the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2) includes the centering lug (515) and the other of the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) and the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2) includes the centering hole (415), and fitting the centering lug (515) in the centering hole (415) to orient the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) on the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2).

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: forming the fastening device with a latching arm (570.sub.1, 570.sub.2, 570.sub.3).

14. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: integrally forming the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2).

15. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: integrally forming the connection apparatus (500; 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2).

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein the opening in the channel of the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) is positioned in the centering lug (515) and the opening in the channel of the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2) is positioned in the centering hole (415).

17. The connection apparatus (500) according to claim 7, wherein the opening in the channel of the connection device (510; 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2) is positioned in the centering lug (515) and the opening in the channel of the temperature-control element (400; 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2) is positioned in the centering hole (515).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to a person skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments which, however, should not be interpreted as limiting the invention, with reference to the appended drawings.

(2) FIG. 1 shows, partially in section, a schematic perspective view of a battery 10 according to one embodiment of the invention,

(3) FIG. 2 shows, in section, a schematic view of a temperature-control apparatus 20 having a connection apparatus 500 according to another embodiment of the invention,

(4) FIG. 3 shows, in section, a schematic view of a temperature-control apparatus 30 having a connection apparatus 500 according to a further embodiment of the invention,

(5) FIG. 4 shows, in section, a schematic view of a temperature-control apparatus 40 having a connection apparatus 500 according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(6) FIG. 1 shows, partially in section, a schematic perspective view of a battery 10 according to one embodiment of the invention.

(7) The battery 10 comprises a large number of battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.2, for example two, three, four or more battery cells. The battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.2 are, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1, oriented in a first direction in space, so that their longitudinal sides, which are oriented in a second direction in space which is perpendicular to the first direction in space, run parallel to one another. A third direction in space, which is perpendicular to the first direction in space and the second direction in space, indicates the vertical direction of the battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.2 when used as intended.

(8) A battery module, a battery pack, a battery or a battery system can accordingly comprise a large number of battery cells.

(9) The battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.2 can be prismatic, for example cuboidal, and can each comprise a cell housing 110.sub.1 . . . 110.sub.2, in each case having a cell base 115.sub.1 . . . 115.sub.2, and a cell cover 120.sub.1 . . . 120.sub.2, in each case having two electrical cell connections (cell terminals) 150.sub.1, 155.sub.1 . . . 150.sub.2, 155.sub.2, for example which are composed of aluminum, copper or steel. The cell terminals 150.sub.1 . . . 150.sub.2 can each form a negative electrical pole, and the cell terminals 155.sub.1 . . . 155.sub.2 can each, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1, form a positive electrical pole. For the purpose of electrical connection, the electrical cell connections 150.sub.1, 155.sub.1 . . . 150.sub.2, 155.sub.2 can, for example, each comprise a threaded hole. For the purpose of electrical connection of the battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.2 to form a battery module, use can be made of a connecting piece, for example a cell connector 200, for example which is composed of aluminum, copper or steel, which electrically connects the cell connections 150.sub.1, 155.sub.1 . . . 150.sub.2, 155.sub.2 of the battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.2 to one another in accordance with the respective requirement. FIG. 1 shows, by way of example, a series circuit of the battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.2. For the purpose of producing the battery module, the connecting pieces can be welded, for example depending on the spatial orientation of the battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.2, to the cell connections, for example by means of a laser.

(10) The battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.2 can be designed as primary cells or primary elements, which are not rechargeable, or as secondary cells, which are rechargeable. The secondary cells can be designed, for example, as rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (rechargeable lithium batteries, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, rechargeable Li-ion batteries, secondary lithium-ion batteries) or rechargeable lithium-polymer batteries (rechargeable LiPoly batteries, rechargeable LiPo batteries). The battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.2 can be designed with an electrode winding (jelly roll, JR, swiss roll), for example in the form of a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with an electrode winding (rechargeable JR-Li-ion battery). The battery cells 100.sub.1 . . . 100.sub.2 can be designed as a pouch cell. In this case, a pouch, which serves for receiving and storing an electrolyte, can comprise one, two, three or more electrode windings. Furthermore, a protective envelope can enclose the electrode winding or the electrode windings and/or the pouch or the pouches. The protective envelope can comprise a durable (impact-resistant, bulletproof, shot-proof, bombardment-proof, ballistic, anti-ballistic) material, for example a ballistic fabric, such as a ballistic polyamide fabric (ballistic nylon fabric, ballistic nylon). The electrode windings can therefore be protected against damage from the outside, for example in the event of an accident, and/or in the event of thermal runaway of an electrode winding, which can exert considerable forces on adjacent battery cells.

(11) The battery 10 further comprises a temperature-control apparatus for controlling the temperature of the battery cells 100.sub.1, 100.sub.2. The temperature-control apparatus comprises temperature-control elements 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2 which each comprise a channel for accommodating a temperature-control medium. The channels each comprise at least two ends which are each in the form of openings in the surfaces of the temperature-control elements 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2. The channels can each be straight, or, in order to increase the level of heat exchange, can be of curved, meandering or wave-like, for example sinusoidal, design. The temperature-control elements 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2 can, as shown in FIG. 1, be in the form of temperature-control plates on which the battery cells 100.sub.1, 100.sub.2 are arranged. The temperature-control elements 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2 can, in order to increase the level of heat exchange, comprise, for example, metal, such as aluminum.

(12) The temperature-control apparatus further comprises connection apparatuses 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2 and fastening devices. The connection apparatuses 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2 each comprise a connection device 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2, for example a connection body or connection block, and at least one channel having at least two ends, wherein in each case one of the ends is in the form of an opening in the surface of the connection device 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2 and one of the ends is designed to receive a connecting line, for example is in the form of a hose connector, and are each fastened to the temperature-control elements 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2 by means of the fastening devices in such a way that the openings in the connection devices 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2 are each aligned with the openings in the temperature-control elements 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2 and the temperature-control medium can in each case flow through the connection apparatuses 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2 into the temperature-control elements 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2 or out of the temperature-control elements 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2. The fastening devices can, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1, be in the form of screws 700.sub.11, 700.sub.12, 700.sub.21, 700.sub.22 which are screwed into threaded holes in the temperature-control elements 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2 through holes in the connection devices 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2. As an alternative, the connection apparatuses 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2 can be, for example, clipped, adhesively bonded, plug-connected or latched to the temperature-control elements 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2. The connection apparatuses 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2 can comprise, for example, plastic such as polycarbonate or polyamide. The connection apparatuses 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2 can each be integrally formed. The connection apparatuses 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2 can be produced, for example, in each case by means of molding, for example injection molding, such as plastic injection molding.

(13) The temperature-control apparatus further comprises connecting lines 600.sub.11, 600.sub.12, 600.sub.21, 600.sub.22 for supplying or discharging the temperature-control medium. The connecting lines 600.sub.11, 600.sub.12, 600.sub.21, 600.sub.22 are each connected to the ends of the connection apparatuses 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2 for receiving the connecting lines. The connecting lines 600.sub.11, 600.sub.12, 600.sub.21, 600.sub.22 can be in the form of, for example, tubes, such as flexible tubes or pipes. The connecting lines 600.sub.11, 600.sub.12, 600.sub.21, 600.sub.22 can comprise a material which corresponds to the material of the connection apparatuses 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2 or is matched to the material of the connection apparatuses 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2. Since the connection apparatuses 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2 are each connected to the temperature-control elements 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2 in a fixed, reliable and defined manner (temperature-control element/connection apparatus interface), the connections between the connection apparatuses 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2 and the connecting lines 600.sub.11, 600.sub.12, 600.sub.21, 600.sub.22 can be matched to one another or optimized (connection apparatus/connecting line interface). Therefore, connecting systems or interfaces which have been tried out and/or certified, for example with respect to design and/or materials, can be used for the connection apparatus/connecting line interface. The connecting lines 600.sub.11, 600.sub.12, 600.sub.21, 600.sub.22 can comprise, for example, plastic, such as polycarbonate or polyamide.

(14) The battery 10 can further comprise a housing 300, and the battery cells 100.sub.1, 100.sub.2 and the temperature-control apparatus can be arranged in an interior space in the housing 300.

(15) A method for producing the temperature-control apparatus can comprise providing a temperature-control element 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2, providing and orienting a connection apparatus 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2, fastening the connection apparatus 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2 to the temperature-control element 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2, providing a connecting line 600.sub.11, 600.sub.12, 600.sub.21, 600.sub.22 and connecting the connecting line 600.sub.11, 600.sub.12, 600.sub.21, 600.sub.22 to the connection apparatus 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2, so that an opening in the connection device 510.sub.1, 510.sub.2 is aligned with an opening in the temperature-control element 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2 and a temperature-control medium can flow through the connection apparatuses 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2 into the temperature-control element 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2 or out of the temperature-control element 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2. The method can further comprise providing means for orienting the connection apparatus 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2 with respect to the temperature-control element 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2, for example such as guide devices or centering devices, such as centering lugs. The method can further comprise providing a seal, such as an annular and/or self-adhesive seal. In this case, the steps can be grouped and/or the order of the steps can be adapted.

(16) A method for controlling the temperature of a battery cell 100.sub.1, 100.sub.2 can comprise exchanging (supplying or discharging) the temperature-control medium between the temperature-control element 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2 for controlling the temperature of the battery cell 100.sub.1, 100.sub.2 and the connecting line 600.sub.1, 600.sub.2 by means of the connection apparatus 500.sub.1, 500.sub.2 which is fastened to the temperature-control element 400.sub.1, 400.sub.2 and is connected to the connecting line 600.sub.1, 600.sub.2.

(17) FIG. 2 shows, in section, a schematic view of a temperature-control apparatus 20 having a connection apparatus 500 according to another embodiment of the invention.

(18) The temperature-control apparatus 20 comprises a temperature-control element 400 which comprises a channel for accommodating a temperature-control medium. The channel comprises two ends 425.sub.1, 425.sub.2 which are each in the form of openings in an end face of the temperature-control element 400. The channel can, as shown by way of example in FIG. 2, be of substantially straight design. The temperature-control element 400 further comprises threaded holes 405.sub.1, 405.sub.2. As shown by way of example in FIG. 2, two threaded holes 405.sub.1, 405.sub.2 can be arranged on the end face in such a way that the two openings are arranged between them.

(19) The temperature-control apparatus 20 comprises a connection apparatus 500 comprising a connection device 510 and hose connectors 522.sub.1, 522.sub.2, which are spaced apart from one another, for connecting lines having channels 525.sub.1, 525.sub.2 which are each formed in the connection device 510 and one of the hose connectors 522.sub.1, 522.sub.2. The channels 525.sub.1, 525.sub.2 have openings in an end face of the connection device 510. The connection device 510 further comprises holes 505.sub.1, 505.sub.2 for fastening the connection apparatus 500 to the temperature-control element 400.

(20) The temperature-control apparatus 20 further comprises fastening screws 700.sub.1, 700.sub.2. The fastening screws 700.sub.1, 700.sub.2 can, for example, be in the form of cylindrical screws, self-tapping screws or flow drill screws. As shown by way of example in FIG. 2, for the purpose of fastening the connection apparatus 500 to the temperature-control element 400, two round-head screws with a machine thread can project through the two holes 505.sub.1, 505.sub.2 in the connection device 510 and be screwed into the threaded holes 405.sub.1, 405.sub.2 in the temperature-control element 400 in such a way that the openings in the connection device 510 are each aligned with the openings in the temperature-control element 400 and the temperature-control medium can flow through the connection apparatus 500 into the temperature-control element 400 or out of the temperature-control element 400. The temperature-control apparatus 20 can comprise only one fastening screw.

(21) The connection apparatus 500 and the temperature-control element 400 can further comprise corresponding guide devices for orienting the connection apparatus 500 on the temperature-control element 400 or for aligning the openings on the end faces of the connection apparatus 500 and of the temperature-control element 400. As shown by way of example in FIG. 2, the guide device of the connection device 510 can be in the form of a centering lug 515, which can be of conical or truncated-cone-like design, and the guide device of the temperature-control element 400 can be in the form of a corresponding centering hole 415. The connection apparatus 500 and the temperature-control element 400 can comprise a large number of corresponding guide devices, in particular when only one single fastening screw, which can be arranged centrally or in the middle, is provided for fastening the connection apparatus 500 to the temperature-control element 400, and therefore rotation of the connection apparatus 500 with respect to the temperature-control element 400 can also be prevented.

(22) The temperature-control apparatus 20 can further comprise a seal 800. The seal 800 is arranged between the connection apparatus 500 and the temperature-control element 400. The connection apparatus 500 and/or the temperature-control element 400 can comprise a recess, for example a groove, for receiving the seal 800. The seal 800 can be of flat design and substantially fill the end face of the connection device 510. The seal 800 can comprise corresponding openings in the region of the channels 525.sub.1, 525.sub.2, fastening screws 700.sub.1, 700.sub.2 and/or possibly guide devices. The seal 800 can be in the form of a sealing ring, such as an O-Ring or expanding seal. The seal 800 can comprise, for example, rubber or plastic and/or be coated with an adhesive (on one side or on two sides). Therefore, the seal 800 can be connected, for example in advance, to the connection device 510 and/or be surrounded by the connection apparatus 500.

(23) FIG. 3 shows, in section, a schematic view of a temperature-control apparatus 30 having a connection apparatus 500 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

(24) The temperature-control apparatus 30 corresponds substantially to the temperature-control apparatus 20 which is described with reference to FIG. 2.

(25) As shown by way of example in FIG. 3, the holes 505.sub.1, 505.sub.2 of the connection device 510 can be recessed at one side, and therefore the fastening screws 700.sub.1, 700.sub.2 can, without projecting, be in the form of countersunk screws, for example countersunk screws with a machine thread and a hexagonal socket.

(26) As is likewise shown by way of example in FIG. 3, the openings in the channels 425.sub.1, 425.sub.2, 525.sub.1, 525.sub.2 (interfaces) can be in the form of guide devices. To this end, in a first alternative, the openings in the end face of the temperature-control element 400, for example by comparatively simple recessing, can be in the form of recessed openings, and the openings in the end face of the connection device 510, for example by comparatively simple recessing in the case of an injection mold, can be in the form of truncated-cone-like openings which project from the end face of the connection device 510. In a second alternative, the openings in the end face of the temperature-control element 400 can be in the form of truncated-cone-like openings which project from the end face, and the openings in the end face of the connection device 510 can be in the form of recessed openings. In this case, the orientation of the connection apparatus 500 with respect to the temperature-control element 400 can be clearly defined by forming a first interface in accordance with the first alternative and one interface in accordance with the second alternative.

(27) FIG. 4 shows, in section, a schematic view of a temperature-control apparatus 40 with a connection apparatus 500 according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

(28) The temperature-control apparatus 40 corresponds substantially to the temperature-control apparatuses 20, 30 which are described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

(29) However, the connection apparatus 500, for the purpose of fastening the connection apparatus 500 to the temperature-control element 400, comprises fastening devices 570.sub.1 . . . 570.sub.3 which are formed on the end face of the connection device 510 at a distance from one another. The holes 405.sub.1 . . . 405.sub.3 in the temperature-control element 400 are, as shown by way of example in FIG. 4, designed to receive the fastening devices 570.sub.1 . . . 570.sub.3, in a manner corresponding with a set-back portion. Holes 405.sub.1 . . . 405.sub.3 can be of slot-like design for example, and therefore production of said holes is simplified. The fastening devices 570.sub.1 . . . 570.sub.3 can each be in the form of a latching arm or spring arm (clips) or, as shown by way of example in FIG. 4, in the form of twin latching arms or twin spring arms. As shown by way of example in FIG. 4, a latching arm comprises an elongate neck which is of spring-action design, and a wider head which is arranged at a free end of the neck and ends in an oblique face. A latching lug is formed at the free end of the neck, that is to say at a junction of the neck and the head, by means of an offset. When the latching arm is inserted into the hole, the latching lug can yield by means of the spring-action neck to the wall of the hole and latch into the set-back portion when said set-back portion is reached. The connection apparatus 500, comprising the connection device 510, the hose connectors 522.sub.1, 522.sub.2 and the fastening devices 570.sub.1 . . . 570.sub.3, can be integrally formed.

(30) In conclusion, it should be noted that expressions such as comprising and having or the like do not preclude the possibility of further elements or steps being provided. Furthermore, it is pointed out that a or one does not preclude a large number. In addition, the features described in conjunction with the various embodiments can be combined with one another in any desired manner. Finally, it should be noted that the reference symbols in the claims are not intended to be interpreted as restricting the scope of protection of the claims.