Battery cooling system

The invention relates to a cooling system for a battery (a storage battery), the , Installed in a vehicle such as a hybrid-powered vehicle is.

Of a as an electric source for an electric vehicle or a hybrid-powered Vehicle battery used is demanded that it is a high voltage and a large capacity has. Therefore, this battery is generally composed of egg ner plurality of electrically connected together in series cells. These Type of battery is called a battery pack.

When the battery unit but heat can not only by chemical Reaktio NEN, but also by a Joule loss caused during the charge and Discharge cycles, are developed in each cell, leading to an increase in the Tem resulting temperature of the battery unit. The increase in temperature affect the the battery and other battery characteristics adversely lifetime. Therefore are to solve the above-mentioned problem, various types of Batte rie-cooling systems have been proposed.

For example, JP-A-8-222280 a heat pipe or a heat pipe with an evaporating section at one end and a condensation part at at the end before. The evaporation part is inserted in an airtight housing, in a plurality of battery cells is housed, while the Kondensati onsteil of the airtight casing protruding upward. Heat conduction contains a coolant liquid. The refrigerant liquid in said evaporation tion part is absorbed by the cells heat developed, so that they evaporated and changed to a coolant gas. Then moves Coolant gas to the condensation part upward, and it loses the heat in the condensing part, so that it condenses to the liquid state as the return. Here, the heat from the refrigerant gas to the Au transferred or delivered ßenluft.

In the battery pack, the use of the heat conduction or the heat pipe does, however, tends to occur a change or variability of Tempe temperature to within the airtight casing. In particular, in the airtight Housing the cooling effect to that of the evaporation portion of the heat conduction secluded area smaller than that at the be the evaporation part adjacent area, leading to the change and diversity of Tem temperature results in the airtight housing of the battery pack. If the battery a unit change, or difference in temperature in the air having tight housing, the capacity of cells transfected with in the part to be a higher temperature are arranged, ie, at the of the beam Fung part of the heat pipe remote area are arranged, in comparison with those reduced to the part with a lower temperature suddenly, if the charge and discharge cycles proceed. In some types of batteries can the affected to some extent cells flammable produce hydrogen gas.

The invention is made in view of the above-mentioned problems been. It is an object of the invention to provide a battery cooling system, which is capable of a plurality of contained in an airtight housing Battery cells uniformly cool. A further of the invention is, to provide a battery cooling system with a small size. A further The object of the invention is to provide a battery cooling system in is able to provide a strong cooling property.

In short, the inventive battery cooling system has an air-tight Housing containing a battery cell in its interior and a Kühlein contains device which in the interior of the airtight housing kommunizie render connection is. The interior of the airtight casing and cooling device are filled with coolant. The refrigerant absorbed from the battery cell in the interior heat developed, so that the refrigerant evaporates and the evaporated (gaseous) refrigerant moves into the cooler and is cooled by the cooling device, so as to be condensed. The kon densed (liquid) coolant is returned to the battery cell.

Because in the battery cooling system, the coolant the entire surface of Batte riezelle can touch in the interior of the airtight housing, the Battery cell be cooled uniformly and efficiently. Even if, when the air-tight housing includes a plurality of battery cells, the Battery cells are cooled evenly and efficiently, so that they no have change or variability of temperature. preferably Thus, the cooling device at the top of the battery cell is disposed. The Cooling means may be within or outside of the airtight casing is be arranged. If the cooling device inside the airtight housing is is arranged, the size of the battery cooling system can be reduced. The Kühlein device can make use of a cooling pipe and a cooling pipe, in of or in which low-temperature refrigerant of an air-Kältezy klusses is. In this case, the vaporized coolant in the Kühlein direction by way of a heat exchange with the low temperature refrigerant cooled down.

The cooling device need not always have an element connected to the inner space of the airtight casing is in communication. If that air-tight housing containing the battery cell, with its longitudinal direction at example is arranged approximately parallel to the horizontal direction, the Kühlein direction at the upper outside of the airtight housing in vertical Rich device may be arranged to touch the upper wall. In this case, the top wall of the airtight housing cooled and the heat is determined by the around the battery cell around evaporated refrigerant by touching the top wall of the air-tight housing within the interior of the airtight Housing cooled. In this case, the space for installing the Kühlein direction to be reduced, and simultaneously the sealing property of improved or supported airtight housing. The cooling means may consist of only a cooling pipe made, flows into the low-temperature fluid. In this Event is part of the cooling pipe in the interior of the airtight casing is arranges what and a reduction in the size of the battery cooling system leads to a reduction of the cost.

These and other objects and features of the invention are more clearly ersicht Lich from a better understanding of preferred embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings will. In these drawings:

<b>Fig.</b> 1 is a vertical sectional view showing a battery and a Cooling means in a first embodiment;

<b>Fig.</b> 2 is a plan view showing the battery of <b>Fig.</b> 1, by the Housing cover removed;

<b>Fig.</b> 3 is a vertical sectional view showing a battery unit and of cooling means in a second embodiment;

<b>Fig.</b> 4 is a vertical sectional view showing a battery unit and a cooling device in a third embodiment;

<b>Fig.</b> 5 is a vertical sectional view showing a battery and a Cooling means in a fourth embodiment;

<b>Fig.</b> 6A is a plan view showing a battery from which the housin seabdeckung is removed, this at a fifth embodiment;

<b>Fig.</b> 6B is a vertical sectional view showing the battery with the Ge häuseabdeckung and a cooling device in the fifth Ausfüh bodiment;

<b>Fig.</b> 7 is a schematic view for explaining the mechanism of the Cooling in the fifth embodiment;

<b>Fig.</b> 8 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack at a sixth embodiment;

<b>Fig.</b> 9 is a side view showing the battery unit in the sixth embodiment;

<b>Fig.</b> 10 is a front view showing a battery unit and a Cooling means in a seventh embodiment;

<b>Fig.</b> 11 is a side view showing the battery unit of Kühlein direction in the seventh embodiment;

<b>Fig.</b> 12 is a plan view showing the battery unit of the Cooling means is removed, this in the seventh embodiment;

<b>Fig.</b> 13 is an exploded front view showing a Battery before their assembly in an eighth embodiment;

<b>Fig.</b> 14 is a front view showing the battery to after their sembly in the eighth embodiment;

<b>Fig.</b> 15 is a plan view illustrating a battery unit, of which the cover member is removed and a cooling device at a ninth embodiment;

<b>Fig.</b> 16 is a sectional view showing the battery with the cover element and the cooling device in the ninth embodiment;

<b>Fig.</b> 17 is a vertical sectional view showing a battery and a cooling device in a tenth embodiment;

<b>Fig.</b> 18 is a section along the line XVIII-XVIII of <b>Fig.</b> 17;

<b>Fig.</b> 19 is a plan view showing a battery from which the housin is seabdeckung away, this in an eleventh embodiment; and

<b>Fig.</b> 20 is a plan view illustrating a battery unit of the The housing cover is removed, this at a twelfth embodiment form.

(First Embodiment)

According to <b>Fig.</b> 1 comprises in a first preferred embodiment of a battery <b>100</b> an airtight housing <b>10</b>, The airtight housing<b>10</b> consists of a housing body <b>11</b> having an opening portion and a housing cover <b>12</b> for covering the opening portion of the housing body <b>11</b>, The Gehäusekör by <b>11</b> and the housing cover <b>12</b> is made from metal or plastic.

A supporting or storage base <b>13</b>Made of insulating material, is in the bottom portion of the housing body <b>11</b> arranged. The support base<b>13</b> has a hexagonal shape corresponding to the shape defined by the inner walls of the housing body <b>11</b> is formed. As shown in<b>Fig.</b> 2 is a Plurality of cylindrical cells (battery cells) <b>14</b>, In this embodiment particularly of seven cells on the support base <b>13</b> within the Ge housing body <b>11</b> arranged. The seven cells<b>14</b> are electrically connected together in Series connected via electric wires or lines and opposite the Ge housing <b>10</b> electrically isolated.

One end of the connected cells <b>14</b> is connected to a positive output line <b>16</b> connected, while the other end of the connected cells <b>14</b> at a negative output line <b>17</b> connected. Both Ausgangslei tions <b>16</b> or. <b>17</b> are to external lines <b>19</b>. <b>20</b> a Abdichtungsan conclusion <b>18</b> connected, on the housing cover <b>18</b> hermetically fixed is. By the cells<b>14</b> generated electric current is over the outer INTR gene <b>19</b>. <b>20</b> discharged. Each of the cells<b>14</b> is a rechargeable secondary cell (Memory cell or battery), in particular a nickel-hydrogen cell. If the temperature in the housing <b>10</b> battery <b>100</b> is not so high, Example example is below 45 ° C, the nickel-hydrogen cells the internal pressure of housing <b>10</b> keep on the atmospheres pressure by in the housing <b>10</b> Heat generated is absorbed.

The above-mentioned housing cover <b>12</b> has an upper portion <b>12</b>b and a hexagonal prism-shaped detecting part <b>12</b>a, of one piece and at right angles with the circumferential region of the upper part <b>12</b>b is connected. Of the detecting part <b>12</b>a is on the outside wall of the housing body <b>11</b> a sealing member <b>21</b> hermetically attached or mounted. The Waterproofing element <b>21</b>Which is a made of an elastic material, for example, in this Embodiment of rubber, made O-ring is in a groove <b>11</b>a, at the the outer side surface of the housing body <b>11</b> is formed, was added and by the detection part <b>12</b>a compressed. The sensing part<b>12</b>Vein housing cover <b>12</b> is further provided on the housing body <b>11</b> screwed on. In particular, according to <b>Fig.</b> 2 Six approach areas <b>22</b> on the inner sides wall of the housing body <b>11</b> formed at a constant pitch. Of Furthermore, mounting holes for receiving screws (fixing elements) <b>23</b> in the detection part <b>12</b>a cover of the housing <b>12</b> and in the housing body <b>11</b> to the appendages <b>22</b> corresponding six areas educated. The screws<b>23</b> are screwed into the attachment holes or set. Accordingly, the housing cover<b>12</b> hermetically sealed to the housing body <b>11</b> attached.

In the interior <b>24</b> the housing <b>10</b> are the cylindrical cells <b>14</b> in a in cross section staggered or offset arrangement as shown in <b>Fig.</b> 2 is arranged. The interior<b>24</b> is through the cylindrical cells <b>14</b> not full constantly divided. That is, the cells, the<b>14</b> surrounding facilities available with today as the one-piece connecting interior <b>24</b> within the housing <b>10</b> with each other in communication. The upper part<b>12</b>b of housin seabdeckung <b>12</b> has an opening <b>25</b> at its central region, and a siphon thermal cooling device <b>27</b> is above the housing <b>10</b> arranged, to the interior <b>24</b> the housing <b>10</b> via a connecting line <b>26</b> and the opening <b>26</b> to stand in communication. The interior<b>24</b> the housing <b>10</b>, The cooling device <b>27</b> and the connecting line <b>26</b> form a coolant circulating system passage, and the coolant-Umlaufsystem- Passage is filled with a refrigerant as a working fluid for the Kühleinrich tion <b>27</b> serves. For the cooler<b>27</b> a non-flammable refrigerant with be a high boiling point, for example, fluorocarbon used. Of the housing body <b>11</b> has a coolant-pouring port (not shown) for Pouring of the coolant in the housing body <b>11</b>,

The connecting line <b>26</b> is made of plastic or metal, such as aluminum minium, manufactured. The cooling device<b>27</b> has a cylindrical housing <b>28</b>. which is also made of plastic or metal, for example aluminum, Herge is put in place and with its axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the housing <b>10</b> battery <b>100</b> is arranged. The housing<b>28</b> communicates with the connecting line <b>26</b> at the central portion in its axial direction in communication Ver binding.

A coolant line <b>29</b> is through the housing <b>28</b> in the axial direction of Ge housing <b>28</b> passed. The cooling line<b>29</b> is a low-pressure Kältemittellei tion in a refrigeration cycle of an automotive air conditioning system (not shown), and on the low pressure side in the cycle flows in the cooling line <b>29</b> Lower Tempe temperature refrigerant. For example, a cooling line between a pressure reducing agent, such as an expansion valve, and an evaporator to the inlet side or between the evaporator on the outlet and a Memory is provided on the inlet side, when the cooling line <b>29</b> serve. Of the Memory serves as a gas / liquid separator of the refrigerant in a Compressor is introduced.

The cooling line <b>29</b> is made of metal, such as aluminum, with a suffi sponding thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance made. At the outer peripheral surface of the cooling pipe <b>29</b> are plate-like fin elements <b>30</b> arranged to control the heat transfer between the cooling conduit <b>29</b> and the Coolant within the housing <b>28</b> to facilitate or permit. The rib members <b>30</b> are made of metal, for example, again in aluminum, produced. Furthermore, a gas absorption device<b>31</b> for selectively Trapping of molecules of small diameter, for example hydrogen gas, to the upper side within the casing <b>28</b> arranged. The absorption facility <b>31</b> can of zeolite or the like to exercise.

Next, the operation and effects of the battery <b>100</b> and at the same time the cooling device <b>27</b> explained in the first embodiment. If the cells <b>14</b> are discharged, the temperature rises in the airtight housing <b>10</b> due to the Joule loss and the like to. Once the temperature in the housing <b>10</b> increases, absorbs refrigerant, which in the inner space <b>24</b> the Ge housing <b>10</b> contained, heat from the cells <b>14</b>Until it boils and thereby is gasified. Accordingly, the cells are<b>14</b> by the latent vaporization cooled heat of vaporization of the coolant. Because in this case each of the cells<b>14</b> the Kühlmit tel on the entire outer surface in the inner space <b>24</b> touches that Zel be len <b>14</b> efficiently and uniformly cooled, whereby the change or lower schiedlichkeit the temperature between the cells <b>14</b> is minimized.

The gaseous refrigerant in the housing <b>10</b> moves in the connection management <b>26</b> due to natural convection, caused by the decrease in the density of the coolant in the housing <b>10</b>Upwards and flows into the cylindrical housing <b>28</b> the cooling device <b>27</b> on. The gaseous refrigerant is in the housing <b>28</b> as a result of heat exchange with the low temperature refrigerant means in the cooling line <b>29</b> flowing cooled so that it condenses, and in the Fl üssigkeitszustand changed. The liquid coolant moves in the connecting line <b>26</b> due to the increase of its density down, ie due its own weight, and returns to the interior <b>24</b> the airtight housing <b>10</b> back. The coolant may be repeated for cooling the cells<b>14</b> used will.

As indicated above, a non-flammable refrigerant with a high boiling point, for example, fluorocarbon, as the coolant for the siphon, thermal cooling device <b>27</b> are used in this embodiment. Because in this case the working pressure (fluid working pressure) within the housing <b>10</b> can be reduced, the mechanical strength required for the Ge housing <b>10</b> is required to be reduced in the design, resulting in give low costs. In particular, fluorocarbon has a working pressure generally in the range of 90 kPa-200 kPa, which is approximately the atmospheres represents pressure, and a boiling point of about 30 ° C at the pressure. Des wide Ren is the refrigerant, such as fluorocarbon non-flammable, so that the Safety of the battery <b>100</b> is improved.

In this embodiment, the low-temperature refrigerant is in the Kühlzy cycle for the air conditioner as a refrigerant used in the cooling line the <b>29</b> of the cooling device <b>27</b> flows. Therefore there is a great diversity of Tem temperature between the low-pressure refrigerant in the cooling line <b>29</b> and the gaseous high-temperature coolant in the housing <b>28</b>, Accordingly ensures the cooling device <b>27</b> on a strong condensation property in terms the gaseous coolant. Therefore, the cooling device must<b>27</b> No major construction have size, and has the cooling pipe <b>29</b> not meander or bent in the housing <b>28</b> extend. Although in the first embodiment, the cooling management <b>29</b> a straight, circular pipe is, it may also be a flat tube be.

Because the cooling pipe <b>29</b> in the housing <b>28</b> not meander or bent is disposed, the pressure loss of the refrigerant on the low pressure side can of Air Conditioner Kältezyklusses be minimized, thereby decreasing Refrigeration cycle efficiency is prevented. Further, when the vehicle-internal climate ative refrigeration cycle is used as a heat pump, is because the refrigerant heat medium in the cooling device <b>27</b> absorbed, the heating or

Heating property of the heat pump favors.

Other hand, the battery <b>100</b> a safety valve for releasing Hydrogen gas from the housing <b>10</b>When the internal pressure of the battery <b>100</b> in follow a large amount of gas by the overloaded cells <b>14</b> generated is, rises to a particular pressure. However, because in this embodiment form the cooling device <b>27</b> gas absorption device <b>31</b> for selectively Trapping of molecules of small diameter, for example hydrogen gas possesses, can be prevented that the pressure within the housing <b>10</b> battery <b>100</b> rises to the special pressure adapted and be true is to open the safety valve. The gas absorption device<b>31</b> can on the inner wall of the housing cover <b>12</b> be arranged.

(Second Embodiment)

In the second preferred embodiment, as shown in <b>Fig.</b> 3 a Plurality of batteries <b>100</b> with the same construction as in the first Ausfüh ment of summarized. That is, in the second embodiment is the Plurality of batteries <b>100</b> arranged on a line in the horizontal direction, and outer pipes <b>19</b>. <b>20</b> of batteries <b>100</b> connected to each other, so that the batteries <b>100</b> are electrically connected in series, whereby a Bat terieeinheit <b>110</b> is formed. In the following embodiment, the same parts and components as the first embodiment with the same Reference numerals, and the same description is not again as repeated.

In general, an electric vehicle requires a large number of series- closed cells to provide for a high voltage and large capacity. In the second embodiment, the required large number of the cells in several groups divided, and each of the groups in one of the batteries <b>100</b> contain. In this embodiment, each group has seven cells<b>14</b>, as they are described in the first embodiment. Furthermore, each of batteries <b>100</b> a cooling device <b>27</b> with the gas absorption device <b>31</b>, Accordingly, a rise in the temperature of each battery is prevented, whereby the rise in temperature of the battery unit <b>110</b> is prevented. Furthermore is in each battery <b>100</b> hydrogen gas generated by any gas absorption facility <b>31</b> trapped without getting out of the battery unit <b>110</b> released to who the. The other features and effects in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

(Third Embodiment)

In the third embodiment, as shown in <b>Fig.</b> 4 battery unit <b>110</b>Consisting of a plurality of batteries <b>100</b>, In this embodiment three batteries, is a common cooling device <b>27</b>a. The Kühlein direction <b>27</b>a has a connecting line <b>26</b>Consisting of a plurality of Ab two supply lines <b>26</b>a-<b>26</b>c is connected to the interior <b>24</b> of batteries <b>100</b> are in communication. The connecting line<b>26</b> has further comprising a double tube portion <b>26</b>d at the connection of the junction splitter lines <b>26</b>a-<b>26</b>c, and the double-tube section <b>26</b>A communicates with the interior of a housing <b>28</b>a cooling device <b>27</b>a and the central portion in the axial Direction of the housing <b>28</b>A communicates. The in the air tight enclosures <b>10</b> of batteries <b>100</b> vaporized gaseous coolant enters through the branch lines <b>26</b>a-<b>26</b>c passes and moves in the interior tube of the double tube portion <b>26</b>d upwards. After the gaseous Kühlmit tel has been condensed, so that it is as the liquid coolant in the housing <b>28</b>a cooling device <b>27</b>a is, then, the liquid refrigerant moves in the outer tube of the double tube portion <b>26</b>d down. This is because that the inner tube of the double tube portion <b>26</b>d at both ends of the outer tube as shown in <b>Fig.</b> 4 protrudes.

Thus, the gaseous refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant to flow in under different tubes of the double tube portion <b>26</b>d. Therefore, even interfere when a large amount of coolant around the cells <b>14</b> in the batteries <b>100</b> evaporated is, the gaseous refrigerant in the inner tube of the double tube-Be Reich <b>26</b>d is moved upward, not the liquid refrigerant in the Au ßenrohr the double tube portion <b>26</b>d moves downward. Consequently, the order out run of the coolant in a smooth and problem-free manner, resulting in a Ver improve the cooling property of the cooling device <b>27</b>a lead.

The gas absorption device <b>31</b> is on the upper inner wall of the housing <b>28</b>a is arranged such that it the opening end of the double tube portion <b>26</b>d the connecting line <b>26</b> facing. Accordingly Gasabsorpti begins onseinrichtung <b>31</b> effectively a hydrogen gas, which in the gasförmi gene is contained coolant from the inner tube of the double tube portion <b>26</b>d is discharged. Only one gas absorption device<b>31</b> is for the cooling facility <b>27</b>a sufficiently. The other features and effects are the moving Chen as those in the first and the second embodiment.

(Fourth Embodiment)

In the fourth preferred embodiment, as shown in <b>Fig.</b> 5 a cooling device <b>27</b>b with the axis approximately parallel to the axis of the housing <b>10</b> of the battery <b>100</b> vertically arranged. The housing<b>28</b>b of the cooling device <b>27</b>b stands to the interior <b>24</b> the housing <b>10</b> the battery through a gas-side Ver connecting line <b>261</b> and a liquid-side connecting pipe <b>262</b> in communicating connection, both with the case cover <b>12</b> of the battery <b>100</b> are connected. The gas side connecting pipe<b>261</b> is with the upper end of the housing <b>28</b>b connected to the gaseous refrigerant from the housing <b>10</b> battery <b>100</b> in the housing <b>28</b>b of the cooling device <b>27</b>b to transport, while the liquid-side connecting pipe <b>262</b> with the the lower end of the housing <b>28</b>b is connected to liquid coolant from the housing <b>28</b>b in the housing <b>10</b> to transport.

That is, in the fourth embodiment form the housing <b>10</b> the battery, the gas side connecting pipe <b>261</b>, The housing <b>28</b>b of the cooling device <b>27</b>b and the liquid-side connecting pipe <b>262</b> a cooperating loop-like passage in which the coolant is circulated, so that the circulation of the refrigerant more smooth and is guided easier than in the third embodiment form, resulting in a high cooling capacity of the cooling device <b>27</b>b leads. The Gas absorption device <b>31</b> in the housing <b>28</b>b arranged such that they the opening end of the gas-side connecting pipe <b>261</b> faces, so that it captures hydrogen gas effectively. The other features and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment.

(Fifth Embodiment)

In the fifth embodiment is, as shown in <b>Fig.</b> 6A, 6B, a cooling facility <b>27</b>c within the housing <b>10</b> battery <b>100</b> arranged whereby a reduction in the size of the cooling device <b>27</b>c realized.

In particular, a cooling pipe <b>29</b>c of the cooling device <b>27</b>c directly within the housing cover <b>12</b> the housing <b>10</b> arranged. The cooling line<b>29</b>c is a Aluminum tube on the low pressure side of a vehicle Kältezyklusses Air conditioning is arranged, and in the cooling line <b>29</b>c flowing low temperature Refrigerant. An inlet-side connector element<b>32</b> and an outlet-On closing element <b>33</b> are hermetically on the cover <b>12</b> arranged. The cooling pipe <b>29</b>c depends on the inner wall of housing cover <b>12</b> from after down down, wherein both ends of the connecting elements <b>32</b>. <b>33</b> on are integrally connected. Although<b>Fig.</b> 6A, 6B, this is not specified or not shown is, can fin elements <b>30</b> on the surface of the cooling pipe <b>29</b>c arranged be. In the same way, the gas absorption device<b>31</b> for trapping of hydrogen gas on the inner wall of the housing cover <b>12</b> arranged be.

Next, the mechanism of cooling in the fifth embodiment is with reference to <b>Fig.</b> 7 explained. The interior<b>24</b> the housing <b>10</b> is with a refrigerant having a high boiling point, for example, fluorocarbon, filled and the refrigerant evaporates (boiling) caused by the heat of the cells <b>14</b> is designed to be gasified. The gaseous coolant flows into the interior <b>24</b> due to natural convection, due to the Ab acquisition of the density of the refrigerant upward, reaches the cooling duct <b>29</b>c the cooling device <b>27</b>c which in the upper region of the interior <b>24</b> arranged is, and will be in the way of heat exchange with the low temperature refrigerant means in the cooling line <b>29</b>c flows, cooled so that it is condensed to to become liquid. The liquid coolant moves due to its inher- Klobuk down and is again for cooling the cells <b>14</b> used. On thus boils (evaporates), the coolant around the cells <b>14</b> around and it is in the upper region of the interior <b>24</b> condensed.

(Sixth Embodiment)

In the sixth embodiment is as shown in <b>Fig.</b> 8, 9 a plurality of batteries <b>100</b> having cooling means <b>27</b>c in the fifth Ausfüh ment of as a battery unit <b>110</b> combined. interconnectors<b>34</b>Made of aluminum, connect the outlet-side connecting member <b>32</b> one of the cooling lines <b>29</b>c, stored in a battery <b>100</b> are arranged, from the laßseitige connecting element <b>33</b> another cooling line <b>29</b>c, the walls in a ren battery <b>100</b> is disposed as shown in <b>Fig.</b> is shown eighth Accordingly, the cooling lines <b>29</b> via the connecting line <b>34</b> connected in series. The other features and effects are the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiments.

(Seventh Embodiment)

In the sixth embodiment makes the cooling means of the low- temperature refrigerant in the air-conditioning refrigeration cycle use. on the contrary set for this purpose is in the seventh preferred embodiment, a cooling device <b>27</b>d of the type provided with air cooling.

According to <b>Fig.</b> 10, 11 there is a cooling device <b>27</b>d from a plurality of flat tube <b>35</b>Which are arranged vertically and parallel to each other, and from GE corrugated ribs <b>36</b>, Between two adjacent flat tubes <b>35</b> is are arranged. The lower ends of the flat tubes<b>35</b> stand with one to horizontally extending storage tank <b>37</b> in communicating connection. The flat tubes <b>35</b>, The corrugated fins <b>36</b> and the reservoir <b>37</b> are made of aluminum and soldered to each other.

The cooling device <b>27</b>d above the battery <b>100</b> disposed, and the SpeI cherbehälter <b>37</b>Which at the lower end of the cooling device <b>27</b>arranged d is, and the interior <b>24</b> battery <b>100</b> with each other through the Verbin nection line <b>26</b>d in communicating connection. As shown in<b>Fig.</b> 11, 12 has, when a plurality of batteries <b>100</b> as a battery unit <b>110</b> to is summarized, the connecting line <b>26</b>d as in the branch lines third embodiment. <b>Fig.</b> 12 shows an arrangement of the connecting line <b>26</b>d, when the battery pack of six batteries <b>100</b> consists, on two lines are arranged.

A blowing device, for example an electrically driven fan (not shown) which blows air towards the cooling device <b>27</b>d. According to radiates the gaseous refrigerant in the flat tubes <b>35</b> flows, heat in the air via the corrugated fins <b>36</b> decreases so that it is cooled and condensed becomes. When the battery unit<b>110</b> in a vehicle having the cooling device <b>27</b>d is installed and the cooling device <b>27</b>d in an air channel on the stromaufwär term side of the evaporator is arranged a vehicle air conditioner, the cooling device <b>27</b>d are cooled by means of air, which by means of an air-cond tion-blower is blown. In this case, it is not necessary that the cooling device <b>27</b>d has a special blower.

(Eighth Embodiment)

The eighth embodiment is a modified example of the in <b>Fig.</b> 6A, 6B Darge presented fifth embodiment. According to<b>Fig.</b> 13, 14 is in the eighth off management form an airtight housing <b>10</b>a a battery <b>100</b>a from a housin sekörper <b>11</b>a and a housing cover <b>12</b>a. This case cover <b>12</b>a consists of a box-like element <b>38</b> with an upper opening portion and a lid member <b>39</b> for covering the opening portion of the kastenar term element <b>38</b>Whereby a housing Cover interior is formed. The box-like element <b>38</b> and the lid member <b>39</b> are made of metal from a reaching thermal conductivity, for example aluminum, and soldered to one another, so that the housing cover interior hermetically formed provided.

Screws or bolts <b>40</b>Represented by the lid member <b>39</b> and the wall of the box-like element <b>38</b> are guided, are in threaded holes screwed, in the wall of the housing body <b>11</b>a are provided so that the housing cover <b>12</b>A integrally with the housing body <b>11</b>a screwed is. A sealing member<b>42</b> between the upper end surface of the housing body <b>11</b>a and the bottom surface of the housing cover <b>12</b>a angeord net, which for an air tightness between the housing body <b>11</b>A and housing cover <b>12</b>a is provided.

In the interior of the housing cover flowing low-temperature refrigerant on a vehicle air-conditioning Kältezyklusses low-pressure side. in the Detail is an inlet side line <b>29</b>a by the lid member <b>39</b> the housin seabdeckung at a peripheral portion of the lid member <b>39</b> passed, to communicate with the interior of the housing cover in communication stand while a discharge-line <b>29</b>b by the lid member <b>39</b> another peripheral area of ​​the cover element <b>39</b> hindurchge performs is to also with the interior space of the housing cover in kommunizie render connection to stand. According flows as shown in<b>Fig.</b> 13 and 14, the low-temperature refrigerant in the interior space of the housing cover from the left side to the right side.

Furthermore, plate-shaped fin members <b>30</b>a, <b>30</b>b on the inner Bo denwand and on the outer bottom wall of the box-shaped element <b>38</b> in front seen, to perform heat exchange between the low temperature refrigerant in the interior of the cover and the gaseous refrigerant in the interior <b>24</b> the airtight housing <b>10</b>a facilitating or to ermögli chen. Accordingly, in the eighth embodiment, the bottom wall of the box-like element <b>38</b> and the rib members <b>30</b>b, on the outer Bo denwand the box-like element <b>38</b> are provided by the Niedertem temperature refrigerant on the rib members <b>30</b>a cooled. Then moves gas refrigerant (the refrigerant having a high boiling point), which in the way of the absorption by the cells of <b>14</b> developed heat is gassed, in the interior <b>24</b> the airtight housing <b>10</b>A upwards and contacts This gaseous refrigerant, the cooled bottom wall of the box-shaped Ele management <b>38</b> and the cooled fin elements <b>30</b>b, so that at these is condensed.

That is, in the eighth embodiment is the housing cover <b>12</b>a of airtight housing <b>10</b>a as a cooling device <b>27</b>e. In the battery <b>100</b>a is the positive electric line <b>19</b> the cells <b>14</b> hermetically sealed from the central Area of ​​the housing cover <b>12</b>a over a plug member <b>43</b> led out. The negative electric line (not shown) from the circumferential portion of the housing cover <b>12</b>a hermetically sealed also brought out. The ne tive electrical lead may be made of the central portion of housing cover <b>12</b>be a drawn out.

(Ninth Embodiment)

In the above-mentioned embodiments, the cooling device will applica tion at a battery unit <b>110</b> with a plurality of batteries, which in the longitudinal direction are arranged in parallel to the vertical direction. In contrast, finds the cooling device in the ninth preferred embodiment applica tion at a battery unit <b>110</b> with a plurality of batteries, which in the longitudinal direction are arranged in parallel to the horizontal direction.

According to <b>Fig.</b> 16 are six batteries <b>100</b> in a line in the longitudinal direction parallel to disposed the horizontal direction and connected to each other, whereby the battery unit <b>110</b>is a formed. The battery unit<b>110</b>A is entirely by an cover member <b>44</b>, Which is made of plastic or metal, in such a way from covered that the cover element <b>44</b> a special room with each obe ren surface of the airtight case <b>10</b> of batteries <b>100</b> forms. In the Customised proof room are cooling lines <b>290</b> disposed of the cooling device, and be special space around the cooling pipes <b>290</b> is a heat-conducting element <b>45</b>. consisting of an insulating material such as ceramic or plastic, Herge provides is surrounded. According to<b>Fig.</b> 16 filled powdered ceramic material to be special room as the heat-conducting <b>45</b> on. In this embodiment, the housing body <b>11</b> and the housing covers <b>12</b> the airtight Ge housing <b>10</b> made of metal with a sufficient thermal conductivity.

According to <b>Fig.</b> 15 is an inlet side line <b>290</b>a at one end in the longitudinal direction of the batteries <b>100</b> arranged, during a discharge-line <b>290</b>b at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the batteries <b>100</b> is arranged. The more or different cooling lines <b>290</b> are provided between the intake-side and the outlet conduit <b>290</b>a or <b>290</b>b parallel to the longitudinal direction of the batteries <b>100</b> arranged. In this embodiment, seven cooling pipes<b>290</b> provided. As with the above-mentioned embodiments flows Never dertemperatur refrigerant on the low pressure side of a vehicle air conditioner of the intake-side line <b>290</b>a from to the outlet conduit <b>290</b>b back through the cooling lines <b>290</b> therethrough.

Again, according to <b>Fig.</b> 16, the cooling pipes <b>290</b> in recess areas arranged by the walls of two adjacent batteries <b>100</b> are formed, to the height of the battery unit <b>110</b> not to increase. In each battery<b>100</b> from sorbed refrigerant having high boiling point of the cells <b>14</b>So that it evaporates, whereby it changes to a gaseous refrigerant. The gaseous Coolant moves in the interior <b>24</b> the airtight housing <b>10</b> after above and contacts the upper inner wall of the airtight housing <b>10</b>, Than it will be the gaseous refrigerant through the low-temperature refrigerant in the cooling lines <b>290</b> through the air-tight housing <b>110</b> through which with metal a sufficient thermal conductivity is prepared, and by the thermal vane <b>45</b> flowing therethrough, is cooled, so that it is condensed. The coale catalyzed liquid refrigerant moves downward due to its own weight and is used for cooling the cells <b>14</b> reused.

In this way, in the ninth embodiment, the cooling pipes <b>290</b> of the Cooling device outside the airtight housing <b>10</b> arranged and coale Siert the gaseous coolant on the upper inside wall of the airtight housin ses <b>10</b>, Because in the tenth embodiment, the batteries<b>100</b> longitudinal are arranged parallel to the horizontal direction and the cooling lines <b>290</b> along the longitudinal direction of the batteries <b>100</b> extend the lengths of the cooling lines <b>290</b>Which are able to touch the gaseous coolant, long, which leads to a high cooling efficiency of the cooling device.

(Tenth Embodiment)

The tenth preferred embodiment is a modified example of the in <b>Fig.</b> 1, 2 illustrated first embodiment. According to<b>Fig.</b> 17 consists in the tenth Embodiment, the supporting or bearing base <b>13</b> from a more rectangular gen supporting wall <b>13</b>a and a rectangular prism-shaped foot or leg part <b>13</b>b extending from the peripheral portion of the support wall <b>13</b>a downward extends, whereby a lower interior <b>24</b>a on the lower side of the Abstüt delimiting wall <b>13</b>is a formed.

In the support wall <b>13</b>a is a plurality of communication holes <b>13</b>c out forms, so that the interior (the main compartment) <b>24</b> on the upper side of the support wall <b>13</b>a with the lower interior <b>24</b>a communicatively Ver bond is. Correspondingly, the lower interior<b>24</b>a coolant filled. The support base<b>13</b> is made of an insulating material, for example from Plastic. In this embodiment, twelve connection holes<b>13</b>c provided.

Furthermore, has the support wall <b>13</b>a through-holes <b>13</b>d, where positive and negative terminals <b>14</b>a, <b>14</b>b of the cell <b>14</b> are passed to in direction to the lower interior <b>24</b>a protruded. This has according to representation in <b>Fig.</b> 17, 18 battery <b>100</b> seven cylindrical cells <b>14</b>, in the a staggered or offset configuration are arranged so that the cells <b>14</b> alternately a positive terminal <b>14</b>a and a negative terminal <b>14</b>b to have the upper or the lower side. In more detail, the cell <b>14</b> arranged such that, for example, on the lower side of the battery <b>100</b> one of the cells <b>14</b> the negative terminals <b>14</b>b, while the be neighboring cell, the positive terminals <b>14</b>a has.

Accordingly, there is no need to lower terminal with a to connect upper terminal by means of an electric line. It is sufficient that two adjacent cells with each other only at the lower side or from Finally, on the upper side, as shown in <b>Fig.</b> 18 are connected, so that the length of the electric lines <b>15</b> may be shortened. Furthermore, egg Nige electric lines <b>15</b>Which are provided at the bottom, in the coolant within the lower interior <b>24</b>a submerged and by evaporation la tenter heat of the liquid coolant within the lower interior <b>24</b>a cooled. Therefore, it is prevented that the electric lines<b>15</b> a high temperature , such that the diameter of the electric lines <b>15</b> may be reduced. Further, the lengths of the electric cables <b>15</b> be shortened, to ge leads wrestle costs. Furthermore, the work when laying the Elektroleitun gene <b>15</b> easy and simple.

The interior in the lower <b>24</b>a vaporized refrigerant flows smoothly into the In interior space <b>24</b> through the communication holes <b>13</b>c, and instead of the evaporated Coolant flows liquid refrigerant condensed by the cooling device is, from the interior <b>24</b> from the lower interior <b>24</b>c by the vias <b>13</b>c a. The electric lines<b>15</b> are further detailed ge Starting in this embodiment polbezogene conductor elements and have at ih ren both ends annular connecting parts. The ring-like connecting parts have through holes (not shown), into which screws <b>46</b> used are. Each of the terminals<b>14</b>a, <b>14</b>b has a threaded bore (not illustrated represents) for receiving a corresponding screw of the screw <b>46</b>, The electric lines <b>15</b> are at the terminals <b>14</b>a, <b>14</b>b of the cell <b>14</b> with the help of screw <b>46</b> connected by the through holes of the ring-like Connection parts of electric cables <b>15</b> guided and into the tapped hole in ments of connections <b>14</b>a, <b>14</b>b are screwed. The further features and Effects are the same as those in the first embodiment.

(Eleventh Embodiment)

In the eleventh preferred embodiment, as shown in <b>Fig.</b> 19 a battery <b>100</b>b a rectangular parallelepiped airtight housing <b>10</b>b, consisting of a housing body <b>11</b>b and a housing cover <b>12</b>b be stands. The cylindrical cells<b>14</b> are in the rectangular parallelepiped airtight case <b>10</b>b up with a grid-like in cross section pattern accepted. Ins Detail continuously has, as shown in<b>Fig.</b> 19, the air-tight housing <b>10</b>b has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, and the center points of the cell <b>14</b> seen in cross-section lie on parallel lines to the shorter and the longer sides of the airtight housing <b>10</b>b. Even in this case be Stir all cells <b>14</b> the refrigerant inside the <b>24</b>b of the airtight Ge housing <b>10</b>b fills, on their entire surfaces, so that the cells <b>14</b> effective means of the coolant to be cooled.

(Twelfth Embodiment)

In the twelfth preferred embodiment, a battery <b>100</b>c quite square, parallelepiped airtight housing <b>10</b>C, consisting of a Ge housing body <b>11</b>c and a housing cover as in the eleventh embodiment form exists. According to<b>Fig.</b> 20 a plan view of the housing body <b>11</b>c shows are rectangular cells <b>14</b>a, in the airtight housing <b>10</b>c with suffi relevant intervals included between them. According touches the coolant in a safe way the entire surfaces of the cells <b>14</b>a thing to a sufficient cooling effect of the cells <b>14</b>a lead. Because in the twelfth From management form the cells <b>14</b> have a rectangular cross-sectional shape, the cells <b>14</b> in the airtight housing <b>10</b>c spaced apart on orderly; However, it is obvious that even if the cells<b>14</b> have a cylindrical shape, the cells <b>14</b> spaced-apart can be arranged.

While the invention is with reference to the above-mentioned BE been preferred embodiments shown and described, however, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form and details can be performed without leaving the scope of the invention according to the De definitions to leave in the appended claims.

For example, in order for the above-described embodiments connected or encapsulated cells with an air-tight housing, which in the Location is a solution inside without the risk of any leakage to contained th when cells <b>14</b> be used. When the enclosed or encapsulated Cells are used, it is not necessary maintenance operations durchzufüh reindeer, for example, for the supply of water in the cells. changes as those described above are referred as being within the scope of the invention lying to understand their definition by the appended claims.