Abstract:
An electrochemical store is provided. The electrochemical store comprises a plurality of heat exchange units and a plurality of electrochemical storage cells arranged in an array, alongside one another, and between pairs of the heat exchange unit. The heat exchange units include heat exchange channels for the flow of a temperature control fluid. A forward flow distribution channel is coupled to the heat exchange channels for ingress of the temperature control fluid and a return flow distribution channel is coupled to the heat exchange channels for egress of the temperature control fluid flow. Pursuant to a feature of the present invention, the plurality of heat exchange units are coupled to one another to form a self-supporting electrochemical store unit suitable for insertion into a battery box as a unit.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims priority to German Patent Application DE 10 2004 005 394.4, filed Feb. 4, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     The present invention is directed to an electrochemical energy store.  
         [0003]     An electrochemical energy store of a type relevant to the present invention is described in WO 02/07249 A1. A development of this type of energy store is also described in German Application P 102 382 35.2. With regard to further prior art, reference should be made to EP 065 349 B1 and DE 198 49 491 C1. The German reference DE 197 27 337 C1 describes a venting closure for electrical housings.  
         [0004]     The prior art has the disadvantage of a relatively complicated design of the electrochemical energy store, with a large number of modules and storage units, and heat exchange units which are in each case arranged between them. The energy store together with the individual modules is assembled in a battery box to which the entire unit is fitted. Owing to the installation of the individual modules and of the heat exchange units, the construction process and the overall installation in the battery box are very difficult. For example, it has been found that the connection of the individual storage cells and channels in the heat exchange units is often highly dangerous and difficult, owing to the high potential of the modules. In this case, screw connections for the connections of the individual parts, for example of the storage cells, must, inter alia, be tightened to a defined torque, which is frequently inconvenient and difficult owing to access and space restrictions.  
         [0005]     In order to make it possible to carry out the assembly work with an at least reasonably acceptable amount of effort, mounting openings are frequently provided on the battery box. However, mounting openings such as these are problematic for fire protection reasons and for EMC protection (electromagnetic radiation). Accordingly, the battery box is generally manufactured from sheet steel, and it must be designed to be very robust, owing to the heavy weight of the energy store.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     The present invention provides an energy store having a structure arranged and configured to facilitate a simplified installation in a battery box.  
         [0007]     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention an electrochemical store comprises a plurality of heat exchange units and a plurality of electrochemical storage cells arranged in an array, alongside one another, and between pairs of the heat exchange unit. The heat exchange units include heat exchange channels for flow of a temperature control fluid. A forward flow distribution channel is coupled to the heat exchange channels for ingress of the temperature control fluid and a return flow distribution channel is coupled to the heat exchange channels for egress of the temperature control fluid flow. Pursuant to a feature of the present invention, the plurality of heat exchange units are coupled to one another to form a self-supporting electrochemical store unit suitable for insertion into a battery box as a unit. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]      FIG. 1  shows a heat exchange unit.  
         [0009]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded enlargement of a detail of the heat exchange unit of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0010]      FIG. 3  shows a heat exchange unit having twelve heat exchange channels.  
         [0011]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded enlargement of a detail of two of the heat exchange channels shown in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0012]      FIG. 5  shows an energy store in an assembled state.  
         [0013]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a support housing according to a feature of the present invention, for use with the energy store illustrated in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0014]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective, exploded view of a support housing of the type illustrated in  FIG. 6 , before its assembly.  
         [0015]      FIG. 8  shows an enlarged section along the line VIII-VIII of  FIG. 7 .  
         [0016]      FIG. 9  shows an enlargement of a detail marked by the letter “X” in  FIG. 7 .  
         [0017]      FIG. 10  shows an enlargement of a detail marked by the letter “Y” in  FIG. 7 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 11  shows a section along the line XI-XI of  FIG. 7 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 12  shows the heat exchange unit of  FIG. 1  with storage cells inserted between the heat exchange channels of the heat exchange unit.  
         [0020]      FIG. 13  shows an exploded view of a design for an energy store and a support housing according to a feature of the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 14  shows an enlargement of a detail marked by the letter “Z” in  FIG. 13 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 15  shows a design of an energy store in the support housing according to a feature of the present invention, in the form of a perspective illustration before final assembly.  
         [0023]      FIG. 16  shows a perspective view of the energy store partially assembled, with connection of the storage cells.  
         [0024]      FIG. 17  shows a further perspective view of a completely assembled energy store in the support housing according to a feature of the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 18  shows a perspective view of an installation of a self-supporting unit comprising the energy store and support housing according to a feature of the present invention, in a battery box.  
         [0026]      FIG. 19  shows a further perspective view of the energy store with the support housing and inserted into the battery box, as shown in  FIG. 18 .  
         [0027]      FIG. 20  shows a perspective view of a water outlet and venting screw including a water outlet and venting disc.  
         [0028]      FIG. 21  shows a perspective view of the water outlet and venting screw and the water outlet and venting disc, of  FIG. 20 , before assembly.  
         [0029]      FIG. 22  shows a side view of the water outlet and venting screw and the water outlet and venting disc.  
         [0030]      FIG. 23  shows a side view of the water outlet and venting screw.  
         [0031]      FIG. 24  shows a longitudinal section through the water outlet and venting screw of  FIG. 23 .  
         [0032]      FIG. 25  shows a side view of the water outlet and venting disc.  
         [0033]      FIG. 26  shows a longitudinal section through the water outlet and venting disc of  FIG. 25 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 27  shows a plan view of a battery box with centering bolt, attachment screws and water outlet and venting screws.  
         [0035]      FIG. 28  shows a section of the battery box, along line XXVIII-XXVIII of  FIG. 27 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 29  shows a perspective view of a self-supporting energy store which has been inserted into a battery box and has storage cells and heat exchange units, and an external cooling circuit.  
         [0037]      FIG. 30  shows a side view of the battery box with the energy store of  FIG. 29 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 31  shows a perspective view of a version with an external cooling component structure.  
         [0039]      FIG. 32  shows a plan view of a battery box, installed in a vehicle, with the energy store according to the present invention.  
         [0040]      FIG. 33  shows a perspective view of a large number of energy stores according to the present invention, with external cooling components.  
         [0041]      FIG. 34  shows a further perspective view of a battery box with the energy store according to the present invention, and with cooling components flange-connected directly to the battery box.  
         [0042]      FIG. 35  shows a perspective view of an equalization container. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0043]     FIGS.  1  to  5  show the general design features of an electrochemical energy store. Since such an electrochemical energy store is, in general, known from the prior art, only the major parts will be described in more detail in the following text. In principle, the energy store may be designed as required by a respective application. However, according to a feature of the present invention, the energy store is designed as a self-supporting unit, as will be described in more detail in the following text.  
         [0044]     A plurality of heat exchange cooling units  1 , between which storage cells  2 , for example Ni/MeH cells, are arranged, is provided in the energy store (see, for example,  FIGS. 12 and 13 ). As shown in  FIG. 1 , the heat exchange units  1  are designed, for example, with six circulation channels or heat exchange channels  3 . A temperature control fluid is circulated through the heat exchange channels  3 . The flow runs in either direction on a plane and in either direction parallel to their planes (see  FIG. 2 ). The flow takes place via circulation distribution channels  4  and  5  which, depending on the arrangement, represent forward flow circulation distribution channels or return flow circulation distribution channels. In the case of Ni/MeH modules and cells, the heat exchange channels  3  are formed from a number of parts, owing to the configuration of the Ni/MeH modules.  
         [0045]     As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , twelve rows of heat exchange channels  3  are provided, and a forward flow distributor  6  and a return flow distributor  7  are provided for lithium ion cells. The flow likewise runs in either direction on a plane and parallel to their planes, based on an opposing flow principle, as shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0046]      FIG. 4  shows a detail of two heat exchange channels  3 , two forward flow circulation distribution channels  4 , and two return flow circulation distribution channels  5 . In the case of lithium ion cells, only one heat exchange channel  3  is in each case provided, owing to the configuration of the cells.  
         [0047]      FIG. 5  shows the assembly of heat exchange cooling units  1  of the type illustrated in  FIG. 1 , for use with forty-six Ni/MeH modules. The assembly includes a stack of four cooling units indicated by the reference numeral  8  and four cooling units indicated by the reference numeral  9 , each arranged between a pair of units  8 , together with a forward flow distributor  10  and a return flow distributor  11 .  
         [0048]     Referring now to FIGS.  6  to  19 , there is illustrated a design for an energy store in accordance with a feature of the present invention. As shown, the heat exchange units  1  and the energy storage cells  2  are assembled in the form of a self-supporting unit. Pursuant to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a support housing  12  is used to provide a self-support structure for the energy store, with a lower support pressure plate mount  13  on the lower face, an upper support pressure plate  14  on the upper face, and two side support clamping plates  15  and  16 , as shown, for example, in  FIG. 6 .  
         [0049]     Since the energy store according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is in the form of a self-supporting unit, the individual modules, in particular the storage cells, and the heat exchange units which are arranged between each of the storage cells, can be installed and assembled with the support housing outside the battery box. After final assembly, the entire self-supporting unit can then be inserted into any desired battery box.  
         [0050]     It is also advantageous that the battery box may then form the necessary fire and EMC protection, and may be designed to be sealed appropriately for this purpose. Furthermore, there is no longer a need to design the battery box as a mechanism to support the now self-supporting energy store. Thus, according to the present invention, a battery box can be fabricated with less and lighter materials and will therefore be of lighter construction, and be less expansive to manufacture.  
         [0051]     The self-supporting energy store according to the present invention may be used in a vehicle, or else for any other application. If it is installed in a vehicle, it can be installed in the existing spare wheel well. In the case of a new development, the required physical space could be provided, for example, in the bottom structure of the vehicle.  
         [0052]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective, exploded view of the design of the support housing  12 , according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The lower support pressure plate mount  13  has a curved, radius contour  17 , which complements and merges with the curved, radius contour of the heat exchange channels  3 , so that the heat exchange channels  3  are optimally secured and fixed in the support housing  12 .  
         [0053]     In order to secure cooling units  8 ,  9  ( FIG. 5 ), the lower support pressure plate mount  13  is provided with four elongated holes  18  formed at the outer end corners thereof. A cooling unit  8 ,  9  is positioned and fixed in the x direction by means of the elongated holes  18 .  
         [0054]     The elongated holes  18  allow the cooling unit  8 ,  9  together with the circulation distribution channels  4 ,  5 , which are subject to temperature fluctuations, to expand in the y direction, so that no stresses occur.  
         [0055]     The lower support pressure plate mount  13  has clamping grooves  19  and  20  at the ends. The clamping grooves  19  and  20  are used to uniformly absorb a defined clamping force from the side support clamping plates  15  and  16  (see the detail Y in  FIG. 10 ).  
         [0056]      FIG. 8  shows a longitudinal section along the line VIII-VIII of  FIG. 7 , through the lower support pressure plate mount  13 . Cylindrical centering holes  21  can be seen in this section. The cylindrical centering holes  21  interact via threaded holes  22  with screws which are arranged in a battery box, which will be described below. The self-supporting unit is fixed in the horizontal direction by means of centering bolts which are arranged in the battery box and passed through the cylindrical centering holes  21 , with shear forces being absorbed by the cylindrical centering holes  21  and centering bolts in the battery box.  
         [0057]     At the sides, the lower support pressure plate mount  13  is provided with threaded holes  23 , via which the side support clamping plates  15  and  16  are attached, by means of corresponding, inserted screws.  
         [0058]     The upper support pressure plate  14  also has a curved, radius contour  24 , which, as in the case of the lower pressure plate  13 , is matched to the radius contour of the associated heat exchange channels  3 , and centers them appropriately. On the sides, the upper support pressure plate  14  has clamping grooves  25  at the ends. The clamping grooves  25  likewise are used to absorb a defined pressure force uniformly via the side support clamping plates  15  and  16  (see the detail X and the enlarged illustration in  FIG. 9 ).  
         [0059]     The side support clamping plates  15  and  16  each have a number of openings  26 , whose diameters are matched to the cells  2  and to the supply line parts and distribution lines for the heat exchange units. The cells  2  are secured against rotation by means of the quadrilateral openings which are shown. They are secured against rotation because the cells  2  must be tightened with a defined torque, for coupling to corresponding connectors.  
         [0060]     The side support clamping plates  15  and  16  also have clamping frames  27 ,  28 ,  29  and  30 , which absorb the defined pressure force from the support lower pressure plate  13  and from the upper support pressure plate  14 .  
         [0061]      FIG. 11  shows the section XI-XI of  FIG. 7 , through the side support clamping plate  15 . From the illustrated section profile, there is a centering hole  31 , which fixes the modules and/or cells  2  in a defined manner in the X direction between the side support clamping plate  15  and the side support clamping plate  16 . The centering hole  31  is coaxial with respect to an overlapping quadrilateral hole  26  in the side support clamping plate  15 , in order to accommodate a cell  2 .  
         [0062]      FIG. 12  shows three cooling units  8 , 9 , together with an arrangement of energy storage cells  2  mounted between the heat exchange or cooling channels  3  of the cooling units  8 , 9 . The support pressure plate mount  13  is arranged underneath the cooling units  8  and  9  (see  FIG. 13 ).  
         [0063]     FIGS.  13  to  15  show the assembly and design of an energy store according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, including a plurality of heat exchange units  1  of the type illustrated in  FIG. 1 , and the energy storage cells  2 , in the support housing  12 . In the first step, a first cooling unit  8  is placed on the lower support pressure plate mount  13 . Four centering bolts  32  are arranged in the cooling unit  8  and are inserted into the forward flow circulation distribution channels  4 . The cooling unit  8  is inserted, with the centering bolt  32 , into the elongated holes  18  in the lower support pressure plate mount  13 . This results in the cooling unit  8  being fixed in the x direction as already described, with the elongated holes  18  allowing it to expand in the y direction. The cooling unit  8  has four elongated holes  33 , which are used to fix the cooling unit  8  (see the detail Z and its enlarged illustration in  FIG. 14 ).  
         [0064]     The cells  2  are inserted into the cooling unit  8 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . A second cooling unit  9  is then applied as a layer to the cells  2 . The cooling unit  9  is provided with elongated holes  34 . The cooling unit  9  likewise has four centering bolts  32 , so that the second cooling unit  9  is fixed by means of the centering bolts  32  in the elongated holes  33  in the cooling unit  8  so that the second cooling unit  9  is likewise fixed in the x direction. As already mentioned, the elongated holes  33  allow the cooling units  8  and  9  to expand in the y direction without any stresses. As described above, the flow in the cooling unit  8  is in the opposite direction to the flow in the cooling unit  9 . The rest of the construction of the storage cells  2  and of the cooling units  8  and  9  is carried out in the form of layers, again as clearly illustrated in  FIG. 13 .  
         [0065]     After the stack of layers of cooling unit  8 ,  9  and energy storage cells or modules  2  are aligned in their positions, the upper support pressure plate  14  is installed at the top of the layers (see  FIG. 15 ). The upper support pressure plate  14  is compressed with a defined pressure force upon installation, so that the cooling surfaces rest on the storage cells  2  without any play, thus allowing for optimum heat transfer.  
         [0066]     When the upper support pressure plate  14  is installed and aligned with the defined pressure force, the side support clamping plates  15  and  16  are inserted with their clamping frames  27  to  30  into the clamping grooves  25  on the lower support pressure plate  13 , and with the upper support pressure plate  14  and the clamping grooves  25 , and are screwed to the lower support pressure plate mount  13  and to the upper support pressure plate  14  for fixing in the x direction. It is also possible, of course, particularly when relatively large quantities are involved, to weld the parts mentioned above to one another.  
         [0067]      FIG. 16  shows a perspective view of a partially assembled self-supporting energy store according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with its heat exchange units  8 ,  9 , the storage cells  2  and the support housing  12 . As can be seen, modular connectors  35  are coupled to the storage cells  2  for electrical connection of the cells  2 .  
         [0068]      FIG. 17  likewise shows a perspective view, in the completely assembled state, for the energy store, together with the support housing  12  according to a feature of the present invention. In addition,  FIG. 17  also shows the forward flow distributor  10  with its connections  36  to form the forward flow circulation channels  4 , and the return flow distributor  11  with its connections  37  to form the return flow circulation channels  5 .  
         [0069]      FIG. 18  shows a perspective illustration of the installation of the self-supporting energy store with the support housing  12 , surrounding it, in a battery box  38 . The battery box  38  is provided with a battery cover  39 .  
         [0070]     Four centering bolts  40  (only one of which is illustrated) are located on the battery box  38 , so as to hold the self-supporting energy store with the support housing  12  in the centering holes  21  which are provided there, and thus, as described, to fix the energy store in the horizontal direction, with the shear forces being absorbed via the centering holes  21  and the centering bolts  40 . The battery box  38  is screwed to the energy store via the threaded holes  22  which are incorporated in it, by means of attachment screws  41  in the battery box  38 .  
         [0071]      FIG. 19  shows a perspective view of the complete installation of the energy store with the support housing  12  according to a feature of the present invention, in the battery box  38 .  
         [0072]     FIGS.  20  to  26  show a water outlet and venting screw  42  with a water outlet and venting disc  43 , for use as a water outlet and venting device for the battery box  38 . In this case,  FIG. 20  shows a perspective illustration of the water outlet and venting screw  42  with the water outlet and venting disc  43 .  
         [0073]     On the basis of the applicable regulations, an enclosure for the energy store, such as the battery box  38 , must ensure fire protection up to 900° C. in the event of fire. Furthermore, the electronic components which are required for the connection of the individual modules and/or memory cells and/or storage cells must be protected against electromagnetic radiation (EMC). For this reason, a battery box is generally manufactured from thin-walled steel plate sheet steel, in which case the cover should be watertight and should likewise be sealed with an EMC shield. The use of a support structure according to the exemplary embodiment of present invention makes it possible to comply with these regulations.  
         [0074]     However, there is a problem on the one hand in that temperature differences result in pressure building up in the battery box  38  when the battery box  38  has a watertight seal. This build up in pressure should be equalized.  
         [0075]     On the other hand, there is always a risk of heat exchange units leaking, and of the cooling liquid, generally water, being able to emerge. This can lead to damage to electronic components. In particular, major damage can occur in the electronics and in the electrical system since the connections of the modules are subject to high voltages and may be damaged when cooling liquid emerges.  
         [0076]     One advantageous embodiment of the present invention provides a pressure-tight and water-tight battery box being having at least one water outlet and venting device of the type illustrated in  FIGS. 20-26 .  
         [0077]     The water outlet and venting device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention not only allows pressure equalization but also, if necessary, allows any liquid which emerges from the heat exchange units to be passed into free space, so that no damage occurs to the electronic components or to the modules. The venting device may, of course, act in both directions; that is to say, if the pressure in the interior of the battery box is lower than the outside pressure, pressure equalization with the environment is likewise possible.  
         [0078]      FIG. 21  shows an exploded illustration of the two parts of the water outlet and venting device according to the present invention, before their connection. The water outlet and venting disc  43  has a threaded hole  44 . Four holes  45  are provided transversely with respect to and communicate with the threaded hole  44 . The holes  45  are incorporated in a defined manner such that they are flush with the base of the battery box  38 , so that any emerging water can be passed directly into free space.  
         [0079]     The water outlet and venting screw  42  has a blind hole  46  (see  FIG. 24 ). Four further holes  47  are provided transversely with respect to and communicate with the blind hole  46 . Furthermore, the water outlet and venting screw  42  has a water catchment groove  48 . The function of the water catchment groove  48  is to hold the water which enters the holes  45  via the water outlet and venting disc  43 , and to pass this water via the hole  47  into four additional holes  49  in the water outlet and venting screw  42 . The holes  49  are likewise arranged transversely with respect to and communicate with the blind hole  46 , and from where the water is dissipated into free space. The arrangement of the water outlet and venting screw  42  and of the water outlet and venting disc  43  in the base of the battery box  38  is illustrated in  FIG. 28 . As is illustrated, the water outlet and venting disc  43  is in this case located in the interior of the battery box  38 , and the water outlet and venting screw  42  is located on the outside of the battery box  38 .  
         [0080]      FIG. 27  shows a plan view of the battery box  38  and illustrates the positioning of the four centering bolts  40  and the four attachment screws  41 , as well as two-diagonally opposed water outlet and venting discs  43 .  
         [0081]      FIG. 28  shows a section of the battery box  38 , along line XXVIII-XXVIII of  FIG. 27 , and illustrates the arrangement of holes  45 ,  46 ,  49  when the water outlet and venting screw  42  and the water outlet and venting disc  43  are mounted in the base of the battery box  38 .  
         [0082]     The water outlet groove  48  may also be incorporated into the water outlet and venting disc  43  instead of the water outlet and venting screw  42 . In the same way, the water outlet and venting disc  43  may be arranged on the outside, and the water outlet and venting screw  42  on the inside of the battery box  38 . The water outlet and venting disc  43  can be welded to the battery box  38 , or connected to the battery box  38  in any other desired manner.  
         [0083]     The water outlet and venting screw  42  thus not only provides ventilation and venting for the battery box  38 , but also an outlet for hydrogen to dissipate from the cells, if this emerges. The cooling liquid is likewise passed directly into free space outside of the battery box  38  in the event of any leaks in the heat exchange units.  
         [0084]      FIG. 29  shows a perspective view of the electrochemical energy store with its self-supporting structure in the battery box  38 . An external cooling circuit has an external cooler  50  with an axial fan, a water pump  51  and an equalization container  52 .  
         [0085]     In addition,  FIG. 30  also shows a forward flow line  53  to the water pump  51 , in a side view. A connection  54  for the external cooler  50 , with the axial fan, emerges from the water pump  51 . A connection  55  is provided from the external cooler  50  for the battery box  38 . The return flow from the battery box  38  passes via a connection  56  to the equalization container  52 .  
         [0086]     The cooling circuit, which is known per se, ensures optimum filling and venting of the entire cooling circuit. The venting in this case takes place via the return flow from the battery box  38  directly through the line to the equalization container  52 . The supply air for the external cooling circuit is not supplied directly between the vehicle floor and the roadway, but from the interior venting, which is normally passed into free space at the side on the left and right, as forced venting. This outlet can be supplied to the external cooling circuit.  
         [0087]     A direct supply of supply air from the area under the floor and from the roadway to the external cooling circuit would have the disadvantage that this air would have been heated by radiation heat emitted from the engine and, when the outside temperatures are very high, additionally by roadway heat from the roadway area as well. When the outside temperatures are very high, this could result in the battery not being cooled sufficiently, and, on the contrary, it would even be heated. In addition, a supply air channel can also be provided from the vehicle ventilation system for the outlet air from the interior ventilation, carrying air which has been cooled by the air-conditioning system or has been heated by the engine heat to the external cooling circuit. This allows the battery to be optimally cooled not only when the outside temperatures are very high, but also when they are very low.  
         [0088]     When the outside temperatures are very low, this embodiment has a further advantage, specifically in that the battery is not cooled, but is heated by the engine heat, which in fact heats the interior, with box  38 . The return flow from the battery box  38  passes via a connection  56  to the equalization container  52 .  
         [0089]     A further option for the external cooling circuit would be a direct link to the air-conditioning system. In this case, the external cooling circuit would be replaced.  
         [0090]      FIG. 31  shows a perspective view of one embodiment with an external cooling component configuration with a cooling component holder  57 , a heat exchange/vaporizer  58 , an expansion valve  59  and a water pump  60 .  
         [0091]      FIG. 32  shows a plan view of a battery box  38  which has already been installed in a vehicle, and in which the self-supporting energy store is arranged. The arrangement of the cooling component configuration from  FIG. 31  is likewise illustrated, with a direct link to an air-conditioning system and with an equalization container  52 .  
         [0092]      FIG. 33  shows a perspective view of a self-supporting battery liquid cooler with lithium ion cells  61  and the external cooling components as shown in  FIG. 31 , likewise with the arrangement being directly linked to the air-conditioning system.  
         [0093]      FIG. 34  shows a further perspective view of a battery box  38  with lithium ion cells and with external cooling components as shown in  FIG. 31 , which is flange-connected directly to the battery box  38 .  
         [0094]      FIG. 35  shows a perspective view of the equalization container  52  with a spiral cooling line  62  in the equalization container  52 . The connection passes directly from the equalization container  52  to the water pump  60 , and from there out of the battery box  38  and as a return pump from the battery box  38  back to the equalization container  52 .  
         [0095]     In this embodiment, the cooling components, such as the cooling components holder  57 , are omitted, as are the heat exchange  58  and the expansion valve  59 . The cooling circuit initially passes from the equalization container  52  directly via the water pump  60  into the interior of the battery box  38  to the heat exchange units, and from there back again to the equalization container  52 . For cooling at high outside temperatures, the cooling line  62  is passed from an air-conditioning compressor (not illustrated) in a spiral shape through the equalization container  52 , and is then passed back again to the air-conditioning compressor.  
         [0096]     Since additional external cooling is required for battery cooling only in high outside temperatures, and the air-conditioning system is in operation in this situation in any case, the refinement as described above is a cost-effective and simple solution. No additional external cooling would be required for cooling the battery at temperatures, for example, below 20° C.  
         [0097]     In the preceding specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments and examples thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative manner rather than a restrictive sense.