DE102011075044A1 - battery case - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a housing 1a; 1b; 1c; 1d for a cell or a module of a battery, in particular for a vehicle or a stationary system. To simplify assembly, the housing 1a; 1b; 1c; 1d on at least one outer surface A1 – A4 at least one connecting element 2a – 2a ’’ ’; 2b, 2b '; 2c, 2c ’; 2d, 2d ’to form a form-fitting plug connection with a connecting element 4a, 2b’; 2a; 2c ’; 2b, 2d ’; 2c, 4b of another battery component 3a, 1b; 1a, 1c; 1b, 1d; 1c, 3b, with the form-fitting plug connection in a direction perpendicular to that with the connecting element 2a – 2a ’’ ’; 2b, 2b '; 2c, 2c ’; 2d, 2d ’provided outer surface A1-A4 of the housing 1a; 1b; 1c; 1d is blocked.

Description

Field of the invention

Batteries can be constructed on the basis of several cells. In each case a plurality of cells can be interconnected to form a module, wherein in turn two or more modules can be interconnected to form an overall module.

In order to assemble the individual cells into a module, the individual cells are conventionally mechanically connected to corresponding holding devices.

The publication DE 10 2008 010 828 A1 describes a battery with a plurality of single cells whose poles are electrically connected in parallel and / or in series with each other and form a module. The poles of the individual cells are formed by the cell housing side walls, wherein the poles of different individual cells are electrically interconnected by contacting the cell housing side walls of the individual cells. For mechanical fixation of the cells of a cell composite, the battery has a clamping element enclosing the cell composite.

The object of the invention is to simplify the assembly of galvanic cells, in particular to form a module or overall module.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a housing for a cell or a module of a battery having at least one outer surface at least one connecting element for forming a positive plug connection with a connecting element of another battery component, wherein the positive connection in a direction perpendicular to the with The outer surface of the housing provided with the connecting element is blocked.

The other battery component can be, for example, a further cell or module housing or a further cell or a further module, or a cell, module or battery monitor, or an end plate for contacting a module. In this case, a cell, module or battery monitoring can be understood in particular to mean electronics which monitor and / or control at least one cell or at least one module, in particular with respect to functionality. In addition, a battery monitor may be configured to cause a fault in an electrical separation, the faulty cell, the faulty module or the battery and possibly issue a warning.

According to the invention, a connection mechanism is integrated directly into the housing. Thus, the housing and thus the cell or the module can advantageously be mechanically connected by a simple plug connection with one or more other battery components and the assembly can be simplified. It is advantageously possible to dispense with additional mechanical connection means, such as clamping elements. In particular, so the assembly is advantageously better automated, allowing for mass production. In addition, the connection mechanism according to the invention has the advantage that possibly defective cells can be easily replaced.

The housing according to the invention can be designed, for example, for a battery of a vehicle or of a stationary system.

In one embodiment, the connecting elements are additionally designed for the positive connection for electrical contacting of the cell or of the module and of the other battery component. For example, electrical contacts for series and / or parallel connection of the cell may be integrated into the connection elements. Elaborate contacts can thus advantageously be omitted, for example by several cells are put together by means of the connecting elements in a row. Overall, it is thus advantageously possible to achieve electrical contacting simultaneously with the formation of the mechanical connection and to further simplify assembly.

In the context of another embodiment, the plug connection is a sliding and / or latching connection. In this case, a sliding and / or latching connection can be understood in particular to be a plug connection in which a connecting element is inserted, and / or engaged, in another connecting element, in particular in a form-locking manner. A sliding and / or locking connection has the advantage that the assembly can be carried out in a particularly simple manner.

In the context of another embodiment, the connector is an undercut tongue and groove connection. By the undercut is advantageously ensured that the connector is locked in the direction perpendicular to the provided with the connecting element outer surface of the housing. The undercut can be both angled, for example, rectangular or wedge-shaped, as well as curvy, for example, curved executed. By an undercut tongue and groove connection advantageously a particularly simple assembly can be accomplished.

Under a tongue and groove connection can be understood in particular a positive plug-in connection, in which a component of the connector has at least one connecting element in the form of a groove and another component of the connector at least one connecting element in the form of a spring. At the tongue and groove connection can be involved in both two or more components.

For example, the tongue and groove connection may be a bung. Under a bung can be understood in particular a connector, are involved in the two components, wherein the first component comprises at least one groove-shaped connecting element and the second component at least one, in the groove-shaped connecting element of the first component form-fitting insertable, spring-shaped connecting element. A bung is advantageously a particularly easy to install embodiment of a tongue and groove joint.

However, it is also possible that three or more components are involved in the tongue and groove connection.

In a further embodiment, for example, the connecting element of the housing and the connecting element of the other component are each formed in the form of an undercut groove, wherein the positive connection by inserting a further, in particular to the shape of the undercut grooves correspondingly formed, connecting element in the groove-shaped connecting elements of Housing and the other component can be realized. Also, a reverse or combined embodiment is possible, in which the further connecting element is provided on one or both sides with an undercut groove into which a, in particular corresponding thereto trained, spring-shaped connecting element of the housing and / or the other component can be inserted. This refinement can be particularly advantageous in particular if only a small amount of space is available during assembly, for example due to the local environment of the battery, for example in a vehicle.

In the context of a further embodiment, the plug connection is a dovetail connection. A dovetail connection may be understood to mean a special embodiment of an undercut tongue and groove connection, in particular bunging, in which the shape of the spring is essentially wedge-shaped and at least remotely resembles the shape of the tail feathers of a bird, in particular a swallow.

In the context of another embodiment, the connector is a click connection. Under a click connection, in particular a special embodiment of a sliding and / or latching connection can be understood, in which - at least one nose or spring in at least one equipped with a detent mechanism groove or groove inserted or inserted and similar, for example by - similar to the so-called click laminate floors an additional rotational movement, is engaged. A click connection offers a further advantageous possibility to simplify the installation.

In a further embodiment, the connecting element of the housing has a predetermined breaking point. Preferably, the predetermined breaking point is designed to break in the event of mechanical overload at a point where the housing remains intact as such. Thus, it can be advantageously prevented that the housing is damaged in the event of a mechanical overload, in particular of the plug connection.

In the context of a further embodiment, the positive-locking plug-in connection furthermore has a locking receiving receptacle, for example an additional groove, and a locking ply, in particular wherein the locking ply can be introduced into the locking receptacle receptacle, for example can be pushed in, in order to release, in particular move, the connecting elements in the closed state prevent positive connection. The blocking of the positive plug connection prevents mechanical separation of the plug connection in the direction perpendicular to the outer surface of the housing provided with the connecting element. In addition, the additional lock-receiving-lock mechanism mechanism can be a separation of the connector in other directions, such as the insertion and / or locking direction, for example, as in the case of a dovetail connection, parallel to the provided with the connecting element outer surface of the housing can be prevented.

For example, the connector may be a dovetail joint, wherein at least one connecting part of the dovetail joint, in particular at least one spring of the dovetail joint has an additional groove for receiving the barrier layer.

In the context of a further embodiment, the housing has at least one connecting element on at least one first outer surface for forming a form-fitting plug connection with a connecting element of a first other battery component, for example a first further cell housing or a first one End plate, on and on at least one second outer surface at least one connecting element for forming a form-fitting plug connection with a connecting element of a second other battery component, for example a second further cell housing or a second end plate on. In particular, the positive-locking plug connections can each be locked in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface of the housing provided with the respective connection element. The first and second outer surfaces may be, for example, opposing outer surfaces. This embodiment has proved to be particularly advantageous for mounting a plurality of cell housings or cells to form a module.

In a further embodiment, the housing has at least one third and / or fourth outer surface at least one connecting element for forming a positive plug connection with a connecting element of a third and / or fourth other battery component, for example a further module housing or a cell, module or battery monitoring , on. In particular, the positive-locking plug connections can in this case also be locked in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface of the housing provided with the respective connecting element. The cell, module or battery monitoring can be fastened for example by means of a sliding connection. The cell, module or battery monitoring can both, in particular block-like, be formed, and contact a plurality of housing or cells alike, as well as be designed for contacting a single cell. The third and fourth outer surface may be, for example, opposing outer surfaces. This embodiment has been found to be particularly advantageous for mounting a plurality of module housings or modules to a total module and / or for mounting a cell, module or battery monitoring.

In particular, the housing may have at least one large outer surface and at least one smaller outer surface.

For example, the housing may be a prismatic housing in the form of a, in particular rectangular, parallelepiped, in particular with two large outer surfaces opposite each other and four further smaller outer surfaces which are in pairs opposite each other.

However, the housing may also be a cylindrical housing, in particular wherein the lateral surface constitute a large outer surface and the two cover surfaces smaller outer surfaces.

Within the scope of an embodiment of this embodiment, at least one of the large outer surfaces has at least one connecting element for forming a positive plug-in connection with a connecting element of a further cell housing or a further cell or an end plate.

In a further embodiment of this embodiment, at least one of the smaller outer surfaces on a connecting element for forming a positive connection with a connector of another module or a cell of another module.

In a further embodiment of this embodiment, at least one of the smaller outer surfaces has a connecting element for forming a positive plug connection with a connecting element of a battery monitoring.

In the context of these embodiments, the positive-locking plug-in connections are preferably blocked in each case in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface of the housing provided with the respective connecting element.

Within the scope of a further embodiment, the housing is a cylindrical housing, wherein the at least one connecting element of the housing can be connected to the connecting element or elements of other battery components to form a honeycomb-shaped composite. Thus, advantageously, a stable mechanical composite of cylindrical cells can be realized.

Another object of the present invention is a cell or a battery module, comprising a housing according to the invention.

A further subject of the present invention is a battery, in particular for a vehicle or a stationary system, comprising at least one housing according to the invention and / or at least one cell according to the invention or a module according to the invention. Preferably, the cells are electrically interconnected via the form-fitting plug-in connection (s), for example connected in series and / or in parallel.

Another object of the present invention is a vehicle, such as an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle, or a stationary system comprising a battery according to the invention.

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings explained. The drawings and their description are intended to illustrate the subject matter of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention in any way. Show it:

1 a schematic perspective view of four embodiments of a housing according to the invention;

2 a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a housing according to the invention;

3 a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a housing according to the invention; and

4 a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a housing according to the invention.

1 shows a module of four in housing 1a . 1b . 1c . 1d integrated cells and with two end plates 3a . 3b , which allow electrical contact between cells and power electronics. To illustrate the design variety of the present invention alone, the four housings shown are 1a . 1b . 1c . 1d designed according to four different embodiments.

At the in 1 shown housings 1a . 1b . 1c . 1d are prismatic housing, which are each in the form of a parallelepiped with two opposing large outer surfaces A1, A2 and four other each pairwise opposed smaller outer surfaces A3, A4, A5, A6 are formed.

1 shows that the case 1a . 1b . 1c . 1d on at least two outer surfaces A1, A2, A3, A4 in each case at least one connecting element 2a - 2a '''; 2 B . 2 B'; 2c . 2c '; 2d . 2d ' for forming a positive connection with a connecting element 4a . 2 B'; 2a ; 2c '; 2 B . 2d '; 2c . 4b another battery component, for example another cell housing or an end plate, 3a . 1b ; 1a . 1c ; 1b . 1d ; 1c . 3b exhibit. The arrows illustrate that while the positive connections of all cell housing 1a . 1b . 1c . 1d in a direction perpendicular to that with the respective connecting element 2a - 2a '''; 2 B . 2 B'; 2c . 2c '; 2d . 2d ' provided outside surface A1-A4 are locked. 1 further illustrates that the plug-in connections shown are sliding and / or latching connections, in particular tongue and groove connections. As part of the in 1 The embodiments shown serve the connecting elements 2a - 2a '''; 2 B . 2 B'; 2c . 2c '; 2d . 2d ' in addition to the positive connection for electrical contacting, in particular where in the housing 1a . 1b . 1c . 1d located cells via the positive-locking connectors electrically connected, for example, in series and / or connected in parallel, are (not shown).

In the context of the first embodiment, the housing 1a even on four outer surfaces A1, A2, A3, A4 fasteners 2a . 2a ' . 2a ' . 2a ''' for forming positive connections with connecting elements 4a . 2 B' other battery components 3a . 1b on. In this case, the large outer surfaces A1, A2 of the cell housing 1a fasteners 2a . 2a ' for forming positive connections with connecting elements 4a . 2 B' the first contacting end plate 3a and the adjacent cell housing 1b on. The two smaller, opposite outer surfaces A3, A4 have further connecting elements 2a ' . 2a ''' for forming positive-locking plug-in connections with connecting elements of other battery components, not shown, for example, another module or a cell of another module of the battery or a cell, module or battery monitoring, on. In the context of the first embodiment, all plug connections are designed as bounces, in particular as dovetail joints.

In the context of the second embodiment, the housing 1b on the two large outer surfaces A1, A2 fasteners 2 B . 2 B' for forming positive connections with connecting elements 2a ; 2c ' other battery components, namely the adjacent cell housing 1a . 1c , on. In the context of the second embodiment, both the housing 1b as well as the adjacent housing 1c each a connecting element 2 B . 2c ' in the form of an undercut groove, wherein the positive connection by inserting a further, in particular to the shape of the undercut grooves correspondingly formed, connecting element 2Z in the groove-shaped connecting elements of the housing 1b . 1c is feasible.

In the context of the third embodiment, the housing 1c also on the two large outer surfaces A1, A2 fasteners 2c . 2c ' for forming positive connections with connecting elements 2 B . 2d ' other battery components, namely the adjacent cell housing 1b . 1d , on. In the context of the third embodiment is between the housing 1c and the housing 1d a click connection 2c . 2d ' educated. The click connection, similar to those used in parquet floors. 1 illustrates that the click connection is a kind of tongue and groove connection with locking mechanism, in which the upper nose-shaped spring meshed and then the housing 1d to the housing 1c be applied, wherein the lower nose-shaped spring engages or snaps.

Also in the context of the fourth embodiment, the housing 1d on the two large outer surfaces A1, A2 fasteners 2d . 2d ' for forming positive connections with connecting elements 2c . 4b other battery components, namely the adjacent cell housing 1c and the second end plate 3b on. In addition to the already explained click connection with housing 1c shows the case 1d in the context of the fourth embodiment, a dovetail connection with the second end plate 3a on.

2 shows a sliding connection on the basis of the tongue and groove principle. There is a sliding piece 1b with a rectangular undercut groove-shaped connecting element 2 B' and the other sliding piece 1a with a correspondingly designed spring-shaped connecting element 2a Mistake. Here, the backlash example, by a targeted stiffness of the tabs of the spring 2a be set.

3 illustrates that the plug connection may further comprise a lock receiving receptacle S, in particular in the form of an additional groove. In particular shows 3 in that the plug connection can be a dovetail connection for this purpose, the spring-shaped connecting element of which has an additional groove S for receiving a locking layer. By introducing, in particular insertion, the barrier insert into the barrier insert receptacle S, in particular in a direction parallel to the outer surfaces provided with the dovetail connection, a release, in particular displacement, of the connecting elements can thus be achieved 2a . 2 B' be prevented in the closed state of the positive connection.

4 illustrates that the connecting element 2a ' of the housing 1a a breaking point B may have, which is designed to break in the event of mechanical overloading at a location on the housing 1a as such remains intact. By deliberate failure of the predetermined breaking point B so a housing break can be avoided.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1a, 1b, 1c, 1d

 cell case

A1-A6

 Cell housing outer surfaces

2a-2a '' '; 2b, 2b '; 2c, 2c '; 2d, 2d '

 Connecting elements of the cell housing

2Z

 another connecting element

3a, 3b

 endplate

4a, 4b

 Connecting elements of the end plates

S

 Catch insert recording

B

 Breaking point

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102008010828 A1 [0003]

Claims (15)

Casing ( 1a ; 1b ; 1c ; 1d ) for a cell or a module of a battery, in particular for a vehicle or a stationary system, wherein the housing ( 1a ; 1b ; 1c ; 1d ) on at least one outer surface (A1-A4) at least one connecting element ( 2a - 2a '''; 2 B . 2 B'; 2c . 2c '; 2d . 2d ' ) for forming a positive plug connection with a connecting element ( 4a . 2 B'; 2a ; 2c '; 2 B . 2d '; 2c . 4b ) of another battery component ( 3a . 1b ; 1a . 1c ; 1b . 1d ; 1c . 3b ), wherein the positive connection in a direction perpendicular to the with the connecting element ( 2a - 2a '''; 2 B . 2 B'; 2c . 2c '; 2d . 2d ' ) provided outer surface (A1-A4) of the housing ( 1a ; 1b ; 1c ; 1d ) Is blocked. Casing ( 1a ; 1b ; 1c ; 1d ) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting elements ( 2a - 2a '''; 2 B . 2 B'; 2c . 2c '; 2d . 2d ' ) in addition to the positive connection for electrical contacting of the cell or the module and the other battery component ( 3a . 1b ; 1a . 1c ; 1b . 1d ; 1c . 3b ) are formed. Casing ( 1a ; 1b ; 1c ; 1d ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plug connection is a sliding and / or latching connection. Casing ( 1a ; 1b ; 1c ; 1d ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plug connection is an undercut tongue and groove connection. Casing ( 1a ; 1b ; 1c ; 1d ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plug connection is a dovetail joint ( 2a - 2a ''' . 2 B . 4a ; 2d ' . 4b ). Casing ( 1a ; 1b ; 1c ; 1d ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the connecting element ( 2 B ; 2c ' ) of the housing ( 1b ; 1c ) and the connecting element ( 2c '; 2 B ) of the other component ( 1c ; 1b ) are each formed in the form of an undercut groove, wherein the positive connection by inserting a further connecting element ( 2Z ) in the groove-shaped connecting elements ( 2 B . 2c ' ) of the housing ( 1b ; 1c ) and the other component ( 1c ; 1b ) is feasible. Casing ( 1a ; 1b ; 1c ; 1d ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plug connection is a click connection ( 2c . 2d ' ). Casing ( 1a ; 1b ; 1c ; 1d ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the other component another cell or module housing ( 1b ; 1a . 1c ; 1b . 1d ; 1c ) or another cell or another module, or a cell, module or battery monitoring, or an end plate ( 3a ; 3b ) is to contact a module. Casing ( 1a ; 1b ; 1c ; 1d ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the connecting element ( 2a - 2a '''; 2 B . 2 B'; 2c . 2c '; 2d . 2d ' ) of the housing ( 1a ; 1b ; 1c ; 1d ) has a predetermined breaking point (B), in particular wherein the predetermined breaking point (B) is designed to break in the event of mechanical overloading at a location at which the housing ( 1a ; 1b ; 1c ; 1d ) remains intact as such. Casing ( 1a ; 1b ; 1c ; 1d ) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plug connection further comprises a lock receiving receptacle (S), for example an additional groove, and a lock insert, in particular wherein the lock insert in the lock insert receptacle (S) can be introduced, in particular inserted, to a release, in particular shifting, the connecting elements ( 2a . 2 B' ) in the closed state of the positive connection to prevent Casing ( 1a ; 1b ; 1c ; 1d ) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the housing ( 1a ; 1b ; 1c ; 1d ) on at least one first outer surface (A1, A2) at least one connecting element ( 2a ; 2a '; 2 B : 2 B'; 2c ; 2c '; 2d ; 2d ' ) for forming a positive plug connection with a connecting element ( 2 B'; 4a ; 2c '; 2a ; 2d '; 2 B ; 4b ; 2c ) of a first other battery component ( 1b ; 3a ; 1c ; 1a ; 1d ; 1b ; 3b ; 1c ), in particular of a first further cell housing or of a first end plate, and on at least one second outer surface (A2, A1) at least one connecting element ( 2a '; 2a ; 2 B'; 2 B ; 2c '; 2c ; 2d '; 2d ) for forming a positive plug connection with a connecting element ( 4a ; 2 B'; 2a ; 2c '; 2 B ; 2d '; 2c ; 4b ) of a second other battery component ( 3a ; 1b ; 1a ; 1c ; 1b ; 1d ; 1c ; 3b ), in particular a second further cell housing or a second end plate, wherein the positive-locking connectors in each case in one direction perpendicular to the outer surface (A1, A2) of the housing provided with the respective connecting element ( 1a ; 1b ; 1c ; 1d ), in particular wherein the first (A1) and second (A2) outer surfaces are opposed outer surfaces (A1, A2). Casing ( 1a ; 1b ; 1c ; 1d ) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the housing has at least one connecting element (11) on at least one third (A3) and / or fourth (A4) outer surface. 2a ' . 2a ''' ) for forming a positive plug connection with a connecting element of a third and / or fourth other battery component, in particular a further module housing or a cell, module or battery monitoring comprises, in particular wherein the positive-locking connectors in each case in a direction perpendicular to that with the respective connecting element provided outer surface (A3, A4) of the housing are locked. Casing ( 1a ; 1b ; 1c ; 1d ) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the housing ( 1a ; 1b ; 1c ; 1d ) is a cylindrical housing, wherein the at least one connecting element ( 2a - 2a '''; 2 B . 2 B'; 2c . 2c '; 2d . 2d ' ) of the housing ( 1a ; 1b ; 1c ; 1d ) is connectable to the one or more connecting elements of other battery components to a honeycomb composite. Battery comprising at least one housing ( 1a ; 1b ; 1c ; 1d ) according to one of claims 1 to 13. A vehicle or stationary system comprising a battery according to claim 14.

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