DE102021121980A1 - battery - Google Patents

Abstract

Battery comprising a battery housing and at least one cover, the battery housing comprising at least one accommodation space for accommodating a first energy storage device of the battery, the battery housing being designed in one piece and comprising at least one additional accommodation space for accommodating a further energy storage device.

Description

The invention relates to a battery comprising a battery housing and at least one cover, the battery housing comprising at least one accommodation space for accommodating a first energy store of the battery.

State of the art:

Batteries are known from the prior art, e.g. in the field of energy supply for electric vehicles, in which individual cells, which in turn contain an energy store, are mechanically combined electrically to form modules, and these modules are then in turn connected to form battery packs in order to provide the required To provide power for the operation of a motor vehicle. Such battery packs usually form the high-voltage supply for motor vehicles.

A cell is the basic, smallest, mostly electrochemically power-producing unit of a battery, which consists, for example, of two electrodes, the electrolyte, the separator and the surrounding housing. Usually, several cells are connected to form a battery (series connection and parallel connection).

The requirements for such batteries or battery packs are diverse. Optimizing the ability to deliver high load peaks in the form of high current intensities during the discharging process when the motor vehicle is in operation over a required period of time is always particularly relevant. This requirement is decisive, for example, for maximum acceleration performance or maximum torque. In addition, the charging process also requires the possibility of enabling rapid charging with high voltages and high currents in order to keep the charging times, which are usually associated with the vehicle being forced to stand still, as short as possible.

As a rule, high cable requirements cause a lot of heat to be generated in the area of the battery or the battery pack, so that efficient cooling is always necessary.

In addition, when manufacturing the assembly of the battery packs in particular, the question of a compact geometry with optimized space requirements often arises. This in turn has to be reconciled with the complex production of the individual cells, which have to be equipped with an energy store, e.g. an electrical or galvanic arrangement or another electrochemical energy store or a solid-state energy store or the like.

The vehicle architecture and the available installation space also require batteries, battery modules and battery packs that can be designed in different ways and fulfill different functions in the bodywork.

Object and advantages of the invention:

The invention is therefore based on the object of further developing a battery as an energy supply for, e.g whose production can be made more cost-effective.

Starting from the preamble of claim 1, this object is achieved in a battery by the characterizing features of claim 1. Advantageous developments and expedient refinements are specified in the dependent claims.

Within the meaning of the invention, the term battery can also be understood to mean both the assembly element of a module and that of a pack, as long as the configuration according to the invention is implemented.

Description of the invention:

The invention relates to a battery comprising a battery housing and at least one cover, the battery housing comprising at least one accommodation space for accommodating a first energy store of the battery. It is provided that the battery housing is designed in one piece and includes at least one additional accommodation space for accommodating an additional energy store.

One-piece is to be understood as meaning that the battery housing, which carries the at least two receiving spaces, is produced as a component made of a single material or a composite material as a compact part. In particular, different raw materials that serve as the starting point for the production of the battery housing can be regarded as a composite material.

The one-piece design of at least two or more receiving spaces makes it possible for subsequent mechanical connection of the individual cells, as is customary in the prior art, to be reduced or avoided altogether.

One-piece bodies of this type are generally produced by forming or by means of forming processes, eg deep-drawing, extrusion, extrusion or the like, in that a blank made of a material or a material composite is formed into a three-dimensional body by the application of force.

Alternatively, such bodies can also be produced by primary shaping or by primary shaping methods such as die casting, vacuum die casting or the like.

The advantage of the one-piece arrangement of at least one additional receiving space for an additional energy store is that the thermal and mechanical coupling is immediate, and a battery housing for multiple energy stores can thus be produced in one work step.

A development provides that the battery housing is made of one piece of material and/or without seams.

In one embodiment, the one-piece material is provided as a further development of the one-piece design. One-piece material is to be understood as meaning the above-described one-piece design using a single starting material, in particular a blank or slug made from a defined solid material. This ensures that the battery housing has a uniform material property, e.g. by being manufactured from a single metal or a single alloy.

In addition to the design as a one-piece, in particular one-piece housing, efficient production is provided by avoiding seams, e.g. in the area of the wall or the bottom of the battery housing, since the energy storage device can be introduced directly without the need for further work steps, such as closing a wound wall, are to be made on the battery housing.

A preferred development of the invention provides that the receiving spaces in the battery housing are adapted to the geometry of the energy store to be received, in particular elliptical, rectangular or square in plan view, in particular cuboidal in volume or as an elliptical cylinder.

The arrangement of the receiving spaces has a direct effect on the geometry of the battery. Rectangular, elliptical or square cross-sections allow for a regular and structured arrangement of the receiving spaces, so that subsequent interconnection of the resulting cells is systematically simple and can therefore be implemented cost-effectively.

In addition, the wall thicknesses of the wall between the receiving spaces and/or on the outer circumference of the battery housing can be selected such that good heat dissipation is achieved with the required inherent stability, and the performance of the battery can thus be increased and optimized.

An alternative preferred embodiment provides that the receiving spaces in the battery housing are adapted to the geometry of the energy store to be received, in particular are rotationally symmetrical in plan view, preferably cylindrical in volume or circular, hexagonal or octagonal in plan view.

Rotationally symmetrical receiving spaces sometimes require different wall thicknesses of the partition walls, since there are no linear wall profiles facing one another. Alternatively, rotational symmetries, e.g. in the case of 6-cornered cross-sections, can be combined into honeycomb structures, which have a high level of stability and can therefore assume static tasks.

In addition, energy stores to be introduced, for example in the form of windings, are often themselves rotationally symmetrical and therefore easier, more efficient and less expensive to introduce into corresponding receiving spaces.

A development of the rectangular or square design provides that at least one casing corner of an inner wall of the receiving space is formed at right angles.

The inner wall of the receiving space forms a lateral surface which surrounds the energy storage device to be received later. Since this energy store often has to be introduced precisely into the receiving space, e.g. in order to form an optimal thermal coupling to the receiving space and thus the battery housing, a defined design and shape of the corner areas is advantageous.

An advantageous further development also provides that at least one lateral corner of an inner wall of the receiving space is designed to be continuously transitioning, in particular to have a radius.

Curvatures in the form of constant, uninterrupted transitions, in particular radii, in the corner area of the receiving space also sometimes require different wall thicknesses of the partition walls and can therefore assume static tasks.

In addition, energy stores to be introduced, for example in the form of flat coils, are often curved themselves and are therefore easier, more efficient and less expensive to introduce into corresponding receiving spaces and to be better thermally coupled.

A further development of the invention provides that at least three or more accommodation spaces are formed and the accommodation spaces are arranged one after the other, in particular along a row structure, and preferably form a battery module made up of a plurality of cells.

The one-piece, in particular one-piece material and/or seamless design of a battery housing for an entire battery module with a plurality of cells arranged in a row structure allows cost-effective production and assembly, since there are no handling steps and assemblies for mechanically connecting the individual cells are not required.

A continuation of the development of the invention provides that at least three, four or more accommodation spaces are formed and that the accommodation spaces are arranged in a two-dimensional lattice structure, in particular in rows and columns, and preferably form a battery pack made up of several cells.

The design of the battery housing with a two-dimensional arrangement of the receiving spaces to provide a battery pack that is at least partially one-piece, in particular made of one piece of material and/or without seams, with a large number of cells further increases manufacturing efficiency and thus cost efficiency. Additional mechanical connections of the individual cells can be reduced or avoided and, for example, frame elements surrounding the battery pack can be completely or partially omitted.

When shaping the two-dimensional lattice structure of the battery housing, recesses for necessary vehicle geometries, structural adjustments to take into account static or thermal load paths or other adjustments can preferably also be made, which, for example as a special structure, can absorb and transfer forces in a targeted manner in the event of a crash of the vehicle and /or further increase the performance of the battery or battery pack.

A further embodiment provides that at least four or more receiving spaces are formed and the receiving spaces are arranged in a honeycomb shape or a hole pattern or are at least partially arranged following an optimized nesting.

Structural reinforcements are also created when the honeycomb shape or the hole pattern of the battery housing is formed, and cutouts for necessary vehicle geometries, structural adjustments to take into account static or thermal load paths or other adjustments can be made, which, for example, as a special structure, absorb forces in the event of a crash of the vehicle can be specifically recorded and transmitted and/or further increase the efficiency of the battery or the battery pack. As an alternative or in addition, the receiving spaces can be designed in a partially irregular arrangement that is optimized for the required properties such as statics, thermal properties, space utilization or the like.

In particular, the formation of rotationally symmetrical receiving spaces allows the resulting walls to be used for cooling purposes, since a high thermal conduction cross section is generated.

An advantageous development of the battery provides that each receiving space in an interior space comprises at least one functional element, in particular a rod-shaped and/or web-shaped functional element.

Due to the one-piece, in particular materially one-piece and/or seamless design with the battery housing, a structure can be formed in the interior of a receiving space, which e.g. has the function of an internal cooling element. By forming such a cooling element, the thermal load capacity of the battery and thus its performance, in particular the desired properties for charging and discharging with high currents, can be further increased. Due to the one-piece, in particular one-piece material and/or seam-free design with the battery housing, an optimized heat flow throughout the battery housing is ensured, so that optimized cooling is made possible.

A further configuration of the battery provides that each battery housing comprises at least one structural element, in particular an orientation element and/or fastening element, on at least one outer wall.

If the one-piece battery housing has to be combined to form larger assemblies and possibly connected or secured, one-piece and in particular one-piece material and/or seamlessly arranged with the battery housing are orientations tion elements in the form of peripheral structures such as grooves, tongues, projections and depressions or ribs or the like advantageous and facilitate the arrangement and fixation in the composite. As a result, additional mechanical connecting elements can be avoided, or at least reduced or structurally optimized (eg weaker) and thus made more cost-effective.

Fastening elements such as screw lugs or the like can also be provided in one piece and in particular in one piece of material and/or without seams.

Moreover, in a further embodiment it can be provided that the structural element is formed on the outside of the battery housing, in particular as a latching structure (e.g. teeth) and/or guide structure (e.g. dovetail).

Another preferred embodiment provides that each battery housing comprises at least one functional element, in particular a rod-shaped and/or bar-shaped functional element, on at least one outer wall.

As an alternative or in addition to the functional elements described above, an additional structure can also be formed on the outside in one piece and in particular in one piece and/or without seams, which is used e.g. as a heat sink, ribbed structure or other heat conductor. Cooling structures can thus be implemented, in particular on the underside of the battery housing, which are integrated, for example, in a cooling circuit, preferably a liquid cooling circuit, or are exposed to extensive ventilation and thus efficient cooling when the vehicle is moving.

Preferably, it can also be realized that openings, in particular channels, are formed at least partially between the receiving spaces. In this way, the energy sources or the fluids surrounding them can communicate and filling is technically simplified.

According to the invention, it is provided that for the production of a battery housing for a battery of the type described above, the method of extrusion is preferred. In this case, the battery housing is in particular produced at least partially by reverse extrusion and/or forward extrusion.

Impact extrusion makes it possible, for example, to form the required structure of the battery housing from a workpiece (slug) made of aluminum, also with corresponding walls, functional and structural elements, in one piece and preferably in one piece and/or without seams.

In particular, the different wall thicknesses, which can be used, for example, for geometric and/or static and/or thermal conductivity adjustments, can be realized particularly advantageously in impact extrusion, since a material flow is generated locally at the points that are to be formed into structures.

Alternatively, such a battery housing could be made by archetypes using the vacuum pressure casting method or permanent mold casting or pressure casting. Primary shaping by injection molding from a thermally conductive plastic is also conceivable.

Description of an embodiment:_

• 1-3 Ausführungsformen einzelner Geometrien von Batteriegehäusen mit einem Aufnahmeraum;
• 4, 4a ein Batteriegehäuse mit quaderförmigen Aufnahmeräumen;
• 5, 5a ein Batteriegehäuse mit zylindrischen Aufnahmeräumen
• 6 ein Batteriegehäuse in Form eines Batteriepacks aus quaderförmigen Aufnahmeräumen;
• 7 ein Batteriegehäuse mit wabenförmig angeordneten Aufnahmeräumen;
• 8 ein Batteriegehäuse mit zylindrischen Aufnahmeräumen in einem Lochraster;
• 9 eine schematische Darstellung eines Batteriegehäuses mit Funktionselementen und Strukturelementen;
• 10 eine schematische Darstellung eines runden Batteriegehäuses.

The invention will be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. In particular, however, the geometric configurations are not limited to the illustrated embodiments. Show it

• 1-3 Embodiments of individual geometries of battery housings with a receiving space;
• 4 , 4a a battery case with cuboid receiving spaces;
• 5 , 5a a battery case with cylindrical receiving spaces
• 6 a battery housing in the form of a battery pack made up of cuboid receiving spaces;
• 7 a battery case having accommodation spaces arranged in a honeycomb shape;
• 8th a battery case with cylindrical receiving spaces in a hole pattern;
• 9 a schematic representation of a battery housing with functional elements and structural elements;
• 10 a schematic representation of a round battery housing.

Only the battery housings are shown in the exemplary embodiments. The covers belonging to the batteries and the energy stores accommodated in the accommodation spaces are not shown and are not further developed within the meaning of the invention.

1 until 3 and 9 each show only battery housings with a single compartment and as such are not the subject of the invention. However, they serve to illustrate the geometric properties of the top views and wall thicknesses, which are realized in accordance with the invention in the battery housings with multiple receiving spaces.

In detail shows 1a a cylindrical battery housing 1 with a receiving space 2 and on the underside a floor (not visible) and a wall 3. The battery housing 1 is designed in one piece and without seams. Inside the receiving space 2, a functional element 4 is formed in the form of a central rod 4a, which can serve as a heat conductor, for example. The wall 3 of the battery housing 1 is designed with a constant wall thickness 3a running radially all around.

1b shows a modified battery housing 6 with a receiving space 7 and a bottom (not visible) and a wall 8 on the underside. The battery housing 6 is designed in one piece and without seams. A functional element 9 in the form of a central rod 9a is formed inside the receiving space 7 . This can be used as a heat sink, for example. The wall 8 of the battery housing 6 is designed with a changing wall thickness 8a running radially all around, since the battery housing has a cylindrical receiving space 7 but a square peripheral contour 8b. Overall, this achieves a simple spatial arrangement of a plurality of such battery housings in relation to one another with increased stability of the wall 8 and improved heat dissipation options.

2a shows a battery housing 20 with a rectangular peripheral contour 28b. The battery housing 20 includes a cuboid receiving space 22 and a bottom (not visible) on the underside. The battery housing 20 is designed in one piece and without seams. The wall 23 of the battery housing 20 is formed with a constant wall thickness 23a. A bar-shaped functional element 24 is formed in the receiving space 22 and can serve as a central heat-conducting element and provides additional cooling. In 2 B a corner area 25 is shown enlarged. The wall 23 or the inner lateral surface 26 formed by the wall of the receiving space 22 is rectangular at its lateral corners 27a, 27b, which leads to a constant wall thickness 23a. A defined geometric arrangement of several corresponding battery housings is thus easily possible.

3a shows a opposite 2 modified battery housing 30 in the corner area with a rectangular peripheral contour 38b. The battery housing 30 comprises a cuboid receiving space 32 and a bottom (not visible) on the underside. A bar-shaped functional element 34 is formed in the receiving space 32, which can serve as a central heat-conducting element and provides additional cooling. In 3b is appropriate 2 B a corner area 35 shown enlarged. The wall 33 or the inner lateral surface 36 formed by the wall of the receiving space 32 is continuously curved at its lateral corners 37a, 37b, formed with a radius, which leads to a changed wall thickness in the corner area. A defined geometric arrangement of several corresponding battery housings is thus also readily possible, but the stability in the corner area is increased and appropriately shaped energy storage devices can be easily introduced and thermally coupled if necessary.

In 4 a battery housing 40 is shown with a plurality of cuboid receiving spaces 42 in a row, which can fulfill the function of a module from the prior art. In the receiving rooms 42 are according to the 2 and 3 Functional elements 44 are arranged, which in addition to the thermal conductivity of the wall 43 provides additional cooling inside the receiving spaces 42 . The battery housing 40 is also made in one piece and without seams and includes a base (not visible).

It is provided, but not shown here, that the corner areas of the receiving spaces 42 are also rectangular (see 2 ) or curved (see 3 ) can be trained.

A battery housing 40 according to this embodiment can replace a module from the prior art and is manufactured in one operation, e.g. using the extrusion process, without individual cells or receiving spaces having to be additionally mechanically connected to one another.

In 4a a corresponding battery housing 45 is shown, but without functional elements. The battery housing also includes a wall 46 and receiving spaces 47. Reference is made to the description given above.

In 5 A battery case 50 is shown having a plurality of cylindrical receptacles 52 in a row, which can perform the function of a prior art module. In the receiving rooms 52 are according to the 1b Functional elements 54 are arranged, which in addition to the thermal conductivity of the wall 53 provides additional cooling inside the receiving spaces 52 . The battery housing 50 is also made in one piece and without seams and includes a base (not visible).

The wall thickness, which changes over the course of the wall 53, allows advantageous manufacture, for example using the impact extrusion process, and also offers improved thermal properties in the area of heat conduction, since a heat flow is decisively improved by larger material cross sections.

In 5a is a corresponding battery housing 55, but also shown without trained functional elements. The battery housing also includes a wall 56 and cylindrical receiving spaces 57. Reference is made to the description given above.

The 6 , 7 and 8th show battery housings, which are designed in one piece and preferably without seams, and can provide the function of a pack according to the prior art.

6 shows a battery housing 60 for a battery pack with cuboid receiving spaces 62 in a two-dimensional lattice structure 65 with rows 65a and columns 65b. The interior of the receiving spaces in turn includes functional elements 64, for example for cooling.

Structural elements 66 in the form of screw eyelets 66a are arranged on the edge of the battery housing 60, as well as a circumferential web 66b, e.g. as a geometry support when arranged in a vehicle.

7 shows a schematic representation of a battery housing 70 with a honeycomb structure with receiving spaces 72.

8th shows a schematic representation of a battery housing 80 with a hole pattern structure 85 with cylindrical receiving spaces 82 and functional elements 84. For example, a load transfer can take place along the row 85a and column direction 85b of the hole pattern, since the material thickness between the receiving spaces 82 was chosen to be sufficiently large there.

In addition, it is indicated by way of example that, e.g. in the middle of the battery housing 82, a recess 89 is provided for a passage, insofar as this is e.g. provided geometrically by the vehicle body.

9 shows schematically, and only indicated for reasons of clarity, a battery housing 90 with only one receiving space 92 and a functional element 94 in the form of a web-shaped elevation of material in the interior area of receiving space 92.

For example, functional elements 95 which are integrally formed on the underside of the battery housing 90 and which can serve as cooling fins, for example, are formed.

Furthermore, a structural element 98 in the form of a screw lug 98a is formed on a longitudinal side of the battery case 90 . The arrangement can be changed as desired and in the present case only serves to explain the principle of a structural element.

In addition, further structural elements in the form of projections 100 and depressions 101 are provided in dashed lines on the battery housing 90, which serve to interlock the housings with one another in an arrangement of several battery housings, for fastening and orientation.

In the 9 The structural and functional elements shown can also be transferred to the other exemplary embodiments shown in the preceding figures and are claimed as the subject of the invention.

In 10 A battery housing 110 is shown with a plurality of receiving spaces 112. The battery housing 110 is round or elliptical along a contour 113 on the outside. Due to the round or elliptical contour 113, the resulting, in particular thermal, expansion forces can easily be intercepted, for example with a surrounding belt 114.

All of the above-mentioned embodiments can be designed both in one piece and in one piece of material and/or without seams and are claimed accordingly. The various geometries and functional properties can also be combined with one another and are not limited to the schematic exemplary embodiments shown.

Reference List

1

cylindrical battery case

2

recording room

3

wall

3a

Wall thickness

4

functional element

4a

Rod

6

battery case

7

cylindrical receiving space

8th

wall

8a

Wall thickness

8b

square perimeter contour

9

functional element

9a

Rod

20

battery case

22

cuboid recording room

23

wall

23a

Wall thickness

24

bar-shaped functional element

25

corner area

26

inside lateral surface

27a

coat corner

27b

coat corner

28b

rectangular perimeter contour

30

battery case

32

recording room

33

wall

34

bar-shaped functional element

35

corner area

36

inside lateral surface

37a

coat corner

37b

coat corner

38b

rectangular perimeter contour

40

battery case

42

cuboid recording rooms

43

wall

44

functional elements

45

battery case

46

wall

47

recording room

50

battery case

52

cylindrical receiving spaces

53

wall

54

functional elements

55

battery case

56

wall

57

recording room

60

battery case

62

cuboid recording rooms

64

functional elements

65

two-dimensional grid structure

65a

rows

65b

columns

66

structural elements

66a

screw eyelets

66b

web

70

battery case

72

Recording rooms in honeycomb structure

80

battery case

82

cylindrical receiving spaces

84

functional elements

85

breadboard

85a

rows

85b

columns

89

recess

90

battery case

92

recording room

94

functional element

95

Functional elements/cooling fins

98

structural element

98a

screw eyelet

100

Structural element protrusion

101

Structural element deepening

110

battery case

112

recording room

113

contour

114

belt

Claims (15)

Battery comprising a battery housing and at least one cover, the battery housing comprising at least one accommodation space for accommodating a first energy storage device of the battery, characterized in that the battery housing is designed in one piece and comprises at least one additional accommodation space for accommodating a further energy storage device. battery after claim 1 , characterized in that the battery housing is made of one piece of material and/or without seams. battery after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the receiving spaces in the battery housing are adapted to the geometry of the male energy storage device, in particular elliptical, rectangular or in plan view are square, in particular cuboidal in volume or elliptical cylinders, battery after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the receiving spaces in the battery housing are adapted to the geometry of the male energy storage device, in particular rotationally symmetrical in plan view, in particular cylindrical in volume or in plan view circular, hexagonal or octagonal. Battery according to any of the preceding Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that at least one jacket corner of an inner wall of the receiving space is formed at right angles. Battery according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one casing corner of an inner wall of the receiving space is designed to transition continuously, in particular to have a radius. Battery according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least three or more accommodation spaces are formed and the accommodation spaces are arranged one after the other along a row structure and preferably form a battery module from a plurality of cells. Battery according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least four or more receiving spaces are formed and that the receiving spaces are arranged in a two-dimensional lattice structure, in particular in rows and columns, and preferably form a battery pack of several cells. Battery according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least four or more accommodation spaces are formed and the accommodation spaces are arranged in a honeycomb shape or a hole pattern. Battery according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each receiving space in an interior space comprises at least one functional element, in particular a rod-shaped and/or web-shaped functional element. Battery according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each battery housing comprises at least one structural element, in particular an orientation element and/or fastening element, on at least one outer wall. Battery according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each battery housing comprises at least one functional element, in particular a rod-shaped and/or web-shaped functional element, on at least one outer wall. Battery according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that openings, in particular channels, are formed at least partially between the receiving spaces. Method for producing a battery housing for a battery according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the battery housing is produced by extrusion, in particular at least partially by reverse extrusion and/or forward extrusion. Method for manufacturing a battery housing for a battery according to any one of the preceding Claims 1 until 13 , characterized in that the battery housing is produced by primary shaping, in particular at least partially by die casting, in particular vacuum die casting, gravity die casting or injection molding.

Images