EP4133548A1

EP4133548A1 - Battery container

Info

Publication number: EP4133548A1
Application number: EP22730314.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Luigi DE ROCCHI; David VIVA; Nicoletta PICONE
Original assignee: Cobat SpA Benefit Soc
Current assignee: Haiki Cobat SpA Benefit Soc
Priority date: 2021-04-23
Filing date: 2022-04-21
Publication date: 2023-02-15
Also published as: WO2022224289A1; IT202100010355A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container for the packing and transport of at least one battery, in particular lithium batteries used for traction and/or for storage systems which are defective or damaged or in critical conditions, comprising: a base (2) having a substantially flat shape, comprising a resting surface (20) for said at least one battery; a lid (3), having a substantially box-like or bell shape, closable on said base (2), comprising side walls (31 ), substantially orthogonal to said resting surface (20) and having such shape and size as to abut with a matching edge of said base (2) so as to form a housing for said at least one battery; and coupling means (22, 4) for coupling said base (2) with said lid (3).

Description

BATTERY CONTAINER

The present invention relates to a battery container.

More precisely, the present invention relates to a container for transporting defective or damaged lithium batteries, in critical conditions.

In particular, the present invention relates to a container for lithium- ion cells, modules and batteries used both for traction and for storage systems.

In accordance with what is reported by the European Commission in the Impact Assessment Report, accompanying the Proposal for a Battery Regulation ( Impact Assessment Report Accompanying the document Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning batteries and waste batteries, repealing Directive 2006/66/EC and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020), the transition to a low-carbon economy will lead to an exponential increase in the demand for batteries.

In particular, according to the estimates by the World Economic Forum and the Global Batteries Alliance, the global demand for batteries is expected to increase by 14 times by 2030 compared with levels in 2018, mainly driven by the growth of the electric vehicle market (443 GWh in Europe expected for 2030, equal to 17% of the global demand, as reported for example in the Report of the Joint Research Center; Tsiropoulos, I. et al., Li-ion batteries for mobility and stationary storage applications, EUR 29440 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2018, ISBN 978-92-79-97254-6, doi: 10.2760 / 87175, JRC113360). Europe's positioning in relation to electric mobility is becoming more and more ambitious: the Commission's aim is to increase competitiveness in the battery sector, by building strategic value chains able to increase the EU's autonomy, with the possibility of becoming an industrial leader in the coming years. It is estimated that by 2030, the EU will become not only the second largest market globally, but also the second-largest producer after China.

In this context, the strategic orientation adopted by the Commission is carried out through the synergistic interaction of multiple approaches and actions that aim to increase research and innovation activities, paying particular attention to the management of the end-of-life of the batteries in safety conditions. These are in fact lithium-ion batteries, whose main characteristics are the high energy and the power density, making this storage technology very versatile, but at the same time a special attention is required during handling, transport and storage. These batteries have different categories of risk: electrical, chemical, thermal, and also the risk associated with the release of kinetic energy in the event of an explosion.

The risks are mainly related to deviations from the normal operating conditions (e.g. thermal abuse: external heating; electrical abuse: overcharge, overwattage, overdischarge; mechanical abuse: crushing or penetration), determining a “critical” state or a state of “damage” of the lithium battery, and consequently its early end-of-life. In these conditions, transport and storage present difficulties in terms of safety and their management must follow the ADR ( European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) regulation which regulates the transport of dangerous goods.

Most deviations from the normal operating conditions result in an increase in the internal temperature which: - influences the kinetics of chemical reactions that normally take place inside a cell, determines changes in state (evaporation of organic solvents); and/or

- triggers unwanted chemical reactions (decomposition, synthesis, substitution, etc.), up to the worst case identified as the “thermal runaway”. The thermal runaway is an unstoppable reaction during which exothermic and autocatalytic chemical reactions occur, with formation of low molecular weight chemicals, whose greatest volume causes an uncontrolled increase in pressure: this results in a sudden increase in the stored energy, with a catastrophic breaking of the cell (explosion) and release of flammable gaseous products (CO, CO2, CFU, H2, etc.) and toxic products (HF) and the possible formation of volatile organometallic compounds. The explosion also involves the projection of metal fragments at considerable distances and, in the case of cylindrical cells, constitutes a real “bullet effect”.

The deviation from the normal operating conditions may occur during the entire cycle life of the battery; the growing number of electric vehicles that has been estimated for the next few years therefore determines the need to have a suitable solution for transporting such batteries in critical conditions.

In light of the above it is evident the need to safely remove and transport batteries in critical conditions.

To meet such need, insulated and homologated metallic containers have been proposed for transporting lithium batteries under ADR regulations.

Such containers usually have a standard structure, as they consist of a container compartment and a matching lid hinged on the container compartment itself.

However, the solutions represented by a standard structure consisting of a compartment and a hinged lid are limiting for the loading and unloading activities, as accessibility is allowed only from the upper side. In order to place them inside such containers, in the specific case of lithium- ion batteries from electric cars, which may exceed 700 kg in weight, they must therefore be raised to a height greater than that of the upper limit of the container, then they are placed inside the container compartment. Subsequently, the operator will have to secure the battery with straps to be placed and fixed inside the container compartment, which requires the operator itself to lean out to access the inside of the container to complete such operations.

Furthermore, standard-type containers are not suitable for any quick unloading of the contents by overturning, as the structure of the container itself would be damaged due to the weight of the battery contained therein.

The above limiting factors also bring with them an increase in the timing of the loading and unloading phases, consequently increasing the risks associated with such operations, which are in addition to the critical issues linked to the already unstable condition of the battery.

In fact, defective or damaged lithium-ion batteries have a high instability, therefore their danger may increase over time, but especially with the prolongation of the loading and securing phases.

In light of the above, it is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a battery container overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, the aim of the present invention is to provide a container, especially for large lithium batteries, such as batteries for traction of electric vehicles, allowing to facilitate and speed up the loading and securing operations of the battery itself.

Furthermore, the aim of the present invention is to increase the safety of the operator engaged in the battery loading and/or battery anchoring phases and/or in the battery unloading phases and/or in the phases of check of the battery state.

A further aim of the present invention is that such container has a high mechanical strength, so as to protect the battery inside it from any bumps and/or falls.

Again, an aim of the present invention is that such container provides an adequate thermal insulation, so as to prevent the temperature propagation in the event of a thermal runaway.

A further aim of the present invention is that such container may be easily transported.

Another aim of the present invention is to provide a container inside which batteries in critical conditions can be safely placed and stored even during the quarantine period.

Finally, an aim of the present invention is that such container is easy to manufacture, safe and reliable.

These and other aims have been achieved thanks to a container comprising a base, substantially flat, and a “bell-shaped” lid, closable on the base, so that a battery can be easily loaded on all sides of the base.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is a container for the packing and transport of at least one battery, in particular lithium batteries used for traction and/or storage systems which are defective or damaged or in critical conditions, comprising: a base, having a substantially flat shape, comprising a resting surface for said at least one battery; a lid, having a substantially box-like or bell shape, closable on said base, comprising side walls substantially orthogonal to said resting surface and having such shape and size as to abut with a matching edge of said base so as to form a housing for said at least one battery; and coupling means for coupling said base with said lid.

In particular, according to the invention, said container may comprise anchoring means fixed on said base for anchoring, in use, bars and/or straps to said base, so as to divide the space of said resting surface and secure said at least one battery on said resting surface. Said anchoring means may for example comprise a toothed bar fixed on the entire perimeter of said base.

Furthermore, according to the invention, said container may comprise insulating means for the thermal insulation of said battery housing from the outside. In particular, said insulating means may comprise insulating retaining walls which can be removably coupled to said toothed bar so as to form a gap with said side walls. In this case, according to the invention, each insulating retaining wall may comprise a lower portion, made of metal plate, and configured to engage with said toothed bar and an upper portion, made of flexible material, being preferably made of self extinguishing glass fabric.

Furthermore, according to the invention, said thermal insulating means may comprise vermiculite and/or a multilayer element comprising a central layer in ceramic material covered with silica, preferably silica treated with vermiculite, arranged inside said housing.

Still according to the invention, said device may comprise holding means for holding and transporting said container, in particular housings for lifting forks and/or slots for crane lifting belts.

Furthermore, according to the invention, said container may comprise an interlocking system, for inserting the base of a first container on a lid of a second container, so as to stack said first container on said second container.

Still, according to the invention, at least one side wall of said lid may comprise a filter for filtering any gases exiting said battery and/or an opening closable by means of a cap, for the insertion of a probe, in particular of a temperature probe.

Furthermore, according to the invention, said coupling means may comprise a plurality of portions protruding from said base and latches fixed on said side walls of said lid and coupleable to said plurality of said protruding portions. Preferably, said coupling means may comprise ten projecting portions and their matching latches.

Finally, according to the invention, said base and/or said lid may be made of metallic material covered with a layer of insulated and fireproof material in correspondence with said housing.

The invention will now be described for illustrative but not limitative purposes, with particular reference to the drawings of the attached figures, in which: Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a battery container according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprising a base and a lid coupled to the base by means of closure latches;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 , from a different angle; Figure 3 shows a frontal view (long side) of the container of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the base of the container of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 shows a frontal view (long side) of the base of Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows a top view of the base of Figure 4 and a cutting plane CC’;

Figure 7 shows a sectional frontal view along the cutting plane CC’ of the base of Figure 6, wherein a detail D is highlighted;

Figure 8 shows a frontal view of the detail D of Figure 7;

Figure 9 shows a further enlargement of the detail of Figure 8; Figure 10 shows a frontal perspective view of the base of Figure 4 to which an insulating retaining wall, or wall element, is coupled for thermally insulating the batteries;

Figure 11 shows a side perspective view of the base of Figure 10 to which the insulating retaining wall is coupled;

Figure 12 shows a frontal view (long side) of a group of containers comprising a plurality of containers according to the present invention stacked on each other; Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a detail of the group of containers of Figure 12;

Figure 14 shows an isometric view of a closure latch of the container of Figure 1 ;

Figure 15 shows a side view of the closure latch of Figure 14; Figure 16 shows a top view of the closure latch of Figure 14;

Figure 17 shows a perspective view of a first variant of the container according to the present invention;

Figure 18 shows a perspective view of a first variant of the insulating retaining wall of Figure 10; Figure 19 shows a perspective view of a second variant of the insulating retaining wall of Figure 10;

Figure 20 shows a perspective view of a first phase of a mechanical drop test, to verify the structural solidity of the container of Figure 17;

Figure 21 shows a perspective view of the result of the mechanical drop test for the first version of the container of Figure 17;

Figure 22 shows a perspective view of the mechanical drop test result for the container of Figure 1 ;

Figure 23 shows a perspective view of a first phase of a battery fire test to verify the behavior of the container of Figure 1 ; Figure 24 shows a perspective view of a second phase of a battery fire test to verify the behavior of the container of Figure 1 ; and

Figure 25 shows a perspective view of a first variant of the container according to the present invention.

With particular reference to Figures 1 - 13, a battery container according to the present invention will now be described, which is indicated by reference number 1.

Such container 1 is designed to contain and transport large batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries for electric motor vehicles, and, in particular, when these batteries are in critical conditions, that is, when they are damaged or defective.

In particular, the container 1 has been designed and manufactured in accordance with the special packing provisions P911 of the ADR Regulation.

The container 1 is in fact made to contain one or more damaged lithium batteries, and is designed to control heat, fumes and gases that may be released in the event of a thermal runaway.

The container 1 (shown in Figures 1 - 3 and 12, 13) comprises a base 2, or platform 2, having a flat shape, i.e. having a substantially flattened parallelepiped shape, on which placing the battery, and a lid 3 having a box like or bell shape, coupleable to the base 2 by means of coupling means 22, 4.

The container 1 also comprises anchoring means 5, fixed on the base 2, for securing the batteries by means of straps and/or bars 7, as better illustrated below.

Finally, the container 1 comprises insulation means 6, as better illustrated below.

In particular, the base 2 (shown in Figures 4 - 9) comprises a resting surface 20, to support and receive at least one battery. Such resting surface 20 is placed at a distance from the ground preferably less than 30cm, so as to facilitate the battery loading/unloading operations.

The base 2 is made of metallic material comprising a gap inside which an insulating and fireproof material is positioned, in particular a ceramic fiber fabric, as shown in detail in Figure 8. A cushion 8 made of fireproof material is also resting thereon, on which the battery is placed, as better illustrated below.

Thanks to the particular conformation of the base 2, it is possible to speed up the battery loading and unloading operations, as it is possible to load from all four sides of the base 2.

In addition, it is sufficient to lift the battery to a height of about 30 cm above the ground to proceed with placing the battery on the base 2, making the loading and/or unloading operation simpler and easier. Furthermore, after the battery has been placed on the resting surface 20, it can be advantageously handled in an unconfined environment, for example for a check of its conditions and for possibly being secured (as better illustrated below). Such configuration therefore allows to avoid a confined environment for the operator involved in the loading and securing phases of the battery.

In addition, such open configuration allows to inspect the battery in its entirety without the need to move it and promotes a simple and complete accessibility for the operator who will be able to carry out all safety activities, avoiding to operate in confined environments. This guarantees an important risk reduction for the operator, especially when considering the critical state of the batteries that will be transported. The configuration of the base 2 also allows a quick unloading in case of need (for example fire) by overturning.

Finally, since the base 2 is made of metallic material, it allows to obtain excellent fireproof properties.

The base 2 also comprises first holding means 21 , to facilitate the holding and transport of the container 1 by machines, such as for example transpallets or forklifts. In particular, the first holding means 21 shown in figures 1-3 are housings 21 obtained in the base 2, to facilitate the insertion of lifting forks, such as the forks present on transpallets or forklifts.

The lid 3, as mentioned, has a box-like or bell shape, such as to cover the base 2 and form the container 1.

In particular, the lid 3 substantially has the shape of a hollow rectangle parallelepiped comprising an upper wall 30, substantially parallel to the resting surface 20 and four side walls 31 , having such shape and size as to abut with a matching edge of the base 2, so as to form the container 1.

The lid 3 is made of metallic material with the internal surfaces covered (in particular padded) with a layer of insulated and fireproof material.

Advantageously, the fact that the lid is made of metal allows to obtain excellent fireproof properties.

By the innovative design providing for a bell-shaped lid 3, the aim is to guarantee maximum levels of safety not only during the transport and storage/quarantine, but also during the loading/unloading and inspection/testing phases of the battery. In fact, during such phases, the operator must necessarily come into contact with the battery (e.g. the strap fastening for its moving, an inspection, possible tests for a condition assessment), so it is essential to ensure adequate maneuvering spaces.

Furthermore, the lid 3 comprises second holding means 32, 33, for holding and transporting the container 1 by machines, such as for example transpallets, forklifts and/or cranes. The figures show housings 32 arranged in correspondence with the upper wall 30, for the insertion of forks, and four slots 33 obtained at the four corners of the upper wall 30, for the insertion of straps.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the arrangement of the second holding means 32, 33 can be different from that described, for example only the housings 32 or the slots 33 being present.

The presence of first holding means 21 and/or second holding means 32, 33 allow the advantageous lifting of the container 2 starting from all its sides and with an anti-overturning function.

The lid 3 also comprises four corner brackets 34 arranged at each junction corner between the side walls 31 , so as to reinforce such junctions.

In particular, in the embodiment shown, the slots 33 are obtained at the upper end 341 of each angular bracket 34, so as to make the holding of the container 1 by means of belts safer.

With the expression “upper end” 341 of the corner bracket 34 it is meant, in fact, the end of the corner bracket 34 arranged in correspondence with the upper wall 30 of the lid 3.

Furthermore, the base 2 and the lid 3 may include an interlocking system, for example consisting of special recesses and protrusions on both elements, such as to allow multiple containers 1 to be stacked on each other.

Specifically, in Figures 12 and 13 it is shown that the angle brackets 34 are shaped in such a way as to cover, in use, the corners of the base 2, so that their lower ends 340 come into contact with the ground, while the upper ends 341 of the angular brackets 34 form an abutment element for the matching lower ends 340 of another container 1.

With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the lid 3 also comprises a cavity, obtained on a side wall 31 , inside which a filter 35 is inserted, in particular an activated carbon filter 35, sized on the basis of the fumes and gases that may be generated in the event of a thermal runaway. Preferably, the filter 35 comprises an adequate quantity of activated carbons, for the reasons set out below.

Furthermore, a side wall 31 of the lid 3 comprises a hole 36, which can be closed by means of a suitable cap.

Thanks to this configuration, the inside of the container 1 can be easily inspected by means of a probe or thermometer.

Both the filter 35 and the hole 36 are arranged on one of the side walls 31 of the lid 3 having the longer side. In fact, the filter 35 may be advantageously positioned in a position that is as “barycentric” as possible on the side wall 31 having the longer side, to ensure a better filtering function of the potentially generated fumes.

The coupling means 22, 4, for coupling the lid 3 to the base 2, comprise a plurality of portions 22 protruding from the base 2 and latches 4 fixed on the lid 3 and coupleable to a matching protruding portion 22.

In particular, the latches 4 are toggle latches, which join and lock to matching teeth 22 which protrude from the edges of the base 2.

The use of latches 4 allows to obtain a stable and safe coupling.

In the embodiment shown there are ten steel latches 4, three on each long side and two on each short side.

The latches 4 are all toggle latches.

Specifically, as shown in Figures 14 - 16, each latch 4 comprises a body 40, having a substantially rectangular shape, and a head 41 , connected to the body 40 and coupleable to the protruding portion 22, having a greater width than the body 40.

In the case shown, the head 41 is formed by a rectangular section ring which engages with the tooth 22 protruding from the base 2.

The number and size of the latches 4 have been specially calculated taking into account the maximum overpressures that may be generated in the event of a thermal runaway.

However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), other coupling means may be used, even in different numbers and sizes. With reference to Figures 4 - 9, the anchoring means 5 of the container 1 comprise a toothed bar 5, or rack 5, used for securing the batteries by fastening them with straps and/or bars 7, so as to confine each battery in a predetermined space of the container 1 .

In particular, the rack 5 is fixed on the base 2 so as to occupy the entire perimeter of the base itself.

Furthermore, the rack 5 may comprise a plurality of slots for a strap passing through, for a customized fastening according to the particular needs of the operator.

The flat shape of the base 2 in combination with the presence of the anchoring means 5 advantageously allows the battery to be secured by means of straps and/or bars 7 in an unconfined environment, thus increasing the operator safety.

Thanks to the rack 5 and to such securing of the batteries by means of straps and/or bars 7, the container 1 itself can be advantageously used for the safe housing and transport of batteries of different shapes and sizes and/or to house and transport multiple batteries at the same time.

Therefore, the container 1 may allow a reconfiguration of the internal spaces of the base 2, for example in order to receive small-sized batteries.

The insulating means 6 shown in Figures 10 and 11 comprise insulating retaining walls 60, which are mounted on the rack 5, and are shaped in such a way as to cover the matching side wall 32 of the container 3, so as to form a gap.

Inside the gap of the side walls, a fireproof material may be inserted, in particular a ceramic fiber fabric. The insulating retaining walls 60 comprise a lower portion 600, made of metal plate, which engages with the rack 5 following the profile of the base 2 and an upper portion 601 , made of self-extinguishing glass fabric.

The upper portion 601 can be fixed to the lower portion 600 by means of metallic clips. Such solution allows not to damage the lid 3 during the closing phase.

The coupling between the lower portion 600 and the rack 5 may instead take place by means of special magnetic elements. Inside the container 1 , a thermally insulating material in loose form, such as vermiculite, may be inserted, which will come into contact with an antistatic bag inside which the battery and the insulating retaining wall are contained.

The presence of the insulating retaining walls 60 offers an additional safety condition, as it forms a further separation surface between the group of battery/antistatic bag/vermiculite elements and the side wall 31 of the container 1. This configuration therefore prevents the temperature propagation towards the side walls 31 in case of a thermal runaway. Such design feature is an advantage not only during the transport phase, but also during the storage/quarantine phase of the battery.

In particular, the container 1 provides for the presence of two insulating cushions 8, a first insulating cushion arranged on the resting surface 20 of the base 2 and a second insulating cushion (not shown) arranged above the battery. Such insulating cushions 8 can be constituted, for example, by a multilayer element comprising a central ceramic layer, or ceramic mat, preferably made of bio-soluble ceramic resistant up to 1260°C, covered with a further layer, or “lining”, in silica fabric, preferably silica treated with vermiculite, more preferably silica having a density equal to 600 g/sqm. Such insulating cushions 8 preferably have different sizes from each other, wherein the second insulating cushion may be larger than the first insulating cushion 8 and may have a thickness of about 10 cm being placed, in use, above the battery, so as to provide a further thermally insulating layer between the battery and the container 1. In parallel, the first insulating cushion may be smaller than the second insulating cushion, having a thickness of about 2 cm, being placed under the battery, on the base 2 of the container. In addition to thermally insulate the battery, the two insulating cushions 8 act as an absorbent material in the event of a possible spill of liquids (e.g. battery cooling system) and absorb fumes and gases in the event of fire, providing a valid support for the management of fumes even before the activated charcoal filter.

In any case, the mere presence of the insulating retaining walls 60 constitutes an advantageous separation surface between the group of battery/antistatic bag/vermiculite elements and the container wall, thus performing a further thermal insulation function.

With reference now to Figures 17-19, alternative embodiments of the container 1 just described are illustrated. In particular, Figure 17 shows a container 100 according to the present invention, which has the same characteristics as the container 1 just described, except that the slots 33 obtained on the angle brackets 34 are replaced by rings 330, or eyebolts 330, fixed to the four corners of the upper wall 30 of the lid 3. Flowever, such embodiment is less resistant to bumps than the container 1 in Figure 1 - 13, since the rings 330 can penetrate inside the walls of the container 1 following bumps, as shown in Figure 21.

Figure 18 instead shows a container 101 wherein the insulating walls 600 consist of a single metal plate. Flowever, such embodiment has the drawback of being able to tear the internal padding of the lid during the closing phase. For this reason, each insulating wall is preferably made of the two described materials.

Finally, Figure 19 shows a further embodiment of container 102, comprising insulating retaining walls 601 made of a semi-rigid and fireproof type single material, i.e. a silicon sandwich covered with a fireproof fabric treated with vermiculite. In both of the latter two embodiments, the risks of damaging the internal padding of the lid 3 are minimized.

With particular reference to Figures 20 - 24 two distinct pre qualification tests are shown to verify the reliability of the container 1 just described.

In particular, the pre-qualification tests in Figures 20 - 22 were carried out by dropping the container 1 or 100 on the base 2, on the lid 3, both on the side walls 31 with the long sides and on the side walls 31 with the short sides, and on the edges, from a height of 180 cm from the ground (as shown in Figure 20).

Such tests were performed by inserting a wooden box with weights therein to simulate the behaviour of the battery in the container 1 or 100. At the end of the tests it was possible to verify that:

- the container 1 or 100 had remained closed and transportable;

- the wooden box inside the container 1 or 100 has not suffered any significant damage;

- a first drop test on the edges highlighted some critical issues related to the presence of the rings 330 of the container 100, which caused a recess on the side wall, but not such as to interfere with the internal space wherein the battery is housed (as shown in Figure 21);

- in the case of the container 1 with slots 33 instead of rings 330, the corner of the container has folded over the external frame acting as a bumper and has not created any deformation of the structure (as shown in Figure 22).

As regards the external elements, such as the gas filter 35 and the latches 4 closing the container, these have been specially designed in order to pass pre-qualification tests with fire tests. The gases released by a fire of lithium batteries exceed 700 °C, therefore in order to deal with the issue of a potential fumes and gases leak at high temperatures, as required by the ADR P911 regulation, an action was taken on a double front: i) design and realisation of a gas filtering system consisting of a steel casing containing 3.5 kg of activated carbon; ii) design and realisation of insulating cushions in filter material to be placed in the gap between the insulating retaining wall 60 and the side wall 31 , plus the additional insulating cushions 8 to be placed above and below the battery, so as to allow a reduction in gas temperatures even before getting to the activated carbon filter.

Pre-qualification testing through fire tests has also highlighted the need to have a sufficient number of latches to ensure the closure of the container at high temperatures and the need at the same time to ensure a coupling capable of damping any internal overpressure.

Finally, Figure 25 shows a battery container according to a second embodiment of the present invention, globally indicated by reference number 1 \ The container T is a larger version than the container 1 shown with reference to Figures 1-24, but has the same functions, i.e. it is designed for the packing and transport of at least one battery, in particular lithium batteries used for traction and/or for storage systems, also in the case that they are defective or damaged or in critical condition. The only differences of the container T shown in Figure 25 are due to:

- the structure of the lid 3 which, given its size, has been reinforced with two transverse elements 300 (in addition to the longitudinal one 301 already present in the lid shown in the previous figures) to ensure a greater resistance to the internal overpressures generated by a potential thermal runaway;

- furthermore, given the greater internal volume (2.98 m³ against 1 m³) and therefore the need to evacuate a greater quantity of gas, additional 35 filters have been provided, for a total of four filters (one on each side). For the rest, the main elements of the container of Figure 25 are the same as those described for the container in the previous figures, and include:

- a base 2 having a substantially flat shape, comprising a resting surface for said at least one battery; - a lid 3, having a box-like or bell shape, closable on said base 2, comprising side walls 31 , substantially orthogonal to said resting surface and having such shape and size as to abut with a matching edge of said base 2 so as to form a housing for said at least one battery;

- coupling means 4 for coupling said base with said lid. The battery container just described has the following advantages.

Thanks to the configuration having a substantially flat base and a "bell-shaped" lid, closable on the base, it is sufficient to lift the battery to a height of about 30 cm from the resting surface of the base, for placing the battery in the base of the container, making the loading operation simpler and easier.

Such configuration having a base open on all four sides also allows to avoid a confined environment for the operator engaged in the phases of loading and anchoring the battery by means of bars 7 and straps.

Furthermore, the configuration of the base open on all four sides allows to inspect the battery in its entirety without the need to move it and promotes a simple and complete accessibility for the operator who will be able to carry out all activities without operating in confined environments. This structural feature guarantees an important risk reduction for the operator, especially when considering the critical state of the batteries that will be transported.

The configuration of the base also allows a quick unloading in case of need (fire) by overturning. All the container elements may also comprise holding means, so that once the loading is complete, the container can be held on all four sides by transpallets or forklifts, or lifted with a crane.

Finally, the container may comprise an insulating retaining wall, or wall element, which offers additional safety conditions, since it constitutes a further separation surface between the group of battery/antistatic bag/vermiculite elements and the container wall. In fact, the wall element mounted on the rack for the entire usable internal height of the container, creates a barrier for the vermiculite confinement which at the same time prevents the temperature propagation towards the side walls in the event of a thermal runaway. Such constructive feature is an advantage not only during the transport phase, but also during the storage/quarantine phase of the battery.

In the foregoing, the preferred embodiments have been described and variants of the present invention have been suggested, but it is to be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to make modifications and changes without thereby departing from the corresponding scope of protection, as defined by the attached claims.

Claims

1 . Container (1 ) for the packing and transport of at least one battery, in particular of lithium batteries used for traction and/or for storage systems, which are defective or damaged or in critical conditions, comprising: a base (2) having a substantially flat shape, comprising a resting surface (20) for said at least one battery; a lid (3), having a substantially box-like or bell shape, closable on said base (2), comprising side walls (31 ), substantially orthogonal to said resting surface (20) and having such shape and size as to abut with a matching edge of said base (2) so as to form a housing for said at least one battery; and coupling means (22, 4) for coupling said base (2) with said lid (3).

2. Container (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterised in that it comprises anchoring means (5) fixed on said base (2) for anchoring, in use, bars (7) and/or straps to said base (2), so as to divide the space in said resting surface (20) and secure said at least one battery on said resting surface (20).

3. Container (1 ) according to claim 2, characterised in that said anchoring means (5) comprise a toothed bar (5) fixed inside the entire perimeter of said base (2).

4. Container (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises insulating means (6) for the thermal insulation of said battery housing from the outside.

5. Container (1 ) according to claim 3 and 4, characterised in that said insulating means (6) comprise insulating retaining walls (60) removably coupleable to said toothed bar (5) so as to form a gap with said side walls (31 ).

6. Container (1 ) according to claim 5, characterised in that each insulating retaining wall (60) comprises a lower portion (600), made of metal plate, and configured for engaging with said toothed bar (5) and an upper portion (601 ), made of flexible material, being preferably made of self extinguishing glass fabric.

7. Container (1 ) according to any one of claims 4 - 6, characterised in that said thermal insulating means (6) comprise vermiculite and/or a multi layered element comprising a central layer in ceramic material covered with silica, preferably silica treated with vermiculite, placed inside said housing.

8. Container (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises holding means (21 , 32, 33) for holding and transporting said container (1 ), in particular housings (21 , 32) for lifting forks and/or slots (33) for crane lifting belts.

9. Container (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises an interlocking system, for inserting the base (2) of a first container (1 ) on a lid (3) of a second container (1 ), so as to stack said first container (1 ) on said second container (1 ).

10. Container (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least a side wall (31 ) of said lid comprises a filter

(35) for filtering possible gases exiting from said battery and/or an opening

(36) closable by means of a cap, for the insertion of a probe, in particular a temperature probe.

11. Container (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said coupling means (22,4) comprise a plurality of protruding portions (22) from said base (2) and latches (4) fixed on said side walls (31 ) of said lid (3) and coupleable to said plurality of said protruding portions (22), preferably comprising ten protruding portions (22) and matching latches (4).

12. Container (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said base (2) and/or said lid (3) are made of metallic material covered with a layer of insulated and fireproof material in correspondence with said housing.