WO2012150047A1

WO2012150047A1 - Battery housing

Info

Publication number: WO2012150047A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/051794
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Bogner; Raphael Fischer
Original assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
Priority date: 2011-05-02
Filing date: 2012-02-02
Publication date: 2012-11-08
Also published as: DE102011075044A1

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 fixed system. In order to simplify the assembly, the housing (1a; 1b; 1c; 1d) has, on at least one outer face (A1-A4), at least one connecting element (2a-2a'''; 2b, 2b'; 2c, 2c'; 2d, 2d') for connecting a positively locking plug-type connection to a connecting element (4a, 2b'; 2a; 2c'; 2b, 2d'; 2c, 4b) of another battery component (3a, 1b; 1a, 1c; 1b, 1d; 1c, 3b), wherein the positively locking plug-type connection is locked in a direction perpendicular to the outer face (A1-A4), provided with the connecting element (2a-2a'''; 2b, 2b'; 2c, 2c'; 2d, 2d') of the housing (1a; 1b; 1c; 1d).

Description

Name of the invention

Battery case 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.

Document DE 10 2008 010 828 A1 describes a battery with a plurality of individual cells whose poles are electrically connected in parallel and / or in series with one another 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 interconnectable by contacting the cell housing side walls of the individual cells. For mechanical fixation of the cells of a cell assembly, the battery has a clamping element enclosing the cell assembly.

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, which on 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-locking connector is locked in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface of the housing provided with the connecting element. 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. To the For example, electrical contacts for a series and / or parallel connection of the cell can be integrated into the connecting 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 way.

In the context of a further embodiment, the plug connection is a rear-cut 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. In this case, a bung may in particular be understood as meaning a plug connection in which two components are involved, wherein the first component comprises at least one groove-shaped connecting element and the second component at least one spring-shaped connecting element which can be positively inserted in the groove-shaped connecting element of the first component. 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 the context of a further embodiment, for example, the connecting element of the housing and the connecting element of the other component 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 the housing and the other component can be realized. A reverse or combined embodiment is also possible in which the further connecting element is provided on one or both sides with an undercut groove into which a spring-shaped connecting element of the housing and / or the other component, in particular corresponding thereto, 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 assembly.

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 at which the housing as such remains intact. 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 plug connection further comprises a lock receiving receptacle, for example, an additional groove, and a lock position, in particular wherein the lock insert in the lock receptacle receiving einbringbar, for example, is inserted to a release, in particular displacement, the connecting elements in the closed To prevent the condition of the 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 a further embodiment, the housing has on at least one first outer surface at least one connecting element for forming a positive plug connection with a connecting element of a first other battery component, for example a first further cell housing or a first end plate, on at least one second outer surface and at least one connecting element to Forming a positive 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 proven 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 connection 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 also 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 training having a positive connection with a connection element of a battery monitoring.

In the context of these embodiments, the positive-locking plug-in connections are preferably locked 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 explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and their description are intended for By way of illustration of the objects of the invention, they should not be taken as limiting the invention in any way. 1 is a schematic perspective view of four embodiments of a housing according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a housing according to the invention; FIG.

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

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

Figure 1 shows a module of four in housing 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d integrated cells and with two end plates 3a, 3b, which allow electrical contact between cells and power electronics. Just to illustrate the design variety of the present invention, the four shown housing 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d configured according to four different embodiments. The housings 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d shown in FIG. 1 are prismatic housings, each in the form of a parallelepiped with two large outer surfaces A1, A2 opposite each other and four smaller outer surfaces A3, which are opposite each other in pairs , A4, A5, A6 are formed.

1 shows that the housings 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d on at least two outer surfaces A 1, A 2, A 3, A 4 each have at least one connecting element 2 a 2 a, 2 b, 2 b, 2 c, 2 c, 2 d 2d 'for forming a positive-locking plug connection with a connecting element 4a, 2b';2a; 2c '; 2b, 2d'; 2c, 4b of another battery component, for example another cell housing or an end plate, 3a, 1b; , 1 c, 1 b, 1 d, 1 c, 3b. The arrows illustrate that the positive-locking plug connections of all cell casings 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d are in a direction perpendicular to that with the respective connecting element 2a. 2a, 2b, 2b ', 2c, 2c', 2d, 2d 'are locked in. Figure 1 further illustrates that the connections shown are sliding and / or latching connections, in particular tongue and groove In the context of the embodiments shown in FIG. 1, the connecting elements 2a-2a '', 2b, 2b ', 2c, 2c', 2d, 2d 'serve in addition to the positive connection for electrical contacting, in particular those in the FIGS Housing 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d located cells via the positive-locking connectors electrically interconnected, 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 connecting elements 2a, 2a ', 2a ", 2a"' for forming positive connections with connecting elements 4a, 2b 'of other battery components 3a, 1b on. In this case, the large outer surfaces A1, A2 of the cell housing 1a have connecting elements 2a, 2a 'for forming positive-locking plug connections with connecting elements 4a, 2b' of the first contacting end plate 3a and of the adjacent cell housing 1b. The two smaller, mutually opposite outer surfaces A3, A4 have further connecting elements 2a ", 2a '" for forming positive-locking plug-in connections with not shown connecting elements of further battery components, 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 1 b on the two large outer surfaces A1, A2 connecting elements 2b, 2b 'for forming positive connections with connecting elements 2a, 2c'anderer battery components, namely the adjacent cell housing 1 a, 1 c on. In the context of the second embodiment, both the housing 1 b and the adjacent housing 1 c each have a connecting element 2b, 2c 'in the form of an undercut groove, wherein the positive connection can be realized by inserting a further, in particular to the shape of the Hinterschnit- th grooves correspondingly formed, connecting element 2Z in the groove-shaped connecting elements of the housing 1 b, 1 c. In the context of the third embodiment, the housing 1 c also on the two large outer surfaces A1, A2 connecting elements 2c, 2c 'for forming positive connections with connecting elements 2b, 2d'anderer battery components, namely the adjacent cell housing 1 b, 1 d, on. In the context of the third embodiment, a click connection 2c, 2d 'is formed between the housing 1c and the housing 1d. The click connection, similar to those used in parquet floors. FIG. 1 illustrates that the click connection is a type of tongue and groove connection with a detent mechanism, in which the upper nose-shaped spring is inserted and then the housing 1 d is applied to the housing 1 c, wherein the lower nose-shaped spring engages snaps.

Also in the context of the fourth embodiment, the housing 1 d on the two large outer surfaces A1, A2 connecting elements 2d, 2d 'for forming positive connections with connecting elements 2c, 4b of other battery components, namely the adjacent cell housing 1 c and the second end plate 3b. In addition to the already explained click connection with housing 1 c, the housing 1 d in the context of the fourth embodiment, a dovetail connection with the second end plate 3a. Figure 2 shows a sliding connection on the basis of the tongue and groove principle. In this case, a sliding piece 1b is provided with a groove-shaped connecting element 2b 'which is undercut at a right angle and the other sliding piece 1a is provided with a spring-shaped connecting element 2a designed to correspond thereto. Here, the backlash can be adjusted for example by a targeted stiffness of the tabs of the spring 2a.

FIG. 3 illustrates that the plug-type connection can furthermore have a locking engagement receptacle S, in particular in the form of an additional groove. In particular, Figure 3 shows that for the plug connection can be a dovetail connection, the federformiges connecting element has an additional groove S for receiving a barrier layer. By introducing, in particular inserting, 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 connection elements 2a, 2b 'in the closed state of the positive plug connection can be prevented , Figure 4 illustrates that the connecting element 2a 'of the housing 1 a may have a predetermined breaking point B, which is designed to break in the event of mechanical overload at a point where the housing 1 a remains intact as such. By deliberate failure of the predetermined breaking point B so a housing break can be avoided.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d cell housing A1 -A6 cell outer surfaces

2a-2a "'; 2b, 2b'; connecting elements of the cell casings 2c, 2c '; 2d, 2d' 2Z another connecting element

3a, 3b end plate

4a, 4b connecting elements of the end plates

S lock receptacle

B breaking point

Claims

claims

Housing (1a; 1b; 1c; 1d) for a cell or 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 a connecting element (2a-2a '', 2b, 2b ', 2c, 2c', 2d, 2d ') for forming a positive-locking 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), wherein the positive connection in a direction perpendicular to that with the connecting element (2a-2a '', 2b, 2b ', 2c 2c, 2d, 2d ') outer surface (A1-A4) of the housing (1a; 1b; 1c; 1d) is locked.

Housing (1a; 1b; 1c; 1d) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting elements (2a-2a "'; 2b, 2b'; 2c, 2c '; 2d, 2d') in addition to the positive connection for electrically contacting the cell or the Module and the other battery component (3a, 1b, 1a, 1c, 1b, 1d, 1c, 3b) are formed.

Housing (1a; 1b; 1c; 1d) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plug connection is a sliding and / or latching connection.

Housing (1a; 1b; 1c; 1d) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plug connection is an undercut tongue and groove connection.

A housing (1a; 1b; 1c; 1d) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connector is a dovetail joint (2a-2a '', 2b, 4a; 2d ', 4b).

Housing (1a; 1b; 1c; 1d) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the connecting element (2b; 2c ') of the housing (1b; 1c) and the connector The positive connection by inserting a further connecting element (2Z) in the groove-shaped connecting elements (2b, 2c ') of the housing (1b 1c) and the other component (1 c, 1 b) is feasible.

Housing (1a; 1b; 1c; 1d) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plug connection is a click connection (2c, 2d ').

Housing (1a; 1b; 1c; 1d) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, the other component being a further cell or module housing (1b; 1a, 1c; 1b, 1d; 1c) or a further cell or module, or a cell, module or battery monitor, or an endplate (3a, 3b) for contacting a module.

A housing (1a; 1b; 1c; 1d) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the connecting element (2a-2a "'; 2b, 2b'; 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 where the housing (1a; 1b; 1c; 1d) remains intact as such.

10. housing (1a; 1b; 1c; 1d) according to 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, in order to prevent loosening, in particular displacement, of the connecting elements (2a, 2b ') in the closed state of the positive-locking plug connection,

11. Housing (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the housing (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) has at least one connecting element on at least one first outer surface (A1, A2). 2a, 2a ', 2b: 2b', 2c, 2c ', 2d, 2d') to the Forming a positive-locking plug connection with a connecting element (2b ';4a;2c';2a; 2d ';2b;4b; 2c) of a first other battery component (1b; 3a; 1c; 1a; 1d; 1b; 3b) 1 c), in particular a first further cell housing or a first end plate, and at least one connecting element (2a ';2a;2b';2b; 2c ';2c;2d'; 2d) on at least one second outer surface (A2; A1) ) for forming a positive-locking plug connection with a connecting element (4a; 2b ';2a;2c';2b; 2d ';2c; 4b) of a second, different battery component (3a; 1b; 1a; 1c; 1b; 1 c; 3b), in particular a second further cell housing or a second end plate, wherein the positive-locking plug connections in each case in a direction perpendicular to the provided with the respective connecting element outer surface (A1, A2) of the housing (1 a; 1 c; 1 d) is blocked, in particular wherein the first (A1) and second (A2) outer surfaces have outer surfaces (A1 .A 2).

12. housing (1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d) according to one of claims 1 to 1 1, wherein the housing on at least one third (A3) and / or fourth (A4) outer surface at least one connecting element (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 the The outer surface (A3, A4) of the housing provided with the respective connecting element are blocked.

13. The housing (1 a; 1 b; 1 c; 1 d) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the housing (1 a; 1 b; 1 c; 1 d) is a cylindrical housing, wherein the at least one connecting element (2a-2a "', 2b, 2b', 2c, 2c ', 2d, 2d') of the housing (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) can be connected to the connecting element or elements of other battery components to form a honeycomb-shaped composite is.

14. Battery, comprising at least one housing (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) according to one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A vehicle or stationary system comprising a battery according to claim 14.