Battery pack for electric vehicle, battery cell and use of battery pack

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery pack (10) for an electric vehicle, comprising a plurality of prismatic battery cells (12) and at least one structural member (44). Each battery cell (12) comprises a first face (14) on which two electrical connection terminals (16a, 16b) are arranged, a second face (18) arranged opposite the first face (14), and a circumferentially closed side face (20) extending between the first face (14) and the second face (18). Each prismatic battery cell (12) includes an electrically insulating coating (30) disposed on one or more of the first face (14), the second face (18), and the side face (20). A plurality of prismatic battery cells (12) are arranged side by side along a linear stacking direction (S). Adjacent battery cells (12) are in direct contact with each other or are directly mechanically connected to each other using an adhesive (42).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack for an electric vehicle.

[0002] The present disclosure also relates to a prismatic battery cell for a battery pack.

[0003] Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to the use of a battery pack. Background Art

[0004] In electric vehicles, battery packs are used to store electrical energy. When the electric vehicle is operated, this electrical energy is used to provide power to one or more electric motors of the drive train of the electric vehicle. Typically, such battery packs include a plurality of battery cells, such as prismatic battery cells.

[0005] In order to allow an electric vehicle to have a relatively large driving range, i.e. to allow the vehicle to travel a relatively long distance without recharging, the electrical storage capacity of the battery pack needs to be as large as possible. In other words, the volume and / or number of battery cells of the battery pack needs to be as large as possible. At the same time, the weight of the electric vehicle needs to be kept as low as possible. Therefore, the challenge is to provide a high electrical storage capacity at a relatively low weight. Summary of the invention

[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to resolve or at least alleviate the conflicting objectives of high electrical storage capacity and relatively low weight.

[0007] This problem is at least partially solved or alleviated by the following aspects and further examples of the present disclosure.

[0008] According to a first aspect, a battery pack for an electric vehicle is provided. The battery pack includes a plurality of prismatic battery cells and at least one structural member. Each battery cell includes a first face on which two electrical connection terminals are provided, a second face arranged opposite to the first face, and a circumferentially closed side extending between the first face and the second face. Each of the prismatic battery cells includes an electrically insulating coating provided on one or more of the first face, the second face, and the side face. A plurality of prismatic battery cells are arranged side by side along a straight stacking direction. Adjacent battery cells are in direct contact with each other or are directly mechanically connected to each other using an adhesive. In addition, at least one of the plurality of battery cells is in direct contact with at least one structural member or is directly mechanically connected to at least one structural member using an adhesive. In this configuration, the electrically insulating coating of the battery cell enables direct contact between adjacent battery cells or mechanical connection of adjacent battery cells to be achieved using an adhesive. The adjacent battery cells can be electrically insulated from each other at the same time only due to the coating. In the same way, the electrically insulating coating of the battery cell enables direct contact between at least one of the plurality of battery cells and at least one structural member, or mechanical connection of at least one battery cell to at least one structural member using an adhesive. Also in this regard, due to the coating, at least one battery cell can be electrically insulated from at least one structural member at the same time. In summary, in the battery pack of the present disclosure, the battery cells are mechanically connected to each other by direct contact or by an adhesive, and are electrically insulated from each other at the same time. In addition, at least one of the battery cells is mechanically connected to the structural member by direct contact or by an adhesive, and is electrically insulated from the structural member at the same time. Due to these characteristics, the battery pack according to the present disclosure can be used as a structural component of an electric vehicle. This means that the battery pack can be used to bear and / or absorb mechanical loads that occur during vehicle use. Therefore, the remaining structural components of the electric vehicle can be adapted to the load-bearing capacity of the battery pack, that is, the size and weight of the remaining structural components can be reduced. This has the following effect: using the battery pack according to the present disclosure, a high electrical storage capacity can be provided in an electric vehicle while keeping the total weight relatively low.

[0009] It should be noted that the battery pack according to the first aspect of the present disclosure may also include a plurality of cylindrical battery cells instead of a plurality of prismatic battery cells. In other words, the prismatic battery cells described above may be replaced by cylindrical battery cells. In this context, the cylindrical battery cells may be shaped as a cylinder. If cylindrical battery cells are used, the first face may be formed by a substantially circular end face of the cylindrical battery cell. The same applies to the second face. Furthermore, if cylindrical battery cells are used, an electrical connection terminal may be provided on each of the first face and the second face. As previously described, the circumferentially closed side face extends between the first face and the second face. This also applies to cylindrical battery cells.

[0010] It is further noted that in the context of the present disclosure, a coating of a battery cell is an essential part of the respective battery cell. In other words, the battery cell comprises the coating.

[0011] According to one example, the coating of the battery cell is UV-curable. Such a coating can be provided in a relatively simple manner. In addition, the use of such a coating provides reliable electrical insulation.

[0012] In one example, the housing of the battery cell may be electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery cell, ie, electrically connected to the electrical high voltage system. This is done to avoid internal corrosion of the battery cell.

[0013] Furthermore, direct contact between adjacent battery cells or between battery cells and structural members means that the individual components are in contact with each other without further intermediate parts. This increases the volumetric efficiency of the electrical storage formed by the battery cells, i.e., a relatively large electrical storage can be provided in a relatively small volume.

[0014] According to one example, the prismatic cell is cuboid-shaped, which means that the first face and the second face are substantially rectangular, and the first face and the second face are arranged in parallel.

[0015] In one example, the first area of ​​the first face is uncoated. The first of the two electrical connection terminals is located in the first area. In addition, the second area of ​​the first face is uncoated. The second of the two electrical connection terminals is located in the second area. In other words, the electrically insulating coating is interrupted at the location of the electrical connection terminal. In this context, the first area and the second area can be separated or connected to each other. In the latter case, the first area and the second area are parts of a larger joining area. Keeping the first area and the second area free of coating allows the battery cells to be reliably connected in an electrical sense, more precisely, the electrical connection terminals of the battery cells. The remainder of the first face can be covered with an electrically insulating coating. This allows the remainder to be used in a mechanical sense. For example, the remainder can directly contact the structural member of the battery pack. Alternatively, the remainder can be connected to the structural member using an adhesive. This enhances the load-bearing capacity of the battery cell. In addition, covering the remainder of the first face with a coating increases the gap distance between the conductive components (e.g., components of the high-voltage system) and / or between the conductive components (e.g., components of the high-voltage system) and the components at ground potential (e.g., structural components of the battery pack or electric vehicle). In addition, covering the remaining portion of the first face with a coating increases the creepage distance between conductive components (e.g., components of the high voltage system) and / or between conductive components (e.g., components of the high voltage system) and components at ground potential (e.g., structural components of the battery pack or electric vehicle). Both the increased clearance distance and the increased creepage distance allow for electrically safe operation of the battery pack.

[0016] According to one example, the coating is provided on a portion of the first face between the two electrical connection terminals. This allows the portion to be used in a mechanical sense. For example, the portion can directly contact a structural member of the battery pack. Alternatively, the portion can be connected to the structural member using an adhesive. This enhances the load-bearing capacity of the battery cell.

[0017] In one example, each of the plurality of battery cells includes a vent valve, and a third region of the first face is uncoated, wherein the vent valve is located in the third region. In other words, the electrically insulating coating is interrupted at the location of the vent valve. Therefore, the operation of the vent valve is not hindered by the coating. This allows safe operation of the battery pack.

[0018] In one example, the coating is disposed on a portion of the first face between the exhaust valve and at least one of the two electrical connection terminals. According to one example, the portion of the first face between the exhaust valve and one of the two electrical connection terminals and the portion of the first face between the exhaust valve and the corresponding other electrical connection terminal of the two electrical connection terminals are covered with a coating. The portion of the first face including the coating can be used in a mechanical sense. For example, these portions can directly contact the structural member of the battery pack. Alternatively, these portions can be connected to the structural member using an adhesive. This enhances the carrying capacity of the battery cell. In addition, covering these portions of the first face with a coating increases the gap distance between conductive components (e.g., components of a high-voltage system) and / or between conductive components (e.g., components of a high-voltage system) and components at ground potential (e.g., structural components of a battery pack or an electric vehicle). In addition, covering these portions of the first face with a coating increases the creepage distance between conductive components (e.g., components of a high-voltage system) and / or between conductive components (e.g., components of a high-voltage system) and components at ground potential (e.g., structural components of a battery pack or an electric vehicle). Both the increased clearance distance and the increased creepage distance allow for electrically safe operation of the battery pack.

[0019] According to one example, a coating is provided at least in a boundary partition of the first face. The boundary partition covers a portion of the first face located adjacent to the edge of the first face. In one example, the boundary partition extends along all edges of the first face. In the case where the first face is substantially rectangular, the boundary partition also has a substantially rectangular shape. The shape of the boundary partition can also be described as a frame shape. According to another example, the boundary partition extends along all edges of the first face and is at least 1 mm wide or thick. This means that the boundary partition at least covers a portion of the first face located at a distance of 1 mm or less from the edge of the first face. According to another example, the boundary partition extends along all edges of the first face and is at least 2 mm wide or thick. This means that the boundary partition at least covers a portion of the first face located at a distance of 2 mm or less from the edge of the first face. According to another example, the boundary partition extends along all edges of the first face and is at least 3 mm wide or thick. This means that the boundary partition at least covers a portion of the first face located at a distance of 3 mm or less from the edge of the first face. Therefore, the boundary partition. Providing a coating in a boundary partition increases the clearance distance between conductive components (e.g., components of a high-voltage system) and / or between conductive components (e.g., components of a high-voltage system) and components at ground potential (e.g., structural components of a battery pack or an electric vehicle). Thus, undesirable arcing effects are avoided. In addition, providing a coating in a boundary partition increases the creepage distance between conductive components (e.g., components of a high-voltage system) and / or between conductive components (e.g., components of a high-voltage system) and components at ground potential (e.g., structural components of a battery pack or an electric vehicle). Both the increased clearance distance and the increased creepage distance allow for electrically safe operation of the battery pack.

[0020] In one example, a coating is disposed on a first face, and the coating disposed on the first face directly contacts at least one structural member or is directly mechanically connected to at least one structural member using an adhesive. This means that loads can be transferred from the battery cell to the structural member and vice versa. This enhances the structural stability that can be provided by the battery pack. In this context, a side of the structural member that is mechanically connected to the first face of the battery cell can be formed as a shear plane that is configured to support shear loads. Providing a relatively large area of ​​the first face to contact or mechanically connect to the structural member increases the mechanical strength that can be provided by the battery pack.

[0021] In one example, at least a portion of the coating is disposed on a textured portion of one or more of the first face, the second face, and the side face. In other words, the surface of the battery cell on which the coating is disposed is pre-treated because it is textured. This increases the structural integrity of the battery cell because the coating and the remaining components of the battery cell are connected in a mechanically stable manner. Thus, the battery cell can support relatively high loads without the coating becoming detached from the remaining components of the battery cell.

[0022] In one example, the textured portion of one or more of the first face, the second face, and the side faces is formed from a portion of a housing or can of a battery cell.

[0023] In one example, a first portion of the coating is disposed on a portion of one or more of the first face, the second face, and the side that is textured according to a first texture type. A second portion of the coating is disposed on a portion of one or more of the first face, the second face, and the side that is textured according to a second texture type or a non-textured portion. The first texture type and the second texture type are different. The use of a texture of the first texture type, a texture of the second texture type, or a non-textured portion allows the mechanical cohesion between the coating and the rest of the battery cell to be locally adjusted. Thus, in a partition configured to support relatively high loads, the coating and the rest of the battery cell can be connected in a more stable manner than in a partition configured to support only relatively low loads. In other words, the mechanical stability of the coating can be customized according to the loads that occur during the use of the battery cell. In doing so, the capacity of the battery cell to support mechanical loads is enhanced.

[0024] According to one example, the texture may be a laser texture. In this context, one or both of the texture of the first texture type and the texture of the second texture type may be provided by laser texturing. Using laser texturing allows the coating to be connected to the rest of the battery cell in a mechanically stable manner.

[0025] According to one example, components of the battery cell may be plasma treated prior to applying the coating. In addition to texturing (eg laser texturing) or as an alternative to texturing, a plasma treatment may be provided.

[0026] According to an example, a texture of a first texture type may have a first depth, wherein a texture of a second texture type may have a second depth. The first depth and the second depth may be different.

[0027] According to an example, the texture comprises a waffle pattern or a rectangular pattern. In this context, the pattern of the texture of the first texture type may have a first size, and the pattern of the texture of the second texture type may have a second size. The first size and the second size may be different.

[0028] In one example, each of the first side, the second side, and the side surface of each battery cell in the plurality of battery cells directly contacts at least one structural member, or is directly mechanically connected to at least one structural member using an adhesive, or directly contacts an adjacent battery cell, or is directly mechanically connected to an adjacent battery cell using an adhesive. Therefore, each of the first side, the second side, and the side surface is configured to bear a load because it is mechanically connected or in contact with another battery cell or a structural member. In summary, the load-bearing capacity of the battery cell is improved.

[0029] In one example, the first face is oriented downwards during use of the battery pack. This also means that the electrical connection terminals point downwards during use of the battery pack. This allows the battery pack to be integrated into an electric vehicle in a space-saving manner.

[0030] In one example, each prismatic battery cell includes an electrically insulating coating disposed on a first face, a second face, and a side face. In other words, a portion of the electrically insulating coating is disposed on each of the first face, the second face, and the side face. Thus, each of the first face, the second face, and the side face is configured to contact or mechanically connect to another battery cell or a structural member. In other words, each of the first face, the second face, and the side face is configured to contribute to the load-bearing capacity of the battery pack.

[0031] According to a second aspect, a prismatic battery cell for a battery pack according to the present disclosure is provided. The battery cell includes a first face on which two electrical connection terminals are provided, a second face arranged opposite to the first face, and a circumferentially closed side extending between the first face and the second face. The battery cell includes an electrically insulating coating provided on one or more of the first face, the second face, and the side face. The electrically insulating coating of the battery cell enables direct contact between adjacent battery cells or mechanical connection of adjacent battery cells using an adhesive. The adjacent battery cells can be electrically insulated from each other at the same time only due to the coating. In the same way, the electrically insulating coating of the battery cell enables direct contact between the battery cell and a structural member or mechanical connection of the battery cell and a structural member using an adhesive. Also in this regard, due to the coating, the battery cell can be electrically insulated from the structural member at the same time. Therefore, the battery cell of the present disclosure can be mechanically connected to another battery cell by direct contact or by an adhesive, and electrically insulated from the other battery cells at the same time. In addition, the battery cell according to the present disclosure can be mechanically connected to a structural member by direct contact or by an adhesive, and electrically insulated from the structural member at the same time. Due to these properties, the battery cells according to the present disclosure can be used in structural batteries, i.e. batteries that are used as structural components of an electric vehicle. This means that the battery pack can be used to bear and / or absorb mechanical loads that occur during use of the vehicle. This has the effect that the remaining structural components of the electric vehicle can be adapted to the load-bearing capacity of the battery pack, i.e. the size and weight of the remaining structural components can be reduced. This has the effect that using the battery cells according to the present disclosure, a high electrical storage capacity can be provided in an electric vehicle while keeping the overall weight relatively low.

[0032] It should be noted that the battery cell according to the second aspect of the present disclosure may also be cylindrical instead of prismatic. In this context, the cylindrical battery cell may be shaped as a cylinder. In a cylindrical battery cell, the first face may be formed by a substantially circular end face of the cylindrical battery cell. The same applies to the second face. Furthermore, for the cylindrical battery cell, an electrical connection terminal may be provided on each of the first face and the second face. As previously described, the circumferentially closed side face extends between the first face and the second face. This also applies to the cylindrical battery cell.

[0033] According to one example, the first area of ​​the first face is uncoated, wherein the first of the two electrical connection terminals is located in the first area. In addition, the second area of ​​the first face is uncoated, wherein the second of the two electrical connection terminals is located in the second area. In other words, the electrically insulating coating is interrupted at the location of the electrical connection terminal. In this context, the first area and the second area can be separated or connected to each other. In the latter case, the first area and the second area are parts of a larger joining area. Keeping the first area and the second area free of coating allows the battery cells to be reliably connected in an electrical sense, more precisely, the electrical connection terminals of the battery cells. However, the remainder of the first face can be covered with an electrically insulating coating. This allows the remainder to be used in a mechanical sense. For example, the remainder can directly contact the structural member of the battery pack. Alternatively, the remainder can be connected to the structural member using an adhesive. This enhances the load-bearing capacity of the battery cell. In addition, covering the remainder of the first face with a coating increases the gap distance between the conductive components (e.g., components of the high-voltage system) and / or between the conductive components (e.g., components of the high-voltage system) and the components at ground potential (e.g., structural components of the battery pack or electric vehicle). In addition, covering the remaining portion of the first face with a coating increases the creepage distance between conductive components (e.g., components of the high voltage system) and / or between conductive components (e.g., components of the high voltage system) and components at ground potential (e.g., structural components of the battery pack or electric vehicle). Both the increased clearance distance and the increased creepage distance allow for electrically safe operation of the battery pack.

[0034] In one example, the coating is provided on a portion of the first face between two electrical connection terminals. This allows the portion to be used in a mechanical sense. For example, the portion can directly contact a structural member of the battery pack. Alternatively, the portion can be connected to the structural member using an adhesive. This enhances the load-bearing capacity of the battery cell.

[0035] In one example, the battery cell further comprises a vent valve. A third region of the first face is uncoated, wherein the vent valve is located in the third region. In other words, the electrically insulating coating is interrupted at the location of the vent valve. Thus, the operation of the vent valve is not hindered by the coating. This allows safe operation of the battery pack.

[0036] In one example, the coating is disposed on a portion of the first face between the exhaust valve and at least one of the two electrical connection terminals. According to one example, the portion of the first face between the exhaust valve and one of the two electrical connection terminals and the portion of the first face between the exhaust valve and the corresponding other electrical connection terminal of the two electrical connection terminals are covered with a coating. The portion of the first face including the coating can be used in a mechanical sense. For example, these portions can directly contact the structural member of the battery pack. Alternatively, these portions can be connected to the structural member using an adhesive. This enhances the carrying capacity of the battery cell. In addition, covering these portions of the first face with a coating increases the gap distance between conductive components (e.g., components of a high-voltage system) and / or between conductive components (e.g., components of a high-voltage system) and components at ground potential (e.g., structural components of a battery pack or an electric vehicle). In addition, covering the remaining portion of the first face with a coating increases the creepage distance between conductive components (e.g., components of a high-voltage system) and / or between conductive components (e.g., components of a high-voltage system) and components at ground potential (e.g., structural components of a battery pack or an electric vehicle). Both the increased clearance distance and the increased creepage distance allow for electrically safe operation of the battery pack.

[0037] According to one example, a coating is provided at least in a boundary partition of the first face. The boundary partition covers a portion of the first face located adjacent to the edge of the first face. In one example, the boundary partition extends along all edges of the first face. In the case where the first face is substantially rectangular, the boundary partition also has a substantially rectangular shape. The shape of the boundary partition can also be described as a frame shape. According to another example, the boundary partition extends along all edges of the first face and is at least 1 mm wide or thick. This means that the boundary partition at least covers a portion of the first face located at a distance of 1 mm or less from the edge of the first face. According to another example, the boundary partition extends along all edges of the first face and is at least 2 mm wide or thick. This means that the boundary partition at least covers a portion of the first face located at a distance of 2 mm or less from the edge of the first face. According to another example, the boundary partition extends along all edges of the first face and is at least 3 mm wide or thick. This means that the boundary partition at least covers a portion of the first face located at a distance of 3 mm or less from the edge of the first face. Therefore, the boundary partition. Providing a coating in a boundary partition increases the clearance distance between conductive components (e.g., components of a high-voltage system) and / or between conductive components (e.g., components of a high-voltage system) and components at ground potential (e.g., structural components of a battery pack or an electric vehicle). Thus, undesirable arcing effects are avoided. In addition, providing a coating in a boundary partition increases the creepage distance between conductive components (e.g., components of a high-voltage system) and / or between conductive components (e.g., components of a high-voltage system) and components at ground potential (e.g., structural components of a battery pack or an electric vehicle). Both the increased clearance distance and the increased creepage distance allow for electrically safe operation of the battery pack.

[0038] In one example, at least a portion of the coating is disposed on a textured portion of one or more of the first face, the second face, and the side face. In other words, the surface of the battery cell on which the coating is disposed is pre-treated because it is textured. This increases the structural integrity of the battery cell because the coating on the rest of the battery cell is connected in a mechanically stable manner. Thus, the battery cell can support relatively high loads without the coating separating from the rest of the battery cell.

[0039] In one example, the textured portion of one or more of the first face, the second face, and the side faces is formed by a portion of a casing or can of a battery cell.

[0040] According to one example, a first portion of the coating is disposed on a portion of one or more of the first face, the second face, and the side surface that is textured according to a first texture type. In addition, a second portion of the coating is disposed on a portion of one or more of the first face, the second face, and the side surface that is textured according to a second texture type or a non-textured portion. The first texture type and the second texture type are different. The use of a texture of the first texture type, a texture of the second texture type, or a non-textured portion allows the mechanical cohesion between the coating and the rest of the battery cell to be locally adjusted. Therefore, in a partition configured to support relatively high loads, the coating and the rest of the battery cell can be connected in a more stable manner than in a partition configured to support only relatively low loads. In other words, the mechanical stability of the coating can be customized according to the loads that occur during the use of the battery cell. In doing so, the capacity of the battery cell to support mechanical loads is enhanced.

[0041] According to one example, the texture may be a laser texture. In this context, one or both of the texture of the first texture type and the texture of the second texture type may be provided by laser texturing. Using laser texturing allows the coating to be connected to the rest of the battery cell in a mechanically stable manner.

[0042] According to one example, components of the battery cell may be plasma treated prior to applying the coating. In addition to texturing (eg laser texturing) or as an alternative to texturing, a plasma treatment may be provided.

[0043] According to an example, a texture of a first texture type may have a first depth, wherein a texture of a second texture type may have a second depth. The first depth and the second depth may be different.

[0044] According to an example, the texture comprises a grid pattern or a rectangular pattern. In this context, the pattern of the texture of the first texture type may have a first size, and the pattern of the texture of the second texture type may have a second size. The first size and the second size may be different.

[0045] In one example, the battery cell includes an electrically insulating coating disposed on a first face, a second face, and a side face. In other words, a portion of the electrically insulating coating is disposed on each of the first face, the second face, and the side face. Thus, each of the first face, the second face, and the side face is configured to contact or mechanically connect to another battery cell or a structural member. In other words, each of the first face, the second face, and the side face is configured to contribute to the load-bearing capacity of the battery cell.

[0046] According to a third aspect, there is provided a use of a battery pack according to the present disclosure as a structural component of a vehicle body. As described above, the coating of the battery cells forming part of the battery pack enables direct contact between adjacent battery cells or mechanical connection of adjacent battery cells using an adhesive. These adjacent battery cells can be electrically insulated from each other at the same time due to the coating alone. In the same way, the electrically insulating coating of the battery cell enables direct contact between at least one of the plurality of battery cells and at least one structural member, or mechanical connection of at least one battery cell to at least one structural member using an adhesive. Also in this regard, due to the coating, at least one battery cell can be electrically insulated from at least one structural member at the same time. In summary, in the battery pack of the present disclosure, the battery cells are mechanically connected to each other by direct contact or by an adhesive, and are electrically insulated from each other at the same time. In addition, the battery cells are mechanically connected to the structural member by direct contact or by an adhesive, and are electrically insulated from the structural member at the same time. Due to these characteristics, the battery pack according to the present disclosure can be used as a structural component of an electric vehicle. This means that the battery pack can be used to bear and / or absorb mechanical loads that occur during vehicle use. Therefore, the remaining structural components of the electric vehicle can be adapted to the load-bearing capacity of the battery pack, that is, the size and weight of the remaining structural components can be reduced. This has the following effect: using the battery pack according to the present disclosure, a high electrical storage capacity can be provided in an electric vehicle while keeping the total weight relatively low.

[0047] According to one example, the structural component is a bottom structure or underfloor structure of a vehicle body.

[0048] It should be noted that the above-mentioned examples can be combined with each other regardless of the aspects involved.

[0049] These and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the examples described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the following drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 A battery pack according to the present disclosure is shown, which can be used as a structural component of a vehicle body and includes a plurality of battery cells according to the present disclosure,

[0052] Figure 2 The cross-sectional view along plane II shows Figure 1 A battery pack, of which Figure 2 Additional structural components of the battery pack are shown in FIG.

[0053] Figure 3 Shown in a separate perspective Figure 1 Battery cells,

[0054] Figure 4 The top view shows Figure 3 Battery cells,

[0055] Figure 5 Shown for manufacturing Figure 3 The manufacturing steps of the battery cell, and

[0056] Figure 6 Shown for manufacturing Figure 3 Another manufacturing step for battery cells. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The drawings are merely schematic representations and serve merely to illustrate examples of the present disclosure. Identical or equivalent elements are in principle provided with the same reference numerals.

[0058] Figure 1 A battery pack 10 for an electric vehicle is shown.

[0059] The battery pack 10 includes a plurality of prismatic battery cells 12 that are all identical. Figure 3 and Figure 4 One of the battery cells 12 is shown in isolated view.

[0060] In the present example, the prismatic battery cell 12 is substantially cuboid in shape.

[0061] The prismatic battery cell 12 or the cuboid comprises a first face 14 on which electrical connection terminals 16 a, 16 b are arranged. In addition, in the present example, a vent valve 16 c is arranged on the first face 14 .

[0062] The second side 18 of the prismatic battery cell 12 or the cuboid is arranged opposite the first side 14 .

[0063] Furthermore, the prismatic battery cell 12 or the cuboid comprises a circumferentially closed side surface 20 which extends between the first surface 14 and the second surface 18 .

[0064] Since the prismatic battery cell is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, the side surface 20 is composed of a third surface 22, a fourth surface 24, a fifth surface 26, and a sixth surface 28. In summary, the side surface 20 is shaped like a tube having a substantially rectangular cross section.

[0065] The battery cell 12 includes an electrically insulating coating 30 disposed on all sides of the battery cell 12 except for a plurality of uncoated areas as will be described below.

[0066] In the example shown in the figure, the first region 32 is uncoated, and the electrical connection terminals 16 a are located in the first region 32 .

[0067] Furthermore, the second region 34 is uncoated, and the electrical connection terminals 16 b are provided in the second region 34 .

[0068] Furthermore, the third region 36 is uncoated, and the exhaust valve 16 c is located in the third region 36 .

[0069] In the example shown in the figures, each of the first region 32 , the second region 34 , and the third region 36 is substantially rectangular.

[0070] In other words, the coating 30 covers the first face 14 except for the first region 32 , the second region 34 , and the third region 36 .

[0071] This means in particular that the coating 30 is provided on the parts of the first surface 14 which are situated between the two electrical connection terminals 16a, 16b. These parts are denoted by the reference numerals 38a, 38b.

[0072] Furthermore, the portion 38a is provided between the exhaust valve 16c and the electrical connection terminal 16a. The portion 38b is provided between the exhaust valve 16c and the electrical connection terminal 16b.

[0073] In addition, the coating 30 on the first face 14 is arranged such that the coating 30 is disposed in a boundary partition 40 of the first face 14. The boundary partition 40 covers a portion of the first face 14 that extends along an edge 41 of the first face. In this example, the edge 41 circumferentially surrounds the first face 14. The edge 41 is formed by Figure 4 In the example, the border partition 40 has a width W of 3 mm. This means that the border partition 40 covers a distance of 3 mm or less from the edge 41 of the first face 14.

[0074] The second side 18 is completely covered with the coating 30. The third side 22, the fourth side 24, the fifth side 26 and the sixth side 28 are also completely covered with the coating 30.

[0075] In the battery pack 10, a plurality of prismatic battery cells 12 are arranged side by side along a linear stacking direction S (see Figure 1 ).

[0076] Furthermore, adjacent battery cells 12 are mechanically connected directly to one another using an adhesive 42 .

[0077] The battery pack 12 also includes a structural member 44 .

[0078] In this example, the structural members include an end plate 46 and two lower support members 48a, 48b.

[0079] It should be understood that the structural member 44 is only represented schematically in the drawings.

[0080] The first and the last battery cell of a stack of battery cells 12 are mechanically connected to the structural member 44 , more specifically to the end plates 46 , using an adhesive 42 .

[0081] Additionally, the coating 30 disposed in the portions 38a, 38b of the first face 14 is mechanically coupled to the lower support member 48a and the lower support member 48b, respectively, of the structural member 44 using the adhesive 42.

[0082] The coating 30 of the battery cell 12 has the effect that the gap distance D1 between the uncoated portion of the battery cell 12 and the portion of the structural member 44 can have a magnitude, ie, distance or length, sufficient for safe operation of the battery pack 10. The gap distance D1 is Figure 2 Shown in.

[0083] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the gap distance D1 is equal to about 8 mm. However, other measurements are possible. It has been found that the gap distance D1 should be at least 4 mm.

[0084] In the same manner, the coating 30 of the battery cell 12 has the effect that the creepage distance D2 between the uncoated portion of the battery cell 12 and a portion of the structural member 44 has a magnitude, i.e., a distance or length, sufficient for safe operation of the battery pack 10. The creepage distance D2 is Figure 2 Shown in.

[0085] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the creepage distance D2 is equal to about 12 mm. However, other measurements are possible. It has been found that the creepage distance D2 should be at least 10 mm.

[0086] It should be noted that both the clearance distance D1 and the creepage distance D2 are the minimum distances between the uncoated portion of the battery cell 12 and the structural member 44 .

[0087] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The steps for producing a battery cell 12 are shown. More specifically, Figure 5 and Figure 6 The steps for providing a coating 30 of a battery cell 12 are shown.

[0088] The production of the battery cells 12 involves two so-called pre-processing steps.

[0089] It should be understood that Figure 5 and Figure 6 An intermediate state of a battery cell 12 during production is shown. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the state, the coating 30 has not yet been applied. Only after the pretreatment step is completed, the coating 30 is applied to the battery cell 12, i.e. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment is applied to the outer side of the housing of the battery cell 12 .

[0090] In a first pretreatment step, a texture 50 of a first texture type is formed on all sides of the battery cell 12. Figure 5 It is shown in Figure 5 a) shows a top view onto the first side 14 of the battery cell 12, and Figure 5 b) shows a side view onto the third side 22 of the battery cell 12 .

[0091] More precisely, if Figure 5 As shown in a), the texture 50 is arranged on a portion of the first side 14 of the battery cell. Therefore, the first side 14 is not completely covered by the texture 50.

[0092] Likewise, on the third side 22, only Figure 5 The portion shown in b) is covered by the texture 50. Therefore, the third side is also not completely covered by the texture 50. The texture on the fifth side 26 corresponds to the texture on the third side 22.

[0093] The second side, the fourth side 24 and the sixth side 28 are completely covered with a texture 50 of the first texture type.

[0094] The non-textured portion is denoted by reference numeral 52 .

[0095] It will be appreciated that, according to an alternative, non-textured portions of the first, third and fifth faces 26 may be provided with a texture of a second texture type. In this context, the second texture type is different from the first texture type.

[0096] The second pretreatment step comprises a plasma treatment of the battery cells 12. Figure 6 It is shown in Figure 6 a) is a plan view onto the first side 14 of the battery cell 12 . Figure 6 b) is a side view onto the third side 22 of the battery cell 12 .

[0097] With respect to the first side 14, a plasma treatment is provided on a portion 54 of the first side 14 of the battery cell 12, such as Figure 6 The remaining part was not treated with plasma.

[0098] The entirety of the second surface 18 , the third surface 22 , the fourth surface 24 , the fifth surface 26 , and the sixth surface 28 are subjected to plasma treatment.

[0099] The pretreatment of the face of the battery cell 12 allows the coating 30 to be connected in a mechanically stable manner to the remaining components of the battery cell 12 , namely the housing of the battery cell 12 .

[0100] In this example, the battery pack 10 is used as a structural member of the vehicle body. More specifically, the battery pack 10 forms a structural member of the bottom of the electric vehicle.

[0101] It should be noted that the first face 14 of the battery pack 10 is oriented downwards during use of the battery pack (ie during typical operation of the electric vehicle). This means that the electrical connection terminals 16a, 16b and the exhaust valve 16c point downwards.

[0102] As used herein, the phrase "at least one" with respect to a list of one or more entities should be understood to mean at least one entity selected from any one or more entities in the list of entities, but does not necessarily include at least one of each entity specifically listed within the list of entities, and does not exclude any combination of entities in the list of entities. This definition also allows that entities other than the entities specifically identified within the list of entities referred to by the phrase "at least one" may optionally be present, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or equivalently, "at least one of A or B", or equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") may refer to at least one A, optionally including more than one A, without B (and optionally including entities other than B) in one example; to at least one B, optionally including more than one B, without A (and optionally including entities other than A) in another example; and to at least one (optionally including more than one) A and at least one (optionally including more than one) B (and optionally including other entities) in yet another example. In other words, the phrases "at least one," "one or more," and "and / or" are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "one or more of A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B, or C," and "A, B, and / or C" may represent A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B, and C together, and optionally any of the foregoing in combination with at least one other entity.

[0103] By studying the drawings and the disclosure, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed examples when practicing the disclosure claimed for protection. In the present disclosure, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "one" or "an" does not exclude multiple. A single processor or other unit can implement the functions of several items or steps recorded in the present disclosure. The pure fact of recording certain measures in mutually different embodiments does not mean that the combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. The computer program can be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or solid-state medium provided together with other hardware or as a part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems. Any figure mark in the present disclosure should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claimed protection.

[0104] Reference numerals list

[0105] 10. Battery Pack

[0106] 12 Battery Cells

[0107] 14 Side 1

[0108] 16a electrical connection terminal

[0109] 16b electrical connection terminal

[0110] 16c exhaust valve

[0111] 18 Side 2

[0112] 20 Side

[0113] 22. Side 3

[0114] 24 Page 4

[0115] 26 Page 5

[0116] 28 Page 6

[0117] 30 Electrical insulation coating

[0118] 32 First Area

[0119] 34 Second Area

[0120] 36 Third Area

[0121] Section 38a

[0122] Section 38b

[0123] 40 Boundary partition

[0124] 41 Edge of first side

[0125] 42 Adhesive

[0126] 44 Structural members

[0127] 46 End plate

[0128] 48a Lower support member

[0129] 48b Lower support member

[0130] 50 Textures

[0131] 52 Non-textured part

[0132] 54 Plasma treatment section

[0133] S Stacking direction

[0134] D1 gap distance

[0135] D2 creepage distance

[0136] W Boundary partition width

Claims

1. A battery pack (10) for an electric vehicle, the battery pack (10) comprising a plurality of prismatic battery cells (12) and at least one structural member (44), in, Each battery cell (12) comprises a first surface (14) on which two electrical connection terminals (16a, 16b) are arranged, a second surface (18) arranged opposite to the first surface (14), and a circumferentially closed side surface (20) extending between the first surface (14) and the second surface (18), wherein each of the prismatic battery cells (12) includes an electrically insulating coating (30) disposed on one or more of the first face (14), the second face (18), and the side face (20), The plurality of prismatic battery cells (12) are arranged side by side along a linear stacking direction (S), wherein adjacent battery cells (12) are in direct contact with each other or are directly mechanically connected to each other using an adhesive (42), and Wherein at least one of the plurality of battery cells (12) directly contacts the at least one structural member (44) or is directly mechanically connected to the at least one structural member (44) using an adhesive (42).

2. The battery pack (10) according to claim 1, wherein: A first region (32) of the first surface (14) is uncoated, wherein a first of the two electrical connection terminals (16a, 16b) is located in the first region (32), and a second region (34) of the first surface (14) is uncoated, wherein a second of the two electrical connection terminals (16a, 16b) is located in the second region (34).

3. The battery pack (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The coating (30) is disposed on a portion (38a, 38b) of the first surface (14) located between the two electrical connection terminals (16a, 16b).

4. The battery pack (10) according to claim 1, wherein: Each battery cell (12) of the plurality of battery cells (12) comprises a vent valve (16c), and wherein a third region (36) of the first face (14) is uncoated, wherein the vent valve (16c) is located in the third region (36).

5. The battery pack (10) according to claim 4, wherein: The coating (30) is disposed on a portion (38a, 38b) of the first surface (14) located between the exhaust valve (16c) and at least one of the two electrical connection terminals (16a, 16b).

6. The battery pack (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The coating (30) is arranged at least in a boundary subregion (40) of the first surface (14), the boundary subregion (40) covering a portion of the first surface (14) adjacent to an edge (41) of the first surface (14).

7. The battery pack (10) according to claim 1, wherein: A coating (30) is disposed on the first face (14), and wherein the coating (30) disposed on the first face (30) directly contacts the at least one structural member (44) or is directly mechanically connected to the at least one structural member (44) using an adhesive (42).

8. The battery pack (10) according to claim 1, wherein: At least a portion of the coating (30) is disposed on one or more textured portions (50) of the first face (14), the second face (18), and the side face (20).

9. The battery pack (10) according to claim 8, wherein: A first portion of the coating (30) is disposed on a portion (50) of one or more of the first face (14), the second face (18), and the side face (20) that is textured according to a first texture type, and wherein the second portion of the coating (30) is disposed on a portion (52) textured according to a second texture type or a non-textured portion (52) of one or more of the first surface (14), the second surface (18) and the side surface (20), The first texture type and the second texture type are different.

10. The battery pack (10) according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first side (14), the second side (18), and the side surface (20) of each of the plurality of battery cells (12) directly contacts the at least one structural member (44), or is directly mechanically connected to the at least one structural member (44) using an adhesive (42), or directly contacts an adjacent battery cell (12), or is directly mechanically connected to an adjacent battery cell (12) using an adhesive (42).

11. The battery pack (10) according to claim 1, wherein: During use of the battery pack (10), the first face (14) is oriented downward.

12. The battery pack (10) according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the prismatic battery cells (12) includes an electrically insulating coating (30) disposed on the first face (14), the second face (18), and the side faces (20).

13. A prismatic battery cell (12) for use in a battery pack (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The battery cell (12) comprises a first surface (14) on which two electrical connection terminals (16a, 16b) are arranged, a second surface (18) arranged opposite to the first surface (14), and a circumferentially closed side surface (20) extending between the first surface (14) and the second surface (18), and The battery cell (12) includes an electrically insulating coating (30) disposed on one or more of the first surface (14), the second surface (18) and the side surface (20).

14. The battery cell (12) according to claim 13, wherein: The coating (30) is arranged at least in a boundary subarea (40) of the first surface (14), the boundary subarea (40) covering a portion of the first surface (14) located at a distance of 1 mm or less from an edge (41) of the first surface (14).

15. The battery cell (12) according to claim 14, wherein: The boundary partition (40) covers a portion of the first face (14) that is located at a distance of 2 mm or less from an edge (41) of the first face (14).

16. Use of the battery pack (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 as a structural component of a vehicle body.

Images