Housing for energy storage device

Abstract

The invention relates to a housing (1) for an energy storage device, said housing (1) comprising a pressed portion (9) produced by a pressing process, said pressed portion (9) forming a cavity extending in a pressing direction (10). Furthermore, an energy storage device and a method of manufacturing a housing are disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing for an energy storage device and the energy storage device. In addition, the present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the housing for the energy storage device. Background Art

[0002] Energy storage devices are used in vehicles in a variety of shapes and designs, as the requirements placed on them vary depending on the application. Existing housings, for example, are made of sheet metal. Therefore, if the number of battery cells in an energy storage device changes, the housing must be redesigned, which increases costs and the number of tools required. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a solution to this problem.

[0004] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0005] According to the present invention, a housing for an energy storage device is provided, in particular for storing electrical energy, preferably using electrochemical energy storage technology. The housing includes an extruded portion formed by an extrusion process, wherein the extruded portion forms a cavity extending along an extrusion direction. The extrusion direction refers to the direction in which the extruded portion is extruded during the manufacturing process. Preferably, the extrusion direction is a direction in which the extruded portion extends in a greater extent than in other spatial directions.

[0006] Advantageously, by varying the extent of the extruded portion in the extrusion direction, the housing can be easily adjusted to accommodate an increase or decrease in the number of components (particularly electrochemical energy storage units / modules such as battery cell packs or supercapacitors, or supercapacitor stacks) disposed within the cavity. Thus, an energy storage device incorporating such a housing can be provided that can be customized to meet a customer's voltage, energy, and power requirements. The extent of the extruded portion in the extrusion direction can be adjusted by adjusting the point at which the extrusion process is stopped, as described below.

[0007] Extruded portions of energy storage device housings offer advantages over housings manufactured by other methods. Casting a housing or housing portion using aluminum or plastic requires expensive and complex molds. If the length of a cast portion needs to be adjusted, a new mold must be replaced, which is an expensive and time-consuming process. Extruding a portion of the housing offers a more cost-effective and flexible method of producing the housing.

[0008] Preferably, the cavity extending along the extrusion direction is configured to surround at least one component of the energy storage device.

[0009] Preferably, the cavity extending along the extrusion direction comprises at least one fastening element configured to fasten at least one component of the energy storage device within the cavity.

[0010] Preferably, the extruded part consists of or contains a synthetic material, in particular plastic, or a metal, in particular aluminum or steel.

[0011] Preferably, due to the extrusion process, the extruded portion includes only walls extending parallel to the extrusion direction. That is, the extruded portion itself does not include any walls that enclose the cavity in the extrusion direction. Instead, the extruded portion includes a first opening and a second opening facing each other along the extrusion direction. During assembly of the energy storage device, components can be inserted through these openings. Because these openings can be the only openings in the extruded portion, sealing is easier to achieve and requires fewer components than with other housing designs.

[0012] Preferably, at least one fastening element is integrally formed with the extruded part and is at least partially (preferably completely) produced by the manufacturing process of the extruded part. This simplifies the production of the fastening element because it is part of the extruded part and is essentially provided by the extrusion process.

[0013] Furthermore, the extrusion of the extruded portion allows for the production of different housing types by adjusting the duration of the extrusion process, which results in a change in the extent of the extruded portion in the extrusion direction. Furthermore, the extrusion process is more cost-effective and requires fewer production steps than other housing designs.

[0014] Preferably, at least one fastening element extends along the extrusion direction of the extruded portion. The at least one fastening element may extend along the entire extent of the extruded portion in the extrusion direction, or may extend along a length less than the length of the extruded portion in the extrusion direction. If the at least one fastening element extends only along a length less than the length of the extruded portion in the extrusion direction, the at least one fastening element may be machined after the extrusion process. For example, the at least one fastening element may be shortened to a desired length by machining. Advantageously, if shortening is desired, only a few machining steps are required after the extrusion process.

[0015] Preferably, the at least one fastening element is configured to fasten the at least one component transversely to the extrusion direction. This allows the at least one component to be inserted along the extrusion direction of the extruded portion during assembly of the energy storage device, as the at least one fastening element does not block movement of the at least one component in this direction.

[0016] Preferably, the at least one fastening element is configured to fasten the at least one component along the extrusion direction. To fasten the at least one component, the at least one fastening element preferably includes a fastening portion (particularly having a hole or recess) to which the at least one component can be attached. The fastening portion can be formed by machining the at least one fastening element after the extrusion process. For example, the fastening portion (particularly the hole or recess) can be formed by drilling or milling.

[0017] Preferably, at least one fastening element is configured as a slide rail. The slide rail extends, in particular, along the extrusion direction. During assembly of the housing and at least one component (in particular, the battery cell pack), the slide rail can be used to guide the at least one component into the cavity, thereby achieving a simpler and more reliable assembly process. Additionally or alternatively, the slide rail is configured to secure the at least one component (in particular, the battery cell pack).

[0018] Preferably, at least one outer surface of the extruded portion extending in the extrusion direction is configured as a heat dissipation surface. Thus, heat generated by the energy storage device components disposed in the cavity can be dissipated to the environment. The heat dissipation surface can serve as a cooling surface.

[0019] Advantageously, the heat dissipating surface is constructed from or comprises a suitable heat resistant material, such as a metal, eg steel or aluminium, and / or is constructed from or comprises a material having a suitably enhanced thermal conductivity compared to the extrusion or other parts of the housing.

[0020] Preferably, the heat dissipation surface includes at least one heat dissipation protrusion extending along the extrusion direction. The at least one protrusion can serve as a cooling rib on the heat dissipation surface and increase the area of ​​the heat dissipation surface to increase the amount of heat dissipated from the housing to the environment.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, at least one inner surface of the extruded portion extending in the extrusion direction is configured as a heat-absorbing surface. This allows heat generated by components of the energy storage device disposed within the cavity to be absorbed. Preferably, the heat-absorbing surface is composed of or includes a suitable heat-resistant material (such as a metal, such as steel or aluminum), and / or is composed of or includes a material having appropriately enhanced thermal conductivity compared to other parts of the extruded portion or housing (excluding the heat dissipation surface). Preferably, the heat-absorbing surface includes at least one protrusion extending in the extrusion direction. The at least one protrusion can serve as a heat-absorbing element on the heat-absorbing surface and increase the area of ​​the heat-absorbing surface to increase the amount of heat absorbed from the cavity. Preferably, the heat-absorbing surface is directly opposite to at least one component of the energy storage device that generates heat within the cavity, i.e., there are no other components or elements therebetween, or the corresponding component abuts against the heat-absorbing surface.

[0022] Preferably, the heat dissipating surface and the heat absorbing surface are thermally connected to each other, thereby achieving a heat transfer connection from the cavity to the environment.

[0023] Preferably, at least one component of the energy storage device comprises a circuit board (particularly a printed circuit board (PCB)), an electrochemical energy storage unit / module (such as a battery cell pack or a supercapacitor, a supercapacitor pack), and / or an inductor. Preferably, at least one fastening element of the extruded portion is configured to fasten one or more of these components directly to the extruded portion within its cavity.

[0024] By fastening at least one component directly to the housing via at least one fastening element, further fastening devices as separate elements can be omitted. For example, gluing of battery cells, such as battery cell packs, can be omitted.

[0025] Preferably, the housing includes a first end plate extending generally transverse to the extrusion direction, the first end plate closing the cavity at a first side of the cavity. The first end plate may be configured as a separate component attached to the extruded portion. The first end plate may include an electrical port through which electrical energy from the energy storage device or the battery cell pack disposed within the housing may be supplied to at least one electrical device. The first end plate may include an electronic port through which information regarding the status of at least one component disposed within the housing may be transmitted to a control unit external to the housing, and / or control parameters may be transmitted to at least one component disposed within the housing.

[0026] Preferably, the first end plate is connected to the extruded portion by fastening means, welding and / or bonding (in particular bonding). As a fastening means, a screw, for example, can be provided. In order to engage with the fastening means, the extruded portion may include a hole extending parallel to the extrusion direction, the hole being formed by an extrusion process. Preferably, the hole extends along the entire extension dimension of the extruded portion parallel to the extrusion direction. The hole may include a thread for engaging with the fastening means, wherein the thread is formed by a separate machining process and the fastening means engages with the thread when the first end plate is attached to the extruded portion. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening means may be configured as a self-forming screw, which forms a thread in the hole by being screwed into the hole when the first end plate is attached to the extruded portion. In this case, no separate machining step is required to form the thread in the hole before the screw is screwed in. Attaching the first end plate by welding and / or bonding can fully seal the cavity and eliminate the need for a separate seal.

[0027] Preferably, the housing includes a second end plate extending transverse to the extrusion direction, the second end plate closing the cavity at a second side of the cavity opposite the first side in the extrusion direction. The second end plate can be configured identically to the first end plate. Furthermore, the second end plate can be configured identically to the first end plate described above, and / or the second end plate can be attached to the extruded portion in the same manner as the first end plate is attached to the extruded portion described above.

[0028] Preferably, the housing, in particular the extruded portion, comprises a connection portion configured to be connectable to at least one further housing or vehicle. This allows attaching a plurality of housings to form an energy storage complex, in particular for electric or hybrid vehicles.

[0029] In addition, an energy storage device is provided, which includes a housing as described above and at least one component arranged in a cavity of the housing. Preferably, the at least one component is fastened by at least one fastening element in the cavity. Preferably, the at least one component of the energy storage device includes a circuit board (in particular a PCB), an electrochemical energy storage unit (in particular a battery cell pack), a supercapacitor or a supercapacitor pack and / or an inductor. Preferably, the at least one fastening element of the extruded portion is configured to be able to fasten one or more of these components directly to the extruded portion in its cavity.

[0030] According to the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a housing as described above, the method comprising the following steps:

[0031] - determining the extension of at least one component along the extrusion direction;

[0032] - determining the extension of at least one component transverse to the extrusion direction;

[0033] - determining a desired internal shape of the cavity of the extruded portion based on the determined extension of the at least one component;

[0034] - providing an extrusion tool according to the desired internal shape of the cavity; and

[0035] -Use the Extrude tool to extrude the extruded part along the extrusion direction.

[0036] Advantageously, by determining the extension of at least one component in the extrusion direction, the above method allows the production of housings having extruded portions of different sizes adapted to the extension of the at least one component.

[0037] Preferably, the extrusion of the extruded portion is stopped when the cavity extending in the extrusion direction is able to surround at least one component. That is, the extension of the extruded portion can be adjusted by adjusting the time point of stopping the extrusion or stopping the extrusion process when the extruded portion reaches a sufficient extension in the extrusion direction.

[0038] The extrusion tool is configured to form the other elements of the extruded portion (as described above). In particular, at least one fastening element is formed by the extrusion tool during the extrusion process. Additionally or alternatively, at least one outer surface of the extruded portion configured as a heat dissipating surface and / or at least one inner surface of the extruded portion configured as a heat absorbing surface are formed by the extrusion tool during the extrusion process. Additionally or alternatively, the connecting portion is formed by the extrusion tool during the extrusion process.

[0039] The step of providing an extrusion tool may include the step of providing or producing a die having a desired cross-section corresponding to the extent of at least one component transverse to the extrusion direction, and preferably the die is used to form other elements of the extruded part. The die is part of the extrusion tool.

[0040] During the extrusion of the extruded portion, the material for forming the portion is extruded through the die moving in the extrusion direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described by using the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 shows a housing with an extruded portion according to the present invention, and

[0043] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 The housing shown has components of the energy storage device disposed in its cavity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Figure 1 A housing according to the invention with an extruded portion is shown.

[0045] The housing 1 comprises an extruded portion 9 extending along an extrusion direction 10 , wherein the extruded portion 9 comprises four walls extending parallel to the extrusion direction 10 and forming a cavity inside the extruded portion 9 .

[0046] Within the cavity, the pressing portion 9 comprises a fastening element 4 extending along the housing parallel to a pressing direction 10 , wherein the fastening element 4 is configured as a slide rail.

[0047] In the figure, the cavity is defined only by the wall of the extrusion portion 9. That is, the cavity comprises a first shell opening on the front side facing the viewer, and the cavity comprises a second shell opening opposite to the first shell opening in the direction opposite to the extrusion direction 10.

[0048] Furthermore, the extruded portion 9 comprises holes 3 extending along the housing parallel to the extrusion direction 10 , wherein the holes 3 are configured to be engageable with fastening means, respectively, for attaching the first end plate to the extruded portion 9 .

[0049] The first and second shell ports may be closed by first and second end plates (not shown) attached to the extrusion portion 9 by fastening means engaging in the aperture 3, thereby sealing the cavity.

[0050] One outer surface of the extruded portion 9 is configured as a heat dissipation surface 2, which includes a plurality of protrusions extending parallel to the extrusion direction 10. These protrusions serve as cooling ribs on the heat dissipation surface 2 and increase the area of ​​the heat dissipation surface 2 to increase the amount of heat dissipated from the housing 1 to the environment.

[0051] The extruded portion 9 is formed by an extrusion process. That is, advantageously, each component of the extruded portion 9 extends in particular along the extrusion direction 10. This allows the extruded portion 9, the fastening element 4, the hole 3 and / or the heat dissipation surface 2 to be formed as a single piece in just one processing step.

[0052] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 The housing shown has components of the energy storage device disposed in its cavity.

[0053] In the cavity, a battery cell group 5 and a circuit board 6 are arranged. The circuit board 6 is configured to control the energy storage device, in particular, to control the extraction of energy from the battery cell group 5 and the supply of energy to the battery cell group 5 .

[0054] For assembly, the two components 5, 6 of the energy storage device are inserted into their assembly position along the fastening element 4 and parallel to the extrusion direction 10. In this position, the battery cell pack 5 or the circuit board 6 can engage with the fastening portion of the fastening element 4. For this engagement, the fastening portion can include a hole or a recess.

[0055] The inner surface of the wall of the circuit board 6 facing the extruded portion 9 (which serves as a heat-absorbing surface) includes the heat dissipation surface 2, wherein no other components are placed between the circuit board 6 and the inner surface. Therefore, the heat from the circuit board 6 can be optimally dissipated to the environment through the heat dissipation surface 2.

[0056] Reference Signs List

[0057] 1 shell

[0058] 2 heat dissipation surfaces

[0059] 3 holes

[0060] 4 Fastening elements

[0061] 5 battery cell pack

[0062] 6 circuit boards

[0063] 9 Extrusion part

[0064] 10 Extrusion direction

Claims

1. A housing (1) for an energy storage device, wherein: The housing (1) comprises an extruded portion (9) manufactured by an extrusion process, wherein the extruded portion (9) forms a cavity extending along an extrusion direction (10).

2. The housing (1) according to claim 1, wherein The cavity comprises at least one fastening element (4), which is configured to be able to fasten at least one component of the energy storage device within the cavity.

3. The housing (1) according to claim 2, wherein The at least one fastening element (4) extends along an extrusion direction (10) of the extrusion portion (9).

4. The housing (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The at least one fastening element (4) is configured to be able to fasten the at least one component transversely to the extrusion direction (10).

5. The housing (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein The at least one fastening element (4) is configured to be able to fasten the at least one component along the extrusion direction (10).

6. The housing (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein The at least one fastening element (4) is configured as a slide rail.

7. Housing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one outer surface of the extruded portion (9) extending along the extrusion direction (10) is configured as a heat dissipation surface (2).

8. The housing (1) according to claim 7, wherein The heat dissipation surface (2) comprises at least one heat dissipation protrusion extending along the extrusion direction (10).

9. The housing (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein The at least one component of the energy storage device includes a circuit board, an electrochemical energy storage unit and / or an inductor.

10. The housing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The housing (1) comprises a first end plate extending substantially transversely to the extrusion direction (10), the first end plate closing the cavity at a first side of the cavity.

11. The housing (1) according to claim 10, wherein The first end plate is connected to the extruded portion (9) by fastening means, welding and / or bonding.

12. The housing (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein The housing (1) comprises a second end plate extending transversely to the extrusion direction (10), the second end plate closing the cavity at a second side of the cavity opposite to the first side along the extrusion direction (10).

13. The housing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The housing (1) comprises a connection portion configured to be connectable to at least one further housing (1) or a vehicle.

14. An energy storage device comprising: - a housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13; as well as - at least one component arranged in the cavity of the housing (1), wherein the at least one component preferably comprises a circuit board, an electrochemical energy storage unit and / or an inductor.

15. A method for manufacturing a housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the following steps: - determining the extension of said at least one component along said extrusion direction (10); - determining the extension of the at least one component transversely to the extrusion direction (10); - determining the desired internal shape of the cavity of the extruded portion based on the determined extension of the at least one component; - providing an extrusion tool according to the desired internal shape of the cavity; as well as - Extruding the extruded portion using the extrusion tool.

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