Battery housing for an accumulator battery

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery housing, in particular cylindrical or prismatic, for an energy accumulator battery, having: (i) a battery body having an opening, and a first coupling device being provided on the battery body in the region of the opening; (ii) a cover having a second coupling device, wherein the cover is designed to close the opening of the battery body; (iii) wherein the first coupling device and the second coupling device are designed to cause a form-locked and releasable connection by interlocking with one another, by which connection the battery body can be closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to battery casings for energy storage batteries, energy storage batteries, battery modules, and motor vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of energy storage batteries, especially battery cells, particularly lithium-ion battery cells, cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch-shaped battery cells are known.

[0003] Such energy storage batteries are sealed at the end of the manufacturing process, especially by welding or crimping, meaning that the electrodes and electrolytes housed within are separated from the environment outside the battery casing by the battery housing. Sealing the battery casing prevents contaminants from potentially seeping into the battery and thus interfering with its function. In extreme cases, a fire could spread within the energy storage battery, potentially to other energy storage batteries and the environment.

[0004] Furthermore, the volume of the battery casing should be utilized as efficiently as possible to achieve an optimized capacity for the energy storage battery. This can be achieved by maximizing the electrode density within the battery casing. This may result in less structural space remaining for other components, particularly electrical components such as electrical safety devices or sensors used to detect battery characteristic parameters. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The objective of this invention is to provide a battery casing for an energy storage battery that improves upon the aforementioned problem.

[0006] The solution to this task is achieved based on the teachings of the independent claims. Different embodiments and further configurations of the invention are solutions to the dependent claims.

[0007] The first aspect of the solution relates to a battery housing, particularly a cylindrical or prismatic battery housing, for an energy storage battery, having: (i) a battery body having an opening, and a first coupling device disposed on the battery body in the region of the opening; (ii) a cover having a second coupling device, the cover being designed to close the opening of the battery body; and (iii) the first coupling device and the second coupling device being designed to form a form-locking and detachable connection by mutual engagement, through which the battery body can be locked.

[0008] The terms “comprising,” “including,” “including,” “having,” “having,” “with,” or any other variation thereof, as may be used herein, shall cover non-exclusive inclusion. Thus, a method or apparatus that includes or has a list of elements, for example, is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to the method or apparatus.

[0009] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, "or" refers to an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". For example, condition A or B is satisfied by one of the following conditions: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist), A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0010] As used herein, the term "an" or "a" is defined as meaning "one / a kind or a plurality / multiple". The terms "another" and "another" and any other variations thereof shall be understood as meaning "at least one other".

[0011] The term “multiple” as used herein should be understood to mean “two or more”.

[0012] The terms “configured” or “designed” used herein to perform a defined function (and its variations) should be understood to mean that the corresponding device is already in a design or setting in which it is capable of performing the function, or that the device is at least settable, i.e., configurable, so that it can perform the function after a corresponding setting. This configuration can be performed, for example, by setting parameters of a process flow or switch, to activate or deactivate the function or setting. In particular, the device may have multiple predetermined configurations or operating modes, and the configuration can be performed by selecting one of these configurations or operating modes.

[0013] The term "electrode arrangement structure" as used herein should be understood in particular as an arrangement structure that serves as a structural assembly of an electrochemical cell, used for storing chemical energy and for outputting electrical energy. For this purpose, the electrode arrangement structure has multiple plate-like elements, at least two electrodes, namely an anode and a cathode, and a separator capable of at least partially receiving the electrolyte. Preferably, at least one anode, separator, and cathode are arranged in an overlapping or stacked manner, with the separator at least partially disposed between the anode and cathode. The separator should be understood in particular as an electrically insulating device that separates and spaces the anode from the cathode. The order of the anode, separator, and cathode can be repeated arbitrarily multiple times within the electrode stack. This constitutes an electrode stack. Preferably, the plate-like elements can be wound into electrode rolls, also known as "Jelly-Rolls". Before outputting electrical energy, the stored chemical energy is converted into electrical energy. During charging, the electrical energy supplied to the electrode stack is converted into chemical energy and stored. The electrode may have a current collector, particularly Al for the cathode and Cu for the anode, wherein a thin layer of a mixture of active material, binder (e.g., PVDF, PTFE, CMC, SBR, LiPAA, PAA, etc.) and conductive additive (carbon black, CNTs, carbon fiber, etc.) may be applied on both sides of the current collector.

[0014] The term "electrolyte" as used herein should be understood, in particular, as a liquid or solid material through which ions can be conducted, thereby enabling current transfer between the electrodes of the battery, especially between the cathode and anode. Unlike the electronic conductivity (via electrons) in electrode materials, electrolytes must be ionicly conductive, i.e., conducting current through the transport of charged atoms or molecules (ions). In particular, electrolytes have high resistance. Electrolytes are advantageously chemically stable over a wide temperature window and electrochemically stable over the largest possible voltage window to prevent decomposition. Ideally, the electrolyte is non-toxic and non-flammable, and has at least a high ignition point and a low heat of combustion. Liquid systems are preferred due to their better conductivity compared to polymeric and solid electrolytes.

[0015] The term “form-locking detachable connection” as used herein should be understood in particular as a mechanical connection between two components, especially between two coupling devices, which can form a form-locking connection and can be disengaged again without damage.

[0016] The terms “electrically insulating” or “electrically insulating material” as used herein should be understood as materials having a high resistivity, particularly a resistivity of at least 10 ohms. 10 Ωcm.

[0017] According to the battery casing of the first aspect, the battery body can be detachably closed using a cover. This allows for non-destructive opening of the battery casing. This enables the replacement of components housed in the battery body or battery casing. In the assembled state of the accumulator battery, these components can be electrode arrangements and / or electrolytes housed in the battery casing. Furthermore, the recycling process can be simplified because the components in the battery casing are easily accessible after the cover is opened, allowing them to be removed from the battery casing and individually cleaned or recycled. Similarly, the battery casing or battery body and cover can be individually repaired and reused.

[0018] Preferred embodiments of the battery casing are described below, which can be combined with each other and with other aspects further described, unless explicitly excluded or technically impossible.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first and second coupling devices are each configured as circular, particularly in a bayonet-type closure, such that rotation of the first coupling device relative to the second coupling device results in a detachable, form-locked connection. This allows the use of a holding and rotating device in the battery casing assembly, enabling the energy storage battery to rotate about its longitudinal axis, thus requiring less space to achieve the connection.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first coupling device and the second coupling device are each configured as elongated, such that linear movement of the first coupling device relative to the second coupling device can result in the form-locking, detachable connection. Linear movement is technically simpler to implement than rotational movement because, to establish the connection, it is sufficient to push one of the first and second coupling devices in one direction while simultaneously keeping the other coupling device in a fixed position.

[0021] In some embodiments, the cover has an upper side and a lower side opposite the upper side, the lower side being disposed towards the internal space of the battery housing, and the upper side being disposed away from the battery housing. An electrical component is disposed on the upper side, which, in the assembled state of the battery housing, can be electrically connected to an electrode arrangement structure within the internal space of the battery housing. By disposing the electrical component outside the battery housing, the internal space can be used for a larger electrode arrangement structure, thereby increasing the capacity. Simultaneously, it avoids the electrical component potentially being damaged by substances such as electrolytes within the internal space.

[0022] In some embodiments, transmitting and receiving devices are provided on the upper side, particularly for transmitting and receiving wireless, especially electromagnetic, signals. These transmitting and receiving devices are signal-technically connected to the electrical component, and are designed to transmit signals to a control device. This allows for a technically simple and feasible signal-technical connection between the electrical component and the transmitting and receiving devices, as both are located on the upper side of the cover, and are not separated by the wall of the battery housing or require a longer route for signal transmission.

[0023] In some embodiments, the electrical component includes a sensor designed to detect electrical characteristic parameters, particularly voltage or current, of the electrode arrangement within the internal space of the battery housing. Furthermore, in the event of sensor failure, the sensor can be easily replaced or repaired because it is accessible without opening the battery housing. Additionally, the sensor is subjected to an electrolyte present within the internal space of the battery housing during the assembled state of the accumulator battery.

[0024] In some embodiments, the electrical component has an electrical safety device. By placing the electrical safety device outside the battery housing, additional structural space can be saved within the battery housing. Furthermore, in the case of multiple interconnected battery housings, design or manufacturing can be simplified. For example, arrangements are known in which the safety devices of multiple energy storage batteries are interconnected via battery housings. Consequently, manufacturing multiple battery housings with safety devices may become more costly overall. In this battery housing, however, one safety device is assigned to one battery housing, thereby simplifying manufacturing. Furthermore, the safety device is easily accessible and can be easily replaced.

[0025] In some embodiments, the cover has an opening through which the internal space of the battery housing can be fluidly connected to the environment surrounding the battery housing. The opening has a rupture disc that closes the opening. The rupture disc is designed to rupture when the internal pressure of the battery housing exceeds a predetermined pressure, allowing gas to flow from the interior of the battery housing into the environment surrounding the battery housing after the rupture disc breaks. By incorporating the opening with the rupture disc into the cover of the battery housing, the rupture disc can be easily and independently mounted on the opening as a separate component and can also be replaced. This allows for simpler manufacturing compared to solutions that have predetermined break points in sections of the battery housing.

[0026] In some embodiments, the opening is configured to be inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the battery body. By making the opening inclined, the escaping gas is diverted. In particular, the inclined opening can be configured such that the gas is diverted in a desired direction. This can be advantageous in the case of hot gas flowing out, because this, for example, can prevent hot gas from being guided to other energy storage batteries.

[0027] In some embodiments, a particulate filter, particularly for filtering conductive particles, is provided at the opening, allowing gas flowing from the battery housing through the opening after the rupture disc breaks to pass through and be filtered. This filters out particles, especially conductive particles, that could cause electrical interference or even a short circuit.

[0028] In some embodiments, a seal, particularly a sealing ring, is provided between the battery body and the cover, thereby making the battery casing airtight in a closed state. This prevents gas from escaping from the battery casing in a closed state.

[0029] In some embodiments, the second coupling device is made of an electrically insulating material, particularly plastic. This prevents an electrical connection between the first and second coupling devices when forming a form-locking connection with a first coupling device that may be made of a conductive material.

[0030] In some embodiments, the cover has a surrounding rib structure. This allows for improved mechanical stability of the cover.

[0031] The second aspect of the solution relates to an energy storage battery having: (i) an electrode arrangement having a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode being separated from each other by a separator; (ii) an electrolyte; and (iii) a battery housing according to the first aspect, wherein the electrode arrangement and the electrolyte are disposed in the battery housing.

[0032] The third aspect of the solution relates to a battery module having a plurality of energy storage batteries according to the second aspect.

[0033] The fourth aspect of the solution relates to a motor vehicle having a battery module according to the third aspect.

[0034] The features and advantages described in the first aspect of the solution also apply to the other aspects described. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Other advantages, features, and application possibilities are derived from the following description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0036] As shown here,

[0037] Figure 1A and 1B schematically show a side view and a top view of a battery case according to an embodiment;

[0038] Figure 2A and 2B schematically show a cap according to an embodiment and a partial view of the cap in an installed state;

[0039] Figure 3 schematically show perspective views of the top side and the bottom side of a cap according to an embodiment;

[0040] Figure 4 schematically show perspective views of a cap and a claw ring according to an embodiment; and

[0041] Figure 5 schematically shows a battery cell according to an embodiment.

[0042] In the figures, the same reference numerals are always used for identical or mutually corresponding elements. Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0043] In Figure 1A and 1B there are schematically shown a side view ( Figure 1A ) and a top view ( Figure 1B ) of a battery case 100 according to an embodiment. The battery case 100 has a cylindrical battery body 110 with a longitudinal axis L and is provided with a cap 120. The cylindrical battery body 110 is closed on one side and has a circular opening on the opposite side along the y-direction with respect to the schematically shown coordinate system. The opening is closed by the cap 120 having a circular base surface. Here, the cap 120 is connected to the battery body 110 via a form-locking and releasable connection, which will be explained with reference to the subsequent figures. Components are arranged on the upper side of the cap 120 pointing outward from the battery case 110. The components include an electrical safety device 150 and an insulating member 160. These and other components on the upper side will be explained in more detail in subsequent figures. Furthermore, the cap 120 has an opening 140 inclined relative to the longitudinal axis L, through which a fluid communication can be established between the inner space of the battery case 100 and the environment outside the battery case 100. Furthermore, in Figure 1B there is shown a surrounding rib structure 130, which is Figure 2A further explained in

[0044] Likewise, the battery case or the battery body may be configured in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the cap may have a matching rectangular base surface (not shown herein).

[0045] In Figure 2A and 2B The diagram schematically shows a side view or cross-sectional view of a cover 120 and a portion thereof in an installed state, according to one embodiment. The cover 120 is fitted onto a region of the battery body 110.

[0046] exist Figure 2A The diagram shows a claw ring 220 surrounding the battery body 110, the claw ring having a first coupling device 230 (see Figure 1). Figure 4 Furthermore, a second coupling device 235 is shown for the cover 120, which is shaped-locked and detachably connected to the first coupling device 230. This shaped-locking connection forms a surrounding locking interface 200. A sealing ring 210 is provided between the claw ring 220 and the cover 120. A sensor 240 is provided on the upper side of the cover 120 facing away from the battery housing 100 in the y-direction, particularly for measuring or detecting electrical characteristic parameters of the battery cell, especially current or voltage values. Furthermore, a first pin 250 and a second pin 255 having a different polarity from the first pin 250 are provided on the cover 120. Here, according to... Figure 2A The lower portion of the first pin can be connected to the electrode arrangement structure 510 in the internal space of the battery housing 100 (see...). Figure 5 Electrical connection. Instead of the second pin 255, the cover 120 itself can also be used as an electrical contact possibility. Accordingly, the first pin 250 and the second pin 255 are electrically insulated from each other.

[0047] Furthermore, a rib structure 130 is shown surrounding the upper side of the cover 120. Here, ribs, each arranged and spaced apart from one another on a circle, extend radially inward from the outer region of the cover 120. Through this rib structure 130, the mechanical stability, and especially the stiffness, of the cover 120 is improved.

[0048] exist Figure 2B The image shows an enlarged partial view of the cover 120, showing an angled opening 140. This angled opening 140 enables fluid connection between the internal space of the battery housing 100 and the external environment. This fluid connection is separated by a rupture disc 260 disposed in the opening. In the installed state (where the cover 120 is form-locked and detachably connected to the battery body 110), the battery housing 100 is fluid-tightly closed. If the gas pressure in the internal space of the battery housing 100 rises above a predetermined critical value, the rupture disc 260 ruptures, allowing gas to escape from the internal space through the angled opening 140, thereby reducing the gas pressure in the internal space. By configuring the opening 140 at an angle, the escaping gas is deflected, as indicated by the arrow. Here, the angled opening 140 can be configured such that the escaping gas is deflected in a desired direction. This is advantageous in the case of hot gas flowing out, to prevent hot gas from potentially flowing towards heat-sensitive components.

[0049] Furthermore, a particulate filter 270 is provided on the inclined opening 140. The particulate filter 270 is positioned upstream relative to the flow direction of the gas flowing out of the internal space. The gas flowing out of the internal space therefore first flows through the particulate filter 270 before entering the environment of the battery housing 100. This allows particles, especially conductive particles, that can cause electrical interference or even a short circuit to be filtered out of the gas.

[0050] exist Figure 3 The diagram schematically shows a perspective view of the upper side 300 and the lower side 310 of a cover 120 according to one embodiment. Here, the upper side 300 is made of a non-conductive material, especially plastic. The lower side has a conductive material, especially aluminum, especially an aluminum die-casting.

[0051] exist Figure 4 The diagram schematically shows a perspective view of a cover 120 and a claw ring 220 according to one embodiment. An assembly tool 400 is also shown. After the first coupling device 230 of the claw ring 220 and the second coupling device 235 of the cover 120 are placed in mechanical contact, the first coupling device 230 can be rotated relative to the second coupling device 235 by the assembly tool, thereby engaging them and forming a form-locked and detachable connection. Here, the assembly tool 400 engages in the gap (not shown) of the second coupling device 235 of the cover 120.

[0052] also, Figure 4 The diagram shows components disposed on the upper side of the cover 120. These include an electrical safety device 150, an insulator 160, a sensor 240, a transmitting and receiving device 410, and an inclined opening 140 with a rupture disc 260. The transmitting and receiving device 410 is connected to the sensor 240 and the electrical safety device 150 in a signaling manner, respectively. Electrical characteristic parameters can be measured or detected by the sensor 240. This detected data can then be transmitted to the transmitting and receiving device 410. From the transmitting and receiving device 410, this data can be transmitted to a control device (not shown here). Here, the transmitting and receiving device 410 is specifically designed for wirelessly receiving and transmitting data. Similarly, the transmitting and receiving device 410 can transmit data from the sensor 230 via electrical wires, while the transmission to the control device is wireless.

[0053] Electrical insulation 160 is used to separate the electrodes on cover 120. A sealing ring 210 is also shown, which is disposed between claw ring 220 and cover 120. Thus, the battery housing 100 is airtight in the assembled state.

[0054] exist Figure 5 A battery cell 500 according to one embodiment is schematically shown. The battery cell 500 has according to... Figure 1A and 1B The battery casing 100. Furthermore, other components as described in the preceding figures are provided on the cover 120 or the battery body 110. An electrode arrangement structure 510 and an electrolyte (not shown here) are also provided in the battery casing 100. The electrode arrangement structure 510 has a first electrode and a second electrode, which are separated from each other by a separator (not shown here). In particular, the electrode arrangement structure 510 may have an electrode stack, especially an electrode roll, which has multiple electrodes and separators respectively disposed therebetween. The first electrode and the second electrode are respectively coupled with... Figure 2A The first pin 250 and the second pin 255 of the cover 120 are electrically connected. Similarly, the electrode arrangement structure 510 is electrically connected to the electrical safety device 150.

[0055] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been described above, it should be noted that numerous variations exist. It should also be noted that the described exemplary embodiments are merely non-limiting examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the apparatus and methods described herein. Rather, the foregoing description will provide guidance to those skilled in the art for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, where it should be understood that various changes can be made to the functionality and arrangement of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the subject matter and its legal equivalents as defined in the appended claims.

[0056] List of reference numerals

[0057] 100 battery casing

[0058] 110 battery body

[0059] 120 caps

[0060] 130-rib structure

[0061] 140-degree sloping opening

[0062] 150 electrical fuse

[0063] 160 electrical insulation components

[0064] 200 locking interface

[0065] 210 sealing ring

[0066] 220 Claw Ring

[0067] 230 First Coupling Device

[0068] 235 Second Coupling Device

[0069] 240 sensors

[0070] 250, 255 pins 1 and 2

[0071] 260 shrapnel

[0072] 270 particulate filter

[0073] 300 top side

[0074] 310 cover underside

[0075] L-axis

[0076] 400 assembly tools

[0077] 410 Transmitter / Receiver

Claims

1. A battery casing (100) for an energy storage battery (500), the battery casing having: A battery body (110) has an opening, and a first coupling device (230) is provided on the battery body (110) in the region of the opening. A cover (120) having a second coupling device (235), the cover (120) being designed to close the opening of the battery body (110); in, The first coupling device (230) and the second coupling device (235) are designed to form a locking and detachable connection through mutual engagement, by which the battery body (110) can be sealed.

2. The battery casing (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The first coupling device (230) and the second coupling device (235) are respectively configured to be circular, such that rotation of the first coupling device (230) relative to the second coupling device (235) can result in the form-locked detachable connection.

3. The battery casing (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The first coupling device (230) and the second coupling device (235) are respectively configured to be elongated, such that linear movement of the first coupling device (230) relative to the second coupling device (235) can result in the form-locked detachable connection.

4. The battery casing (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cover (120) has an upper side and a lower side opposite to the upper side, wherein the lower side is disposed toward the internal space of the battery housing (100) and the upper side is disposed away from the battery housing, and an electrical component (150, 240) is disposed on the upper side, the electrical component being electrically connected to an electrode arrangement structure (510) in the internal space of the battery housing (100) in the assembled state of the battery housing (100).

5. The battery casing (100) according to claim 4, wherein, A transmitting and receiving device (410) is provided on the upper side, the transmitting and receiving device being connected to the electrical components (150, 240) in signal technology, and the transmitting and receiving device (410) is designed to send signals to the control device.

6. The battery casing (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The electrical component has a sensor (240) designed to detect electrical characteristic parameters of the electrode arrangement structure (510) in the internal space of the battery housing (100).

7. The battery casing (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, The electrical component has an electrical safety device (150).

8. The battery casing (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cover (120) has an opening (140) through which the internal space of the battery housing (100) can be fluidly connected to the environment of the battery housing (110), and the opening (140) has a rupture disc (260) through which the opening is closed, and the rupture disc (260) is designed to rupture when the gas pressure inside the battery housing (100) exceeds a predetermined gas pressure, so that after the rupture disc (260) ruptures, gas can flow from the inside of the battery housing (100) into the environment of the battery housing (100).

9. The battery casing (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The opening (140) is formed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis (L) of the battery body (110).

10. The battery casing (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, A particulate filter (270) is provided on the opening (140) so that after the rupture disc (260) breaks, the gas flowing out of the battery housing (100) through the opening (140) can flow through the particulate filter (270) and be filtered there.

11. The battery casing (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, A sealing element (210) is provided between the battery body (110) and the cover (120), thereby making the battery housing (100) airtight in a closed state.

12. The battery casing (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second coupling device (235) is made of an electrically insulating material.

13. Energy storage battery (500), having: The electrode arrangement structure (510) has a first electrode and a second electrode, which are separated from each other by a separator. Electrolytes; The battery housing (100) according to any one of the preceding claims has the electrode arrangement structure (510) and the electrolyte disposed therein.

14. A battery module having a plurality of energy storage batteries (500) as claimed in claim 13.

15. A motor vehicle having an electric drive or a hybrid drive and a battery module according to claim 14.

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