Module housing for a stackable battery module, battery module and battery stack

Abstract

Module housing (10) for a stackable battery module (1), wherein several battery modules (1) can be stacked in a stacking direction (S) to form a battery stack (100), comprising a bottom section (20) and a receiving space (11) for receiving battery units (2) of the battery module (1), characterized in that the bottom section (20) has on an inner bottom surface (21) facing the receiving space (11) internal battery receptacles (22) for force-transmitting the battery units (2) of the battery module (1) and on an outer bottom surface (23) facing away from the receiving space (11) external battery receptacles (24) for force-transmitting the battery units (2) of a further battery module (1),wherein the battery internal receptacles (22) and / or the battery external receptacles (24) have adhesive surfaces (42) for an adhesive bond for the material-locking attachment of the battery units (2) and contact surfaces (40) for the form-locking and force-locking attachment of the respective battery unit (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a module housing for a stackable battery module, wherein several battery modules can be stacked in a stacking direction to form a battery stack, comprising a base section and a receiving space for receiving battery units of the battery module. The invention further relates to a battery module for a battery stack with a module housing and to a battery stack with a plurality of battery units arranged in stacked battery modules.

[0002] Electrical energy storage devices are widely used in modern technology, for example in electric vehicles. One possible form of such energy storage is the lithium-ion battery. To increase the performance of these batteries, it is known to arrange several battery cells as battery units in a battery module and connect them electrically in parallel to provide a battery level. To further increase the electrical performance of such batteries, two or more of these battery modules can be arranged or stacked on top of each other to form a battery stack, whereby the individual battery units of the battery modules can be connected in series.

[0003] Particularly in electric vehicles, such battery stacks can represent a spatially large component. At the same time, these battery stacks can also have a considerable weight. Ensuring the stability of the battery stack, and consequently of the entire electric vehicle, can therefore pose a design challenge. According to the prior art, it is known, in particular, to ensure the stability of the battery stack itself, and also the stability of the battery stack in electric vehicles at all times and especially in every situation, by means of external components, such as mounting structures for the battery stack, struts, and / or stiffeners. However, such additional elements usually entail additional weight and require additional installation space.

[0004] Further batteries, battery modules and energy storage modules are known from the documents DE 10 2015 221 269 A1, DE 10 2015 011 898 A1, US 2013 / 0 122 341 A1, DE 10 2011 119 253 A1, US 2015 / 0 118 530 A1, DE 10 2012 110 644 A1, EP 2 410 590 A2, CN 1 02 447 081 B and US 2012 / 0 094 157 A1.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide, in a cost-effective and simple manner, a module housing for a stackable battery module, a battery module, and a battery stack, which provides or at least improves the stability of the entire battery stack and, preferably, even the stability of the entire electric vehicle in which the battery stack is installed.

[0006] The foregoing problem is solved by a module housing for a stackable battery module having the features of independent claim 1. Furthermore, the problem is solved by a battery module for a battery stack having the features of dependent claim 9 and by a battery stack having the features of dependent claim 10. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the module housing according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the battery module and the battery stack according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosures relating to the individual aspects of the invention are always, or can always be, mutually referenced.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by a module housing for a stackable battery module, wherein several battery modules can be stacked in a stacking direction to form a battery stack, comprising a base section and a receiving space for receiving battery units of the battery module. A module housing according to the invention is characterized in that the base section has, on an inner surface facing the receiving space, internal battery receptacles for force-transmitting the battery units of the battery module and, on an outer surface facing away from the receiving space, external battery receptacles for force-transmitting the battery units of a further battery module.

[0008] A module housing according to the invention is provided for housing a stackable battery module. Stackable within the meaning of the invention means, in particular, that the individual battery modules, whose housings are provided by a module housing according to the invention, can be arranged one on top of the other and stacked to form a battery stack. This can be done, in particular, in one stacking direction, whereby the battery stack usually has its greatest extent in the stacking direction. Battery units can be arranged in a receiving space of the module housing. The receiving space is, in particular, bounded at one end by a bottom section. The bottom section can, in particular, bound the module housing according to the invention, or its receiving space, at the top or, alternatively, at the bottom in the stacking direction.

[0009] Essential to the invention, this base section now has internal battery receptacles for receiving battery units arranged in the receiving space of the module housing. To ensure this, the internal battery receptacles are arranged on an inner surface of the base section facing the receiving space. In particular, the internal battery receptacles are designed to provide force-transmitting support for the battery units. Force-transmitting, as used in the invention, can mean, in particular, that a force can be transmitted from the battery unit to the base section and vice versa. Furthermore, the base section has external battery receptacles on an outer surface located on a side of the base section facing away from the receiving space, which are also designed to receive battery units.These battery units, which can be arranged in the external battery mounts, can in particular be located in a receiving space of a further module housing associated with a battery module that is the next one in the battery stack. The external battery mounts, analogous to the internal battery mounts, are designed to receive these battery units of the further battery module in a force-transmitting manner. In other words, a force can also be transmitted from the respective battery unit to the base section and from the base section to the battery unit via the external battery mounts. In other words, a continuous force path can be provided via the base section, in particular via the internal battery mounts and the external battery mounts of the base section, from a battery unit of a first battery module, through the base section of the module housing of the further battery module, to the battery units of this battery module.In this way, according to the invention, it can be provided that not only a housing or external elements can provide force transmission with respect to the battery stack, but that the battery units of the battery stack themselves can be used for such force transmission. In other words, the inherent stiffness of the battery stack can be provided more easily and effectively by including the battery units in the force transmission, whereby weight and required installation space can be saved, in particular by eliminating external stabilizing elements. It is especially preferred that, when using a battery stack with such module housings according to the invention in an electric vehicle, the stiffness of the entire electric vehicle can be provided or at least supported by this single battery stack.

[0010] Furthermore, the module housing according to the invention is provided that the internal and / or external battery receptacles have contact surfaces for the positive and non-positive fastening of the respective battery unit. The module housing according to the invention may also be provided that the internal and / or external battery receptacles have contact surfaces for the frictional fastening of the respective battery unit. Such contact surfaces make it particularly easy and secure to mount the battery units in the respective internal or external battery receptacle. In this way, a particularly good and flexible force transmission from one battery unit via the external battery receptacle to the base section, and subsequently from the base section via the internal battery receptacle to another battery unit, can be provided.

[0011] According to a further development of a module housing according to the invention, it can also be provided that the contact surfaces have at least partial side sections for positive locking and / or force-locking and / or friction-locking contact with the respective battery unit, wherein the side sections extend in the direction of the stacking. In this way, a further increase in the stability of the entire battery stack with battery module can be achieved with module housings according to the invention. The side sections can, in particular, be designed as flat surfaces to ensure even better contact with the respective battery unit and thus even more effective force-transmitting reception of the battery units in the respective internal or external battery receptacle.

[0012] A module housing according to the invention can be further preferably developed in such a way that the side sections extend along the entire circumference, or at least substantially the entire circumference, of the respective battery unit transversely to the stacking direction. "Extensive" in the sense of the invention can particularly mean that, for example, in the case of battery units that are at least substantially cylindrical, the side sections also conform to the outer surface of the respective battery unit in a cylindrical manner. In this way, contact with the battery unit by the respective side section can be ensured in every direction transversely to the stacking direction, and in particular perpendicular to the stacking direction. This provides protection against tilting of the respective battery unit in the internal or external battery receptacle.

[0013] A module housing according to the invention can also be designed such that the internal and / or external battery receptacles have adhesive surfaces for bonding the battery units. Bonding the respective battery unit into an internal or external battery receptacle further improves the fixation of the battery unit in that position. This also results in even better force transmission between the battery unit and the base section, and thus to the entire module housing.

[0014] Furthermore, a module housing according to the invention can be characterized in that the internal battery receptacles and the external battery receptacles are arranged in pairs in alignment or at least substantially in alignment with each other. In this way, it can be ensured that the battery units arranged in the internal battery receptacles and the external battery receptacles are also arranged in pairs in alignment or at least substantially in alignment. Even better power transmission between the battery units via the respective base section of a module housing according to the invention can thus be enabled. A module housing according to the invention can also be further developed such that the pairs of internal battery receptacles and external battery receptacles each have a common contact opening for electrically connecting the battery units.This method makes it particularly easy to electrically connect the individual battery units within pairs of battery units. Electrically connecting individual battery modules in series is also simplified in this way.

[0015] A module housing according to the invention can also be designed such that a wall section is arranged on the bottom section, in particular a circumferential wall section, wherein, furthermore, an arrangement area for arranging a counter-arrangement area of ​​a further module housing is arranged at an end of the wall section facing away from the bottom section. Such a wall section can, in particular, delimit the receiving space together with the bottom section. This wall section can also, in particular, contribute to the transmission of force from a battery module with a module housing according to the invention to a further battery module with a further module housing according to the invention.In contrast to the prior art, where the wall section often has to provide the entire force transmission, in a modular housing according to the invention the wall section can be less stable and therefore have a lower weight, since it does not have to transmit the entire force.

[0016] According to a further development of a module housing according to the invention, the arrangement area can also have an adhesive section for bonding to a corresponding adhesive section on the opposite arrangement area of ​​another module housing. Such bonding of the individual module housings to one another enables a further increase in force transmission throughout the entire battery stack. In this way, an even more stable configuration of a battery stack with battery modules having module housings according to the invention can be achieved.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by a battery module for a battery stack with a module housing. A battery module according to the invention is characterized in that the module housing is designed according to the first aspect of the invention. All the advantages that have been described in detail with regard to a module housing according to the first aspect of the invention can thus also be provided by a battery module according to the invention that has such a module housing according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0018] According to a third aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by a battery stack comprising a plurality of battery units arranged in stacked battery modules. A battery stack according to the invention is characterized in that the battery modules are designed according to the second aspect of the invention. Battery modules according to the second aspect of the invention particularly have module housings according to the first aspect of the invention. A battery stack according to the third aspect of the invention thus has all the advantages that have already been described in detail with regard to a battery module according to the second aspect of the invention and with regard to a module housing according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0019] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively by way of examples. Naturally, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided this is technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Elements with the same function and mode of operation are designated with the same reference numerals in the figures. The figures schematically show: Fig. 1 a module housing according to the invention in a view opposite to a stacking direction, Fig. 2 a module housing according to the invention in a view along a stacking direction, and Fig. 3 a section of a battery stack according to the invention.

[0020] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows a module housing 10 according to the invention in two different views; in Fig. 1 in a top view opposite a stacking direction S, in Fig. 2 in a top view in stacking direction S. Therefore, both will be discussed below. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are described together, with details of each figure being discussed separately.

[0021] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a module housing 10 according to the invention. A module housing 10 has, in particular, a bottom section 20 which, together with a wall section 30, defines a receiving space 11. In the illustrated embodiment of a module housing 10 according to the invention, the bottom section 20 is arranged at the bottom of the module housing 10 in the stacking direction S. In alternative embodiments of a module housing 10 according to the invention, the bottom section 20 can also form an upper termination of a module housing 10 according to the invention or its receiving space 11. Battery units 2 of a battery module 1 (not shown) can be arranged in the receiving space 11. To form a battery stack 100 (not shown), battery modules 1, each having a module housing 10 according to the invention, can be stacked on top of one another.For this purpose, the module housings 10 each have an arrangement area 31 on their wall sections 30, which, together with a counter-arrangement area 12 of another module housing 10, enables or ensures the stackability of the battery modules 1. Furthermore, an adhesive section 32 can be arranged on the arrangement area 31 and a counter-adhesive section 13 on the counter-arrangement area 12, which further simplifies and, in particular, stabilizes the stacking of the battery modules 1.

[0022] Essential to the invention, the base section 20 of a module housing according to the invention has internal battery receptacles 22 on an inner base surface 21 and external battery receptacles 24 on an outer base surface 23. The internal battery receptacles 22 and the external battery receptacles 24 are each designed to receive a battery unit 2 in a force-transmitting manner. The internal battery receptacles 22 receive battery units 2 that are arranged in the receiving space 11 of the respective module housing 10. The external battery receptacles 24 are designed analogously to receive battery units 2 that are arranged in a further, adjacent module housing 10 of a battery module 1 in the battery stack 100. Contact openings 25 allow the individual battery units 2 to be electrically connected to one another.Both the internal battery receptacles 22 and the external battery receptacles 24 each have contact surfaces 40, which provide a positive-locking and force-locking fastening of the respective battery unit 2. Both the internal battery receptacles 22 and the external battery receptacles 24 each have contact surfaces 40, which provide a friction-locking fastening of the respective battery unit 2. In particular, these contact surfaces 40 can comprise side sections 41, preferably extending along an entire or at least substantially an entire circumference of the respective battery unit 2 transversely to the stacking direction. A particularly good force-transmitting retention of the battery units in the respective internal battery receptacle 22 or external battery receptacle 24, and in particular the provision of anti-tilt protection for the respective battery unit 2, can be provided in this way.Furthermore, the battery internal receptacles 22 and the battery external receptacles 24 can have adhesive surfaces 42, which allow the respective battery units 2 to be bonded and thus joined in the battery internal receptacle 22 or the battery external receptacle 24. This provides an even more secure and force-transmitting connection of the battery units 2 in both the battery internal receptacles 22 and the battery external receptacles 24. It is also evident that the individual battery internal receptacles 22 and the battery external receptacles 24 are arranged in pairs aligned with each other. This also allows for the arrangement of the battery units 2 in pairs, which are arranged in such a pair of battery internal receptacles 22 and battery external receptacles 24.

[0023] Overall, the force-transmitting mounting of the battery units 2 of the battery module 1 by the internal battery mounts 22 and the external battery mounts 24 in a base section 20 of a module housing 10 of the battery module 1 ensures that the battery units 2 can be included in force transmission. The rigidity of the entire battery stack 100 can thus be provided not only by the wall sections 30 or external elements, but also at least partially by the battery units 2 themselves and / or at least supported by them. In this way, an entire battery stack 100 can be designed to be more stable and yet lighter.

[0024] Fig.Figure 3 shows a detailed view of a battery stack 100 according to the invention, in particular a connection area of ​​two battery modules 1 or their module housings 10, which are arranged one above the other in the stacking direction S. A wall section 30 of the lower module housing 10, and in particular a bottom section 20 and part of the wall section 30 of an upper module housing 10, are shown. The two module housings 10 are connected to each other via an arrangement area 31 and a counter-arrangement area 12, wherein, in particular, an adhesive section 32 and a counter-adhesive section 13 are also provided for a material-bonded connection of the two module housings 10. Furthermore, a pair is shown at an internal battery receptacle 22 and an external battery receptacle 24, in each of which a battery unit 2 is arranged. It is clearly visible that electrical contact between the two battery units 2 is possible through the contact opening 25.The contact surfaces 40, in particular the side sections 41 of the contact surfaces 40, are designed for the positive locking and / or frictional locking and / or force-locking attachment of the respective battery unit 2 in the battery inner receptacle 22 and the battery outer receptacle 24. In this way, force-transmitting mounting of the battery units 2 in the battery inner receptacle 22 and the battery outer receptacle 24 can be provided. Adhesive surfaces 42 further enable an independent bond, and thus in particular a material-bonded connection, of the battery units 2 in the battery inner receptacle 22 and the battery outer receptacle 24. It is also evident that the battery inner receptacle 22 is arranged on an inner base surface 21 and the battery outer receptacle 24 on an outer base surface 23. The inner base surface 21 faces the receiving space 11 of the upper module housing 10, and the outer base surface 23 faces the receiving space 11 of the lower module housing 10. Reference sign 1 battery module 2 battery units 10 module housings 11 Recording Room 12 Counter-order area 13 Counter-adhesive section 20 floor section 21 Inside of floor 22 Battery internal compartment 23 Outer floor 24 Battery external mount 25 Contact opening 30 wall section 31 Arrangement area 32 adhesive section 40 contact area Section 41 42 adhesive surface 100 battery stacks S Stacking direction

Claims

[1] Module housing (10) for a stackable battery module (1), wherein several battery modules (1) can be stacked in a stacking direction (S) to form a battery stack (100), comprising a bottom section (20) and a receiving space (11) for receiving battery units (2) of the battery module (1), characterized by, that the base section (20) has on an inner base side (21) facing the receiving space (11) internal battery receptacles (22) for force-transmitting the battery units (2) of the battery module (1) and on an outer base side (23) facing away from the receiving space (11) external battery receptacles (24) for force-transmitting the battery units (2) of a further battery module (1), wherein the internal battery receptacles (22) and / or the external battery receptacles (24) have adhesive surfaces (42) for an adhesive bond for materially interlocking attachment of the battery units (2) and contact surfaces (40) for form-fitting and force-fitting attachment of the respective battery unit (2). [2] Module housing (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the internal battery receptacles (22) and / or the external battery receptacles (24) have contact surfaces (40) for frictionally securing the respective battery unit (2). [3] Module housing (10) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the contact surfaces (40) have at least partially side sections (41) for positive locking and / or force locking and / or friction locking contact of the respective battery unit (2), wherein the side sections (41) extend in the direction of the stacking direction (S). [4] Module housing (10) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the side sections (41) extend along the entire circumference of the respective battery unit (2) transversely to the stacking direction (S). [5] Module housing (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the battery internal mounts (22) and the battery external mounts (24) are arranged in pairs aligned with each other. [6] Module housing (10) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the pairs consisting of an internal battery receptacle (22) and an external battery receptacle (24) each have a common contact opening (25) for electrically contacting the battery units (2). [7] Module housing (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a wall section (30) is arranged on the bottom section (20), in particular arranged around the perimeter, wherein furthermore an arrangement area (31) for arranging a counter-arrangement area (12) of a further module housing (10) is arranged at an end of the wall section (30) facing away from the bottom section (20). [8] Module housing (10) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the arrangement area (31) has an adhesive section (32) for bonding to a counter-adhesive section (13) on the counter-arrangement area (12) of a further module housing (10). [9] Battery module (1) for a battery stack (100) with a module housing (10), characterized by , that the module housing (10) is designed according to one of the preceding claims. [10] Battery stack (100) comprising a plurality of battery units (2) arranged in stacked battery modules (1), characterized by, that the battery modules (1) are designed according to claim 9.

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