System for inserting at least one battery module into a battery box

The described system addresses the challenge of mounting and dismounting battery modules by using snap-fit elements and release tabs, enhancing thermal conductivity and reducing complexity and weight in battery systems.

DE102018205550B4Active Publication Date: 2025-10-23AUDI AG
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102018205550
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2018-04-12
Publication Date
2025-10-23
Estimated Expiration
2038-04-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing battery systems face challenges in efficiently mounting and dismounting battery modules within a battery box, particularly in ensuring secure fixation and easy release without requiring complex tools or additional components.

Method used

A system and method utilizing resilient snap elements and release tabs, integrated into the battery module and battery box, allow for secure snap-fit attachment and easy detachment of battery modules, minimizing gaps for improved thermal conductivity and reducing the need for additional fasteners.

Benefits of technology

The system ensures secure fixation of battery modules against cooling channels, enhances thermal conductivity, reduces material and production costs, and allows for easy replacement or removal without specialized tools, thereby improving efficiency and reducing the overall height and weight of the battery arrangement.

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Abstract

System for inserting at least one battery module (44) into a battery box (42) and for releasing the at least one inserted battery module (44) from the battery box (42), wherein the system has at least one fixing module (60) on at least one outer wall of the at least one battery module (44) and at least one opening (76) on at least one inner wall of the battery box (44), wherein the at least one fixing module (60) has a snap element (66) and a release tab (72), wherein the snap element (66) snaps into the at least one opening (76) when the at least one battery module (44) is inserted into the battery box (42) and is arranged in the at least one opening (76), wherein the at least one inserted battery module (44) can be released by acting on the release tab (72) of the at least one fixing module (60), wherein the at least one fixing module (60) has a connection element (62) which is connected to the snap element (66),wherein the connecting element (62) is integrated into the outer wall, wherein the snap element (66) has two legs (64, 68), wherein the at least one opening (76) has two inner sides, wherein one leg (64, 68) comes into contact with each inner side, wherein the connecting element (62) transitions into a first leg (64) of the snap element (66), wherein the first leg (64) transitions into a second leg (68) of the snap element (66), wherein a release angle β indicates an orientation of the second leg (68) relative to the release tab (72), wherein the release angle β is 15° to 25°.
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for inserting at least one battery module into a battery box and for removing the at least one inserted battery module from the battery box, and to a method for inserting at least one battery module into a battery box and for removing the at least one inserted battery module from the battery box.

[0002] A high-voltage battery, or HV battery, of an electric vehicle comprises a large number of battery modules that are inserted into a battery box.

[0003] A battery for a vehicle and a method for manufacturing a battery are known from German patent application DE 10 2011 102 765 A1, wherein the battery comprises a plurality of battery cells arranged in a housing.

[0004] The publication DE 10 2016 115 647 B3 describes a battery carrier for an electric vehicle and a method for fitting and mounting a battery carrier.

[0005] A hand-held power tool described in the publication DE 10 2016 211 710 A1 comprises a housing, a battery pack for supplying power to the hand-held power tool and a battery interface for detachable connection of the battery pack in the housing.

[0006] A quick-connect and disconnect mechanism for a battery pack is known from publication JP S63-88749 A. This mechanism comprises an elastic component with a button, an elastic element, and a hook, which is triangular in this case and can engage in a rectangular hole in a main body. Due to the different shapes of the triangular hook and the rectangular hole, only one outer side of the triangular hook comes into contact with only one inner side of the hole.

[0007] A device for receiving and holding a starter battery is known from publication EP 0 508 248 A1. In this device, a wall section of a circumferential side wall has a long leg and a short leg. Only the short leg, but not the long leg, rests against a support surface of an outer wall of the starter battery.

[0008] A thermal insulation box for a vehicle battery, known from EP 238 383 A1, is arranged to enclose the vertical sides of the vehicle battery with interconnected air fins. The thermal insulation box comprises a container made of a relatively flexible material, formed from a single piece, in which the vehicle battery can be embedded with a deformation of the lateral areas of the container. Flexible elements, bearing against the circumference of the battery, are arranged in the upper part of the thermal insulation box to seal the air fins against the environment.

[0009] Document US 2008 / 297993 A1 describes a mounting structure for installing an electronic device in a cavity formed in a housing and for holding the electronic device installed in the cavity, wherein the electronic device has a first and a second projection on a top and a bottom, respectively, wherein the housing has a pressing element with a pressing finger and a stopper on an upper section, wherein the stopper is arranged next to the pressing element with the pressing finger.

[0010] Document EP 2 230 164 A1 describes a bicycle frame that has a tube section with an interior space for accommodating at least one battery unit. To facilitate ease of use and simultaneously provide a highly stabilized mounting for the battery unit, it is proposed that the tube section have a lateral opening extending essentially in its direction of travel, through which the battery unit can be inserted into the interior space.

[0011] Against this background, the task was to enable the installation of a battery module in a battery box as well as the removal of the battery module.

[0012] This problem is solved by a system and a method with the features of the independent claims. Embodiments of the system and the method are described in the dependent claims.

[0013] The system according to the invention is designed for inserting at least one battery module into a battery box, e.g., into an interior of the battery box, and for removing the inserted battery module from the battery box. It comprises at least one fixing module for the battery module, which can be arranged on an outer wall or outer skin of the battery box, and at least one opening or recess as a receiving module on an inner wall or inner skin of the battery box. The fixing module includes a spring-loaded and / or spring-elastic snap element, e.g., a locking lug, and a release tab. When the battery module is inserted into the battery box, the snap element engages in the opening or recess, e.g., an undercut, and is positioned within this opening, e.g., in the undercut.Furthermore, the at least one inserted battery module can be released and / or detached again via the release tab, e.g. by applying pressure to the release tab of the at least one fixing module.

[0014] The at least one fixing module has a connecting element that is linked to the snap element, the connecting element being integrated into the outer wall and / or formed as part of the outer wall. The snap element has two outer sides or legs, whereas the opening or recess has two inner sides. Each outer side engages with one inner side, with the connecting element transitioning into a first leg of the snap element, and the first leg transitioning into a second leg of the snap element.

[0015] Furthermore, a release angle β is provided for the fixing module. The release angle β of the snap element, or in particular of the leg and the undercut or opening, is small and amounts to 15° to 25°.

[0016] In this configuration, the release tab and the snap element are connected to each other directly or indirectly via a connecting element, wherein the release tab and the connecting element are oriented or arranged relative to each other at an angle greater than 0° and less than 180°, in particular greater than 30° and less than 150°, and in particular greater than 60° and less than 120°. In a possible embodiment, they are oriented or arranged essentially perpendicular to each other, i.e., they enclose an angle of, for example, 90° ± 5°.

[0017] The connecting element is designed to be connected, connectable, and / or attached to the outer wall of the at least one battery module via at least one fastening element. The snap-in element is, for example, arranged between a recess in the release tab and / or the connecting element and the connecting element.

[0018] The at least one opening is formed and / or arranged in a profile of the battery box. The inner wall forms a surface of the profile. The interior of the battery box is bounded by several internal walls, such as side walls. During insertion, the battery module is inserted into the interior in one direction.

[0019] An insertion angle ε = 90° - β, calculated from the release angle β, indicates how at least one outer surface or leg of the snap element and at least one inner surface of the opening are oriented relative to the intended insertion direction. The insertion direction is oriented parallel to both the outer and inner walls. Accordingly, one outer surface of the snap element and one inner surface of the opening are oriented at an insertion angle of ε = 90° - β relative to the insertion direction. Since an opening or recess in the inner wall forms an offset to the snap element, the release angle β and the insertion angle ε = 90° - β are the same for both the snap element and the opening.

[0020] The system is designed, for example, for a vehicle battery box, e.g., a motor vehicle, in particular a car, and for at least one battery module to supply the vehicle with electrical energy.

[0021] Accordingly, a battery arrangement comprises a battery box, at least one battery module and at least one embodiment of the presented system.

[0022] The system comprises at least one pair consisting of a fixing module and an opening or recess, whereby the fixing module and the opening or recess of each pair are assigned to and / or become assigned to each other. For example, the system may include several such pairs, each consisting of a fixing module and an opening or recess. Alternatively or additionally, the system may have an opening or recess to which several fixing modules are assigned, with correspondingly several snap elements snapping into and arranged side by side along the opening. It is conceivable that a single-digit number of, for example, six to eight fixing modules, and thus a single-digit number of, for example, six to eight snap elements, are assigned to an opening, which snap into the single opening.

[0023] The method according to the invention is provided for inserting at least one battery module into a battery box and for removing the inserted battery module from the battery box. At least one fixing module is arranged on an outer wall or outer skin of the battery module, and at least one opening or recess is arranged on an inner wall or inner skin of the battery box as a receiving module for the fixing module. The fixing module has a spring-loaded and / or spring-elastic snap element, e.g., a locking lug, and a release tab. When the battery module is inserted into the battery box, the snap element is engaged or locked into the opening or recess, e.g., an undercut, and is positioned within the opening. The inserted battery module can also be removed by pressing on the release tab.

[0024] Pressing down the release tab is intended, for example, when a battery module originally installed in the battery box is replaced or exchanged after prolonged use by the vehicle, when the vehicle has covered several distances during several journeys, or in the event of a defect.

[0025] In this embodiment, the release tab of the at least one fixing module is arranged on a section of the inner wall that borders the inner wall and is accessible from the outside when it is inserted.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the at least one fixing module is deformed when the at least one battery module is removed from the interior of the battery box by applying pressure to the release tab of the at least one fixing module, whereby the snap element is stretched.

[0027] The presented method is intended, for example, for assembling battery modules into a battery box, thereby providing a battery assembly or a high-voltage battery (HV battery). In one embodiment of the system, the at least one battery module is mounted and subsequently removed from the battery box when carrying out one embodiment of the method.

[0028] In one configuration of the system, a connecting element of each fixing module can be designed to attach and / or connect the fixing module to a specific battery module. The fixing module can be molded onto the outer wall, with the connecting element being formed as a component of the outer wall and / or integrated within it. Alternatively, a fixing module can be manufactured separately and attached to the outer wall of the battery module via the connecting element. This allows, among other things, an existing battery module to be retrofitted with the fixing module. Furthermore, a complete fixing module can be manufactured as an add-on during the production of the battery's outer wall and designed as part of and / or an extension of the outer wall.

[0029] When manufacturing the inner wall of the battery box, it is also possible to form the opening or recess as an undercut opening or undercut of a profile, e.g. an extruded profile, whereby this profile as a whole forms a section and / or area of ​​the inner wall of the battery box.

[0030] In one possible embodiment, each fixing module is divided into three sections that merge seamlessly. The connecting element is flat. The subsequent snap element has, for example, two outer sides or legs, one of which is flat and even. However, the first outer side, which is directly connected to the connecting element, is oriented at an obtuse angle to the connecting element, i.e., an angle greater than 90°. In contrast, the two outer sides of the snap element are oriented at an acute angle to each other, i.e., an angle less than 90°.The connecting element, which directly adjoins the second outer surface, is oriented at an obtuse angle to it. Furthermore, the connecting element is arranged parallel to the attachment element, and both the attachment element and the connecting element lie in a common plane. In one possible embodiment, the release tab is oriented at an angle of, for example, 90° ± 5° to both the connecting element and the attachment element. However, it is also possible for this angle between the connecting element and the attachment element to be larger or smaller, for example, greater than 0° and less than 180°.

[0031] When inserting the battery module into the battery box, typically into the interior bounded by internal walls, it is inserted into the battery box and / or interior in the insertion direction. First, the connecting element, then the snap element, and finally the connecting element are inserted into the battery box. The snap element is positioned in the opening on the inner wall of the battery module. In contrast, the release tab, accessible from the outside, remains outside the battery box and / or its interior and is only located on an externally accessible section of the inner wall that defines its boundaries.

[0032] To provide one embodiment of the system, several snap elements are formed on the outer wall or skin of the battery module. Each snap element is part of a fixing module, which is also formed, at least partially, on the outer wall. The outer wall typically consists of a metal sheet, e.g., sheet steel, and has a wall thickness of approximately 1.5 mm. Each snap element of a fixing module on the outer wall of the battery module presses it against the inner wall of the battery housing and thus also against cooling channels in the battery housing, which are bounded to the outside by the inner wall. By designing each snap element, it is possible, within the process limits of the presented method, to compensate for deviations between components, i.e., between a battery module and the battery housing.Using snap-in elements from multiple fixing modules, it is possible to fix the battery module in a floating position against the cooling channels of the battery box. This makes it possible, particularly when the battery box's inner wall is on a base, to eliminate the gap between the inner wall of the battery box and the outer wall of the battery module, and thus between a cooling channel and the battery module. This drastically reduces the amount of thermally conductive filler material, or so-called gap filler, that would otherwise be required.

[0033] Furthermore, it is provided that a release tab is arranged or attached to each fixing module, whereby the snap element can be deformed by the release tab of the fixing module, e.g., stretched and, depending on the definition, destroyed. In this process, the legs of the snap element, which are originally oriented at an insertion angle ε = 90°-β relative to the insertion direction, are oriented at an obtuse angle relative to the insertion direction, as close as possible to parallel with the insertion direction and thus as close as possible to parallel with the outer wall. The insertion angle ε = 90°-β depends on the release angle β. Releasing or removing a battery module from the battery box is possible, for example, when replacing a battery module that was inserted into the battery box using this method, whereby a connection is established between the battery module and the battery box.The provision of a release tab ensures that such a connection between the battery module and the battery box can be detached.

[0034] Each fixing module, in particular its snap-in element, and each opening in the inner wall of the battery box form a pair of joining partners. The opening in the inner wall is designed with a front profile and a transverse profile, for example, as an extruded profile with a continuous undercut. The resulting opening, or corresponding undercut, is designed to receive the snap-in element on the outer wall of the battery module, whereby the snap-in element engages and / or locks into place during assembly or insertion into the opening.

[0035] In one embodiment of the method with one embodiment of the system, each battery module is suspended within the battery box and fixed flush against the cooling channels. This minimizes the gap between the battery module and at least one cooling channel of the battery box, regardless of any dimensional deviations.

[0036] In this case, the battery module is pressed firmly against the cooling channels, and no gap is provided for the gap filler in the manufacturing process. In some places, this results in the battery module resting directly on the cooling channels.

[0037] Since a smaller amount of gap filler is now required, it is possible to save costs and weight. Because the battery is now directly connected to the battery box, cooling performance through the cooling channels is improved. Furthermore, assembly time for the battery module can be reduced, as each battery module is simply inserted into the battery box. A snap-in element on each battery module, part of a fixing module, automatically engages in a corresponding opening in the battery box. A release tab ensures that each battery module can be easily removed. This allows for the removal of each battery module from the battery box in any standard workshop without special tools. Additionally, it is possible to adjust the height or...to reduce the z-dimension chain of the battery box or battery assembly by the height of a screw head that would otherwise be used.

[0038] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0039] The invention is schematically illustrated with reference to embodiments in the drawings and is described schematically and in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a first arrangement known from the prior art from two different perspectives. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a second arrangement known from the prior art. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the system according to the invention as well as an embodiment of a fixing module of this system.

[0040] The figures are described in a coherent and comprehensive manner. The same reference numbers are assigned to the same components.

[0041] Fig. Figure 1a shows a schematic representation of a battery box 2, as known from the prior art, which here has several compartments, in each of which a battery module 4 can be arranged, which is achieved by Fig. 1b is indicated.

[0042] Another arrangement known from the prior art is described in Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation. This arrangement comprises a battery box 6 with a front profile 8 and a rear profile 10 (or transverse profile). The battery box 6 also has a base 12 in which coolant channels 14 are arranged. A battery module 16 is also arranged in the battery box 6, located between the two profiles 8 and 10 and resting on the base 12. An interior space within the battery box 6, containing the battery module 16, is covered by a lid 18, which is screwed to the two profiles 8 and 10 by two screws 20. These screws may be designed as so-called FDS screws. Figure 2 shows this. Fig. 2 also a flange 22 for screwing the battery module 16, a seal 24 and a spacer 26. In Fig. 2. An underride guard 28 and a protective profile 30 are also shown.

[0043] In the state of the art presented here, the battery module 16 is screwed to the profiles 8, 10 from above using the screws 20. The battery module 16 is cooled from below by the cooling channels 14. To compensate for dimensional deviations, a certain gap is provided between the cooling channels 14 and the battery module 16, which is filled with a so-called gap filler to ensure heat transfer from the battery module 16 to the cooling channels 14.

[0044] One in Fig. Figure 3a, in a sectional view, illustrates an embodiment of a battery arrangement 40 comprising a battery box 42 and a battery module 44, which is arranged here in an interior space of the battery box 42, this interior space being enclosed by several inner walls. The battery box 42 comprises a first profile 46, in particular a front profile, and a second profile 48, in particular a transverse profile, wherein the first profile 46 is designed and / or designated as the front profile. A second profile 48 is designed and / or designated as the transverse profile. Both profiles 46 and 48 each have, as described in detail below, at least one opening 76 and thus each have at least one snap-in point for the battery module 44 to be inserted.

[0045] Furthermore, the battery box 42 has a base 50 as an additional module, into which several cooling channels 52 are integrated, these cooling channels 52 extending through the base 50. The battery box 42 is also arranged on an underride guard 54 of a vehicle designed here as a motor vehicle and is thus also located within the vehicle. A protective profile 56 is located between at least one profile 46, 48 and the underride guard 54.

[0046] In the battery box 42, the side inner walls are formed by the profiles 46 and 48, while the bottom inner wall is formed by the base 50. Furthermore, the battery module 44 is bounded by several outer walls.

[0047] Fig. Figure 3a also shows two pairs of joining partners of the system according to the invention, each of these two pairs having as its first joining partner a fixing module 60, which here is in Fig. Figure 3b shows an enlarged schematic representation. This fixing module 60 comprises as components a flat connecting element 62, which here transitions into a first leg 64 of a snap element 66, wherein this first leg 64 transitions into a second leg 68 of the snap element 66. Furthermore, the second leg 68, and thus also the snap element 66, transitions into a connecting element 70, which in turn transitions into a release tab 72, which has a recess 74.

[0048] The snap-in element 66, and thus its two legs 64, 68, are arranged between the connecting element 62 and the connecting element 70, whereby the connecting element 62 and the connecting element 70 can lie in the same plane. The two legs 64, 68 form a triangle with said plane, with the two legs 64, 68 being oriented at an acute angle to each other. This acute angle is larger than a release angle β, e.g., at least twice as large as the release angle β. Furthermore, the release tab 72 is oriented perpendicular to the connecting element 62 and to the connecting element 70 and is also a flat component.

[0049] Furthermore, it is provided here that the connecting element 62 is designed as part of the outer wall of the battery module 44 and is thus integrated into it. It is possible to manufacture the fixing module 60 at the same time as the outer wall of the battery module 44, with the connecting element 62 being integrated into the outer wall, whereas the snap element 66 with the legs 64, 68, the connecting element 70 and the release tab 72 of the fixing module 60 are designed and / or can be described as extensions of the outer wall.

[0050] Alternatively, it is also possible to use one fixing module 60, as described in Fig. 3b is shown schematically, to be manufactured and only subsequently attached to the outer wall of the battery module 44, whereby it is possible to attach the connecting element 62 to the outer wall.

[0051] Other components of the system show Fig. 3a Openings 76 serve as joining partners on the lateral inner walls of the battery box 42 and thus in the two profiles 46, 48, each profile 46, 48 being bounded by a lateral inner wall of the battery box 42. Each such opening 76 is designed here as an undercut in the inner wall and / or in the profile 46, 48. Each fixing module 60 and each opening 76 form corresponding joining partners, with each fixing module 60 being assigned to, assignable to, or associated with each opening 76, or being assigned to it when the battery module 44 is inserted into the interior of the battery box 42. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to assign several adjacent fixing modules 60 to an opening 76 that extends along each profile 46, 48.

[0052] During the insertion and / or mounting of the battery module 44, it is inserted into the interior of the battery box 42, which is bounded by the interior walls, in an insertion direction (arrow 61) parallel to the interior walls, using several fixing modules 60 arranged on the outer wall, and positioned on the base 50 with the cooling channels 52. During this process, the two legs 64, 68 of the snap element 66 snap into the openings 76 on the lateral interior walls, thereby fixing the battery module 44 in the interior of the battery box 42. Each leg 64, 68 comes into contact with one inner side of the opening 76.

[0053] Furthermore, it follows that a release tab 72 comes into contact with and rests on an upper section 78 or an upper edge of a lateral inner wall or profile 46, 48. Such a section 78 can also be described as a flange for a battery snap-fit.

[0054] A total of several fixing modules 60, for example six to eight, are inserted at several points on the outer wall or outer skin of the battery module 44. Each such fixing module 60 is formed as an integral part of the outer wall and manufactured using a cutting and / or forming process. The two profiles 46, 48, which form the lateral inner walls of the battery box 42, are extruded profiles. Each profile 46, 48, has a continuous undercut facing the battery module 44, forming an opening 76 for receiving the legs 64, 68 of a snap element 66. Each snap element 66 engages in an opening 76 on the inner wall of the battery module 44.

[0055] The solution angle β is both in Fig. 3a as well as in Fig. 3b indicated, where a resulting insertion angle ε = 90°-β ( Fig. 3b) shows an orientation or inclination of the second leg 68 relative to an outer wall of the battery module 44 and relative to an inner wall of the battery box 42. The release angle β shows an orientation of the second leg 68 relative to the release tab 72. Accordingly, an inner side of the opening 76, against which the first leg 68 comes into contact, is oriented at the insertion angle ε = 90°-β relative to the inner side of the battery box 42 or relative to the outer side of the battery module 44.

[0056] The release angle β of the snap element 66, and in particular of the leg 68 and the undercut or opening 76, is small, for example, between 15° and 25°. The resulting insertion angle ε = 90° - β specifies the orientation of at least one leg 64, 68 of the snap element 66 relative to the outer wall of the battery module 44 and an inner side of the opening 76 or the undercut relative to the inner wall. This small release angle β ensures, among other things, that the snap element 66 does not slip. Thus, a snap connection between the outer wall of the battery module 44 and the inner wall of the battery box 42, each having a pair of a fixing module 60 and an opening 76 as joining partners, can only be released by deformation of the fixing module 60 and therefore not without destruction, which results, among other things, in the battery module 44 being securely fixed in the battery box 42 even in the event of an accident of the vehicle.A release tab 72 is arranged or attached to the end of each fixing module 60. The release tab 72 is located outside the interior of the battery box 42 and is freely accessible from above for the removal of at least one battery module 44.

[0057] If the battery module 44, which is already inserted into the battery box 42, is to be removed and thus dismantled, the following steps must be carried out.

[0058] In a first step, the entire battery assembly 40 is electrically disconnected from the vehicle. This is necessary because each battery module 44 is only accessible from above. In a second step, the release tab 72 is unfolded. For this, the release tab 72 is bent vertically upwards, for example, using a tool designed as a screwdriver. It is possible for the tool to grip the release tab 72 via its recess 74.

[0059] In a third step, the snap element 66 is deformed and, depending on the definition, destroyed. When the release tab 72 is bent upwards, the tip of a tool, e.g., a screwdriver, is typically inserted through the recess 74 in the release tab 72. The tool is then manually levered against the battery box 42, usually against its profiles 46, 48, thereby straightening the snap element 66. Its two legs 64, 68 are then arranged largely parallel to each other in the same plane as the inner wall of the battery box 42, the outer wall of the battery module 44, the connecting element 62, and the connecting element 74. Depending on the definition, this alteration of the snap element 66 destroys it.Since the battery module 44 is typically secured in the battery box 42 by several pairs of fixing modules 60 and openings 76, each release tab 72 is pulled out of each fixing module 60, and, depending on the definition, the snap element 66 is stretched, deformed, and / or destroyed. To remove a defective battery module, a fourth step involves deforming and / or destroying the fixing modules 60 or snap elements 66 of the defective battery modules 44. This allows each defective battery module to be lifted out of the interior of the battery box 42.

[0060] Any remaining gap filler or thermally conductive filler material that may still be present on the base 50 and / or the cooling channels 52 is typically removed in a fifth step using a sharp object. Furthermore, in a sixth step, new thermally conductive filler material is optionally arranged and / or applied, for example, to ensure sufficient cooling performance of the newly inserted battery module 44. It is also possible to apply such thermally conductive filler material to the base of the battery module.

[0061] In a seventh step, as explained above, the new battery module 44 is inserted into the interior, where it is held in place by several fixing modules 60 in openings 76 of the inner walls of the battery box 42. This insertion can be carried out automatically or manually. The battery assembly provided, with the battery module 44 fixed in the battery box 42, is then reinstalled in the vehicle.

[0062] The presented system makes it possible, among other things, to fulfill a key requirement for a battery assembly 40 for a vehicle, which is designed to provide a high voltage. This battery assembly has a low height in the z-direction (arrow 61), making it suitable even for low-profile vehicles. Since the screws 20 are omitted compared to the prior art, it is possible to minimize the height of the battery assembly 40 in the z-direction. Furthermore, the otherwise typical gap between the battery module 16 and the cooling channels 14 ( Fig. 2) can be omitted, as it is now possible to arrange each battery module 44 directly on cooling channels 52. This improves heat transfer between the battery module 44 and the cooling channels 52, thus increasing cooling performance. It is also possible to forgo the costly insertion of the gap filler. This also saves weight for the vehicle. The battery arrangement 40 ( Fig. 3a) is now also suitable as a vehicle for a flat electric vehicle, as it is compact in the z-direction. Furthermore, the insertion or joining of the battery module 44 into the battery box 42 can be shortened, as it is no longer necessary to screw the battery module 44 to the battery box 42 with multiple screws.

[0063] It is provided that when the battery module 44 is inserted into the interior of the battery box 42, at least one fixing module 60 is assigned to an opening 76 and its snap element 66 is snapped into it. A fixing module 60 can be assigned to a snap point of an opening 76. It is also possible that each opening 76 extends elongated along a profile 46, 48. In this case, it is possible that several fixing modules 60 arranged side by side are assigned to an opening 76, with each snap element 66 snapping into this opening 76 at several snap points adjacent to each other. REFERENCE NUMBERS: 2 battery boxes 4 battery modules 6 battery boxes 8, 10 Profile 12 Floor 14 Cooling channel 16 battery module 18 lids 20 screws 22 flange 24 Seal 26 spacers 28 Underride protection 30 Protection profile 40 Battery arrangement 42 Battery box 44 battery module 46, 48 Profile 50 floor 52 Cooling channel 54 Underride protection 56 Protection profile 60 Fixing module 61 Arrow 62 Connecting element 64 thighs 66 Snap element 68 thighs 70 Connecting element 72 Release tab 74 recess 76 Opening Section 78

Claims

[1] System for inserting at least one battery module (44) into a battery box (42) and for releasing the at least one inserted battery module (44) from the battery box (42), wherein the system has at least one fixing module (60) on at least one outer wall of the at least one battery module (44) and at least one opening (76) on at least one inner wall of the battery box (44), wherein the at least one fixing module (60) has a snap element (66) and a release tab (72), wherein the snap element (66) snaps into the at least one opening (76) when the at least one battery module (44) is inserted into the battery box (42) and is arranged in the at least one opening (76), wherein the at least one inserted battery module (44) can be released by acting on the release tab (72) of the at least one fixing module (60), wherein the at least one fixing module (60) has a connection element (62) exhibitswhich is connected to the snap element (66), wherein the connecting element (62) is integrated into the outer wall, wherein the snap element (66) has two legs (64, 68), wherein the at least one opening (76) has two inner sides, wherein one leg (64, 68) comes into contact with each inner side, wherein the connecting element (62) transitions into a first leg (64) of the snap element (66), wherein the first leg (64) transitions into a second leg (68) of the snap element (66), wherein a release angle β indicates an orientation of the second leg (68) relative to the release tab (72), wherein the release angle β is 15° to 25°. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the release tab (72) and the snap element (66) are connected to each other. [3] System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one opening (76) is formed in a profile (46, 48) which is limited by the inner wall of the battery box (42). [4] System according to one of the preceding claims, which is designed for a battery box (42) of a vehicle and for at least one battery module (44) for supplying the vehicle with electrical energy. [5] Method for inserting at least one battery module (44) into a battery box (42) and for releasing the at least one inserted battery module (44) from the battery box (42), wherein at least one fixing module (60) is arranged on an outer wall of the at least one battery module (44), wherein at least one opening (76) is arranged on an inner wall of the battery box (44), wherein the at least one fixing module (60) has a snap element (66) and a release tab (72), wherein the snap element (66) is snapped into and arranged in the at least one opening (76) when the at least one battery module (44) is inserted into the battery box (42), wherein the at least one inserted battery module (44) can be released by the release tab (72) of the at least one fixing module (60), wherein the at least one fixing module (60) has a connecting element (62) which is connected to the snap element (66),wherein the connecting element (62) is integrated into the outer wall, wherein the snap element (66) has two legs (64, 68), wherein the at least one opening (76) has two inner sides, wherein one leg (64, 68) comes into contact with each inner side, wherein the connecting element (62) transitions into a first leg (64) of the snap element (66), wherein the first leg (64) transitions into a second leg (68) of the snap element (66), wherein a release angle β indicates an orientation of the second leg (68) relative to the release tab (72), wherein the release angle β is 15° to 25°. [6] Method according to claim 5, wherein the release tab (72) of the at least one fixing module (60) is arranged on a section (78) of the inner wall during insertion. [7] Method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the fixing module (60) is deformed when the at least one battery module (44) is removed from the battery box (42) by applying pressure to the release tab (72).

Citation Information

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