Battery housing assembly with a housing unit for a cell bar and battery assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery housing arrangement (22) with a first housing unit (14; 14a, 14b) for receiving at least two prismatic battery cells (18), which has a side wall (24), a first outer wall (26) with a first wall section (26a), and a second outer wall (28) opposite the first outer wall (26) with a second wall section (28a) opposite the first wall section (26a), wherein the side wall (24) connects the first and second outer walls (26, 28) together.The first housing unit (14; 14a, 14b) can be reversibly coupled to a second housing unit (14; 14a, 14b) identically designed to the first housing unit (14; 14a, 14b) by forming a cuboid receiving space (30) such that the side wall (24) of the first housing unit (14; 14a, 14b) is opposite a side wall (24) of the second housing unit (14; 14a, 14b) and that in the receiving space (30) the at least two prismatic battery cells (18) can be arranged next to each other such that at least two of their smaller cell sides (18b) face each other.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a battery housing arrangement having a first housing unit for accommodating at least two prismatic battery cells, each having two opposing first cell sides and two opposing second cell sides, wherein the first cell sides each have a larger area than a respective second cell side, wherein the first housing unit has a side wall, a first outer wall with a first wall section and a second outer wall opposite the first outer wall with respect to a first direction and with a second wall section which is opposite the first wall section with respect to the first direction, wherein the side wall is arranged between the first and second outer walls with respect to the first direction, connecting them to one another and adjacent to the respective first and second wall section. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a battery arrangement.

[0002] Current battery systems with modular prismatic battery cells generally have poor scalability and require a lot of space for connecting the individual cells. A more space-saving and more flexible arrangement option in terms of scalability would therefore be desirable.

[0003] DE 10 2021 123 312 A1 describes a battery assembly for a motor vehicle comprising two battery modules, each with at least one battery cell. A first battery cell is arranged in a first module housing and a second battery cell is arranged in a second module housing. The two module housings are sealed to each other. This allows thermal propagation to be delayed for a longer period in the event of thermal runaway of a battery cell.

[0004] CN 218 333 949 U describes a high-capacity battery cell. The battery cell is designed as an elongated battery cell, each with a terminal on opposite ends. The battery cell also includes a plurality of heat sinks on its two opposite, largest sides, which extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a battery housing arrangement and a battery arrangement which enable a battery to be constructed in the most space-saving and flexible way possible.

[0006] This object is achieved by a battery housing assembly and a battery assembly having the features according to the respective independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims, the description, and the figures.

[0007] A battery housing arrangement according to the invention comprises a first housing unit for accommodating at least two prismatic battery cells, each having two opposing first cell sides and two opposing second cell sides, wherein the first cell sides each have a larger area than a respective second cell side, wherein the first housing unit has a side wall, a first outer wall with a first wall section and a second outer wall opposite the first outer wall with respect to a first direction and with a second wall section which is opposite the first wall section with respect to the first direction. The side wall is arranged between the first and second outer walls with respect to the first direction, connecting them to one another and adjacent to the respective first and second wall section.In addition, the first housing unit can be coupled to a second housing unit of identical design to the first housing unit, forming a cuboid-shaped receiving space in such a way that the side wall of the first housing unit is opposite a side wall of the second housing unit in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and that the at least two prismatic battery cells can be arranged next to one another in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction in the receiving space in such a way that at least two of the second cell sides of the at least two battery cells face one another.

[0008] The invention is based on several findings: Firstly, to form a cell stack or battery module, prismatic battery cells can not only be arranged in such a way that their largest sides in terms of area face each other, as is usually the case, but they can also be arranged in such a way that other cell sides that do not represent the largest cell sides in terms of area face each other. The battery cells are thus arranged in a cell row that is relatively long and narrow. How many battery cells are arranged in such a row depends on the available installation space and can therefore be dimensioned very flexibly. This cell arrangement also has the great advantage that it allows particularly simple and space-efficient contacting of the battery cells.The cell poles can, for example, be arranged on the second cell sides, for example one cell pole per second cell side. The cells can, for example, be easily interconnected by having their mutually facing cell poles directly contact each other with their flat end faces or by being contacted via a cell connector. Especially with regard to the third direction defined above, this allows a particularly space-efficient arrangement of the battery cells. The invention is further based on the finding that such a cell row can be enclosed in a housing unit in a particularly space-efficient manner. Such a housing unit, such as the first housing unit, then forms, for example, an elongated cell blade or a cell bar with this cell row. Several such bars can then be arranged next to one another in the second direction and fixed to one another or coupled to one another.This allows for a particularly high degree of flexibility with regard to the scalability of this arrangement in the second direction. Depending on the available installation space, more or fewer cell bars can be easily coupled together to provide a battery, in particular a high-voltage battery for a motor vehicle. Overall, the battery housing arrangement enables very good scalability of a high-voltage battery and, for example, makes pedestrian garages or multi-story battery systems just as easy to implement thanks to this simple scalability. The installation space requirement is low, primarily due to the possibility of direct or space-saving indirect contact between the cell poles or cell terminals within such a cell bar. The resulting narrower design in the third direction allows either more space for crash structures or a narrower vehicle design.

[0009] The coupling option between the individual housing units is also preferably designed as a reversible coupling option, in particular as a non-destructive reversible coupling, e.g. as a coupling by means of locking elements for locking the housing units to one another and / or by means of tensioning straps or tie rods. The first housing unit can therefore be reversibly coupled to the second housing unit, which is identical or of a similar design to the first housing unit, thereby forming the cuboid-shaped receiving space, i.e. can be non-destructively decoupled from the second housing unit. The fact that the first housing unit can be reversibly coupled to a similarly designed second housing unit is to be understood in such a way that the first housing unit can be non-destructively decoupled from the second housing unit in the coupled state.In principle, the first housing unit and the second housing unit can be alternately coupled and uncoupled from each other multiple times. There are several coupling options, which will be explained in more detail later.

[0010] The reversible coupling of the housing units to each other also provides a particularly advantageous repair option for individual cell rows. For example, in the event of a single battery cell failure, this housing arrangement can be opened specifically in the area of ​​the defective battery cell without affecting other cell rows. This also makes replacing a single battery cell or a cell row particularly efficient and economical.

[0011] However, it is also conceivable that the housing units are not coupled to each other in a reversibly detachable manner, e.g. they are welded to each other, glued, or similar.

[0012] Depending on their orientation, the cell bar can also absorb forces in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction of the vehicle and also allows forces to be transmitted in the z-direction, i.e., in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The battery housing assembly is preferably arranged in the motor vehicle such that the first direction is aligned parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle. Such individual cell bars designed using the battery housing assembly can also be bonded, for example, to a battery housing cover or battery housing base of an overall battery housing by adhesive bonding, which can further increase the rigidity of the system.

[0013] The first outer wall, the second outer wall, and the side wall are essentially plate-shaped components. Furthermore, the first outer wall is aligned essentially perpendicular to the side wall, and the second outer wall is also aligned essentially perpendicular to the side wall, while the first outer wall and the second outer wall are essentially parallel to one another. As explained in more detail later, the first outer wall, the second outer wall, and the side wall can form, for example, a U-profile or a double-T-profile. The first outer wall, the second outer wall, and the side wall extend essentially the same length in the third direction. Furthermore, the two outer walls and the side wall can be constructed in a single layer or in multiple layers.Furthermore, the outer walls and the side wall can basically be made of any material, for example a metallic material and / or a plastic and / or a fiber-reinforced plastic, or similar. If two such housing units are coupled and arranged relative to one another as intended to form the cuboid-shaped receiving space, the side wall of the first housing unit lies opposite the side wall of the second housing unit with respect to the second direction. The receiving space is therefore delimited with respect to the second direction by the two side walls of the two housing units. With respect to the first direction, the receiving space is delimited at least by the first wall section and the second wall section of the first housing unit. Optionally, a third and fourth wall section of the second housing unit can also contribute to delimiting the receiving space in the first direction, as explained in more detail later.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first outer wall consists of the first wall section, and / or the second outer wall consists of the second wall section, in particular wherein the side wall forms a U-profile with the first and second wall sections. The side wall therefore borders, for example, on a first end of the first wall section relative to the second direction and on a second end of the second wall section, likewise relative to the second direction. The first and second wall sections thus protrude from the side wall in the same direction and border the two ends or edge regions of the side wall by which the side wall is limited in its extension in the first direction.In this case, for example, the extension of the first and second outer walls in the second direction corresponds substantially to a width of a prismatic battery cell in this second direction, which is to be received or is received in the receiving space of the battery housing arrangement.

[0015] However, it is also conceivable for the side wall and the two outer walls to form the shape of a double-T profile. Accordingly, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention is provided if the first outer wall is divided into the first and third wall sections in the second direction and the side wall adjoins a first boundary region between the first and third wall sections, and / or the second outer wall is divided into the second and fourth wall sections, which adjoin the second wall section in the second direction and are opposite the third wall section with respect to the first direction, wherein the side wall adjoins a second boundary region between the second and fourth wall sections, in particular wherein the side wall forms a double-T profile with the first and second outer walls.A single "T" of this double-T profile is formed on the one hand by the side wall and the first outer wall, and the other "T" of this double-T profile is formed by the side wall and the second outer wall. In this case, too, the two outer walls are perpendicular to the side wall. However, the side wall does not border on the two outer walls at the ends, but rather, for example, in the middle or, as defined above, in the corresponding boundary areas. The boundary between the first and third wall sections can, for example, run straight in the third direction. The side wall can run continuously adjacent to this boundary line with one end face. The same applies to the side wall and the second outer wall and their wall sections. The two wall sections of the same outer wall do not necessarily have to be the same size, at least not in the second direction.The receiving space formed when the first housing unit is arranged as intended on a similar second housing unit is then delimited in the first direction on the one hand by the first and second wall sections of the first and second outer walls of the first housing unit, and also by the third and fourth wall sections of the first and second outer walls of the second housing unit. In this example, the length of the first and second outer walls, possibly plus the thickness of the side wall in the second direction, corresponds in the second direction essentially or approximately to a width of a prismatic battery cell in the second direction when the battery cell is arranged as intended in the receiving space.

[0016] It is also conceivable to combine the U-profile and T-profile designs. For example, the first exterior wall can be divided into the first and third wall sections, while the second exterior wall consists only of the second wall section, or vice versa: the first exterior wall can consist only of the first wall section, while the second exterior wall is divided into the second wall section and the fourth wall section.

[0017] Due to these advantageous geometric design options of the housing units, it is easily possible to form cuboid-shaped receiving spaces when coupling several housing units together.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first outer wall has a first and a second coupling region, which are opposite one another in particular with respect to the second direction, and of which at least the first coupling region is encompassed by the first wall section, wherein the first coupling region can be coupled mechanically and in particular in a form-fitting manner to a second coupling region of the second housing unit which is of identical design to the first housing unit, in particular wherein the second outer wall has a third and a fourth coupling region, which can also be opposite one another with respect to the second direction, and of which at least the third coupling region is encompassed by the second wall section, wherein the third coupling region can be coupled mechanically and in particular in a form-fitting manner to a fourth coupling region of the second housing unit which is of identical design to the first housing unit.The coupling can be achieved, for example, by locking the corresponding coupling areas. The coupling areas can be designed accordingly with locking elements, for example locking lugs and corresponding recesses. The locking lugs can lock into the recesses. However, the locking elements can also be designed as sawtooth locking elements. These can, for example, have a constant sawtooth profile in the third direction. In this way, the coupled housing units can be released from one another again by sliding them against one another with respect to the third direction. There are numerous other advantageous ways in which such a locking connection or clip connection, or in general such a form-fitting connection, can be implemented using the corresponding coupling areas of two similar housing units that can be brought into engagement with one another.

[0019] The first coupling region of the first wall section can therefore be coupled to a corresponding second coupling region of the first outer wall of the second housing unit and can be reversibly decoupled from this again in a non-destructive manner. If the side wall and the two outer walls form, for example, a U-profile, the second coupling region can also be part of the first outer wall. If these form a double-T profile, the second coupling region can correspondingly be part of the third wall section defined above. The second outer wall can be designed correspondingly as described for the first wall section. This too can, for example, be designed such that the fourth coupling region is also part of the second wall section of the second outer wall or part of the fourth wall section defined above.As also explained above, the first and second outer walls do not necessarily have to be identical or of the same design.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first housing unit extends further on both sides in the third direction than the receiving space. If the prismatic battery cells are therefore accommodated in the receiving area or receiving space, the housing unit projects beyond them on both sides in the third direction. This has several advantages. Especially if, for example, the cell poles are arranged on the second cell sides, these cell poles or cell terminals can be significantly better protected, for example in the event of a crash, by the profile ends of the housing unit projecting beyond the battery cells in the third direction. This design of the profile ends of the housing unit can therefore reduce the risk of the cell terminals being stressed in a crash.In addition, this design allows forces in the third direction to be absorbed much better in the housing unit and transmitted through the housing unit without placing any strain on the battery cells accommodated in the receiving space.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the battery housing arrangement has at least one second housing unit that is designed identically to the first housing unit, in particular the second housing unit already mentioned above. The battery housing arrangement can also comprise any number of such housing units that are of the same type or of the same design. The properties and features as explained with regard to the first housing unit can therefore also apply in the same way to the second housing unit and any further optional housing unit. The housing units can, for example, form a battery housing or essentially contribute to the formation of such a battery housing. In addition, the battery housing arrangement can also have a closing housing unit. This can, for example, also be achieved only by a connecting wall, which e.g.as the side wall of a housing unit may be formed, or it may be provided substantially as one half of a housing unit, e.g. provided by a housing unit without the first and second wall portions or without the third and fourth wall portions, or it may simply be provided by an end plate, in particular of a clamping device.

[0022] By means of numerous such housing units, which are coupled to one another in a particularly reversibly detachable manner, a battery housing of any size can be formed in a particularly flexible manner depending on the number of housing units, by means of which any number of cuboid-shaped receiving areas or receiving spaces can be provided, in each of which cell rows with at least two prismatic battery cells can be accommodated.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the battery housing arrangement has at least one tensioning device, in particular a tensioning band and / or a tie rod, by means of which the first and second housing units can be fixed to one another. If the battery housing arrangement comprises more than two housing units, all of the housing units comprised by the battery housing arrangement, including the aforementioned end plate or closure plate or also second end plates or closure plates, can be fixed to one another in the same way by means of such a tensioning device. For example, such a tensioning device can be designed as one or more tensioning bands spanning the housing units. Such tensioning bands can be made of metal, for example, or of a plastic, for example a fiber-reinforced plastic, for example as a so-called UD (unidirectional) fiber tape.Such a clamping device can also be provided in addition to the coupling areas described above for the positive coupling of the housing units to one another. An additional clamping band or an additional clamping device has the advantage that it can provide significantly greater clamping forces. Such a clamping device can absorb swelling forces, in particular those that occur during a charging process or over the service life due to the swelling of the battery cells, much more effectively. If a battery cell or a cell row needs to be replaced, the clamping band can be easily removed, the corresponding cell row opened, and the battery cells removed and replaced. The clamping device can, for example, be replaced with a new one. In the case of a tension rod, this can also be reused.Such a tie rod can, for example, clamp two pressure plates that bound the battery housing assembly on both sides with respect to the second direction. Such pressure plates can also be formed integrally with the housing units arranged at the ends.

[0024] According to a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least the side wall has at least one integrated first cooling channel through which a coolant can flow, in particular wherein the first and / or second outer wall is formed with at least one second integrated cooling channel through which a coolant can flow. The side walls and optionally also the outer walls can also comprise a plurality of cooling channels or cooling channel sections. The cooling channels enclosed by a housing unit are preferably fluidically coupled to one another. A coolant can thus pass through the respective cooling channel sections successively. This makes it possible to reduce the number of required supply and discharge connections. The fact that at least the side wall has an integrated cooling channel has the great advantage that it allows precisely the sides of the prismatic battery cells with the largest area to be cooled.The cells are arranged in the receiving space as intended in such a way that their largest sides in terms of area, which can be provided, for example, by the first cell sides of the battery cells, face the side walls of the two housing units that delimit the receiving space in and opposite to the second direction.

[0025] This allows for a particularly large cooling surface, which in turn can increase performance. If the two outer walls are also designed with cooling channels, the battery cells can be cooled almost all around. In particular, they can then be cooled on all sides of the cells, except for the second cell sides, by directly contacting a wall of the housing units.

[0026] Optionally, the battery cells can be glued to one housing unit or both adjacent housing units in the receiving space, although this is not mandatory. In particular, no gap filler or gap pad is required between the cells and the housing unit(s). The typically high contact forces that occur between the first cell sides and the side walls of the housing units automatically ensure a good thermal connection between the cells and the side walls.

[0027] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first housing unit comprises a coolant supply connection and / or a coolant discharge connection. Preferably, the first housing unit comprises both a coolant supply connection and a coolant discharge connection. This avoids fluidic coupling between the housing units. This allows for particularly fluid-tight and reliable solutions. For example, the coolant supply and discharge connections of a single housing unit can be arranged at opposite ends of this housing unit with respect to the third direction. However, they can also be arranged at the same end of the housing unit.

[0028] A coolant can be supplied to the at least one cooling channel integrated into the housing unit via the coolant supply connection and, after passing through this cooling channel, the coolant can be discharged from the housing unit again via the coolant discharge connection.

[0029] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a battery assembly comprising a battery housing assembly according to the invention or one of its embodiments. The advantages described for the battery housing assembly according to the invention and its embodiments apply equally to the battery assembly according to the invention.

[0030] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the battery arrangement comprises the at least two prismatic battery cells, in particular wherein the battery cells each have two cell poles, which can also be referred to as terminals or cell terminals, and wherein exactly one of the cell poles is arranged on a respective second cell side.

[0031] This arrangement allows for particularly simple and space-saving contacting of battery cells in the same cell row. For example, contacting—that is, the electrical interconnection of the cell poles of different cells—can be achieved by directly and extensively contacting the facing cell poles of two battery cells adjacent to each other in the third direction, or by connecting them via cell connectors located between these facing cell poles. Such a cell connector makes it easier to compensate for tolerances in the third direction.

[0032] In addition, the second wall section can also have recesses or through-openings that are arranged in the first direction below corresponding venting openings of a respective battery cell. Each of the cells therefore comprises exactly one venting opening, which is arranged, for example, on a third cell side of the respective battery cell. The third cell side faces the second wall section. The second wall section has a number of recesses or through-openings that corresponds to the number of battery cells. If outgassing occurs from one of the battery cells due to thermal runaway of this battery cell, such a recess or through-opening facilitates the escape of gas. The escaping gas can, for example, be introduced into a gas discharge channel.

[0033] In addition, the side wall can also have a further cutout or cutouts on the front side, with respect to the third direction, for connecting the cell bars to each other. Busbars and / or cables can be routed through such cutouts. This enables a particularly compact design.

[0034] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle with a battery arrangement according to the invention or one of its embodiments.

[0035] The battery arrangement can be designed, for example, as a high-voltage battery. The battery cells can be designed, for example, as lithium-ion cells. The motor vehicle can be designed as an electric vehicle.

[0036] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle with a battery housing arrangement according to the invention or one of its embodiments and / or a battery arrangement according to the invention or one of its embodiments.

[0037] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle.

[0038] The invention also encompasses combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also encompasses implementations that each comprise a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, unless the embodiments are described as mutually exclusive.

[0039] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. Shown are: Fig. 1 is a schematic and perspective exploded view of a battery assembly with a housing unit and a cell row according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the battery arrangement from Fig. 1, wherein the cell row is now shown accommodated in the housing unit, according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery arrangement with housing units designed as C-profile or U-profile according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 a schematic and perspective view of one end of the battery assembly of Fig. 2 according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery arrangement with several housing units designed as double-T profiles according to a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6 a schematic exploded view of a battery arrangement with a housing unit designed as a double-T profile and a cell row according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of the battery arrangement from Fig. 6 with battery cells now accommodated in the receiving area of ​​the housing unit according to an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 8 a schematic representation of a plan view of a battery arrangement designed as a high-voltage battery according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0040] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another, each of which also develops the invention independently of one another. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to encompass combinations of the features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0041] In the figures, the same reference symbols designate elements with the same function.

[0042] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic and perspective exploded view of a battery assembly 12 designed as a cell bar or cell blade 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The battery assembly 12 comprises a housing unit 14 and a cell row 16 with a plurality of prismatic battery cells 18.

[0043] Fig. 2 again shows a schematic representation of the battery arrangement 12 in the form of the cell bar 10 in a state in which the cell row 16 is now in the receiving area or receiving space 30 (cf. Fig. 1) is recorded and Fig. 4 shows a schematic and perspective detailed view of the battery arrangement 12 in the form of the cell bar 10 according to Fig. 2. In particular, the end of the cell bar 10 is shown again in an enlarged manner. Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery arrangement 12 with several such cell bars 10. Therefore, Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 are discussed partly together below.

[0044] The prismatic battery cells 18 of such a cell bar 10, as shown for example in Fig. 1, they are all designed in the same way. They each comprise two first sides 18a, which represent the largest sides in terms of area of ​​the respective battery cells 18. Only one of these two first sides 18a can be seen per battery cell 18 in the present illustration. The two first sides 18a of a respective battery cell are opposite one another in the x-direction shown here. In addition, each battery cell 18 comprises two second cell sides 18b. These are opposite one another in the y-direction shown here and, in this example, represent the smallest sides in terms of area of ​​a respective battery cell 18. In addition, each battery cell 18 can also comprise two third sides 18c, which are opposite one another in the z-direction shown. Each battery cell 18 also comprises two cell poles 20, one of which is arranged on each of the second sides 18b.

[0045] The battery cells 18 are arranged in series such that they are arranged next to one another in the y-direction and their second sides 18b with the cell poles or cell terminals 20 arranged thereon face one another. This enables particularly simple electrical interconnection of the prismatic battery cells 18. There are various options for contacting the cell poles 20, for example, gluing, for example using electrically conductive adhesive, plugging, or welding. The facing cell terminals 20 can, for example, have direct physical and surface contact with one another and / or be electrically connected to one another via a cell connector. Such an arrangement of the prismatic battery cells 18 can save a great deal of installation space, especially in the y-direction.Furthermore, this arrangement also enables particularly simple scaling of the size of the battery assembly 12 in the x-direction, as will be described in more detail below. Housing unit 14 is provided for this purpose. This can be part of a battery housing assembly 22. Such a battery housing assembly 22 can optionally also comprise several such housing units 4, as shown in FIG. Fig. 3. The housing units 14 can then all be of the same type, in particular geometrically similar, at least with regard to their main components, which are provided by a side wall 24, a first outer wall 26, and a second outer wall 28.

[0046] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery arrangement 12 with several such cell bars 10, which in turn each comprise a housing unit 14 designed as a U-profile 14a. The arrangement of the individual walls of the housing unit 14 relative to one another is particularly Fig. 3. The housing unit 14 thus comprises, as mentioned, a side wall 24 and the first outer wall 26, which has a first wall section 26a and in this example consists of the first wall section 26a, as well as a second outer wall 28 opposite the first outer wall 26 with respect to the z-direction, which second outer wall 28 comprises a second wall section 28a and in this example also consists of this second wall section 28a, which is directly opposite the first wall section 26a with respect to the z-direction. In particular, the first outer wall and the second outer wall 26, 28 are arranged parallel to one another. The side wall 24 connects the two outer walls 26, 28 to one another, in this example at the ends. This results in the aforementioned U-profile.

[0047] Such a housing unit 14 is now also advantageously designed to be reversibly coupled to a similarly designed further housing unit 14 to form a cuboid-shaped receiving space 30. This is also in Fig. 3. The individual cell blades 10 or housing units 14 can be arranged next to one another in such a way that the receiving space 30 formed thereby is delimited in one direction against the x-direction by a side wall 24 of the two adjacent housing units 14 and in another direction against the z-direction by the first and second outer walls 26, 28. A delimitation in and against the y-direction does not have to be provided, in particular not by the housing units 14, and can be provided by other components, such as a battery frame 32 (cf. Fig. 8).

[0048] The pre-fixing or positioning of the individual battery cells 18 within such a housing unit 14 can be ensured, for example, by gluing, locking, or the like. In this example, locking elements 34a, 34b are provided (see, for example, Fig. 2 and Fig. 4), via which the individual battery cells 18 can be locked to the housing unit 14. For example, the cells 18 can have cell housings with locking lugs 34a glued, for example, to one or both third cell sides 18c. The locking elements 34a, 34b are designed to be complementary to one another and can lock into one another. In the present example, at least one of the third sides 18c of the cells 18 has such a locking element 34a, and the first outer wall 26, which borders the third side of the cell 18, has a corresponding locking element 34b. The locking elements 34a, 34b can, for example, be designed in the form of locking lugs and corresponding holes, recesses, or depressions.

[0049] In order to interconnect the cell bars 10 provided in this way, the housing units 14 can also be designed with coupling regions, which are only illustrated schematically here. In this example, the first outer wall 26 has a first coupling region 36a and a second coupling region 36b, which can, for example, be opposite the first coupling region with respect to the x-direction or can also be positioned differently. These coupling regions 36a, 36b are also designed as locking elements in this example. This allows the housing unit 14 to be clipped onto a similarly designed further housing unit 14 via these locking elements 36a, 36b. The first locking elements 36a lock into the locking elements 36b of the further housing unit 14. This positive connection advantageously also provides a reversible, in particular non-destructively reversible, coupling option.

[0050] In addition, other connection or fixing options are also conceivable. For example, the battery arrangement, as shown in Fig. 3, can also be circumferentially surrounded by a tensioning strap. Such a tensioning strap or other tensioning device can also be provided in addition to the described coupling areas 36a, 36b.

[0051] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the housing unit 14 is simultaneously designed as a cooling device. For this purpose, the housing unit 14 can have at least one cooling channel through which a coolant, in particular a liquid coolant, can flow. Such a cooling channel at least preferably runs through the side wall 24 and optionally also through the two outer walls 26, 28 or at least one of the two outer walls 26, 28. For supplying the coolant, the housing unit 14 can have a supply connection 40 (cf. Fig. 2 and Fig. 4) and a corresponding coolant discharge connection 42 (cf. Fig. 2).

[0052] Fig. 4 shows a schematic and perspective detailed view of the end of the cell bar 10 of the battery arrangement 12. The housing unit 14 is longer in the y-direction than the cell row 16. In other words, the housing unit 14 projects beyond the ends, in particular at both ends of the cell bar 10 (see also Fig. 2) the cell row 16. As a result, both the terminals 20 and the cells 18 are set back at the ends of the housing unit 14 relative to the end faces 44, 46, which are opposite each other in the y-direction. This provides particularly good protection for the cell poles 20, as well as the cells 18, especially in the event of a crash. For example, forces can be transmitted through the housing unit 14 in or against the y-direction. It is also possible for forces to be transmitted via the side wall 24 in or against the z-direction.

[0053] Furthermore, the side wall 24 can have first cutouts 50 in the region of its end faces 44, 46. Flexible circuit boards, busbars, i.e., busbars, electrical cables, or the like can be passed through these cutouts 50 to electrically connect the cell bars 10 to one another. These cables or electrically conductive elements passed through the cutouts 50 are then also particularly well protected in the event of an impact or crash.

[0054] In addition, the housing unit 14 comprises a number of second recesses 52 corresponding to the number of cells 18. Each cell 18 has a releasable cell vent opening on one of its third sides 18c, which is not explicitly shown here, however. This opening is located directly opposite the second recess 52 in the second outer wall 28. Thus, such a second recess 52 is provided in the second outer wall 28 for each cell 18. This facilitates the escape of gas in the event of thermal runaway of such a cell 18.

[0055] Fig. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery arrangement 12 according to a further embodiment of the invention. In this example, the housing units 14 are designed in the form of double-T profiles 14b. Otherwise, the battery arrangement 12 can be designed as described above, except for the differences described below. Here, too, each housing unit 14 again comprises a side wall 24 and two outer walls 26, 28. However, each outer wall 26, 28 is divided into two wall sections. The first outer wall 26 is divided into the aforementioned first wall section 26a and a third wall section 26b. The second outer wall 28 is divided into the second wall section 28a and the fourth wall section 28b. If two or more such similarly designed housing units 14 in the form of the double-T profiles 14b are arranged next to one another, as in Fig. 5, corresponding cuboid-shaped receiving areas 30 are again formed between each two housing units 14 arranged adjacent to one another in the x-direction.

[0056] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic and perspective exploded view of a battery assembly 12, again in the form of a cell bar 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention. In this example, the housing unit 14 is as shown, for example, in Fig. 5 as a double-T profile 14b. Otherwise, the battery arrangement 12 can be designed as Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 described.

[0057] A further difference here is that the side wall 24 is constructed in several parts and in particular has a cooling wall 24a, which can be designed as a separate cooling unit. In addition to this separate cooling unit 24a, the side wall 24 can be constructed with a main wall 24b, which is firmly arranged on the two outer walls 26, 28 or fixed to them or formed integrally with them. The cooling wall 24a can be placed on the main wall 24b and connected to it, for example, glued, screwed, or the like. The previously described cooling channels can accordingly run not in the main wall 24b, but instead in this separate cooling wall 24a. In this example, no cooling channels are integrated into the two outer walls 26, 28. The supply connection 40 is fluidly connected to this cooling wall 24a.The coolant supplied via the supply connection 40 can be introduced accordingly into the cooling channels integrated in the cooling wall 24a or the flow-through volume of this cooling wall 24a and can be discharged again via a corresponding discharge connection 42.

[0058] Fig. 7 shows the battery arrangement 12 from Fig. 6 in a state in which the cell row 16 is now received in the receiving area 30 of the housing unit 14. Here, too, it can be seen that the housing unit 14 projects beyond the cell row 16 at the end with respect to the y-direction, in particular again on both sides. This projection can also be realized, for example, by individual protruding webs 54.

[0059] The function of these extended webs 54 is the same as that of the profile of the housing unit 14 extended in and against the y-direction according to the example from Fig. 1 to Fig. 4.

[0060] Fig.Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of a battery assembly 12 embodied as a high-voltage battery 56 in a plan view according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The battery assembly 12 comprises a housing assembly 22, which in turn comprises numerous housing units 14. These are coupled to one another and form corresponding receiving spaces 30 in which corresponding cell rows 16 are accommodated, although these are not visible here. The individual housing units 14 are locked together via locking elements 36a, 36b.

[0061] In addition, the high-voltage battery can also have a battery housing 58, which, for example, comprises a battery frame 32 and an optional base (not shown here), in which the battery arrangement 12 can be accommodated. The battery arrangement 12 can also be glued to the battery housing 58, for example to its base or its cover (likewise not shown) or to the side walls or the frame 32. The profiles, ie the housing units 14, can also be fluid-conducting in the coupled state, e.g., by means of seals between the housing units, so that additional covers and base plates of the housing 58 are not required.

[0062] Overall, the examples show how the invention can provide a cell module in bar form, in particular a cell sword. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2021 123 312 A1

[0003] CN 218 333 949 U

[0004]

Claims

[1] Battery housing arrangement (22) with a first housing unit (14; 14a, 14b) for accommodating at least two prismatic battery cells (18), each having two opposite first cell sides (18a) and two opposite second cell sides (18b), wherein the first cell sides (18a) each have a larger area than a respective second cell side (18b), wherein the first housing unit (14; 14a, 14b) - a side wall (24), - a first outer wall (26) with a first wall section (26a), and - a second outer wall (28) opposite the first outer wall (26) with respect to a first direction (z) and having a second wall section (28a) opposite the first wall section (26a) with respect to the first direction (z); - wherein the side wall (24) is arranged with respect to the first direction (z) between the first and second outer walls (26, 28) connecting them to one another and adjacent to the respective first and second wall sections (26a, 28a), characterized by , that the first housing unit (14; 14a, 14b) can be coupled to a second housing unit (14; 14a, 14b) of identical design to the first housing unit (14; 14a, 14b) to form a cuboid-shaped receiving space (30) in such a way that the side wall (24) of the first housing unit (14; 14a, 14b) lies opposite a side wall (24) of the second housing unit (14; 14a, 14b) in a second direction (x) perpendicular to the first direction (z), and in that the at least two prismatic battery cells (18) can be arranged next to one another in a third direction (y) perpendicular to the first direction (z) in such a way that at least two of the second cell sides (18b) of the at least two battery cells (18) face one another. [2] Battery housing arrangement (22) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the first outer wall (26) consists of the first wall section (26a), and / or the second outer wall (28) consists of the second wall section (28a), in particular wherein the side wall (24) forms a U-profile (14a) with the first and second wall sections (26a, 28a). [3] Battery housing arrangement (22) according to claim 1, characterized by , that - the first outer wall (26) is divided in the second direction (x) into the first and a third wall section (26a, 26b), and the side wall (24) adjoins a first boundary region between the first and third wall section (26a, 26b), and / or - the second outer wall (28) is divided into the second and a fourth wall section (28a, 28b), which adjoins the second wall section (28a) in the second direction (x) and which is opposite the third wall section (26b) with respect to the first direction (z), wherein the side wall (24) adjoins a second boundary region between the second and fourth wall regions (28a, 28b); - in particular wherein the side wall (24) forms a double-T profile (14b) with the first and second outer walls (26, 28). [4] Battery housing arrangement (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the first outer wall (26) has a first and a second coupling region (36a, 36b), of which at least the first coupling region (36a) is encompassed by the first wall section (26a), wherein the first coupling region (36a) can be coupled mechanically and in particular in a form-fitting manner to a second coupling region (36b) of the second housing unit (14; 14a, 14b), which is of identical design to the first housing unit (14; 14a, 14b), in particular wherein the second outer wall (28) has a third and a fourth coupling region, of which at least the third coupling region is encompassed by the second wall section (28a), wherein the third coupling region can be coupled mechanically and in particular in a form-fitting manner to a fourth coupling region of the second housing unit (14; 14a, 14b), which is of identical design to the first housing unit (14; 14a, 14b). [5] Battery housing arrangement (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the first housing unit (14; 14a, 14b) extends further on both sides in the third direction (y) than the receiving space (30). [6] Battery housing arrangement (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the battery housing arrangement (22) has at least one second housing unit (14; 14a, 14b) which is identical to the first housing unit (14; 14a, 14b). [7] Battery housing arrangement (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the battery housing arrangement (22) has at least one tensioning device, in particular a tensioning band and / or tie rod, by means of which the first and the second housing unit (14; 14a, 14b) can be fixed to one another. [8] Battery housing arrangement (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least the side wall (24) has at least one integrated first cooling channel through which a coolant can flow, in particular wherein the first and / or second outer wall (26, 28) are formed with at least one second, integrated cooling channel through which a coolant can flow. [9] Battery housing arrangement (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first housing unit (14; 14a, 14b) comprises a coolant supply connection (40) and / or a coolant discharge connection (42). [10] Battery assembly (12) with a battery housing assembly (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the battery arrangement (12) comprises the at least two prismatic battery cells (18), in particular wherein the battery cells (18) each have two cell poles (20), wherein exactly one of the cell poles (20) is arranged on a respective second cell side (18b).

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