Methods for manufacturing an electrical energy storage device and electrical energy storage devices

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an electrical energy storage device (1) and an electrical energy storage device (1) comprising a housing (3) in which a plurality of individual cells (5) are arranged, wherein a number of cooling fins (7) are arranged parallel to each other in the housing (3) such that a number of channels (9) are formed, wherein a channel opening (10) for introducing the individual cells (5) into the channel (9) is formed between the cooling fin ends of two adjacent cooling fins (7), wherein the individual cells (5) are introduced and arranged through the at least one channel opening (10) into the at least one channel (9) which is formed by two adjacent cooling fins (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an electrical energy storage device, comprising a housing in which a plurality of individual cells are arranged and an electrical energy storage device.

[0002] From DE 10 2024 002 370 A1, an electrical energy storage device for a vehicle is known, comprising a plurality of electrically interconnected individual cells arranged in rows and columns within a housing. The individual cells are arranged in the housing in a quasi-random distribution with irregular row and / or column spacing.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of providing an improved method for manufacturing an electrical energy storage device and an improved electrical energy storage device.

[0004] The first problem is solved according to the invention by a method having the features of claim 1. The second problem is solved according to the invention by an electrical energy storage device having the features of claim 4.

[0005] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] The inventive method for manufacturing an electrical energy storage device comprising a housing in which a plurality of individual cells are arranged comprises the following steps: a number of cooling fins are arranged parallel to each other in the housing in such a way that a number of channels are formed, wherein a channel opening for introducing the individual cells into the channel is formed between the cooling fin ends of two adjacent cooling fins, wherein the individual cells are introduced and arranged through the at least one channel opening in one of the channels which is formed by two adjacent cooling fins.

[0007] The electrical energy storage device according to the invention comprises a housing in which a plurality of individual cells are arranged, wherein the housing has a bottom surface on which cooling fins are arranged parallel to each other and a top surface which comprises struts, wherein the individual cells are arranged in a channel formed by two adjacent cooling fins, in particular between two adjacent cooling fins and adjacent to them, wherein a channel opening for inserting the individual cells into the channel is formed between the cooling fin ends of two adjacent cooling fins.

[0008] In particular, the electrical energy storage device is a high-voltage battery, especially a traction battery, for an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle or a fuel cell-powered vehicle.

[0009] A particular advantage of the invention is that the manufacturing process can be simplified and carried out with less complexity, thereby reducing costs. Additionally, the electrical energy storage device according to the invention can be designed variably and scaled effectively, thus improving its repairability. Furthermore, the electrical energy storage device according to the invention can exhibit high structural strength and be flexible with regard to individual cell formats and sizes. For example, the spacing and / or inclination of the cooling fins are flexible and / or adaptable to the diameter of the individual cells.

[0010] Furthermore, the inventive method can be easily integrated into or retrofitted to existing processes, procedures, and / or vehicles, and enables the production of the electrical energy storage device with tight tolerances. A mixed-material configuration is also possible within the housing of the electrical energy storage device, allowing, for example, the use of components made of steel, aluminum, and / or similar materials. The housing also facilitates easy electrical contact between the individual cells within the housing through openings in the struts of the top surface. Additionally, improved cooling / temperature control properties can be achieved through the cooling fins of the electrical energy storage device.

[0011] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0012] This shows: Fig. 1 schematically a semi-transparent top view of an electrical energy storage device, Fig. 2. Schematic top view of the filling of the housing of the electrical energy storage device, which is open at least on one side, with individual cells. Fig. 3 schematically in top view the electrical energy storage device with a top surface without a lid, Fig. 4. Schematic top view of a closing of a channel opening and the housing, Fig. 5 schematically in perspective view the electrical energy storage device in the closed state, and Fig. 6 schematically shows a section of the electrical energy storage device in cross-sectional view.

[0013] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0014] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a semi-transparent top view of an electrical energy storage device 1.

[0015] The electrical energy storage device 1 comprises, in particular, a housing 3 in which, in particular, a plurality of individual cells 5 are arranged. The individual cells 5 are, for example, designed as cylindrical cells. Alternatively, the individual cells 5 can also have a different shape.

[0016] The housing 3 has, in particular, a side surface 11, a base surface 13, and a top surface 15. The base surface 13 and the top surface 15 are, for example, designed as flat surfaces and are arranged opposite each other and overlapping. For example, the base surface 13 and the top surface 15 are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other. The top surface 15 includes, for example, struts 16. The struts 16 can, in particular, form a support structure, a structural support, or the like. The top surface 15 can, for example, be formed in two parts, consisting of the struts 16 and a cover 16.1. The cover 16.1 can, for example, be placed on or fitted onto the struts 16. For example, the cover 16.1 can rest on the struts 16 and additionally be connected to them.

[0017] The side surface 11 is, for example, a single-piece, circumferential side surface 11, which is arranged perpendicularly on the base surface 13 and / or the top surface 15. In particular, the side surface 11 is arranged perpendicularly at an edge of the base surface 13 and / or the top surface 15, wherein the height of the side surface 11 corresponds, for example, to the specified distance between the base surface 13 and the top surface 15. Alternatively, the side surface 11 can also be formed from several individual surfaces, wherein, for example, one individual surface is arranged on one side of the electrical energy storage device 1 and forms a housing side of the housing 3.

[0018] The electrical energy storage device 1 can also have a number of cooling fins 7. The cooling fins 7 are arranged, for example, on the base surface 13, in particular parallel to each other. The cooling fins 7 are arranged parallel to each other, in particular at a distance, for example, a definable, in particular a predetermined distance. For example, the cooling fins 7 are arranged vertically on the base surface 13. In addition, the cooling fins 7 can be arranged obliquely and parallel to each other on the base surface 13. The cooling fins run, for example, below the struts 16.

[0019] The cooling fins 7 are arranged parallel to each other in the housing 3 such that a number of channels 9 are formed. The number of channels 9 is arranged, for example, between the cooling fins 7, with the width of the channels 9 corresponding, in particular, to the distance between the cooling fins 7. The width of the at least one channel 9 is dimensioned, for example, such that the width corresponds to at least one diameter d of the individual cells 5. In particular, the width is greater than or equal to the diameter d of the individual cells 5.

[0020] The cooling fins 7 have cooling fin ends. The cooling fin ends are configured to form a channel opening 10. For example, the respective channel opening 10 is formed by two adjacent cooling fin ends. The channel 9 can therefore, for example, have the channel opening 10. The channel opening 10 is formed in the direction of the side surface 11 or is an integral part thereof. For example, the channel opening 10 is formed in the direction of a housing side, for example, a side of the circumferential side surface 11. In addition, the channel opening 10 can extend over the entire height and / or over the entire width of the side surface 11. The channel opening 10 is configured, for example, as an insertion opening, a filling opening, or the like.

[0021] The individual cells 5 are arranged in the at least one channel 9. For example, it can be provided that the individual cells 5 are arranged in the channel 9 such that an outer circumferential boundary of the individual cells 5 is in contact with the adjacent cooling fins 7.

[0022] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows in top view the filling of the housing 3 of the electrical energy storage device 1, which is open at least on one side, with individual cells 5.

[0023] The housing 3 is formed in particular from the bottom surface 13, the top surface 15 with struts 16, the side surface 11, channel openings 10 and the cooling fins 7, which are arranged in particular parallel on the bottom surface 13.

[0024] The individual cells 5 are inserted and arranged, in particular through the at least one channel opening 10, into one of the channels 9. The housing 3 can thereby be arranged and filled with the individual cells 5 at a high packing density.

[0025] The respective channel 9 can, for example, extend transversely or longitudinally along the base surface 13 in the housing 3. Alternatively, the respective channel 9 can run obliquely to the adjacent housing sides. The channel 9 has, in particular, a front region 9.1 and a rear region 9.2. The front region 9.1 is, for example, located in the area of ​​the channel opening 10. The rear region 9.2 is, for example, located opposite the front region 9.1 of the channel 9. For example, the at least one channel 9 is bounded at the front and rear regions 9.1, 9.2 by the surrounding side surface 11, which forms the housing side.

[0026] For example, the housing 3 is filled with the individual cells 5 in a horizontal position, with the at least one channel 9 extending horizontally. The housing 3 is positioned, in particular with its base 13, on a surface. The channel opening 10 of each channel faces laterally. Specifically, the front and rear sections 9.1, 9.2 are arranged in the same plane at a distance from each other. The individual cells 5 can thus be inserted laterally into the channel 9, for example. The individual cells 5 can, for example, be pushed into the at least one channel 9. The individual cells 5 are inserted into the channel 9, in particular as indicated by arrow 100.

[0027] Alternatively, the individual cells 5 can be inserted vertically into the housing 3. For example, the housing 3 is arranged such that the rear section 9.2 of the at least one channel 9 is positioned facing a surface or on a surface. The front section 9.1, and thus the channel opening 10, points upwards. The individual cells 5 are inserted into the respective channel 9 from above, particularly by utilizing gravity. For example, the kinetic energy of the individual cells 5 during insertion into one of the channels can be absorbed by a spacer material 17, which is arranged, for example, in the respective channel 9.

[0028] The individual cells 5 are, for example, inserted through the channel opening 10 into the at least one channel 9 and guided, in particular pushed, through the channel 9 to the rear section 9.2, as indicated by arrow 100. The individual cells 5 are, in particular, inserted one after the other into one of the channels 9. For example, the individual cells 5 are arranged in the channel 9, starting from a rear section 9.2 of the channel 9 and extending to a front section 9.1 of the channel 9. The individual cells 5 can, for example, be arranged in the channel 9 in a perpendicular arrangement with each other. Alternatively, the individual cells 5 can also be arranged at a distance from each other, for example, a predetermined distance from each other, in the channel 9.

[0029] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a top view of the electrical energy storage device 1 with the cover surface 15 without a lid 16.1. In particular, the channels 9 were completely filled with individual cells 5 through the respective channel opening 10. The individual cells 5 can be contacted, especially electrically, through openings formed between the struts 16 of the cover surface 15.

[0030] For example, the spacer material 17 can be provided between the individual cells 5, which arranges and fixes / positions the individual cells 5 at a distance, in particular a predetermined distance, from each other.

[0031] Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows in top view a closing of the channel opening 10 and the housing 3.

[0032] After filling the channels 9 with the individual cells 5, it may be provided that at least one channel opening 10 is closed. The channel opening 10 can, for example, be closed with a closing element 19, which forms the side surface 11 of the housing 3. The closing element 19 has, in particular, a shape corresponding to the channel opening 10. For example, the closing element 19 is designed as a surface corresponding to the channel opening 10.

[0033] The closure element 19 can be inserted into or onto the channel opening 10, for example by being inserted, glued in, or the like, or placed on it. For example, after being inserted into the channel opening 10, the closure element 19 can itself form the circumferential side surface 11 or a part of the side surface 11.

[0034] Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows a perspective view of the electrical energy storage device 1 in its closed state. The individual cells 5 are arranged within and surrounded by the housing 3 and are sealed in a media-tight manner. For example, the cover 16.1 was placed on the struts 16. Additionally, the at least one channel opening 10 can be closed by the closure element 19, which itself forms the side surface 11.

[0035] Fig. Figure 6 schematically shows a section of the electrical energy storage device 1 in a cross-sectional view.

[0036] The individual cells 5 are arranged, in particular, between the cooling fins 7. Additionally, the individual cells 5 and the cooling fins 7 can be arranged on the base surface 13. The individual cells 5 are, for example, arranged on stress relief elements 14.

[0037] In particular, exactly one single cell 5 is arranged on exactly one relief element 14. The relief element 14 is, for example, an integral part of the base surface 13 or arranged on the base surface 13. The relief element 14 is, for example, designed as a venting channel running through the base surface 13.

[0038] Furthermore, the struts 16 can extend over the individual cells 5 arranged on the base surface 13. Additionally, a cover 16.1 can be placed on the struts 16 to form the top surface 15 consisting of the struts 16 and the cover 16.1.

[0039] The cooling fins 7 can, for example, have an upper end 7.1 extending towards the top surface 15. For example, the upper end 7.1 is configured as a flange, a guide, or the like, and can, for instance, vertically fix the individual cells 5. In particular, the upper end 7.1 limits vertical movement of the individual cells 5 within the channel 9 formed by two adjacent cooling fins 7.

[0040] Furthermore, the individual cells 5 can be connected using cell connectors 21. In particular, the individual cells 5 are electrically contacted by the cell connectors 21. The individual cells 5 are electrically interconnected by the cell connectors 21. Reference symbol list 1 electrical energy storage device 3 cases 5 single cells 7 cooling fins 7.1 upper end 9-channel 9.1 front area 9.2 rear area 10 Channel opening 11 side surface 13 Floor area 14 Relief element 15 Cover area 16 struts 16.1 Lid 17 Spacer material 19 Locking element 21 cell connectors 100 arrows d diameter QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 10 2024 002 370 A1

[0002]

Claims

Method for manufacturing an electrical energy storage device (1), comprising a housing (3) in which a plurality of individual cells (5) are arranged, characterized in that a number of cooling fins (7) are arranged parallel to each other in the housing (3) such that a number of channels (9) are formed, wherein a channel opening (10) for introducing the individual cells (5) into the channel (9) is formed between the cooling fin ends of two adjacent cooling fins (7), wherein the individual cells (5) are introduced and arranged through the at least one channel opening (10) into the at least one channel (9) which is formed by two adjacent cooling fins (7). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one or more of the individual cells (5) are inserted horizontally by sliding them into one of the channels (9). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one or more of the individual cells (5) are introduced vertically into one of the channels (9) using gravity. Electrical energy storage device (1) comprising a housing (3) in which a plurality of individual cells (5) are arranged, wherein the housing (3) has a bottom surface (13) on which cooling fins (7) are arranged parallel to each other, and a top surface (15) which includes struts (16), wherein the individual cells (5) are arranged in a channel (9) formed by two adjacent cooling fins (7), wherein a channel opening (10) for inserting the individual cells (5) into the channel (9) is formed between the cooling fin ends of two adjacent cooling fins (7). Electrical energy storage device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that a width of the at least one channel (9) corresponds to at least a diameter of the individual cells (5).

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