Housing

Abstract

To provide a housing which strengthens the protection of a housing chamber with respect to leakage from a passage.SOLUTION: Disclosed is a housing, in particular, a housing for an energy storage device. A first housing element 9 extending along a length direction axis comprises a first sidewall 15 at a first length direction side and a second sidewall 15' at a second length direction side, a support section 11 extends between the sidewalls, and the housing further comprises a first cover element. A passage 12 in which a fluid flows extends through the support section 11, and the first housing element 9 and the support section 11 define at least a portion of a housing chamber 43 together. The support section 11 is in contact with the first housing element 9 on an end face, the support section 11 includes a transfer part, and an opening is included in the passage 12. The first cover element includes an opening, and the transfer part extends therein.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing, in particular a housing for an energy storage device. [Background technology]

[0002] The housing for the energy storage device has the purpose of containing the energy storage device and protecting it from environmental influences. Furthermore, the housing for the energy storage device may include interfaces for transferring electrical energy between individual batteries or to an electrical load.

[0003] A housing for an energy storage device is known from DE 102022000414.3, which comprises an intermediate unit with a prismatic intermediate element with an H-shaped base surface and a longitudinal axis, the intermediate element having a first side wall on a first longitudinal side and a second side wall on a second longitudinal side, between which a plate-shaped support extends. A cover element is arranged on one front side of the intermediate element, the intermediate element and the cover element defining a housing chamber. A passage passing through the support in the direction of the longitudinal axis leads to an opening in the cover element. The transition between the passage and the opening is sealed by a circumferential welded seam running on the side of the housing chamber. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application No. 102022000414.3 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to provide a housing which provides increased protection of the housing chamber against leakage from the passages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a housing comprising a first housing element extending along a longitudinal axis and a first cover element which, together with the first housing element, defines at least a part of a housing chamber, the first housing element having a first side wall on a first side in the longitudinal axis direction and a second side wall on a second side in the longitudinal axis direction, a support portion extending between said side walls, a passage for supplying a fluid extending through the support portion, and the first cover element contacting a front surface of the first housing element, characterized in that the first cover element has an opening, the support portion has a transfer portion including an opening of the passage, and the transfer portion extends into the opening of the first cover element.

[0007] Therefore, in the housing of the present invention, since the passage opening is located outside the housing chamber, if a leak occurs in the passage opening area when liquid is delivered to the passage, the leak can be detected from the outside, and catastrophic failure inside the housing can be prevented.

[0008] The housing of the invention can be designed in particular as a housing for an energy storage device.

[0009] The above In one possible embodiment of the housing of the present invention, the transport portion may extend through an opening.

[0010] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, a first connection element, fluidly connected to the passageway, can be attached to the first cover element or the support part. A sealing element can be arranged between the first connection element and the transfer part. The first connection element can have a recess in which the sealing element is arranged.

[0011] The sealing element can be in contact with the transfer part on one side and with the first connecting element on the opposite side. The sealing element can be in contact with a front surface of the transfer part on one side and with a front surface of the first connecting element on the opposite side. The sealing element can be in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the transfer part on one side and with an inner peripheral surface of the first connecting element on the opposite side.

[0012] Alternatively or in combination with the above, it is also conceivable that the sealing element contacts on one side with the front surface of the first cover element and / or that the outer circumferential surface of the sealing element contacts with the inner circumferential surface of the first cover element.

[0013] In one possible embodiment of the invention, the first connecting element may have a ring portion surrounding said transfer portion.

[0014] In yet another possible embodiment of the invention, the first cover element can have a recess adjacent to the opening on a side facing away from the first housing element in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, the transfer part can extend through the opening and into this recess or can extend through the recess, and the first connecting element can be at least partially arranged in the recess.

[0015] In one possible embodiment of the inventive housing, the second housing element can have a support through which the passage extends. Furthermore, the housing can have a second cover element in contact with the second housing element at a front side. The first housing chamber can be at least partially bounded by the second housing element and the second cover element. Furthermore, the housing can comprise a second connection element fluidly connected to the passage of the second housing element. The second connection element can be attached to the second cover element or to the support.

[0016] The first connecting element and the second connecting element can be fluidly connected via a connecting arrangement. The first connecting element can have an interface on which the connecting element is arranged. The connecting element can be connected to the pipe element, via which the first connecting element and the second connecting element are fluidly connected to each other.

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a housing of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a housing for an energy storage device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] A longitudinal section of the housing of FIG. 1 passing between the connecting elements. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a first intermediate unit of the housing of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a vertical cross section of a first intermediate unit of the housing of FIG. 1; [Figure 6] A detailed enlarged view of VI in Figure 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an intermediate element of a first intermediate unit of the housing of FIG. 1; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a first intermediate unit of the housing of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] An enlarged view of detail IX in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing the outlet manifold portion of the connecting element instead of the inlet manifold portion. [Figure 11] Detailed enlarged view of XI in Figure 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] [Figures 1] to [Figure 11] will be described below together. These figures show a housing 1 for an energy storage device. This housing 1 has a longitudinal axis L_1 and is composed of a base unit 2 and an end unit 20, with three intermediate units 8, 8', 8'' disposed therebetween.

[0020] The base unit 2 is designed as a machined extrusion profile and consists of a U-shaped base element 3 extending in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis L_1. The base element 3 has a first side wall 6 and a second side wall 6' arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis L_1. A plate-shaped base part 4 extends between the first side wall 6 and the second side wall 6'. Through the base part 4 four cooling passages 5 are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis L_1. The cooling passages 5 are formed in the base element 3 during the primary forming of the extrusion profile.

[0021] The cover elements 7, 7' of the base unit 2 are arranged on the front side of the base element 3, and together with the base element 3, these cover elements 7, 7' define a first housing chamber 42. In this first housing chamber 42, a first battery placement section 46 is located.

[0022] The base unit 2 is connected to a first intermediate unit 8 and surrounds a first housing chamber 42 .

[0023] The first intermediate unit 8 has an H-shaped intermediate element 9, which is designed as a machined extrusion profile and extends along a longitudinal axis L_8. The longitudinal axis L_8 of the intermediate unit 8 is parallel to the longitudinal axis L_1 of the housing. The intermediate unit 8 has a first side wall 15 and a second side wall 15', which are respectively arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis L_8 and the longitudinal axis L_1 of the housing 2. A plate-shaped support 11 extends between the first side wall 15 and the second side wall 15'. The support 11 is connected to the side walls 15, 15' approximately in the middle. One or more cooling passages are formed through the support 11. In the illustrated example, four cooling passages 12, 12', 12'', 12''' extend through the support 11 from one axial end to the other axial end. Each cooling passage 12, 12', 12'', 12''' is disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis L_8 and the longitudinal axis L_1, respectively. The cooling passages 5 are formed in the intermediate element 9 during the primary forming of the extrusion. The support 11 has an inlet cooling passage 12 and an outlet cooling passage 12''' which are fluidly connected to each other.

[0024] In the illustrated example, the inlet cooling passage 12 and the outlet cooling passage 12''' are fluidly connected to each other via a first central cooling passage 12' and a second central cooling passage 12". Coolant is supplied to the inlet cooling passage 12 from a fluid source, such as a pump, and discharged from the outlet cooling passage 12''' to a fluid sink, such as a tank.

[0025] The intermediate element 9 has front faces 10, 10' at both axial ends, a first cover element 16 is arranged on one front face 10 and a second cover element 19 is arranged on the opposite front face 10', which together with the intermediate element 9 define a first housing chamber 42. As the intermediate element 9 is in contact with the respective cover element 16, 19 at its front faces 10, 10', the front faces 10, 10' are also referred to as axial contact faces. Furthermore, a second housing chamber 43 is defined by the intermediate element 9 and the cover elements 16, 19.

[0026] The first intermediate unit 8 is connected to the second intermediate unit 8' and is disposed so as to surround the second housing chamber 43, in which the second battery mounting portion 47 is located.

[0027] The second intermediate unit 8' is connected to the third intermediate unit 8'' and is disposed to surround the third housing chamber 44. A third battery arrangement portion 48 is located in the third housing chamber 44.

[0028] The third intermediate unit 8'' is connected to the end unit 20 so as to surround the fourth housing chamber 45. The fourth housing chamber 45 has a fourth battery arrangement portion 49 therein.

[0029] The end unit 20 is designed as a machined extrusion profile and consists of a U-shaped end element 21 extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L_1. This end element 21 has a first side wall 23 and a second side wall 23' arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis L_1. A plate-shaped cover part 22 extends between the first side wall 23 and the second side wall 23'. The cover parts 24, 24' of the end unit 20 are arranged in front of the end element 21 and together with the end element 21 define a fourth housing chamber 45.

[0030] The first intermediate unit 8, the second intermediate unit 8' and the third intermediate unit 8'' are designed to be identical.

[0031] The first cover element 16 has an opening 17. The opening 17 is slot-shaped and the cross section of the opening 17 is complementary to the cross section of the transition shoulder 13. The first cover element 16 further has a recess 18. The recess 18 adjoins the opening 17 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L_8.

[0032] The transition shoulder 13 extends into the opening 17. In the illustrated example, the transition shoulder 13 extends through the opening 17 into the recess 18. Thus, one portion of the transition shoulder 13 is disposed within the opening 17 and another portion of the transition shoulder 13 is disposed within the recess 18. In the illustrated example, the openings of each of the cooling passages 12, 12', 12'', 12''' are disposed within the recess 18. It is also conceivable that the transition shoulder 13 could pass through the recess 18 such that the openings of each of the cooling passages 12 are disposed outside of the recess 18.

[0033] A connecting element 25 is arranged in the recess 18. In the illustrated example, this connecting element 25 is connected to the intermediate element 9 by means of fastening elements 39 designed as screws. Each fastening element 39 is screwed into a threaded hole 14 formed in the transition shoulder 13. The connecting element 25 can also be attached to the cover element 16 by means of fastening elements.

[0034] The connection element 25 has an inlet manifold part 27 arranged in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L_8 so as to overlap the inlet cooling passage 12. The inlet manifold part 27 is fluidly connected to a coolant source designed as a pump. The inlet manifold part 27 has a connection recess 28 fluidly connected to the inlet cooling passage 12. The connection recess 28 extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L_8 or to the longitudinal axis L_1.

[0035] The connecting recess 28 merges into a collection chamber 29. In the example shown, the collection chamber 29 is cylindrical and has a cylinder axis which is arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis L_8 or to the longitudinal axis L_1.

[0036] At a first end of the collecting chamber 29 there is a first interface 30, in which a first connecting element 40 is arranged in a sealing manner. The first connecting element 40 is firmly connected to a tube element 41. The tube element 41 has a tube axis which is arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis L_8 or to the longitudinal axis L_1. The cylinder axis and the tube axis are arranged parallel to each other, in particular are identical.

[0037] At a second end of the collecting chamber 29 opposite to the first end there is a second interface 31 in which a second connecting element 40' is arranged in a sealing manner. The second connecting element 40' is firmly connected to a further tube element 41'. The tube element 41' has a tube axis arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis L_8 or to the longitudinal axis L_1. The cylinder axis and the tube axis are arranged parallel to each other, in particular are identical.

[0038] The tube element 41' is fluidly connected to the inlet manifold part 27' of the connection element 25' of the second intermediate unit 8'. For this purpose, the tube element 41' is rigidly connected to the first connection element 40 of the second intermediate unit 8'. In other words, the inlet manifold part 27 of the connection element 25 of the first intermediate unit 8 is fluidly connected to the inlet manifold part 27' of the connection element 25' of the second intermediate unit 8' via the tube element 41'. Similarly, the inlet manifold part 27' of the connection element 25' of the second intermediate unit 8' is fluidly connected to the inlet manifold part 27'' of the connection element 25'' of the third intermediate unit 8'' via another tube element 41''. The tube element and the two connection elements together can also be referred to as a fluid connection arrangement.

[0039] The third intermediate unit 8'' connected to the end unit 20 has an end plug 51 instead of the second connecting element, which seals the corresponding collection chamber at the second interface.

[0040] The base unit 2 has a connection element 52 which is fluidly connected to the cooling passage 5 of the base element 3 in the same manner as the connection element 25. This connection element 52 has an end plug 53 at the interface of the corresponding collection chamber opposite the first intermediate unit 8.

[0041] The connection element 25 has an outlet manifold section 32, which is arranged in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L_8 so as to overlap the outlet cooling passage 12'''. The outlet manifold section 32 is designed similarly to the inlet manifold section 27.

[0042] The outlet manifold section 32 has a connecting recess 33 in fluid communication with the outlet cooling passage 12''', which extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L_8 or the longitudinal axis L_1 and leads to a collecting chamber 34. In the illustrated example, the collecting chamber 34 is cylindrical, the cylindrical axis of which is arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis L_8 or the longitudinal axis L_1.

[0043] At a first end of the collection chamber 34 there is a first interface 35 in which a first coupling element is hermetically disposed. The first coupling element is rigidly connected to a tube element. At a second end opposite the first end of the collection chamber 34 there is a second interface 36 in which a second coupling element is hermetically disposed. The second coupling element is rigidly connected to another tube element.

[0044] The outlet manifold section 32 of the connection element 25 of the first intermediate unit 8 is fluidly connected to the outlet manifold section 32' of the connection element 25' of the second intermediate unit 8' via a tube element. Similarly, the outlet manifold section 32' of the connection element 25' of the second intermediate unit 8' is fluidly connected to the outlet manifold section 32'' of the connection element 25'' of the third intermediate unit 8'' via another tube element. Since the design of the fluid connection between the two outlet manifold sections is similar to the connection between the two inlet manifold sections, reference is made here to the relevant description above for the sake of brevity.

[0045] The connecting element 25 comprises an intermediate portion 37 connecting the inlet manifold portion 27 to the outlet manifold portion 32. The intermediate portion 37 may have a recess fluidly connecting the first central cooling passage 12' and the second central cooling passage 12''. Alternatively, the fluid connection between the first central cooling passage 12' and the second central cooling passage 12'' may be realized by a recess in the support portion 11.

[0046] The sealing element 38 is arranged between the transition shoulder 13 and the connecting element 25. The connecting element 25 has a recess 54 in which the sealing element 38 is arranged. This recess 54 extends into the connecting element 25 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L_1 or L_8. The recess 54 is bounded radially outwardly by an annular shoulder 55. This shoulder 55 at least partially surrounds the sealing element 38 and the transition shoulder 13.

[0047] The sealing element 38 contacts the front surface of the transition shoulder 13 on one side and the base surface 26 of the recess 54 on the opposite side. The base surface 26 is part of the front surface of the connecting element 25.

[0048] As a result of the transition shoulder 13 passing through the opening 17, in the event of a leak in the area of ​​the sealing element 38, the coolant will leak outside the housing 1 and not into the housing 1. This avoids any catastrophic damage to the battery arrangement.

[0049] As can be seen in particular in FIG. 11, the second cover element 19 is also provided with an opening 56 through which a further transition shoulder 57 of the intermediate element 9 passes. The cross section of the transition shoulder 57 is complementary to the cross section of the opening 56. In the transition shoulder 57, the opening of the cooling passage 12 is formed.

[0050] A sealing strip 58 is connected to the support 11 via connecting means not shown. A further sealing element 59 is arranged between the sealing strip 58 and the front face of the transition shoulder 57. The sealing strip 58 may comprise a first recess fluidly connecting the inlet cooling passage 12 to the first central cooling passage 12' and / or a second recess fluidly connecting the second central cooling passage 12'' to the outlet cooling passage 12'''. Alternatively, the fluid connection between the inlet cooling passage 12 and the first central cooling passage 12' and / or the fluid connection between the second central cooling passage 12'' and the outlet cooling passage 12''' may also be formed in the support 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1. Housing 2 Base Unit 3 Base Elements 4 Base 5 Cooling passage 6 side wall 7 Cover Elements 8 Intermediate Unit 9 Intermediate Elements 10 Front 11 Support part 12 Cooling passage 13 Transition 14 Screw holes 15 Side wall 16 Cover Elements 17 Opening 18 Recess 19 Cover Elements 20 End unit 21 End element 22 Cover part 23 Side wall 24 Cover Elements 25 Connection Elements 26 Base surface 27 Inlet manifold section 28 Connection recess 29 Collection Room 30 Interface 31 Interface 32 Outlet manifold section 33 Connection recess 34 Collection Room 35 Interface 36 Interface 37 Middle Section 38 Sealing element 39 Connection Elements 40 Connection Elements 41 Tube elements 42 Housing Room 43 Housing Room 44 Housing Room 45 Housing Room 46 Battery placement section 47 Battery placement section 48 Battery placement section 49 Battery location 51 End plug 52 Connection elements 53 End plug 54 Recess 55 Ring section 56 Opening 57 Transition Shoulder 58 Seal Strip 59 Sealing element L axis

Claims

1. A housing, in particular a housing for an energy storage device, comprising: a first housing element (9) extending along a longitudinal axis (L_8) having a first side wall (15) on a first longitudinal side and a second side wall (15') on a second longitudinal side, with a support (11) extending therebetween and a passage (12) through which a fluid flows within said support (11); and a first cover element (16) defining at least a portion of a housing chamber (43) together with the first housing element (9) and in contact with the first housing element (9) on an end face (10), The support portion (11) has a transfer portion (13) including an opening of the passage (12), A housing, characterized in that it has an opening (17) in which the first cover element (16) is located, and in which the transfer part (13) extends.

2. 2. A housing according to claim 1, wherein the first cover element (16) or the support (11) is fitted with a first connecting element (25) which is fluidly connected to said passage (12).

3. 3. A housing according to claim 2, wherein a sealing element (38) is arranged between the first connecting element (25) and the transfer part (13), the sealing element (38) being in contact with the transfer part (13) on one side and in contact with the first connecting element (25) on the opposite side.

4. 4. A housing according to claim 3, wherein the first connecting element (25) has a recess (54) in which the sealing element (38) is arranged.

5. 5. A housing according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the sealing element (38) is in contact on one side with an end face of the transfer part (13) and on the opposite side with an end face of the first connecting element (25).

6. A housing according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the sealing element (38) is in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the transfer part (13) on one side and with an inner peripheral surface of the first connecting element (25) on the opposite side.

7. A housing according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the first connecting element (25) has a ring portion (55) surrounding the transfer portion (13).

8. A housing as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first cover element (16) has a recess (18) which connects to an opening (17) on the side opposite the first housing element (9) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (L_8) and the transport portion (13) extends through this opening (17) into or through the recess (18).

9. The housing according to claim 8, wherein the first connecting element (25) is at least partially disposed within the recess (18).

10. a second housing element (9') having a support (11') with a passageway therethrough; a second cover element (16') in contact with the second housing element (9') at its end face; a second connecting element (25') fluidly connected to the passage of the second housing element (9') and fixed to the second cover element (16') or to the support (11'); having a first housing chamber (43) at least partially defined by the second housing element (9') and the second cover element (16'); A housing according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first connecting element (25) and the second connecting element (25') are fluidly connected via a connecting arrangement.

11. 11. The housing according to claim 10, comprising an interface (31) at which the first connection element (25) is disposed, a connection element (40') being connected to a tube element (41') via which the first connection element (25) and the second connection element (25') are fluidly connected to each other.

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