housing

Abstract

The present invention relates to a housing, in particular a housing for an energy storage device, having an intermediate unit (2) and an end unit (52), the intermediate unit (2) having an intermediate element (3) in the form of a prism having an H-shaped base (4) and a longitudinal axis (5), the intermediate element (3) having a first side wall (6) on a first longitudinal side and a second side wall (11) on a second longitudinal side with a support (16) between said side walls extending in a support surface (E_T), the intermediate element (3) being connected to the end unit (52) at first ends (7, 12) of the first side wall (6) and the second side wall (11) respectively remote from the support (16) such that a first housing chamber (84) is formed between the intermediate unit (2) and the end unit (52).

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] The purpose of the housing for the energy storage device is to accommodate the energy storage device and protect it from environmental influences. The housing for the energy storage device can contain interfaces for the transfer of electrical energy between individual batteries or to an electrical load.

[0003] German Patent Publication DE 10 2017 216 782 A1 discloses a module housing for a vehicle battery with a receiving element having a U-shaped cross section for receiving a battery module, the opposing front sides of which are closed by plates which are connected to the receiving element by tension straps. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Publication No. DE102017216782A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT In view of the above-mentioned prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a housing, particularly a housing for an energy storage device, which can be assembled simply. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the housing for an energy storage device of the present invention comprises an intermediate unit and an end unit, the intermediate unit having an intermediate element in the form of a prism having an H-shaped base with 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 extends a support spanning the support surface, the intermediate element being connected to the end unit at a first position on each of the ends of the first side wall and the second side wall remote from the support, such that a first housing chamber is formed between the intermediate unit and the end unit.

[0007] By connecting the end units to the distal ends of the first and second side walls and designing the middle unit in an H-shape, accessibility to the energy storage device and interfaces for operation of the energy storage device during assembly is improved.

[0008] In the present invention, a prism is a geometrical object ("prism") described by the translation of a planar polygon along a longitudinal axis that is not in a plane. The prism is produced, for example, by extruding a material through a polygonal shaped opening. The intermediate element of the present invention can therefore be produced by extrusion. An intermediate element in the form of a prism in the sense of the present invention has the basic shape of a prism, and it is understood that the intermediate element is at least partially a prism, including subsequent machining. The intermediate element can therefore be produced by extrusion or extrusion, followed by machining.

[0009] The longitudinal sides of the intermediate element are to be understood as the sides of the intermediate element which are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis. The end faces (front faces) of the intermediate element are therefore arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and also perpendicular to said longitudinal axis. These end faces (front faces) can therefore also be called cross faces.

[0010] The support lies in a support plane, the support plane passing through the geometric centroid of the cross-sectional area of ​​the support.

[0011] In one possible embodiment, the first end of the first side wall remote from the support can have a first end contact surface connected to the end unit. Alternatively or in combination, the first end of the second side wall remote from the support can have a second end contact surface connected to the end unit. The first end contact surface and the second end contact surface can be located in one end contact surface. The connection between the first end of the side wall and the end unit can be direct, at least partially direct, such that the first end of the respective side wall is in contact with the end unit. Alternatively, the connection between the first end of the side wall and the end unit can be at least partially indirect. In that case, a seal can be provided between the first end of the side wall and the end unit.

[0012] In a further possible embodiment, the intermediate element can be connected to the receiving unit at a second end of the first side wall and at a second side wall opposite the first end, such that a second housing chamber is formed between the intermediate unit and the receiving unit.

[0013] Furthermore, the second end of the first side wall can have a first receiving contact surface part connected to the receiving unit. Alternatively or in combination therewith, the second end of the second side wall can have a second receiving contact surface part connected to the receiving unit. In this case, the first receiving contact surface part and the second receiving contact surface part can be located in the receiving contact surface. The connection between the second end of the side wall and the receiving unit can be at least partially direct, such that the second end of the respective side wall contacts the receiving unit. Alternatively, the connection between the second end of the side wall and the receiving unit can be at least partially indirect. In this case, a seal can be provided, in particular between the second end of the side wall and the receiving unit.

[0014] The end contact surface and the support surface may be arranged parallel to one another and spaced apart by a first amount, and / or the receiving contact surface and the support surface may be arranged parallel to one another and spaced apart by a second amount. In particular, the ratio of the first amount to the second amount may be at least 0.25, in particular at least 0.3, alternatively or in combination therewith, the ratio of the first amount to the second amount may be less than or equal to 4, in particular less than or equal to 3.

[0015] In one possible embodiment, the support may have a passage extending at least partially parallel to the longitudinal axis, the passage having a first passage section with an inlet opening at an inlet end and another passage section with an outlet opening at an outlet end, the first passage section being fluidly connected to an end connection end of the other passage section.

[0016] Furthermore, the first passage section can have an inlet manifold part adjacent to the inlet opening and a further connection manifold part at the connection end. The second passage section can have an outlet manifold part adjacent to the outlet opening and a further connection manifold part at the connection end. The connection manifold part of the first passage section can be fluidly connected to the connection manifold part of the further passage section, in particular can be integral therewith. In particular, it is conceivable that the inlet manifold part of the first passage section and / or the further connection manifold part can be formed by a recess in the first passage section. And / or the outlet manifold part of the further passage section and / or said connection manifold part can be formed by a recess in the further passage section. The recesses in the first and further passage sections can be made by inserting finger cutters in the respective passage sections. In particular, the finger cutters can be aligned such that the longitudinal axis of the finger cutters is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the prism.

[0017] In a further possible embodiment, the intermediate unit can have a first cover element and a second cover element. The first cover element can be connected to the intermediate element at a first front side of the intermediate element and the second cover element can be connected to the intermediate element at a second front side opposite the first front side. In particular, a first end of the first cover element remote from the support can have a third end contact surface part connected to the end unit. A first end of the second cover element remote from the support can have a fourth end contact surface part connected to the end unit. In this case, the third end contact surface part and the fourth end contact surface part can be located in a common end contact surface. The connection between the first ends of the cover elements and the end unit can be at least partially direct, such that the first ends of the respective cover elements are in contact with the end unit. Alternatively, the connection between the first ends of the cover elements and the end unit can be at least partially indirect. In this case, in particular, a seal can be provided between the first ends of the cover elements and the end unit. In particular, the third end contact surface portion and the fourth end contact surface portion may form an annular end contact surface together with the first end contact surface portion and the second end contact surface portion.

[0018] Furthermore, the second end of the first cover element remote from the support can have a third receiving contact surface portion connected to the receiving unit. The second end of the second cover element remote from the support can have a fourth receiving contact surface portion connected to the receiving unit. In this case, the third receiving contact surface portion and the fourth receiving contact surface portion can be located in the receiving contact surface. The connection between the second end of the cover element and the receiving unit can be at least partially direct, such that the second end of the respective cover element contacts the receiving unit. Alternatively, the connection between the second end of the cover element and the receiving unit can be at least partially indirect. In that case, a seal can be provided in particular between the second end of the cover element and the receiving unit. In particular, the third receiving contact surface portion and the fourth receiving contact surface portion can form an annular receiving contact surface together with the first receiving contact surface portion and the second receiving contact surface portion.

[0019] Further, one of the first and second cover elements can have an inlet opening directly adjacent to and merging with the inlet opening of the passage. Alternatively, or in combination, one of the first and second cover elements can have an outlet opening directly adjacent to and merging with the outlet opening of the passage. The inlet and outlet openings can intersect the support surface and be located outside the end contact surface and the receiving contact surface, respectively.

[0020] Furthermore, the first cover element and / or the second cover element may have a first weld opening and a second weld opening, respectively, arranged to overlap the support, and a passageway may be arranged in the longitudinal projection between the first weld opening and the second weld opening.

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the housing of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a housing for an energy storage device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, including an intermediate unit. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the housing of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the housing of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 1 taken along the section line IV-IV of FIG. 3; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a front view of the intermediate unit of the housing of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the housing of FIG. 1 taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 shows the direction of coolant flow in the intermediate element of the housing of FIG. 1 with dashed arrows. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a front view of the intermediate element of the housing of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] A diagram showing [Figure 5] on the scale of [Figure 8]. [Figure 10]A superimposition of Figure 8 and Figure 9, with Figure 9 shown partially transparent. [Figure 11] Detailed view of part XI in Figure 6. [Figure 12] Detailed view of the weld opening. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a housing of a second embodiment of the invention with two intermediate units. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view of the housing of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 13. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] [FIG. 1] to [FIG. 12] show a housing 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [FIG. 1] to [FIG. 12] will be described below together. The housing 1 according to the first embodiment includes one intermediate unit 2, one end unit 52, and one receiving unit 63. The end unit 52 is connected to the intermediate unit 2 by a screw arranged on the outer periphery. As a result, a first housing chamber (accommodating chamber) 84 is formed. The receiving unit 63 is connected to the intermediate unit 2 by a screw arranged on the outer periphery. As a result, a second housing chamber 85 is formed between the receiving unit 63 and the intermediate unit 2. A first energy storage device 87 is accommodated in the first housing chamber 84, and a second energy storage device 88 is accommodated in the second housing chamber 85.

[0024] The intermediate unit 2 comprises an intermediate element 3, which has a prismatic basic shape with an H-shaped base 4 extending along a longitudinal axis 5. The intermediate element 3 is designed as an extruded profile with machined parts and can be made in particular from aluminum. The intermediate element 3 has a first side wall 6 and a second side wall 11 arranged parallel to one another. A flat support 16 extends between the first side wall 6 and the second side wall 11. The first side wall 6 and the second side wall 11 are thus connected to one another via the support 16. The support 16 extends along a support surface E_T. The center of gravity of the cross section 15 lies in the support surface E_T with respect to the longitudinal axis 5 through the support 16.

[0025] The first end 7 of the first side wall 6 remote from the support 16 has a thickened portion which terminates in an end contact surface 8. The first end 12 of the second side wall 11 remote from the support 16 has a thickened portion which terminates in an end contact surface 13. The end contact surface 8 of the first end 7 of the first side wall 6 and the end contact surface 13 of the first end 12 of the second side wall 11 lie in a common end contact surface E_AB. The end contact surface E_AB is parallel to the support surface E_T and is spaced from the support surface E_T by a first amount D1.

[0026] The second end 9 of the first side wall 6 remote from the support 16 has a thickened portion which terminates in a receiving contact surface portion 10. The second end 14 of the second side wall 11 remote from the support 16 has a thickened portion which terminates in a receiving contact surface portion 15. The receiving contact surface portion 10 of the second end 9 of the first side wall 6 and the receiving contact surface portion 15 of the second end 14 of the second side wall 11 lie within a common receiving contact surface E_AUF.

[0027] The receiving contact surface E_AUF is parallel to the support surface E_T and offset from the support surface E_T by a second amount D2.

[0028] In the illustrated example, the quantities D1 and D2 are identical. The ratio of the first quantity D1 to the second quantity D2 is therefore 1. However, this ratio may be at least 0.25, in particular at least 0.3 and / or less than or equal to 4, in particular less than or equal to 3.

[0029] The intermediate unit 2 comprises a first cover element 36 and a second cover element 41. The first cover element 36 is connected to the intermediate element 3 at a first front face (end face) of the intermediate element 3. The second cover element 41 is connected to the intermediate element 3 at an opposite second front face (end face). In the illustrated example, the connection between the first cover element 36 or the second cover element 41 and the intermediate element 3 is made by welding. The welding process is explained in more detail below. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the connection between the respective elements is made by a removable connection, for example by screws. The first cover element 36 and the second cover element 41 together with the intermediate element 3 form a first half shell that opens in the direction of the end unit and a second half shell that opens in the direction of the receiving unit.

[0030] The first end 37 of the first cover element 36 remote from the support 16 has a third end contact surface portion 38. The first end 42 of the second cover element 41 remote from the support 16 has a fourth end contact surface portion 43. The third end contact surface portion 38 and the fourth end contact surface portion 43 lie in the end contact surface E_AB. The first end contact surface portion 8, the second end contact surface portion 13, the third end contact surface portion 38 and the fourth end contact surface portion 43 form an annular end contact surface 46 of the intermediate unit 2.

[0031] The second end 39 of the first cover element 36 remote from the support has a third receiving contact surface portion 40. The second end 44 of the second cover element 41 remote from the support 16 has a fourth receiving contact surface portion 45. The third receiving contact surface portion 40 and the fourth receiving contact surface portion 45 are in the receiving contact surface E_AUF. The first receiving contact surface portion 10, the second receiving contact surface portion 15, the third receiving contact surface portion 40 and the fourth receiving contact surface portion 45 cooperate to form an annular receiving contact surface 47 of the intermediate unit 2.

[0032] A cable or a pipe can extend from the first housing chamber 84 into the second housing chamber 85 through an opening 93 in the support 16 of the intermediate element 3 .

[0033] The end unit 52 has an end element 53 having a basic shape of a prism with a U-shaped base. The end element 53 has a first side wall 56 arranged parallel to a second side wall 59. A flat end section 62 extends between the first side wall 56 and the second side wall 59. An end 57 of the first side wall 56 remote from the end section 62 is provided with a widened portion defined by a first end contact surface 58. An end 60 of the second side wall 59 remote from the end section 62 is provided with a widened portion defined by a second end contact surface 61.

[0034] The end unit 52 comprises a first cover element 78 and a second cover element 81. The first cover element 78 is connected to the end element 53 at a first front side of the end element 53. The second cover element 81 is connected to the end element 53. The connection between the first cover element 78 or the second cover element 81 and the end element 53 is realized by welding. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the connection between the respective elements is formed by a removable connection, for example by screws. The first cover element 78 and the second cover element 81 together with the end element 53 form a half shell that is open in the direction towards the intermediate unit 2.

[0035] An end 79 of the first cover element 78 remote from the end section 62 has a third end contact surface portion 80. An end 82 of the second cover element 81 remote from the end section 62 has a fourth end contact surface portion 83. The third end contact portion 80 and the fourth end contact surface portion 83 lie in an end contact plane E_AB.

[0036] The first end contact surface portion 58, the second end contact surface portion 61, the third end contact surface portion 80 and the fourth end contact surface portion 83 of the end unit 52 form an annular end contact surface 46' of the end unit 52.

[0037] The end contact surface 46 of the intermediate unit 2 and the end contact surface 46' of the end unit 52 are connected via a circumferential seal (not shown). For this purpose, a screw connection is provided between the intermediate unit 2 and the end unit 52, which is distributed over the periphery.

[0038] The receiving unit 63 has a receiving element 64 having a basic shape of a prism with a U-shaped base. The receiving element 64 has a first side wall 65 arranged parallel to a second side wall 68. A flat end section 71 extends between the first side wall 65 and the second side wall 68. At the end of the first side wall 65 remote from the end section 71 a widened portion is provided. This widened portion is defined by a first receiving contact surface portion 67. At the end of the second side wall 68 remote from the end section 71 a widened portion is provided. This widened portion is defined by a second receiving contact surface portion 70.

[0039] The receiving unit 63 comprises a first cover element 72 and a second cover element 75. The first cover element 72 is coupled (firmly connected) to the receiving element 64 at a first front side of the receiving element 64. The second cover element 75 is coupled to the receiving element 64. The coupling between the first cover element 72 or the second cover element 75 and the receiving element 64 is realized by welding. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the coupling between the respective elements is removable, for example by means of screws. The first cover element 72 and the second cover element 75 together with the receiving element 64 form a half shell that is open in the direction towards the intermediate unit 2.

[0040] An end 73 of the first cover element 72 remote from the end section 71 has a third receiving contact surface portion 74. An end 76 of the second cover element 75 remote from the end section 71 has a fourth receiving contact surface portion 77. The third receiving contact surface portion 74 and the fourth receiving contact surface portion 77 lie in the receiving contact surface E_AUF. The first receiving contact surface portion 40, the second receiving contact surface portion 45, the third receiving contact surface portion 74 and the fourth receiving contact surface portion 77 of the receiving unit 63 form an annular receiving contact surface 47' of the receiving unit 63.

[0041] The receiving contact surface 47 of the intermediate unit 2 and the receiving contact surface 47' of the receiving unit 63 are connected by a peripheral seal, not shown. For this purpose, a screw connection is provided between the intermediate unit 2 and the receiving unit 63.

[0042] A passage 17 is integrally formed in the support 16. The passage 17 has a first passage section 18, a second passage section 19, a third passage section 20 and a fourth passage section 21, each of which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 5 and is fluidly connected to one another. The first passage section 18 is defined by a first boundary wall 22 and a first partition wall 23. The second passage section 19 is defined by a first partition wall 23 and a second partition wall 23'. The third passage section 20 is defined by a second partition wall 23' and a third partition wall 23''. The fourth passage section 21 is defined by a third partition wall 23'' and a second boundary wall 22'. In the illustrated example, the widths of the four passage sections 18, 19, 20, 21 are the same. However, it is also conceivable to design the passage sections 18, 19, 20, 21 with different widths, for example in order to optimize the flow behavior of the coolant.

[0043] A dividing rib 24 is arranged in each of the four passage sections 18, 19, 20, 21, which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis 5. The dividing rib 24 therefore divides each of the four passage sections 18, 19, 20, 21 into two. In the illustrated example, the passage sections have the same width. However, it is also conceivable to design the passage sections with different widths, for example to optimize the flow behavior of the coolant.

[0044] The passageway 17 includes an inlet opening 26 at an inlet end 25. The inlet end 25 is defined by a first passageway section 18. The passageway 17 includes an outlet opening 28 at an outlet end 27. The outlet end 27 is defined by a fourth passageway section 18. The inlet opening 26 is fluidly connected to the outlet opening 28 via the four passageway sections 18, 19, 20, 21.

[0045] The first cover element 36 has an inlet opening 48 which is directly adjacent to and merges into the inlet opening 26 of the passage 17. The coolant can thus be supplied to the passage 17 via the inlet opening 48. For this purpose, connection means for external lines can be provided at the inlet opening 48. To optimise the flow, the inlet opening 48 is essentially conical, widening in the direction towards the inlet opening 26 of the passage 17.

[0046] The first cover element 36 also comprises an outlet opening 49 which is directly adjacent to and merges into the outlet opening 28 of the passage 17. The coolant can therefore be removed from the passage 17 via the outlet opening 49. For this purpose, connection means for external lines can be provided at the outlet opening 49. To optimise the flow, the outlet opening 49 is essentially conical, widening in the direction towards the outlet opening 28.

[0047] The inlet opening 48 and the outlet opening 49 are fluidly connected via a flow passage 17. The inlet opening 48 and the outlet opening 49 are each arranged to intersect with the support surface E_T. In other words, the inlet opening 48 and the outlet opening 49 are at least partially located within the support surface E_T. The inlet opening 48 and the outlet opening 49 are arranged outside the end contact surface E_AB and the receiving contact surface E_AUF mentioned above.

[0048] The first passage section 18 has an inlet manifold portion 31 adjacent the inlet opening 26 and a connecting manifold portion 32 at a connecting end 29. The second passage section 19 has a connecting manifold portion 32' at one end which merges with the first passage section 18. The second passage section 19 has a connecting manifold portion 33 at another end. The third passage section 20 has a connecting manifold portion 33' at one end 10 which merges with the connecting manifold portion 33 of the second passage section 19. The third passage section 20 has a connecting manifold portion 34 at another end. The fourth passage section 21 has a connecting manifold portion 34' at the connecting end 30 which merges with the connecting manifold portion 34 of the third passage section 20. The fourth passage section 21 has an outlet manifold portion 35 adjacent the outlet opening 28.

[0049] The inlet manifold section 31, the above-mentioned connecting manifold sections 32, 32', 33, 33', 34, 34' and the outlet manifold section 35 are each formed by recesses in the flow passages 17. Here, the partitions 23, 23', 23'' and the dividing ribs 24, 24' which in the semi-finished state of the intermediate element 3 extend from one front face to the other front face of the intermediate element 3 are removed in the respective regions of the manifold sections. This can be done, for example, by inserting finger cutters into the passages 17.

[0050] In FIG. 7 the flow path of the coolant between the inlet opening 26 and the outlet opening 28 is shown diagrammatically by dashed arrows. As can be seen from this figure, the coolant meanders back and forth between the two end faces of the intermediate element. Since the number of passage sections is even, the coolant enters the passages 17 at the same front face of the intermediate element 3 through the inlet opening 26 and likewise leaves through the outlet opening 28. It will be understood that the number of sections can be freely selected and that the outlet of the coolant at the opposite front faces of the intermediate element 3 can in particular be realised with an odd number of passage sections.

[0051] 8 to 12 show the welded seams between the intermediate element 3 and the cover elements 36, 37 of the intermediate unit 2. The relevant comments apply analogously to the connection of the end element 53 to the cover elements 78, 81 of the intermediate unit 2, as well as to the connection of the end element 52 and the receiving element 64 to the cover elements 72, 75 of the receiving unit 63.

[0052] The main welds run along the periphery of the bottom surface 4 or end surface of the intermediate element 3 shown in Figs. 8 and 10. For clarity, the bottom surface 4 is shown hatched in Figs. 8 and 10, and the main welds represent a substantially H-shaped area corresponding to the end surface or bottom surface 4 of the intermediate element 3. In other words, the main weld seams delimit a substantially H-shaped surface corresponding to the end surface or bottom surface 4 of the intermediate element. The main welding of the intermediate element 3 to the first cover element 36 at one end surface and to the second cover element 41 at the opposite end surface 20 ensures a connection between the intermediate element 3 and the two elements. At the same time, this welding allows the first half shell of the intermediate unit 2, which opens in the direction towards the end unit 2, and the second half shell of the intermediate unit 2, which opens in the direction towards the receiving unit 63, to be sealed from each other.

[0053] Furthermore, two auxiliary welds are made between the intermediate element 3 and the respective cover element. For this purpose, for example, the first cover element 36 is provided with a first weld opening 50 and a second weld opening 51, which extend at least through the thickness of the support 16. By forming auxiliary weld seams in the first weld opening 50 and the second weld opening 51, the upper part of the main weld seam is connected to the lower part of the main weld seam. These two auxiliary weld seams frame the passage 17 together with the main weld seam and ensure an effective sealing of the passage 17. For this purpose, the first weld opening 50 and the second weld opening 51 are arranged in such a way that in a projection along the longitudinal axis 5 the passage 17 is completely located between them. By welding the intermediate element 3 to the first cover element 36 at one end and to the second cover element 41 at the opposite end using a combination of main and auxiliary weld seams, a reliable seal can be achieved between the first half shell opening towards the end unit 52 and the second half shell of the intermediate unit 2 opening towards the receiving unit 63.

[0054] [Fig. 13] to [Fig. 15] show a housing 1' according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 13] to [Fig. 15] will be described collectively below. The second embodiment is essentially different from the first embodiment in that a second intermediate unit 2' is provided between the first intermediate unit 2 and the receiving unit 63. Please refer to the above description for features common to the first embodiment in the second embodiment. The same reference symbols are used for the same or corresponding elements.

[0055] The housing 1' of the second embodiment has a first intermediate unit 2, a second intermediate unit 2', an end unit 52 and a receiving unit 63. The end unit 52 is connected to the first intermediate unit 2 by screws, thereby forming a first housing chamber 84. The first intermediate unit 2 is connected to the second intermediate unit 2', thereby forming a second housing chamber 85 between the first intermediate unit 2 and the second intermediate unit 2. The second intermediate unit 2' is connected to the receiving unit 63, thereby forming a third housing chamber 86 between the second intermediate unit 2 and the receiving unit 63. A first energy storage device 87 is disposed in the first housing chamber 84, a second energy storage device 88 is disposed in the second housing chamber 85, and a third energy storage device 89 is disposed in the third housing chamber 86. Thus, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the housing 1 has a modular structure and can be further expanded. Each additional intermediate unit represents an intermediate unit of the receiving unit above it.

[0056] 13 shows that the cover element 41 has three openings 90, 91, 92 in which interfaces can be arranged, via which the energy of the energy storage device can be discharged or energy can be supplied to the energy storage device. It is also conceivable to connect the energy storage device via the openings 90, 91, 92 to a control device, not shown. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1. Housing 2 Intermediate unit 3. Intermediate elements 4 Bottom 5 Vertical axis 6 side wall 7 End of side wall 8 End contact surface 9 End of side wall 10 Receiving contact surface 11 Side wall 12 Sidewall Edge 13 End contact surface 14 Sidewall Edge 15 Receiving contact surface 16 Support part 17 Passage 18 Passage Section 19 Passage Section 20 Passage Section 21 Passage Section 22 Boundary Wall 23 Bulkhead 24 Split Rib 25 Inlet end 26 Entrance opening 27 Outlet end 28 Exit opening 29 Connection end 30 Connection end 31 Inlet manifold section 32 Connection manifold 33 Connection manifold 34 Connection manifold 35 Outlet manifold section 36 Cover Elements 37 End of cover element 38 End contact surface 39 End of cover element 40 Receiving contact surface 41 Cover Elements 42 Cover element end 43 End contact surface 44 End of cover element 45 Receiving contact surface 46 End contact surface 47 Receptacle contact surface 48 Entrance opening 49 Exit opening 50 Welded Opening 51 Welding Opening 52 End unit 53 End element 56 Side wall 57 End of side wall 58 End contact surface 59 Side wall 60 End of side wall 61 End contact surface 62 End Section 63 Receiving Unit 64 Acceptance elements 65 Side wall 66 Sidewall End 67 Receiving contact surface 68 Side wall 69 Sidewall End 70 Receiving contact surface 71 End Section 72 Cover Elements 73 Cover element end 74 Receiving contact surface 75 Cover Elements 76 Cover element end 77 Receiving contact surface 78 Cover Elements 79 Cover element end 80 End contact surface 81 Cover Elements 82 Cover element end 83 End contact surface 84 Housing Chamber 85 Housing Chamber 86 Housing Chamber 87 Energy Storage Device 88 Energy Storage Device 89 Energy Storage Devices 90 aperture 91 Aperture 92 Aperture E_T Support surface E_AB End contact surface E_UP Receiving contact surface D Distance

Claims

1. It has an intermediate unit (2) and an end unit (52), The intermediate unit (2) comprises a prism-shaped intermediate element (3) having a longitudinal axis (5) with an H-shaped base (4), the intermediate element (3) having a first longitudinal side with a first side wall (6) and a second longitudinal side with a second side wall (11), between which a support (16) extends, the support surface of which is in the support surface (E_T), The intermediate element (3) is coupled to the end unit (52) at first ends (7, 12) of the first side wall (6) and the second side wall (11) remote from the support (16) so that a first housing chamber (84) is formed between the intermediate unit (2) and the end unit (52); 1. A housing, in particular a housing for an energy storage device, characterized in that:

2. a first end (7) of the first side wall (6) remote from the support (16) has a first end contact surface (8) connected to an end unit (52); a first end (12) of the second side wall (11) remote from the support (16) has a second end contact surface (13) connected to the end unit (52); The first end contact surface (8) and the second end contact surface (13) are located within the end contact surface (E_AB), The housing of claim 1 .

3. the intermediate element (3) is connected to the receiving unit (63) at the second end (9, 14) of each of the first side wall (6) and the second side wall (11) opposite the first end (7, 12); A second housing chamber (84) is formed between the intermediate unit (2) and the receiving unit (63); The housing of claim 1 .

4. a second end (9) of the first side wall (7) having a first receiving contact surface (10) connected to the receiving unit (63); a second end (14) of the second side wall (11) having a second receiving contact surface (15) connected to the receiving unit (63); The first receiving contact surface portion (10) and the second receiving contact surface portion (15) are located within the receiving contact surface (E_AUF), 4. The housing of claim 3.

5. the end contact surface (E_AB) and the support surface (E_T) are arranged parallel and spaced apart from each other by a first amount (D1); the receiving contact surface (E_AUF) and the support surface (E_T) are arranged in parallel and spaced apart by a second amount (D2), in particular the ratio of the first amount (D1) to the second amount (D2) is at least 0.25, in particular at least 0.3, and the ratio of the first amount (D1) to the second amount (D2) is not more than 4, in particular not more than 3; 5. The housing of claim 4.

6. 2. A housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the support (16) has a passage (17) which extends at least partially parallel to the longitudinal axis (5).

7. the passage (17) having a first passage section (18) at an inlet end (25) having an inlet opening (26) and another passage section (21) having an outlet opening (28); At the outlet end (27), the first passage section (18) is fluidly connected at a connecting end (29) to a connecting end (30) of another passage section (21); 7. The housing of claim 6.

8. the first passage section (18) comprising an inlet manifold portion (31) adjacent the inlet opening (26) and a connection manifold portion (32) at the connection end (29); the further passage section (21) comprises an outlet manifold portion (35) adjacent the outlet opening (28) and a connection manifold portion (34') at the connection end (30); the connection manifold part (32) of the first passage section (18) is fluidly connected to, and in particular integrally formed with, the connection manifold part (34') of the further passage section (21); 8. The housing of claim 7.

9. the inlet manifold section (31) and / or the connection manifold section (32) of the first flow path section (18) are formed by recesses in the first flow path section (18), and / or the outlet manifold portion (35) and / or the connecting manifold portion (34') of the passage section (21) are formed by recesses in the further passage section (21); 9. The housing of claim 8.

10. the intermediate unit (2) comprises a first cover element (36) and a second cover element (41); The first cover element (36) is connected to the intermediate element (3) at a first end surface of the intermediate element (3), and the second cover element (41) is connected to the intermediate element (3) at a second end surface opposite to the first end surface. The housing of claim 1 .

11. a first end (37) of the first cover element (36) remote from the support (16) has a third end contact surface (38) connected to the end unit (52); a first end (42) of the second cover element (41) remote from the support (16) has a fourth end contact surface (43) connected to the end unit (52); The third end contact surface portion (38) and the fourth end contact surface portion (43) are located within the end contact surface (E_AB), and in particular the first end contact surface portion (8) and the second end contact surface portion (13) form an annular end contact surface 46; The housing of claim 10.

12. a second end (39) of the first cover element (36) remote from the support (16) has a third receiving contact surface (40) connected to the receiving unit (63); a second end (44) of the second cover element (41) remote from the support (16) has a fourth receiving contact surface (45) connected to the receiving unit (63); The third receiving contact surface portion (40) and the fourth receiving contact surface portion (45) are located within the receiving contact surface (E_AUF), and in particular the first receiving contact surface portion (10) and the second receiving contact surface portion (15) form an annular receiving contact surface (47). The housing of claim 10.

13. one of the first cover element (36) and the second cover element (41) has an inlet opening (48) directly adjacent to and merging into the inlet opening (26) of the passage (17); one of the first cover element (36) and the second cover element (41) has an outlet opening (49) directly adjacent to and merging with the outlet opening (28) of the passage (17); The inlet opening (48) and the outlet opening (49) intersect the support surface (E_T) and are located outside the end contact surface (E_AB) and the receiving contact surface (E_AUF), respectively; 11. The housing of claim 10, wherein:

14. 11. The housing according to claim 10, wherein the first cover element (36) and / or the second cover element (41) have a first welding opening (50) and / or a second welding opening (50) arranged superimposed on the support surface (16).

Images