Casing for electric batteries

Abstract

A casing for an electric battery, applicable to an electric battery (2) and used to house inside it a number of identical electrochemical cells (3), said casing comprising a container-shaped metallic box (10) formed by a lower base (101) and a surrounding wall (102) in which the cells (3) are integrated, characterized in that on the inside of the lower base (101) of said box (10) there is a number of identical slots (4) distributed over the entire surface area of ​​the lower base (101) and in that the slots (4) are of a number, shape and size adapted to receive the lower part of each of the cells (3) of the battery, such that each of the cells (3) is fixed in one of the slots (4) and is separated from each other with regular gaps between the cells (3).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention, as described in the heading of this specification, relates to a casing for an electric battery that, for its intended function, provides the advantages and features detailed below.

[0002] The object of the present invention is a casing for an electric battery, in particular for an electric battery for example for a motorcycle or similar electric vehicle, formed by a metal box containing a number of electrochemical cells that are easily connected and that convert the stored chemical elements into an electric current, and which is essentially distinguished in that, thanks to the presence of slots made in the casing into which the cells are fitted by their edges, the casing itself keeps said cells perfectly positioned and fixed with regular gaps between them, and which improves the evacuation of the heat generated by the cells.

[0003] The field of application of the invention lies within the field of industry involved in the production of electric batteries, with a particular focus on the field of cell electric batteries. [Background technology]

[0004] Cell electric batteries of the type concerned here are known on the market, which are formed by a casing that houses inside it a number of electrochemical cells connected to generate an electric current, meaning that the number of cells is irrelevant: for example, in the case of a battery designed for an electric motorcycle, the number of cells may be around 200.

[0005] To optimize their performance, this type of battery must accurately dissipate the heat generated by the cells, which is currently dissipated by radial conduction due to the presence of connections on the top and bottom of the cells that prevent axial cooling.

[0006] Furthermore, the battery must have all cells precisely positioned so that the connecting arcs can be performed later, for example, by a computer-controlled robot. Currently, precise cell positioning is achieved by connecting elements that secure the cells together in their central regions and leave their ends (top and bottom) free to connect them.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a casing specially designed to improve heat transfer to the outside of the cells, and means to facilitate accurate fixing and positioning of the cells for further connection.

[0008] On the other hand, with reference to the current state of the art, the applicant, at least, is not aware of any other casings for electric batteries that exhibit the same or similar technical and structural features as those claimed in this specification. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The casing for an electric battery proposed by the present invention constitutes an appropriate solution to the above-mentioned object, and its distinguishing characteristic details are conveniently set out in the final claims attached hereto.

[0010] In particular, what the invention proposes is, as mentioned above, a casing for an electric battery, and in particular for an electric battery for example for a motorcycle or similar electric vehicle, formed by a metal box containing a number of identical electrochemical cells, essentially distinguished by the presence of slots made in the casing itself, into which the cells fit at their ends, keeping said cells perfectly positioned and fixed with regular gaps between them, thus improving the exhaust generated by the cells.

[0011] More specifically, the casing that is the object of the present invention essentially comprises a container-shaped box formed by a lower base and a peripheral wall, in which the preferably cylindrical electrochemical cells of the battery are integrated, said lower base being provided on its internal surface with a series of slots machined by milling, these slots having a shape, size and clearance adapted over the entire extent of said surface to receive the lower portion of each of the cell bodies, so that said cells remain fixed and separated from one another with small regular tolerances.

[0012] As mentioned above, the cells are preferably cylindrical, and therefore in a preferred embodiment the slots in the inner surface of the base of the container-shaped box are circular, the diameter of which matches the diameter of the cells.

[0013] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the cells are adapted to each of said slots by the use of a centering piece, a kind of bowl made of plastic material, orificed in its lower part and equipped with slit walls, which gives it a certain degree of flexibility and which is interposed in its lower part between the cell and the housing which each slot defines, making it possible to achieve improved adjustment of each cell in its associated slot.

[0014] In any case, it is preferably foreseen to incorporate an adhesive between the lower base of the cell and the housing defined by the slot on the inner surface of the base of the casing box to ensure optimal fixation of the cell, this adhesive having a composition such that it is transformed into a high-voltage electrical insulator with low resistance to heat dissipation, thereby allowing thermal conduction between the cell and the casing and making it easier for the heat generated by the cell to be evacuated towards the base of the casing.

[0015] Optionally, the cells are inserted into a housing at the base, preferably together with a centering piece, and fixed with adhesive, and then fixed at the top by a fixing piece or lid provided in the casing, which fits against the peripheral wall of the described container-shaped box and which also serves to center the cells and insulate them, for which purpose preferably circular perforated housings are provided which, like the cells, surround the upper base of each cell, leaving only the contacts necessary for the electrical connection uncovered.

[0016] This upper fixing part, fixed around the periphery of the casing box, serves to center the cells with the upper or opposite side of the cells remaining inserted in the slot in the base of the box, so that all the cells remain perfectly parallel to each other with the same gap, and also closes the structure that supports the cells, insulating the positive electrodes from the negative electrodes and leaving the parts for their connection visible or accessible.

[0017] For this purpose, each circular housing of the upper fixing part is preferably provided with a central hole that coincides with a lug on the upper base of the cell and constitutes the positive electrode or anode of the cell, and with lateral holes in the circular surface present between said central hole and the peripheral wall of the slot, leaving at least a portion of the peripheral edge of each cell visible and constituting the negative electrode or cathode.

[0018] Preferably, the upper fixed part of the casing is likewise provided with a cone, which appears around the circumference of the circular housing and acts as a guide finger, helping to center the set of all cells in their exact position. Since there are a large number of cells (approximately 200), their individual centering would be very difficult, so preferably the centering element should facilitate centering all the cells as a whole.

[0019] An electrical plate is placed on the part and the robot moves it through holes in the part to electrically connect the positive and negative terminals of each cell to the electrical plate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] To complement the description given and to facilitate a best understanding of the features of the present invention, the present specification is accompanied by, as an integral part thereof, drawings, which are given by way of illustration and not by way of limitation, and which are set forth below:

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic top perspective view of an example of an embodiment of a container-shaped box constituting a casing for an electric battery that is the object of the present invention, the construction of which can be seen, in particular the slots provided on the inner surface of the base of said box. [Figure 2] A schematic perspective view of an example of a centering part incorporated in each cell to facilitate centering in the slot of the box is shown, represented in a freestanding manner, and its general configuration and main parts can be seen. [Figure 3] 1 shows an example of a battery cell with a centering piece incorporated into the lower base. [Figure 4] 1 shows a cross-section in vertical section of an example of a battery for which the casing that is the object of the invention is designed, in which the arrangement of the cells in the slots of the box and the upper fixing parts can be seen. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of an upper fixed part constituting a casing according to the invention, shown in an inverted position to make it easier to see the main parts. [Figure 6] An enlarged view of Detail A seen in Figure 5 is shown, allowing a more accurate understanding of the construction and components of the upper fixation component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Referring to the figures above, and according to the numerals used, there are shown non-limiting examples of embodiments of a casing for an electric battery of the present invention, which constitute what is detailed hereinafter.

[0023] Thus, as can be seen in the above figures, the casing (1) of the invention, applicable to an electric battery (2) for housing inside it a number of identical electrochemical cells (3), essentially comprises a container-shaped metallic box (10) in which the cells (3) are integrated and which is formed by a lower base (101) and a surrounding wall (102), which is distinguished by the presence, inside said lower base (101), of a number of identical slots (4), preferably obtained by machining, by milling, of the material forming said base, distributed over the entire extent of its surface and having a number, shape and size adapted to receive the lower part of each of the cells (3) of the battery, so that each of them remains fixed in one of the slots (4) and is separated from each other with regular gaps between them.

[0024] Preferably, the casing (1) is designed for a battery of cylindrical cells (3), so that the slots (4) on the inner surface of the base (101) of the box forming the casing have a circular configuration and a diameter that matches that of the cells (3), as can be seen in the example of Figure 1. In one example embodiment, the battery (2) contains up to 200 cells (3).

[0025] Preferably, each of the cells 3 of the battery 2 fits into each of the slots 4 of the box 10 of the casing 1 by including a centering piece 5, preferably made of plastic material and, as can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, preferably formed by a bowl-shaped body consisting of a central perforated base 51 that allows access to the base of the cells 3 and a peripheral wall 52 divided into different lengths by slots 53 that open to the ends, thereby providing a certain flexibility and making it possible to achieve improved adjustment of each cell 3 within the associated slot 4 of the box 10 of the casing 1.

[0026] In any case, it is preferably foreseen to incorporate a thermal adhesive (6) between the lower base of the cell (3) and the housing defined by the slots (4) on the inner surface of the base (101) of the box (10) of the casing (1) to ensure optimal fixation of the cell (3), said adhesive being an electrical insulator and thermal conductor advantageously allowing the heat generated by the cell (3) to be dissipated towards the base (101) of the box (10).

[0027] On the other hand, in an optional embodiment of the invention, the casing (1) further comprises an upper fixing part (11) which serves as the lid of the box (10) that fits over its surrounding wall (102) and the cells (3) and serves for centering the cells (3) and insulating them, leaving the contacts uncovered for electrical connection.

[0028] For this purpose, the fixed part (11) is provided with a plurality of perforated housings (7) distributed over the entire area of ​​the part and surrounding each cell (3), the number, shape and size of which are adapted to receive the upper part of each of the cells (3), leaving the positive and negative contacts necessary for the electrical connection visible and insulated from each other.

[0029] Preferably, said housing (7) of the upper stationary part (11) is circular, as are the cells (3), which are preferably cylindrical.

[0030] Preferably, each circular housing (7) of the upper fixed part (11) is provided with a central hole (71) that coincides with the lug (31) of the upper base of the cell (3) and constitutes its positive or anode electrode, and side holes (72) that constitute its negative or cathode electrode, leaving at least a portion of the peripheral edge (32) of each cell (3) visible. In the detail of Figure 6, the central hole (71) and side holes (72) of the housing (7) of the upper fixed part (11) can be clearly seen, while in Figure 3 the lug (31) and peripheral edge (32) of each cell (3) can be seen.

[0031] In any event, preferably, the upper fixed part (11) of the casing (1) is further provided with centering cones (8) which protrude around the housing (7) as guide fingers to assist in centering the set of all cells (3) of the battery (2).

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the cones (8) have rounded vertices and a conical surface inclination of about 15° relative to their bases to favor the centering function. This configuration of the cones (8) can be seen in Figure 6.

[0033] The nature of the present invention and its embodiments have been fully disclosed, and those skilled in the art will be able to appreciate its extensibility and the advantages arising therefrom, and therefore it is not believed necessary to extend the description further.

Claims

1. 1. A casing for an electric battery applicable to an electric battery for accommodating a plurality of identical electrochemical cells therein, the casing comprising a container-shaped metal box (10) formed by a lower base (101) and a peripheral wall (102) in which the cells (3) are integrated, characterized in that the inside of the lower base (101) of the metal box (10) is provided with a plurality of identical slots (4), the slots (4) being distributed over the entire surface of the lower base (101), the slots (4) having a number, shape and size adapted to receive the lower part of each of the cells (3) of the electric battery (2) so that each of the cells (3) remains fixed in one of the slots (4) and is separated from one another with regular gaps between the cells (3).

2. 2. A casing for an electric battery according to claim 1, characterized in that the slots (4) on the inner surface of the lower base (101) of the metal box (10) are obtained by machining by milling on the material forming the lower base (101).

3. 2. A casing for an electric battery according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the cells (3) of the electric battery (2) fits into each of the slots (4) of the metal box (10) of the casing (1) by including a centering piece (5).

4. A casing for an electric battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is foreseen to incorporate a thermal adhesive (6), which is an electrical insulator and a thermal conductor, between the lower base (101) of the cell (3) and a housing defined by the slots (4) on the inner surface of the lower base (101) of the metal box (10) of the casing (1), in order to favour the dissipation of heat generated by the cell (3) towards the lower base (101) of the metal box (10).

5. A casing for an electric battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cells (3) are cylindrical and the slots (4) on the inner surface of the lower base (101) of the metal box (10) have a circular configuration and a diameter that coincides with the diameter of the cells (3).

6. 6. A casing for an electric battery according to claim 5, characterized in that each centering piece (5) is formed by a bowl-shaped body consisting of a central perforated base (51) allowing access to the lower base (101) of the cell (3) and a peripheral wall (52) divided into different lengths by slits (53) open to the ends, giving it flexibility.

7. 7. A casing for an electric battery according to claim 6, characterized in that the centering piece (5) is made of plastic material.

8. 4. A casing for an electric battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it also comprises an upper fixing part (11) that acts as a lid for the metal box (10), that fits onto the peripheral wall (102) of the metal box (10) and onto the cells (3), that centers the cells (3) and leaves contacts visible for electrical connection.

9. 9. A casing for an electric battery according to claim 8, characterized in that the upper fixed part (11) comprises a plurality of perforated housings (7) distributed over the entire area of ​​the upper fixed part (11) and surrounding each cell (3), the number, shape and size of the housings (7) being adapted to receive the upper part of each of the cells (3), the housings (7) leaving the positive and negative contacts visible and insulated from each other.

10. 10. A casing for an electric battery according to claim 9, characterized in that the housing (7) of the upper fixed part (11) is circular, like the cells (3).

11. 11. A casing for an electric battery according to claim 10, characterized in that each circular housing (7) of the upper fixed part (11) is provided with a central hole (71) coinciding with a lug (31) on the upper base of the cell (3) and constituting the positive pole or anode of the cell, and lateral holes (72) constituting the negative pole or cathode, leaving at least a part of the peripheral edge (32) of each cell (3) visible.

12. 10. A casing for an electric battery according to claim 9, characterized in that the upper fixing part (11) is provided with a centering cone (8) which projects around the periphery of the housing (7) as a guide finger for the purpose of helping to center the set of all the cells (3) of the electric battery (2).

13. 13. A casing for an electric battery according to claim 12, characterized in that the centering cones (8) have rounded apexes and an inclination of the conical surface of about 15° relative to their bases.

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