Container for transporting cylindrical battery cells, use of such a container, and transport system

Abstract

A container (100) for transporting cylindrical battery cells (10) is proposed. The container (100) comprises a container base (11) having a sealing groove (19), four side walls (12), a plurality of battery cell chambers (14), a deformation zone (13) surrounding the battery chambers (15), and at least one seal (17) formed on the end face of at least one side wall (12). The seal (17) is configured to be received in the circumferential sealing groove (19) of the container base (11) of another container (100).

Description

[0001] 24-3453 PIF

[0002] 1

[0003] Containers for the transport of cylindrical battery cells, use of such a container and transport system

[0004] The invention relates generally to the field of transporting battery cells. In particular, the invention relates to a container for transporting cylindrical battery cells, the use of such a container, and a transport system comprising at least two such containers.

[0005] In the production of vehicle batteries, such as those for electric vehicles, the battery cells are typically manufactured in a separate production step and then need to be transported. Damage to a single battery cell can lead to dangerous consequences, such as a fire caused by a short circuit. Contamination of the battery cell can also pose such a risk.

[0006] Since the battery cells are often transported by truck, stringent requirements must be met regarding potential accident scenarios. Therefore, a special container is needed that can meet these requirements.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to address the challenges described above and, in particular, to partially overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. Specifically, the invention aims to provide an improved container. Furthermore, the invention aims to provide an improved transport system for battery cells.

[0008] The invention is defined in the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0009] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a container for the transport and, in particular, for the storage of cylindrical battery cells. The container comprises a container bottom with a sealing groove, four side walls, a plurality of battery cell chambers, a deformation zone enclosing the battery cell chambers, and 24-3453 PIF

[0010] 2

[0011] At least one seal is formed on the front face of at least one side wall. The seal is designed to be received in the sealing groove of the container base of another container.

[0012] A container is proposed for the transport and, in particular, the storage of cylindrical battery cells. The container comprises a base and four side walls. The base has a sealing groove, which may be circumferential. Preferably, a plurality of individual battery cell compartments are arranged inside the container, each capable of holding one cylindrical battery cell. To protect the battery cells from damage, a deformation zone is preferably provided around these compartments. This deformation zone may, for example, be empty or made of a shock-absorbing material. The deformation zone serves to protect the battery cells from damage in the event of impacts and / or accidents.

[0013] The container also includes a seal formed on the end face of at least one of the side walls. The seal can be designed to engage in the sealing groove of the container base of another, preferably identical, container.

[0014] This allows one container to close another container and / or act as a lid. The seal and at least one side wall are preferably formed in one piece. The container is preferably designed to be stacked under another container in such a way that dirt and / or moisture cannot penetrate the container.

[0015] Overall, such a container enables the safe transport of sensitive cylindrical battery cells. It allows the cylindrical battery cells to be transported safely and securely. Furthermore, such a container prevents contamination of the battery cells. Even in the event of an accident or crash, the integrity of the battery cells can be guaranteed by such a container, preventing hazards such as fires.

[0016] The battery cells are preferably battery cells for a vehicle's traction battery.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the container is made of a thermoplastic material, in particular polyethylene. The container is preferably made of a single plastic material. The container can, for example, be made of HDPE (High-Density-PE 24-3453 PIF).

[0018] 3

[0019] The container can be made of polyethylene. Such a plastic container can be manufactured using an injection molding process. A container made of thermoplastic material can be produced particularly cost-effectively without compromising robustness. Furthermore, such a plastic container can be lighter than a metal container, which simplifies handling. Using such a container for transporting cylindrical battery cells can save weight. For example, more containers can be loaded into a truck compared to metal containers. A container according to one embodiment can, for example, have an empty weight of 17 kg, and in particular, less than 16 kg. With such a container, for example, between 120 and 130 battery cells can be transported.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the container can be stacked beneath another container in such a way that it can be tightly closed. This means that the container can be designed to be completely closed. The container can be closed by another container or by a lid. The container can be tightly closed. The container can be described as a closed container. The container can thus meet requirements regarding the cleanliness of the battery cells before, during, and after transport. In particular, the container can be closed in such a way that the ingress of dirt and / or particles smaller than 200 pm is prevented. In the context of this disclosure, the term "tight" can be understood to mean that no dirt and / or particles smaller than 200 pm can penetrate.Using such a container for transporting battery cells can reduce cleaning costs and time. The container can also seal itself against another container when stacked on top of it.

[0021] According to one embodiment, each battery cell chamber is formed by four holders. Each holder has, in particular, an insertion ramp. The four holders together form the structure in which a single battery cell is placed. The insertion ramp is preferably an inclined surface or edge on the holder. By arranging the four holders, each with an insertion ramp, the insertion and alignment of the battery cell into the cell chamber can be simplified. The four holders can be separated from each other along their length, i.e., perpendicular to the container bottom plane. This separation of the holders allows them to exhibit a certain degree of elasticity or flexibility. The elasticity of the individual holders can accommodate a certain tolerance when inserting and positioning the battery cells into the chamber.

[0022] 4

[0023] This allows the battery cells to fit perfectly, as the holders can give slightly.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the battery cell chambers are designed to each hold a cylindrical battery cell in an upright position. The battery cell chambers are preferably designed such that the battery cells are positioned essentially vertically within the chambers. Compared to prior art containers, such a container can transport and, in particular, store a significantly larger number of battery cells.

[0025] According to one embodiment, each of the four side walls has at least one reinforcing rib extending substantially perpendicular to or parallel to the plane of the container bottom. Each side wall may also include one or more reinforcing ribs oriented substantially perpendicular to (i.e., vertically) and one or more reinforcing ribs oriented substantially parallel to (i.e., horizontally) the plane of the container bottom. These vertical and / or horizontal reinforcing ribs can serve to increase the stability and robustness of the side walls. The reinforcing ribs can strengthen a side wall by up to 2.5 mm. The side walls can have a wall thickness of 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the corners formed by the four side walls are chamfered. This means that the four corners of the container are preferably diagonal, i.e., flattened or truncated. This can increase the mechanical stability of the container.

[0027] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to the use of a container, as described above and / or below, for the transport of at least one cylindrical battery cell.

[0028] A third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a transport system for cylindrical battery cells. The transport system comprises at least two containers, as described above and / or below. The at least two containers are stackable. The transport system further comprises a lid designed to close the upper container of the at least two containers.

[0029] Furthermore, a transport system for transporting cylindrical battery cells is proposed. The transport system preferably comprises two or more containers, 24-3453 PIF

[0030] 5

[0031] which are stackable. One container can act as a lid for the container below. The transport system also includes a lid. Overall, the transport system can be designed in such a way that no particles and / or dirt smaller than 200 µm can penetrate the containers. The lid, like the containers of the transport system, can also be manufactured by injection molding. The lid can tightly seal the top container of the stack.

[0032] All benefits, revelations and / or explanations described above and / or below in relation to one aspect of the present revelation apply equally to all other aspects of the present revelation.

[0033] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the figures. The figures show:

[0034] Fig. 1 shows two containers in a perspective view according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of two containers according to an exemplary embodiment, and

[0036] Fig. 3 shows a section of a top view of a container according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Similar, similar-looking, identical, or equivalent elements are marked with similar or identical reference symbols in the figures. The figures are merely schematic and not to scale.

[0038] Fig. 1 shows two containers 100 in a perspective view according to an exemplary embodiment. The two containers 100 are stacked on top of each other. Each container 100 can be configured to transport and, in particular, to store a plurality of battery cells 10 for a traction battery for a vehicle. Each container 100 comprises a container base 11 with a sealing groove 19 (see Fig. 2) and four side walls 12. The container base 11 and the four side walls 12 can be formed in one piece. The container 100 is preferably made of a thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene. The container 100 contains, in particular, a plurality of battery cell chambers 14, which can each be configured to receive and / or hold a cylindrical battery cell 10. Each container 100 also includes a deformation zone 13 surrounding the battery cell chambers 14.The deformation zone 13 can be defined by a distance between the outermost battery cell chambers 14 and the four side walls 1224-3453 PIF.

[0039] 6

[0040] Deformation zone 13 can also be referred to as crumple zone, protection zone or deformation zone.

[0041] Each side wall 12 preferably has a seal 17 on its end face. Unlike a soft seal, such as a sealing ring or a rubber gasket, the seal 17 can be manufactured in one piece with the rest of the container 100. The container 100 can be formed in one piece. The seal 17 can be circumferential. The seal 17 is specifically designed to be received in the sealing groove 19 of the bottom 11 of the upper container 100 (see especially Fig. 2). The sealing groove 19 and the seal 17 can be designed to fit together in a form-fitting manner. The sealing groove 19 and the seal 17 can fulfill two main functions: They enable two containers 100 to be stacked precisely on top of each other, so that they can be placed stably and securely. They can also ensure that when two containers 100 are stacked, the lower container 100 is tightly sealed.The four corners 16 of the container 100 are preferably chamfered. The chamfered corners 16 further increase the robustness of the container 100.

[0042] The container 100, and in particular its side walls 12, comprises one or more reinforcing ribs 15. The reinforcing ribs 15 can serve to mechanically reinforce the container 100. The reinforcing ribs 15 can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the container bottom plane and / or parallel to the container bottom plane. In the lower part of the container 100, i.e., closer to the container bottom 11, a higher density of reinforcing ribs 15 can be provided.

[0043] Overall, both containers 100 shown in Fig. 1 are robust, cuboid storage containers designed for stacking. Each container 100 is characterized in particular by its high mechanical stability and load-bearing capacity. The container is completely enclosed on all five sides (base 11 and four side walls 12), thus ensuring optimal protection for the battery cells stored within.

[0044] Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of two containers 100 according to an embodiment. The two containers 100 are stacked on top of each other. Unless otherwise described, the containers 100 of Fig. 2 comprise the same elements and / or components as the two containers 100 of Fig. 1. In the sectional view of Fig. 2, half of the battery cell chambers 14 are occupied by a battery cell 10. The battery cell chambers 14 are designed to

[0045] 7

[0046] Each container 100 is designed to hold one cylindrical battery cell 10 in an upright position. The battery cell chambers 14 are preferably each formed by four holders 18. Each holder 18 may have an insertion ramp. The insertion ramp facilitates the removal of the battery cells 10 from the battery cell chamber 14. The holders 18 may be shorter than the side walls 12, i.e., perpendicular to the container bottom plane. This ensures that when the containers 100 are stacked, the upper container 100 cannot rest on the holders 18. The holders 18 are preferably the same height as the battery cells 10 (i.e., the same height as the size of the battery cells 10 in the axial direction). The distance between two holders 18 that are parallel to each other preferably corresponds to the diameter of the cylindrical battery cells 10.The battery cell chambers 14, and in particular the holders 18, ensure that the battery cells 10 remain firmly in position even during movement or vibrations. Each battery cell chamber 14 can be of the same size. Alternatively, battery cell chambers 14 can be provided that are designed to accommodate battery cells with different diameters.

[0047] Fig. 3 shows a section of a top view of a container 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Unless otherwise described, the container 100 of Fig. 3 comprises the same elements and / or components as the containers 100 of Figs. 1 and 2. In Fig. 3, the seal 17 is particularly clearly visible. The deformation zone 13 of the container 100 can include one or more reinforcing ribs 15. Such reinforcing ribs 15 can prevent lateral deformation and / or warping of the container 100. Should deformation of the container 100 nevertheless occur, the deformation zone 13 can allow controlled deformation in order to protect the battery cells 10 stored therein as effectively as possible.

[0048] Overall, the container according to the invention offers a robust, stackable and safe solution for the storage and transport of sensitive components such as battery cells.

[0049] It should be further noted that the terms "comprising" and "comprising" do not exclude other elements, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. It should also be noted that features and steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features and steps of other embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be considered as limitations. 24-3453 PIF

[0050] 8

[0051] Reference symbol list

[0052] 100 containers

[0053] 10 battery cells

[0054] 11 Container bottom

[0055] 12 side wall

[0056] 13 Deformation zone 14 Battery cell chamber 15 Reinforcing rib 16 Beveled corner 17 Seal

[0057] 18 bracket

[0058] 19 Sealing groove

Claims

-3453 PIF 9 Claims 1. Container (100) for the transport of cylindrical battery cells (10), comprising a container bottom (11) with a sealing groove (19), four side walls (12), a large number of battery cell chambers (14), a deformation zone (13) enclosing the battery cell chambers (14), and at least one seal (17) formed on the front face of at least one side wall (12), which is designed to be received in the sealing groove (19) of the container bottom (11) of a further container (100).

2. Container (100) according to claim 1, wherein the container (100) is made of a thermoplastic material, in particular polyethylene.

3. Container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (100) can be stacked under the further container (100) in such a way that the container (100) can be tightly closed.

4. Container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each battery cell chamber (14) is formed by four holders (18), each holder (18) in particular having an insertion ramp.

5. Container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery cell chambers (14) are designed to each accommodate a cylindrical battery cell (10) in an upright position.

6. Container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the four side walls (12) each have at least one reinforcing rib (15) which extends substantially perpendicular to the container bottom plane or substantially parallel to the container bottom plane.

7. Container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the corners (16) formed by the four side walls (12) are chamfered.-3453 PIF 10 8. Use of a container (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7 for the transport of at least one cylindrical battery cell (10).

9. Transport system for cylindrical battery cells (10), comprising at least two containers (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least two containers (100) are stackable on top of each other, and a lid designed to close the upper container (100) of at least two containers (100).

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