Battery housing

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery housing having a main body (2) which is open on one side and a cover which closes the open side (3) of the main body (2), wherein the main body (2) is designed to receive battery modules (4) cooled by means of a coolant, and wherein the main body (2) has a base plate (5) opposite the open side (3) and a side wall (23) adjoining the base plate (5), wherein the base plate (5) or the side wall (23) has a leakage opening (12) for draining any leaked coolant, characterized in that a molded body (13) closing the leakage opening (12) in a coolant-permeable manner and a housing (15) accommodating the molded body (13) are provided, wherein the housing (15) is arranged on the base plate (5) or on the side wall (23) of the main body (2) and has a through-opening (16) for discharging coolant.

Description

[0001] Accumulator housing

[0002] The invention relates to an accumulator housing with a base body open on one side and a lid closing the open side of the base body, wherein the base body is designed to accommodate accumulator modules cooled by means of a coolant, and wherein the base body has a bottom plate opposite the open side and a side wall adjoining the bottom plate, wherein the bottom plate or the side wall has a leakage opening for draining any escaped coolant.

[0003] Accumulator housings in general, and those for accommodating accumulator modules in particular, are well known from the prior art, which is why a separate printed reference is not required here.

[0004] A typical accumulator housing consists of a main body. This body typically has a base plate and attached side walls. Opposite the base plate, the main body is open, resulting in an overall trough-shaped design.

[0005] The base unit provides a volumetric space. In its intended use, this space serves to house battery cells that are electrically interconnected. Typically, several battery cells are combined to form a battery module, with the base unit accommodating several battery modules that are arranged side by side in the final assembly state.

[0006] The battery housing is fitted with battery modules or cells through the open side of the housing. This open side is closed by a cover. In the final assembly state, this cover is placed on the housing and connected to it, thus completely enclosing and encapsulating the battery modules and cells within the housing.

[0007] The base body and the lid closing the base body are preferably detachably connected to each other in the fully assembled state, which makes it possible to carry out maintenance and repair work on the battery modules and cells housed in the battery housing, in particular it is permitted to replace defective battery modules and cells if necessary.

[0008] According to a preferred application, the battery cells housed in the battery casing are lithium-ion cells. Such cells are used particularly in electromobility, for example in land vehicles, especially passenger cars or vehicles used in public transport, or in rail vehicles, especially passenger trains.

[0009] Under normal operating conditions, the battery modules housed in the battery casing are cooled by means of a coolant. For this purpose, according to a preferred design, the battery modules have a housing with a base equipped with a cooling channel. Under normal operating conditions, this cooling channel is supplied with coolant.

[0010] Water is primarily used as the coolant. It is supplied to the individual battery modules via appropriate tubing. Each battery module has two housing connections for this purpose: one for water supply and the other for water drainage. Hoses for supplying and draining water as a coolant are attached to these housing connections. It is also possible for individual battery modules to be connected in series for cooling purposes, so that the water used as a coolant flows sequentially through the cooling channels provided by each battery module.

[0011] Even under normal operating conditions, coolant can leak unintentionally from a standard battery housing. Such leakage occurs particularly in the event of a leak, whether in the cooling channels or the tubing. The escaping coolant accumulates in the main body of the battery housing, and at a sufficient level, this can damage the battery modules. However, the primary risk is that leaking coolant can cause a voltage arc between individual battery modules or cells, which in the worst-case scenario can lead to a fire, especially with lithium-ion cells.

[0012] To address this problem, it is known from the prior art to use so-called absorbent mats. These are typically arranged in a space between the battery modules and the base plate of the battery housing. They are made of an absorbent material and can absorb and bind any leaked coolant. This prevents unintended contact between battery modules or cells and leaked coolant.

[0013] The absorption capacity of the suction mats used is preferably dimensioned such that the total amount of coolant available, at least theoretically, can be fully absorbed.

[0014] However, known suction mats cannot prevent, particularly when the battery housing is tilted, the accumulation of leaked coolant at the lowest point of the housing in such a quantity that unintentional contact between battery modules or cells and the coolant cannot be reliably ruled out. Such a tilt of the battery housing can occur, especially when used in conjunction with a vehicle, if the vehicle itself is at an angle, for example, on a slope or in a curve.A tilted vehicle can therefore have a detrimental effect, meaning that in the event of coolant leakage, despite the presence of absorbent mats, it is not prevented that contact of the leaking coolant with battery modules or cells can lead to a voltage flashover and thus, in the worst case, to a fire.

[0015] Based on this, the object underlying the invention is to further develop a battery housing of the type mentioned above in such a way as to ensure safe operation by the user while avoiding the problems described above.

[0016] To solve this problem, the invention proposes an accumulator housing of the type mentioned above, which is characterized in that a molded body sealing the leakage opening to allow coolant to pass through and a housing receiving the molded body are provided, wherein the housing is arranged on the base plate or the side wall of the base body and has a passage opening for the discharge of coolant.

[0017] The main body of the battery housing has a leakage opening. In the event of a malfunction, any coolant that has leaked out can be discharged through this opening into the surrounding environment. Even if the battery housing is tilted, this ensures that excess coolant cannot accumulate in such a quantity that it could come into contact with the battery modules or cells.

[0018] According to the invention, a shaped element is provided that seals the leakage opening while allowing coolant to pass through. In the intended use, this shaped element seals the leakage opening. The seal created by the shaped element is permeable to coolant, so that coolant can be discharged through the leakage opening as needed. The shaped element therefore does not seal the leakage opening in a liquid-tight, and in particular, not watertight, manner.

[0019] By sealing the leakage opening with the molded body, the leakage opening is advantageously sealed in such a way that the unintentional entry of particles, in particular dust particles, dirt, and / or similar contaminants, through the leakage opening into the battery housing cannot occur. Due to the design according to the invention, a dust-tight, yet liquid-permeable seal of the leakage opening is achieved. The battery housing thus designed preferably meets the requirements for protection class IP55.

[0020] According to the invention, a housing for receiving the molded part is also provided. This housing protects the molded part from external influences, in particular from mechanical forces. Precise and secure positioning of the molded part on the base body is also advantageously ensured by means of the housing.

[0021] Depending on the design of the leakage opening, the housing containing the molded part is located on the base plate or on the side wall of the main body. It has a through-opening for the discharge of coolant. Should coolant accumulate inside the main body in the event of a malfunction, as described above, it can be discharged via the designated leakage opening. Although the molded part seals the leakage opening, it is not liquid-tight, thus allowing for the intended discharge of coolant despite the presence of the molded part. The housing containing the molded part also has an opening, namely a through-opening, through which any leaked coolant can be discharged in the event of a leak.

[0022] The result of the inventive design is that, in the event of a malfunction, coolant escaping from the accumulator modules can be collected by the base body of the accumulator housing. This coolant is then discharged, if necessary, particularly if the accumulator housing is tilted, through a leakage opening provided for this purpose in the accumulator housing, i.e., discharged into the atmosphere surrounding the accumulator housing. The leakage opening is sealed by a coolant-permeable molded element in such a way that it is dustproof, but not liquid-tight. Therefore, during normal operation, no dust particles or similar contaminants can penetrate the accumulator housing through the leakage opening. A housing that receives the molded element ensures its secure positioning on the base body. This housing also protects the molded element from mechanical stress.The housing itself has openings so that, in the event of a malfunction, coolant flowing through the molded body can be released to the outside through the openings in the housing.

[0023] According to a further feature of the invention, the housing containing the molded body is arranged on the outside or inside of the base body of the accumulator housing.

[0024] The closure of the leakage opening by the molded body, as provided for in the invention, can be located either on the outside or on the inside of the base body. In the case of an external arrangement, in the event of a malfunction, coolant first flows through the leakage opening, is then guided through the molded body, and finally reaches the outside environment through the openings in the housing. With an internal configuration of the molded body, the flow path is reversed. In this case, coolant passes through the openings in the housing, through the molded body enclosed by the housing, and then reaches the outside atmosphere through the leakage opening.

[0025] In both cases, it is ensured that no solid particles can unintentionally penetrate the base body of the accumulator housing through the leakage opening. A dust-tight seal of the leakage opening is therefore guaranteed in both cases. In both cases, the housing also ensures a precise and secure positioning of the shaped component on the base body.

[0026] Whether an external or internal arrangement of the shaped body on the base body is chosen depends in particular on the space available inside the accumulator housing and / or at the installation location of the accumulator housing.

[0027] An external arrangement of the shaped element on the base of the accumulator housing is preferred because this allows easy user access to the shaped element. This particularly enables the user to easily test the shaped element for functionality and / or replace it, especially during maintenance and / or after a previous malfunction.

[0028] In this context, according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the base plate of the main body has the leakage opening, wherein the base plate has a groove which forms a web on the inner surface of the base plate opposite the open side of the main body, wherein the web has a web side wall which provides the leakage opening, and wherein the molded body is inserted into the groove. It is thus proposed that a leakage opening is provided by a web side wall of a web formed in the base plate of the main body. For this purpose, the base plate has a groove which forms the web on the inner surface of the base plate opposite the open side of the main body.

[0029] The design of the leakage opening in a web side wall of the type described above has the particular advantage that, even if the accumulator housing is tilted, coolant that has accumulated in the base body can be reliably drained away. The molded element that seals the leakage opening and allows coolant to pass through is inserted into the groove and thus held in place by it, which provides mechanical protection for the molded element.

[0030] The molded element sealing the leakage opening is placed onto the leakage opening from the outside, i.e., from outside the base body. This offers the significant advantage that the molded element can be functionally tested from the outside. In particular, it is not necessary to open the battery housing and remove the battery modules it contains to inspect the molded element sealing the leakage opening. Thanks to the design according to the invention, inspection by visual examination of the molded element arranged on the outside of the base body is permitted with the battery housing closed.

[0031] The molded body is inserted into the groove, i.e., the groove that forms the web, the side wall of which provides the leakage opening. The molded body is thus advantageously protected by the groove and arranged within it. Unintentional damage to the molded body, particularly from external mechanical forces, is therefore largely prevented, thus ensuring the safe use of the accumulator housing according to the invention.

[0032] A "bead" within the meaning of the invention is a groove-shaped depression, for example, in the form of a groove. The groove is formed in the direction of the interior space provided by the accumulator housing, resulting in the previously described rib configuration. The "bead" need not necessarily extend over the entire longitudinal extent of the base body. It can also extend only over a partial section in the longitudinal direction of the accumulator housing. The longitudinal extent of the bead simply needs to be such that it can accommodate the molded body and the housing receiving the molded body in the manner described above.

[0033] The rib design simultaneously stabilizes the base plate and, if necessary, maintains a distance between the base plate and the battery modules housed within the battery casing. This space preferably accommodates absorbent mats known from the prior art. As a result of this design, improved drainage of any leaked coolant is achieved, particularly when the battery casing is tilted, thus improving safety. This is achieved primarily because the leakage opening is not located opposite the open side of the base plate, but rather in a transverse direction, namely in a rib side wall. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, it is preferred to align a rib side wall orthogonally to the base or the open side of the base plate.

[0034] A further advantage of this design is that the shaped element intended for a coolant-permeable seal of the leakage opening is located on the outside of the base body, which facilitates easy inspection for functionality, maintenance, and, if necessary, replacement. The shaped element is positioned within the groove forming the web, ensuring a secure attachment of the shaped element to the base body, particularly against mechanical stress.

[0035] According to a further feature of the invention, the bridge has two opposing side walls, each of which has a leakage opening.

[0036] Due to the web design, the base plate of the main body is divided into individual sections in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the web. To ensure that excess coolant can be released to the outside from each of these sections if necessary, both side walls of a web have a corresponding leakage opening. This further increases the operational reliability of the design according to the invention.

[0037] According to a further feature of the invention, the leakage openings provided by the side walls of a web are arranged opposite each other in the transverse direction of the web. This simplifies manufacturing and, in intended operation, ensures that both leakage openings are closed with just one molded part inserted into the corresponding groove. Therefore, according to a further feature of the invention, opposing leakage openings are closed by a common molded part. This design according to the invention is structurally simple, enables cost-effective and easy assembly, and also ensures that a plurality of leakage openings are closed as intended with just one molded part.

[0038] According to a further feature of the invention, a web side wall provides a plurality of leakage openings. These can be located relatively close together with respect to the longitudinal extent of the web or – alternatively – can be arranged further apart. Of essential importance in this context is solely that the leakage openings provided by a web side wall are sealed against liquid by a shaped element that effectively covers the leakage openings by being inserted into the groove forming the web.

[0039] According to a further feature of the invention, a leakage opening is designed as a slot and extends on one end into a transition area between the web side wall and the adjacent inner surface of the base plate. This ensures the reliable drainage of even residual coolant. In particular, it prevents an unwanted coolant level from accumulating within the base body due to the leakage openings being spaced vertically from the inner surface of the base plate. Instead, the slot-shaped leakage openings extend on one end into the area of ​​the inner surface of the base plate, thus ensuring virtually residue-free drainage of any leaked coolant.

[0040] According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that a plurality of beads are provided which are designed to run parallel to each other, with each bead forming a web with leakage openings.

[0041] Depending on the size of the base plate of the accumulator housing, a large number of the aforementioned corrugations can be provided, preferably spaced equidistant from one another. The corrugations run parallel to each other, resulting in an overall symmetrical structure. Furthermore, this design ensures that no unwanted accumulation of leaked coolant can occur at any point within the base body.

[0042] According to a further feature of the invention, a coolant-absorbing mat is arranged on the inner surface of the base plate between two adjacent ribs. Such a mat serves to absorb and temporarily store any coolant that may have leaked in the event of a malfunction. Preferably, mats are provided in such a quantity, i.e., with such a total available absorption capacity, that the theoretically available total amount of coolant can be completely absorbed by the mats. Therefore, a coolant leakage opening is generally not necessary.However, if the mats are unable to fully absorb any leaked coolant, for example due to mat aging, an excessive amount of coolant, or an unfavorable tilt of the battery housing, any remaining coolant not absorbed by the mats can escape through the designated leakage opening as described above. In any case, this ensures that unintended contact between the battery modules and the coolant is prevented, thus reliably avoiding fire-causing voltage flashovers.

[0043] According to a further feature of the invention, the housing receiving the molded part is inserted into a groove together with the molded part received by the housing. This advantageously provides complete protection of the molded part against external influences. Firstly, the molded part is protected by the adjacent web side walls. All other surfaces or sides of the molded part are covered by the housing, thus providing complete protection of the molded part. The reliable arrangement of the molded part on the base body of the accumulator housing is therefore ensured.

[0044] According to a further feature of the invention, a molded body is formed from an elastically deformable material. This allows the molded body to fit snugly, particularly against the web side walls. The molded body is oversized relative to the volume provided by the molded body housing and is pre-pressed for intended assembly. During normal use, the molded body expands elastically, causing it to press against the web side walls and the boundary walls of the molded body housing. This ensures full-surface contact of the molded body, particularly against the web side walls.

[0045] According to a further feature of the invention, a molded body has a section formed from an elastically deformable material. Such an elastically deformable section can, in particular, be configured to exert a force in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the ribs, i.e., towards the web side walls, resulting in a tight seal between the molded body and the web side walls. Such an elastic section can, for example, be configured as a strip section extending in the longitudinal direction of the web and dividing the molded body into two separate parts.

[0046] According to a further feature of the invention, the molded body has a size that exceeds the volume space provided by the housing. The geometric dimensions of the molded body are therefore larger than the volume space provided by the housing that receives it. In assembly, the molded body is thus elastically deformed and positioned within the housing so that, in the final assembly state, it presses against the housing walls under spring pressure. This ensures a gap-free arrangement of the molded body within the housing, thereby preventing unwanted gaps or spaces through which dirt particles and / or other contaminants could penetrate.

[0047] According to a further feature of the invention, the housing is connected to the base plate by means of suitable connecting elements, thereby receiving a molded body. Particularly for reasons of simplified assembly and disassembly, it is preferred to use detachable connecting elements. However, joining by gluing or soldering is also possible.

[0048] It is particularly preferred to screw the housing for the molded body to the base plate. This ensures a ground connection between the base plate and the housing.

[0049] According to a further feature of the invention, the housing is provided with a protective device to protect the fasteners from mechanical forces. Such a protective device can, for example, be designed by the housing providing a flange or the like, which flange covers and thus protects the fastener, in particular the screw.

[0050] According to a further feature of the invention, a housing also includes a cover arranged between the molded body and a housing section, which extends beyond the contact area between the molded body and a web side wall. Such a cover advantageously ensures that the ingress of dust particles, dirt, and / or similar contaminants into the contact area between the molded body and the associated web side wall is reliably prevented. The cover thus provides additional protection against unwanted dust ingress into the battery housing.

[0051] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the figures. These show

[0052] Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a partial section of an accumulator housing according to the invention;

[0053] Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view from below of a groove incorporated into a base plate of the accumulator housing;

[0054] Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of a longitudinal section of a corrugation;

[0055] Fig. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of a corrugated cross-section;

[0056] Fig. 5 in schematic perspective view the housing receiving the mold body according to figures 1 to 4;

[0057] Fig. 6 shows a schematic side view of the housing according to Fig. 5;

[0058] Fig. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of an accumulator housing according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0059] Fig. 8 shows a schematic perspective view from below of the accumulator housing according to Fig.

[0060] 7;Fig. 9 in schematic perspective view a housing provided for receiving a molded body according to a further embodiment;

[0061] Fig. 10 shows a schematic top view of the housing according to Fig. 9 and

[0062] Fig. 11 shows a schematic side view of the housing according to Figures 9 and 10.

[0063] Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a partial section of an accumulator housing 1 according to the invention. This accumulator housing 1 serves to hold accumulator modules 4, which are cooled by a coolant.

[0064] The accumulator housing 1 has a base body 2, which is shaped like a trough and has an open side 3, a base plate 5 opposite the open side 3, and side walls 23. In the fully assembled state, the open side 3 of the base body 2 is closed by a cover, which is not shown in detail in the figures.

[0065] On the base plate side, the battery housing 1 has support supports 21 and 22 which, in the fully assembled state, support the battery modules 4 housed within the battery housing 1. Each battery module 4 has a module housing in which electrically interconnected battery cells are arranged. These battery cells are, for example, lithium-ion cells.

[0066] The accumulator modules 4 are cooled by a coolant. A water mixture, in particular a water-glycol mixture, can be used as the coolant.

[0067] For cooling purposes during intended use, each module housing has a base equipped with a cooling channel. This cooling channel is connected to a coolant supply line. During intended use, coolant flows through the cooling channel provided by the battery module housing. This results in the cooling of the battery cells housed within the battery module housing.

[0068] In the event of leaks in either a cooling channel and / or a hose connected to it, an unintended escape of coolant can occur. This then collects in the trough-shaped base body 2. In the worst case, this can lead to damage to individual battery modules 4 or cells due to the escaped coolant, possibly even to a voltage flashover resulting in a fire.

[0069] To overcome the problems associated with leaking coolant, so-called absorbent mats 14 are arranged in the space formed by the support supports 21 and 22 between the accumulator modules 4 and the inner surface 6 of the base plate 5. These absorbent mats 14 can absorb and permanently store leaking coolant, thus preventing unwanted contact between the accumulator modules 4 and the coolant. The absorbent mats 14 expand accordingly when they absorb coolant, which is why the space created by the support supports 21 and 22 is dimensioned accordingly.

[0070] Preferably, the mats 14 are designed with such absorbency that they can absorb the entire amount of coolant that would theoretically escape in the event of a malfunction.

[0071] However, the mats 14 may fail to function properly if the accumulator housing 1 is tilted relative to the horizontal. In this case, depending on the tilt of the accumulator housing 1, coolant may accumulate in a certain area of ​​the housing 1 in such a quantity that unintentional contact between the accumulator modules 4 and the coolant can no longer be reliably prevented. For this reason, not only are absorbent mats 14 provided, but also leakage openings 12 (see Fig. 4) through which coolant can escape and be released into the external environment of the accumulator housing 1 if necessary.

[0072] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the base plate 5 of the base body 2 has a groove 9. This groove is incorporated into the outer surface 7 of the base body 2 and forms a web 10 on the inner surface 6 of the base plate 5 opposite the open side 3 of the base body 2. This connection is particularly evident from a comparison of Figures 1, 3, and 4. The web 10 has a web wall 11, which provides the leakage opening 12. This connection is particularly evident from the illustration in Figure 4.

[0073] According to the invention, a shaped body 13 is provided which seals the leakage opening 12 while allowing coolant to pass through. This body is inserted into the groove 9. This connection is also particularly evident from the illustration in Fig. 4.

[0074] As can be seen in particular from the illustration in Fig. 2, the shaped body 13 inserted into the groove 9 is arranged in a housing 15. This housing 15 is connected to the base plate 5 by receiving the shaped body 13, for which purpose screws 19 and corresponding nuts 20 are provided in the illustrated embodiment.

[0075] The housing 15 in turn has through-openings 16. Coolant that has previously passed through the molded body can flow out through these openings.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 15 has protective devices 17 formed by bends. These bends 17 protect, in particular, the screws 19 and nuts 20 from mechanical stress.

[0077] The molded body 13 consists of a liquid-permeable material, so that in the event of a leak, coolant can escape through the molded body 13 via corresponding leakage openings 12. The molded body 13 seals the associated leakage openings 12, particularly in a dust-tight manner, so that the accumulator housing 1 meets the requirements of protection class IP55.

[0078] The shaped body 13 can, for example, be a sponge. This can be made of a textile material, but also of a fibrous material, in particular a fibrous material made of natural and / or plastic fibers.

[0079] The functioning of the construction according to the invention is as follows. Escaping coolant can be discharged to the outside via the leakage openings 12. The leakage openings 12 are formed in the web side walls 11 of each web 10, which, in the illustrated embodiment, run orthogonally to the inner surface 6 of the base plate 5. A shaped element 13 is provided for dust-tight sealing of the leakage openings 12. This element is inserted into the corresponding groove 9, with each shaped element 13 effectively sealing opposing leakage openings 12 of a web 10, as can be seen in Fig. 4. The shaped element 13 is additionally protected from external influences by a housing 15, which advantageously supports the reliable operation of the accumulator housing 1 according to the invention.In order to safely drain any coolant that has escaped after passing through the molded body 13, the housing 15 has corresponding through-openings 16.

[0080] Furthermore, a cover 18 is incorporated into the housing 15 and is arranged between the housing 15 and the molded body 13. This cover 18 extends beyond the contact area 8 between the molded body 13 and the associated web sidewalls 11, as can be seen particularly in Fig. 4. This ensures that dust, dirt particles, and / or other contaminants cannot unintentionally enter the contact area between the molded body 13 and the associated web sidewall 11. The cover 18 can, for example, be made of a film material, which also has corresponding openings 16, or be made of a liquid-permeable material.

[0081] The leakage openings 12 are preferably slot-shaped. The through-openings 16 can be designed as bores and have a diameter of 7 mm.

[0082] The housing 15 receiving the shaped body 13 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4 is shown in Figures 5 and 6, where Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view and Fig. 6 is a side view.

[0083] As can be seen from a comparison of Figures 5 and 6, the housing 15 is designed as a single-piece sheet metal part. It has a plate 24 with walls 25 attached to it. In the fully assembled state, both the plate 24 and the side walls 25 rest against the molded body 13 received by the housing 15, as can be seen, for example, in Figures 3 and 4. The through-openings 16 are formed in both the plate 24 and the walls 25.

[0084] The walls 25 each transition into a foot section 26. The foot sections 26 serve to attach the housing 15 to the base plate 5. For screwing it to the base plate 5, the foot sections 26 each provide bores 27 through which screws 19 are inserted in the final assembly state, as can be seen particularly in Figures 2 and 6.

[0085] The foot sections 26, in turn, transition into the protective devices 17 described above. These protective devices 17 consist of flanges, each formed parallel to the corresponding walls 25. A receiving space is thus created between a protective device 17 and a corresponding wall 25, which serves to house the screws provided for attaching the housing 15 to the base plate 5. The protective devices 17 serve, on the one hand, to protect the corresponding screws from external mechanical forces. On the other hand, the protective devices 17 also serve to keep coarse dirt away from the through-openings 16, preventing them from becoming unintentionally clogged from the outside.

[0086] An additional plate, preferably made of plastic, can also be used between the vertical walls 17 and 25 to cover the holes 16. Furthermore, it may be sufficient for the drainage holes 16 located vertically in the walls 25 to be dimensioned such that the drainage holes 16 lying in the surface 24 can be omitted.

[0087] Figures 7 and 8 show an alternative embodiment of an accumulator housing according to the invention.

[0088] The housing 15, which receives the molded body 13, is also arranged on the outside of the base plate 5, according to the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8. However, the housing 15 is not screwed to the accumulator housing 1 via the base plate 5, but rather via a side wall 23. For this purpose, the housing 15 has a tab 28 extending into the side wall 23, which is connected to the side wall 23 by means of corresponding screws 29. This design has the advantage that the screws 29 provided for screwing the housing 15 to the base body 2 of the accumulator housing 1 are accessible from the side. In the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, the housing 15 is placed on the underside of the base plate 5. According to an alternative embodiment, the base plate 5 can also be provided with a groove into which the housing 15 is inserted.In this case, a flush finish is achieved between the outer surface 30 of the housing 15 and the outer surface 7 of the base plate 5. The groove is preferably accessible via a loading opening formed in the side wall 23, and is therefore open on one side. During assembly or disassembly, the housing 15 can thus be easily removed from the groove or loaded into the groove with a housing 15 via the opening provided for this purpose in the side wall 23, i.e., from the end face.

[0089] An alternative embodiment of the housing 15 is shown in Figures 9 to 11.

[0090] The embodiment of a housing 15 for receiving a shaped body 13 shown in Figures 9 to 11 is equally suitable for an external and an internal arrangement on the base body 2 of the accumulator housing 1.

[0091] The housing 15 has a base body 34, which includes a cover plate 37 and side walls 38 arranged on it. In its fully assembled state, this base body 34 accommodates the molded body 13.

[0092] The side walls 38 each transition into mounting tabs 35, which serve to attach the housing 15 to the base body 2 of the accumulator housing 1. Each mounting tab 35 has a bore 36 through which a fastening element is inserted in the final assembly state.

[0093] The housing 15 is preferably formed as a single-piece sheet metal part. The side walls 38 are formed by bends and abut each other at their end faces with an intervening slot 39. The slots 36 serve as through-openings 16. Reference numeral

[0094] 1 Housing 21 Support

[0095] 2 Base body 22 Support

[0096] 3 open side 23 side wall

[0097] 4 Accumulator module 25 24 plate

[0098] 5 Base plate 25 Wall

[0099] 6 interior surface 26 foot section

[0100] 7 Outer surface 27 Bore

[0101] 8 Contact area 28 Tab

[0102] 9 groove 30 29 screw

[0103] 10 Web 30 Outer surface of housing 11 Web side wall 31 Plate

[0104] 12 Leakage opening 32 Side wall

[0105] 13 molded bodies 33 slots

[0106] 14 Mat 35 34 Base body

[0107] 15 Housing 35 Mounting tab 16 Through opening 36 Bore

[0108] 17 Protective device 37 Cover plate

[0109] 18 Cover 38 Side wall

[0110] 19 Screw 40 39 Slotted

[0111] 20 mother

Claims

CHANGED REQUIREMENTS Received at the International Bureau on 12 May 2026 (12.05.2026) 1. Accumulator housing with a base body (2) open on one side and a cover closing the open side (3) of the base body (2), wherein the base body (2) is configured to accommodate accumulator modules (4) cooled by means of a coolant, and wherein the base body (2) has a bottom plate (5) opposite the open side (3) and a side wall (23) adjoining the bottom plate (5), wherein the bottom plate (5) or the side wall (23) has a leakage opening (12) for draining any escaped coolant, wherein a molded body (13) closing the leakage opening (12) in a coolant-permeable manner and a housing (15) receiving the molded body (13) are provided, wherein the housing (15) is arranged on the bottom plate (5) or on the side wall (23) of the base body (2) and has a through-opening (16) for draining coolant, characterized in that the bottom plate (5) has a groove (9),the inner surface (6) of the base plate (5) opposite the open side (3) of the base body (2) forms a web (10), wherein the web (10) has a web side wall (11) which provides the leakage opening (12), wherein the shaped body (13) is inserted into the groove (9).

2. Accumulator housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (15) containing the shaped body (13) is arranged on the outside or inside of the base body (2).

3. Accumulator housing according to claim 1 of claim 2, characterized in that the housing (15) together with the shaped body (13) received by the housing (15) is inserted into the groove (9).

4. Accumulator housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the web (10) has two opposing web side walls (11), wherein both web side walls (11) each have a leakage opening (12), whereby the leakage openings (12) are formed opposite each other. AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)5. Accumulator housing according to claim 4, characterized in that the opposing leakage openings (12) are each closed by a common molded body (13).

6. Accumulator housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a leakage opening (12) is designed in a slot-like manner and extends on one end to a transition area between the web side wall (11) and the adjacent inner surface (6) of the base plate (5).

7. Accumulator housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of beads (9) are provided which are formed parallel to each other, each bead (9) forming a web (10) with leakage openings (12).

8. Accumulator housing according to claim 7, characterized in that a coolant-absorbing mat (14) is arranged on the inner surface side of the base plate (5) between two adjacent ribs (10).

9. Accumulator housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a shaped body (13) is formed from an elastically deformable material or has a section formed from an elastically deformable material.

10. Accumulator housing according to claim 9 characterized in that the molded body in the relaxed state has a size that exceeds the volume space provided by the housing (15) in its geometric dimensions.

11. Accumulator housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a housing (15) receiving a molded body (13) is screwed to the base plate (5) or the side wall (23) by means of appropriate connecting means.

12. Accumulator housing according to claim 11, characterized in that the housing (15) is screwed to the base plate (5) or the side wall (23). AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) 13. Accumulator housing according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the housing (15) has a protective device (17) for protecting the connecting means from mechanical forces.

14. Accumulator housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a housing (15) further comprises a cover (18) arranged between the molded body (13) and a housing section, which extends beyond the contact area between the molded body (13) and an adjacent web side wall (11). AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) DECLARATION MENTIONED IN ARTICLE 19 (1) The revised patent claim 1 includes the features of the originally filed claims 1 and 3. According to the written notification from the International Searching Authority dated January 28, 2026 (see paragraph 5), the combination of features contained in the original claim 3 is neither known from the prior art nor suggested by it. The same must now apply to the amended claim 1, since the features of the originally filed claim 3 have been included therein.

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