This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. DE 10 2021 202 065.8, filed on Mar. 3, 2021, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The present invention relates to a battery housing for accommodating battery cells of a battery, which has at least two housing parts that delimit an inner volume of the battery housing. The invention also relates to a battery with such a battery housing.
Batteries are used to deliver stored electrical energy and are used in a variety of ways. For this purpose, batteries have a battery housing in which at least one battery cell is accommodated. The battery cells are often rechargeable, so that the battery as a whole can be recharged. The battery housing serves, among other things, to protect the battery cells.
Such battery housings are usually made of a metal or metal alloy. The battery housings are therefore complex and/or expensive to produce. In addition, this can lead to undesirable electrical and/or electromagnetic interactions between the battery housing and the battery cells. This requires separate electrical insulation of the battery housing from the battery cells.
The use of battery housings made of plastic offers the advantage that said interactions do not occur. In addition, such battery housings can be produced more cost-effectively.
A battery housing is known from EP 2 467 253 B1, which housing has a plurality of housing parts. The housing parts delimit an inner volume of the battery housing and are connected to one another, for example, by means of a tongue and groove connection. The respective housing part is made up of several layers and has at least one carrier layer made of thermoplastic material and at least one cover layer made of metal, which are joined together in a sandwich-like manner. The cover layer primarily serves to mechanically stabilize the carrier layers. In addition, the cover layer results in electromagnetic shielding of the inner volume and thus of the battery cells accommodated in the battery housing.
A disadvantage of the solution known from the prior art is the insufficient electromagnetic compatibility of the battery housing and the battery, also known to those skilled in the art as “EMC”.
The present invention is therefore concerned with the task of specifying improved or at least different embodiments for a battery housing of the type mentioned at the outset and for a battery with such a battery housing, which are characterized in particular by improved electromagnetic compatibility and/or simplified manufacture.
According to the invention, this problem is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claim(s). Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claim(s).
The present invention is based on the general idea of assembling a battery housing from at least two housing parts, with each housing part being made of plastic and provided with a metal layer for electromagnetic shielding, and with the respective metal layer extending into the connection area of the housing parts, so that the metal layers contact each other in the connection area. This results in electrical contact between the metal layers in the connection area. Thus, an inner volume delimited by the housing parts is also electromagnetically shielded in the connection area and thus improved overall electromagnetic shielding with at the same time a simplified manufacture of the battery housing.
In accordance with the idea of the invention, the battery housing is designed in several parts, i.e. it has at least two housing parts which are connected to one another and delimit an inner volume of the battery housing. The inner volume serves in particular to accommodate at least one battery cell of an associated battery. In this case, the respective housing part has a connecting section, the connecting sections of the housing parts resting on one another and the housing parts being connected to one another via the connecting sections. The respective housing part has a base body made of plastic and a metal layer applied to the plastic for electromagnetic shielding of the inner volume. The respective metal layer extends into the connecting section of the associated housing part, so that the metal layers contact each other in the connecting sections resting on one another along the extension of the connecting sections.
In the present case, a metal layer is to be understood as meaning a layer made of a metal or a metal alloy which is applied to the base body and shields electromagnetic radiation.
The respective metal layer is expediently applied not only to the base body in the associated connecting section, but also outside of the connecting section. In this case, the respective metal layer can be applied to the inside of the base body facing the inner volume and/or to the outside of the base body facing away from the inner volume.
The respective metal layer is preferably applied to the outside of the associated base body facing away from the inner volume and extends, as described, into the connecting section. This prevents electrical interaction of the metal layer with components of the associated battery accommodated in the inner volume, in particular with battery cells accommodated in the inner volume. This means that other types of electrical insulation of the inner volume relative to the metal layer can be dispensed with, or at least they can be reduced. This results in simplified production of the battery housing and the associated battery.
The base body of the respective housing part is preferably the supporting component of the housing part. This means that the metal layer has no load-bearing function for the housing part and thus for the battery housing. The respective housing part and thus the battery housing, and consequently also the associated battery, is carried by the base bodies of the housing parts. The base bodies and the metal layers are designed accordingly with regard to their strength, material thickness and the like. In this case, the respective base body and thus the plastic is preferably considerably thicker than the metal layer in terms of material thickness.
In principle, the battery housing can have three or more housing parts.
The battery housing is advantageously designed in two parts, i.e. it has two housing parts. It is advantageous here if one of the housing parts is a lower housing part designed as a housing pot for accommodating battery cells of the battery and the other housing part is an upper housing part designed as a housing pot which closes the lower housing part.
In principle, the respective housing part can have other components in addition to the base body and the metal layer.
It is preferred if at least one of the housing parts, advantageously the respective housing part, consists of the base body made of plastic and the metal layer. This leads to simplified production and a reduced weight of the battery housing.
In advantageous embodiments, at least two of the metal layers in the connecting sections resting on one another rest on one another along the extension of the connecting sections. This results in a planar contact between the metal layers. This results in an improved electrical connection between the metal layers and consequently improved electromagnetic shielding of the inner volume. In this case, it is preferred if the metal layers rest on one another in all of the connecting sections that rest on one another along the extension of the connecting sections.
Embodiments are considered to be advantageous in which the metal layers extend over the respectively associated base body and make contact in such a way that they form a Faraday cage enclosing the inner volume. This is achieved in particular in that the metal layers contact each other in all connecting sections along the extension of the connecting sections, and in that the metal layers extend over the entire associated base body outside of the connecting sections. A particularly effective electromagnetic shielding and consequently a particularly effective electromagnetic compatibility of the battery housing and the associated battery are thus achieved.
In advantageous embodiments, at least two of the contacting metal layers in the connecting sections resting on one another extend transversely to the extension of the connecting sections only into a partial section of the respective associated connecting section. This means that the respective metal layer extends into a partial section of the associated connecting section, so that a remaining section of the connecting section is free of the metal layer. In this case, the partial section and the remaining section are preferably adjacent transversely to the extension of the connecting section. This is done in such a way that the base bodies and thus their plastic materials contact each other along the extension of the connecting sections in the remaining sections and the metal layers in the partial sections. This results in a defined connection between the housing parts. In addition, this results in simplified sealing of the inner volume from the environment.
It is advantageous here if the metal layers are applied to the outside of the base body and, starting from the outside, extend into the partial section of the connecting section, so that the remaining section is arranged on the side of the partial section facing the inner volume.
It is advantageous if at least two of the connecting sections resting on one another, preferably all of the connecting sections resting on one another, are pressed against one another. This leads to an improved connection of the housing parts and an improved sealing of the inner volume from the environment.
Embodiments are considered to be advantageous in which at least one of the housing parts has a sealing groove in the remaining section for receiving a seal. The seal is thus acted upon, in particular pressed, by the connecting sections at a distance from the metal layers and is at a distance from the metal layers. This leads to a predetermined and/or defined compression of the seal without causing damage to the metal layers and/or bulging of the metal layers and damage to the seal. This results in a simple and stable connection of the housing parts while at the same time reliably sealing the inner volume from the environment.
In principle, at least two of the housing parts can be permanently connected to one another via the connecting sections. In this context, materially integral connections between the connecting sections should be considered in particular.
It is preferred if at least two of the housing parts, advantageously all of the housing parts connected to one another, are detachably connected to one another. The battery housing can thus be opened if needed, for example in order to service and/or replace battery components accommodated in the inner volume.
The housing parts are preferably connected in a detachable manner by means of screw connections. This means that at least two of the at least two housing parts are screwed together. For this purpose, the connecting sections expediently have associated screw openings.
Embodiments are preferred in which the associated metal layers are recessed in the area of the screw openings. This means that the respective metal layer has a recess for the respective screw opening and is therefore at a distance from the screw opening. The recesses can be part of the remaining section or form it. This results in a defined connection of the housing parts to one another with a specified compression. In particular, in this way the screw connections can be tightened in a simple and reliable manner. The arrangement of the metal layers at a distance from the screw openings prevents metal layers from being present in the area of the screw openings and thus of the screw connection, which impair said pressing. In particular, this prevents or at least reduces deformation of the base body caused by the metal layers in the area of the screw openings and thus of the screw connection, in particular the penetration or impression of the metal layers into the base body due to the screw connection.
In preferred embodiments, at least one of the connecting sections resting on one another is shaped in a recessed manner, i.e. in particular depressed, in the direction away from the other connecting section. Advantageously, at least one of the base bodies in the connecting section is recessed in a direction away from the base body of the other, associated connecting section. Particularly preferably, at least one of the base bodies in the partial section of the connecting section is recessed in relation to the remaining section. A defined support of the connecting sections, in particular the base body, in the connecting sections and thus a defined compression of the connecting sections is thus achieved. In addition, bulging of the metal layers is avoided and/or compensated for in this way. The result is a simple and defined connection and pressing of the housing parts together.
Embodiments are considered to be advantageous in which the recess is adapted to the material thickness of the associated metal layer in such a way that the material thickness is compensated. The compensation is such that the associated connecting sections lie flat on one another along the extension in the partial sections and the remaining sections of the connecting sections. As a result, a precisely defined connection of the housing parts is achieved with improved sealing of the inner volume from the environment.
In principle, the respective connecting section can be configured and/or shaped as desired, provided that it can be connected to the associated connecting section of the other housing part.
It is preferred if at least one of the housing parts, advantageously a respective housing part, has a circumferential flange as a connecting section. Thus, the connecting section facing the other connecting section is planarly formed. Consequently, the associated metal layer can be applied to the connecting section in a simplified manner. In addition, this results in a simplified and defined connection of the connecting sections with simplified assembly. In this way, the housing parts and thus the battery housing can be manufactured and connected to one another in a simplified and defined manner.
At least one of the housing parts can have a base that is spaced apart from the connecting section and delimits the inner volume. It is preferred here if a flame-retardant fiber mat is attached between the base and the metal layer on the side facing away from the base of the housing part, i.e. on the outside of the base. As a result, the battery housing achieves improved protection of the components of the associated battery accommodated in the inner volume, in particular the battery cells, from the environment or vice versa.
Embodiments are preferred in which at least one of the metal layers, advantageously the respective metal layer, has a surface embossing. This leads to better contact of the metal layer on the base body even with uneven shapes and/or geometric shapes of the base body that deviate from a flat configuration. In particular in the transition area to the connecting section, an embossing leads to a simple and reliable support of the metal layer on the base body.
It is conceivable that the metal layer has a surface embossing only locally. It is also conceivable for the metal layer to have a surface embossing throughout.
In principle, the respective metal layer can have any desired configuration, provided that it leads to electromagnetic shielding.
The respective metal layer can be applied to the base body in any conceivable way.
It is conceivable to coat at least one of the base bodies with the metal layer.
It is conceivable to apply at least one of the metal layers to the associated base body in a materially integral manner. In particular, it is possible to glue the metal layer to the base body.
It is advantageous if at least one of the metal layers, in particular a respective metal layer, is designed as a metal foil applied to the base body, in particular in a materially integral manner. The metal layer can thus be applied to the base body in a simple and cost-effective manner and effective electromagnetic shielding can be achieved.
It is also conceivable to provide at least one of the metal layers as a metal fleece, a metal net, known in particular as a metal mesh, or a metal fiber.
Embodiments are conceivable in which the plastic of the base body is cast into the metal layer in such a way that the metal layer is arranged on the plastic of the base body. In particular, the metal layer can be placed as an insert in a casting mold for producing the base body. It is conceivable here to produce the base body by injection molding or by compression molding.
It is advantageous if the metal layer is designed in such a way that the plastic penetrates into the metal layer. In particular, the metal layer can be designed as a metal fleece, metal net, metal mesh and the like.
It goes without saying that, in addition to the battery housing, a battery with such a battery housing also belongs to the scope of this invention.
The battery has at least one battery cell, advantageously a plurality of battery cells, which are accommodated in the inner volume of the battery housing. The respective battery cell is designed to supply electrical energy.
The battery is preferably rechargeable. This means that the at least one battery cell is rechargeable.
In principle, the respective battery cell can have any configuration. In particular, the respective battery cell can be a pouch cell, a prismatic cell and the like.
In principle, the battery can be used in any application.
In particular, it is conceivable to use the battery in a motor vehicle. The battery can be used to drive the motor vehicle.
Further important features and advantages of the invention result from the dependent claims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures with reference to the drawings.
It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those still to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, with the same reference numbers referring to identical or similar or functionally identical components.
In the drawing, schematically
A battery housing 1, as shown for example in
The battery housing 1 has a plurality of housing parts 5, 6 which are connected to one another and delimit an inner volume 7 of the battery housing. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the housing parts 5, 6 are detachably connected to one another. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the battery cells 3 of the battery 1 are accommodated in the inner volume 7.
In the exemplary embodiments shown, the battery housing 1 has at least one upper housing part 5, also referred to below as upper housing part 5, and at least one lower housing part 6, also referred to below as lower housing part 6. The at least one upper housing part 5 closes the at least one lower housing part 6, the at least one upper housing part 5 delimiting the inner volume 7 together with the at least one lower housing part 6. The at least one upper housing part 5 and the at least one lower housing part 6 are arranged opposite one another and are connected to one another. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the at least one upper housing part 5 and the at least one lower housing part 6 are detachably connected to one another.
The respective housing part 5, 6 has a supporting body 8 made of plastic. In addition, the respective housing part 5, 6 has a metal layer 9 made of a metal or a metal alloy attached to the base body 8. The metal layers 9 of the housing parts 5, 6 serve to electromagnetically shield the inner volume 7 from the environment and thus ensure electromagnetic compatibility of the battery housing 1 and the associated battery 2. The housing parts 5, 6 each have a connecting section 10. The connecting sections 10 of associated housing parts 5, 6 rest on one another, with the associated housing parts 5, 6 being connected to one another by means of the connecting sections 10. The respective base body 8 is made of plastic. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the respective housing part 5, 6 consists of the base body 8 and the metal layer 9.
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In the exemplary embodiments shown, the respective housing part 5, 6 has a connecting section 10 designed as a flange 11, the at least one upper housing part 5 being connected to the at least one lower housing part 6 by means of the flanges 11.
In the exemplary embodiments shown, the respective housing part 5, 6 has a base 24 which delimits the inner volume 7 and is at a distance from the flange 11.
As can also be seen from the figures, in the exemplary embodiments shown, the respective metal layer 9 extends into the connecting section 10 of the associated housing part 5, 6, so that the metal layers 9 in the connecting sections 10 resting on one another along the extension of the connecting sections 10 make contact with one another. A Faraday cage 23 enclosing the inner volume 7 is thus created by means of the metal layers 9 for achieving an electromagnetic shielding of the inner volume 7. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the metal layers 9 extend into the associated connecting sections 10 in such a way that the metal layers 9 lie flat on each other at least in the area of the flanges 11. This achieves an improved electrical connection between the metal layers 9 and thus an improved electromagnetic shielding.
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In the exemplary embodiments shown, the respective metal layer 9 is in the form of a metal foil 20.
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In the exemplary embodiments shown in
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The respective metal foil 20 preferably has a surface embossing (not visible). The surface embossing allows an easier deformation of the respective metal foil 20 and thus a complete surface contact of the metal foil 20 on the associated base body 8.
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Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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10 2021 202 065.8 | Mar 2021 | DE | national |