阅读说明：本技术 电池单元，电池模块和制造电池模块的方法 (battery cell, battery module, and method for manufacturing battery module ) 是由 A.林克 A.林格尔 于 2019-06-10 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种电池单元(100),其包括阳极(1)、阴极(2)、其中布置有阳极(1)和阴极(2)的壳体(3)、用于将电池单元(100)与另一个电池单元(200)电连接的连接端子(4),以及用于将电解质材料填充进壳体(3)中的填充开口(5),其中,填充开口(5)至少部分地构造在连接端子(4)内。本发明还涉及具有多个电池单元(100、200)的电池模块(1000)以及用于制造根据本发明的电池模块(1000)的方法。(the invention relates to a battery cell (100) comprising an anode (1), a cathode (2), a housing (3) in which the anode (1) and the cathode (2) are arranged, a connection terminal (4) for electrically connecting the battery cell (100) to a further battery cell (200), and a filling opening (5) for filling an electrolyte material into the housing (3), wherein the filling opening (5) is at least partially formed in the connection terminal (4). The invention also relates to a battery module (1000) having a plurality of battery cells (100, 200) and to a method for producing a battery module (1000) according to the invention.)

1. A battery cell (100) comprising an anode (1), a cathode (2), a case (3) in which the anode (1) and the cathode (2) are arranged, a connection terminal (4) for electrically connecting the battery cell (100) with another battery cell (200), and a filling opening (5) for filling an electrolyte material into the case (3),

The method is characterized in that:

The filling opening (5) is at least partially formed in the connecting terminal (4).

2. The battery cell (100) of claim 1,

The method is characterized in that:

The housing (3) has a cover (6) for closing the housing (3), and the connection terminal (4) is integrally and/or materially mounted on the cover (6), wherein the filling opening (5) extends through the connection terminal (4) and the cover (6).

3. The battery unit (100) of any one of the preceding claims,

the method is characterized in that:

A thread section (7) is formed in the filling opening (5) for screwing a closure bolt (8) into the filling opening (5).

4. The battery unit (100) of any one of the preceding claims,

The method is characterized in that:

The filling opening (5) is closed by means of a closing screw (8).

5. The battery unit (100) of claim 4,

The method is characterized in that:

the closure screw (8) presses against a sealing element (9) located in the filling opening (5) in order to seal the filling opening (5) in a fluid-tight manner.

6. The battery unit (100) of any one of the preceding claims,

The method is characterized in that:

At least one sensor (10) for detecting an operating state in the housing (3) is formed in the filling opening (5).

7. the battery unit (100) of any one of the preceding claims,

The method is characterized in that:

a valve for pressure equalization between the interior volume of the housing (3) and the environment of the housing (3) is at least partially formed in the filling opening (5).

8. The battery unit (100) of any one of the preceding claims,

The method is characterized in that:

The connection terminal (4) is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical.

9. battery module (1000) having a first battery cell (100) and at least one second battery cell (200), wherein the first battery cell (100) and the at least one second battery cell (200) are each constructed according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first battery cell (100) and the at least one second battery cell (200) are electrically connected to one another with cell connectors (11) which are each fastened on a connection terminal (4) and cover a respective filling opening (5).

10. Method for manufacturing a battery module (1000) according to claim 9, comprising the steps of:

providing a first battery unit (100),

Providing at least one second battery cell (200),

positioning a cell connector (11) between a first battery cell (100) and a second battery cell (200) to establish an electrical connection between a connection terminal (4) of the first battery cell (100) and a connection terminal (4) of the second battery cell (200), and

The cell connector (11) is connected to the connection terminals (4) of the first battery cell (100) and the connection terminals (4) of the second battery cell (200) in a material-locking manner, and the filling opening (5) of the first battery cell (100) and the filling opening (5) of the second battery cell (200) are covered by means of the cell connector (11).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a battery cell including an anode, a cathode, a case in which the anode and the cathode are arranged, a connection terminal for electrically connecting the battery cell with another battery cell, and a filling opening for filling an electrolyte material into the case. The invention also relates to a battery module having a plurality of such battery cells, which are electrically connected to one another via corresponding connecting terminals. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a battery module.

Background

Known battery cells have a cell housing in which an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte are located. To introduce the electrolyte material into the cell housing between the anode and cathode, the fill opening is located on one side of the cell housing or on the cover. By filling the openings, the electrolyte can be introduced into the volume provided for this in the cell housing. After the electrolyte is introduced into the cell housing, the fill opening can be closed. This is typically achieved by riveting or welding processes. Furthermore, the associated battery cells have connection terminals, by means of which a plurality of battery cells can be electrically connected to one another.

US2003/059676a1 discloses a battery module having individual battery cells, each of which includes a receptacle having a lid. Connection terminals for electrically connecting the battery cell with other battery cells are configured on the cover. Furthermore, the lid has a filling opening, through which the electrolyte can be filled into the respective receptacle.

disclosure of Invention

Within the framework of the invention, a battery cell according to claim 1, a battery module according to claim 9 and a method for manufacturing a battery module according to claim 10 are provided. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention result from the description, the dependent claims and the drawings. In this case, the features and details described in connection with the battery cells naturally also apply to the battery module according to the invention, to the method according to the invention and vice versa, so that the disclosure with respect to the various inventive aspects is always or can be mutually referenced.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery cell comprising an anode, a cathode, a case in which the anode and the cathode are provided, a connection terminal for electrically connecting the battery cell with another battery cell, and a filling port for filling an electrolyte material into the case, wherein the filling opening is at least partially configured inside the connection terminal.

within the framework of the invention, it has been recognized that the filling opening can be integrated into the connection terminal. The filling opening and the connecting terminal have hitherto always been formed on the housing separately from one another in a battery cell of the generic type. By combining these components (bauteilab schnitte) according to the invention, the complexity of the battery cell can be reduced. Furthermore, fewer components are required for such a battery cell than for a battery cell in which the filling opening and the connection terminal are constructed separately from each other. In the battery cell according to the invention, the closing pin can therefore be dispensed with, for example, when the filling opening is closed by a cell connector, which is connected, in a cohesive manner, in particular welded, to the connection terminal when the battery cell is electrically connected. Due to the integral design of the filling opening in the connection terminal, the battery cell can also be provided in a particularly space-saving manner.

in addition, the number of processes required for manufacturing the battery cell may also be reduced. Up to now, the closing of the filling opening and the electrical contacting of the connection terminals have to be realized by two separate process steps. In the battery cell proposed according to the invention, this can be achieved by a single process step.

a battery unit is to be understood to mean, in particular, a battery unit used in a high-voltage battery module which can be used as a vehicle battery or traction battery for supplying power to an electric motor for driving a vehicle.

the battery cell is preferably provided in the form of a prismatic battery cell. In such a battery cell, the housing is configured as a cuboid or approximately as a cuboid. The housing may have a cell-like receiving section for receiving the anode and the cathode and a cover for closing the receiving section. The connection terminal with the filling opening integrated therein is preferably designed on the cover of the housing or is constructed as part of the cover. In this case, the filling opening preferably extends through the connection terminal and thus also through the lid.

in particular, an anode is understood to mean an anode region or an anode section, which may also have a plurality of anode assemblies. A cathode is to be understood to mean, in particular, a cathode region or a cathode segment, which may also have a plurality of cathode assemblies.

The battery cell can have a connection terminal or a plurality of connection terminals, that is to say at least one connection terminal. Thus, the filling opening can be at least partially formed in the at least one connection terminal.

The connecting terminal is made of an electrically conductive material, in particular, or has an electrically conductive material at least in sections on the upper side of the connecting terminal. The fill opening preferably extends at least partially through the conductive material portion of the connection terminal. That is to say, the filling opening is preferably a passage opening or a perforation which passes through the connection terminal or the housing in the region of the connection terminal, through which passage opening the electrolyte can be introduced into the housing of the battery cell.

according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is possible in the battery cell for the housing to have a cover for closing the housing, and for the connection terminals to be integrally and/or materially bonded to the cover, wherein the filling opening extends through the connection terminals and the cover. Simple production of the battery cell can thereby be facilitated. The cover with the integrated connection terminals and the filling opening integrated therein can be provided as a one-piece or substantially one-piece component which is simply placed on the trough-like receiving section during the production of the battery cell and fixed there.

in addition, it is possible in the battery cell according to the invention to form a thread section in the filling opening for screwing the closure screw into the filling opening. By means of the thread segments, the filling opening can be closed in a simple and cost-effective manner by means of a closure bolt. In particular, the filling opening can also be opened again by unscrewing the closure screw. This can also be advantageous if the electrolyte should either have to be replaced or if the filling opening has to be opened for maintenance purposes. The thread section is preferably designed in the form of a standard thread or has at least one such standard thread. In this way, a cost-effective closure bolt with a corresponding standard thread can be used. The thread section is at least partially formed in the filling opening. That is, the thread segments need not be configured but may be configured over the entire length or depth of the filling opening or the respective passage opening. If the threaded section is configured, for example, only in the upper part of the filling opening facing the surroundings of the battery cell, further functional components of the battery cell can be positioned in the lower part of the filling opening. The battery cell may be provided without a closure bolt, for example for transport, while still having no electrolyte in the housing and/or between the anode and the cathode.

According to a further embodiment variant of the invention, it is possible to close the filling opening in the battery cell with a closing screw. The closing bolt is a particularly simple, cheap and effective means for closing the passage opening. Furthermore, if, for example, the electrolyte should or must be replaced, or if the filling opening must be opened for maintenance purposes, the closure screw can be screwed out of the passage opening again in a simple manner. In battery cells with screwed-in closure bolts, there is usually an electrolyte. However, battery cells with screwed-in closure bolts can also be provided without electrolyte, for example for the transport of the battery cells. The closure bolt is preferably configured in the form of a standard bolt with a standard thread. Accordingly, the closure screw and thus the battery cell can be provided at a correspondingly low cost.

it is also possible in the battery cell according to the invention that a closure screw for fluid-sealing the filling opening can be pressed onto the sealing element located in the filling opening. By means of the sealing element, a particularly reliable closure of the filling opening can be achieved. In the case of a closure screw screwed into a thread, it may sometimes be impossible to reliably prevent the fluid from flowing out of the filling opening through the thread. By arranging the sealing element, this problem can be solved. The sealing element is preferably located at an end section of the closing bolt within the filling opening, i.e. at one end of the closing bolt, which end projects into and/or points into the battery cell. The sealing element can be designed in the form of a sealing ring, for example in the form of a rubber ring, which, when the closure bolt is removed and the sealing element is inserted, additionally ensures a passage opening or an open filling opening. The sealing element may have a threaded section which is designed to be complementary to a threaded section of the filling opening. The sealing element can thereby be screwed into the threaded section of the filling opening and can be positioned there.

in the battery cell according to the invention, it is also possible to provide at least one sensor in the filling opening for detecting an operating state in the housing. By integrating at least one sensor into the passage opening, further functions can be achieved at the connection terminals. The temperature in the housing of the battery cell is therefore monitored by a temperature sensor and/or the pressure is monitored by a pressure sensor. As mentioned above, the at least one sensor may be positioned within the filling opening and/or at a rim portion of the filling opening within the housing. The sensor may be in signal communication with a transmitter that transmits the detected sensor information to an external receiver. As soon as a functionally critical sensor value is detected, the closure screw can be rotated out of the filling opening and the error corrected or at least sought for.

In addition, it is possible in the battery cell according to the invention for a valve for pressure equalization between the interior volume of the housing and the environment of the housing to be formed at least partially in the filling opening. By means of the valve, an automatically acting safety function can be integrated into the battery unit. The valve can be introduced, in particular screwed, into the filling opening instead of or as a component of the closure screw. For this purpose, the valve may have a corresponding external thread. Alternatively, the valve can also be positioned in the filling opening by means of an additional fastening device. When using the valve, additional safety measures, such as positioning a pressure sensor in and/or at the filling opening, can be dispensed with. The valve is preferably designed in the form of an overpressure valve, which allows fluid to flow out of the housing through the valve into the environment of the battery cell in the event of a pressure in the housing exceeding a predetermined threshold value. Thereby, uncontrolled explosion of the battery cell may be prevented.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is possible that in the battery cell, the connection terminal can be of cylindrical or substantially cylindrical configuration. This leads to manufacturing advantages, in particular if the filling opening has a circular cross section.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery module having a first battery cell and at least one second battery cell, wherein the first battery cell and the at least one second battery cell are each configured as described in detail above, is provided. The first battery cell and the at least one second battery cell are electrically connected to each other by cell connectors that are fastened on the connection terminals, respectively, and cover the corresponding filling openings. Therefore, the battery module according to the present invention brings about the same advantages as described in detail with reference to the battery cell according to the present invention. As described above, the battery module exhibits a dual advantage, in particular with regard to the integration of the fill openings into the respective connection terminals. By combining these two functional parts, the respective housing part can be designed to be transparent and of low complexity and be closed by the electrical connection of the cell connectors without additional components. The cell connectors are connected, in particular materially bonded, to the respective connecting terminals, preferably welded to the respective connecting terminals. The battery module is preferably designed as a high-voltage battery module, which can be used as a vehicle battery or traction battery for supplying an electric motor for driving the vehicle.

in addition, within the framework of the invention, a method for manufacturing a battery module as described above is provided. The method comprises the following steps:

A first one of the battery cells is provided,

At least one second battery cell is provided,

Positioning a cell connector between the first battery cell and the second battery cell for establishing electrical connection between the connection terminal of the first battery cell and the connection terminal of the second battery cell, an

The cell connectors are connected to the connection terminals of the first battery cell and the connection terminals of the second battery cell in a material-locking manner, and the filling openings of the first battery cell and the filling openings of the second battery cell are covered by means of the cell connectors.

The method according to the invention thus brings about the advantages described above. The phrase "cell connector is connected in a cohesive manner to the connection terminals of the first battery cell and the connection terminals of the second battery cell, and the filling opening of the first battery cell and the filling opening of the second battery cell are covered by means of the cell connector" is to be understood to mean that the respective filling opening is covered or closed only by the material of the cell connector or by the material of the cell connector and the material for the cohesive connection, i.e. for example the welding material of other components. The at least one second battery cell may be understood as: two or more battery cells may be connected with the cell connector. Thus, a first battery cell may be connected to a second, third or even another battery cell. The number of battery cells according to the invention which can be interconnected with one or more cell connectors is in principle arbitrary.

furthermore, measures to improve the invention result from the following description of some embodiments of the invention, which are schematically shown in the drawing. All the features and/or advantages, including structural details and spatial arrangements, which are derived from the claims, the description or the drawings, are essential to the invention, both individually and in various combinations.

Drawings

The figures show respectively:

Figure 1 shows a battery cell according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 shows a battery module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention

Fig. 3 to 5 show views for explaining a method of manufacturing a battery module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Elements having the same function and mode of action are provided with the same reference numerals in fig. 1 to 5, respectively.

Detailed Description

fig. 1 shows a battery cell 100 according to a first embodiment. The battery cell 100 has an anode 1, a cathode 2, and a case 3, the anode 1 and the cathode 2 being disposed in the case 3. The battery cell 100 further includes a cylindrical connection terminal 4 for electrically connecting the battery cell 100 with another battery cell 200 and a filling opening 5 for filling an electrolyte material into the case 3.

As shown in fig. 1, the filling opening 5 is at least partially formed in the connection terminal 4. The housing 3 shown in fig. 1 has a cover 6 for closing the housing 3. The connection terminal 4 is integrally mounted on the cover 6, wherein the filling opening 5 extends through the connection terminal 4 and the cover 6. The second connection terminal or the corresponding potential can be formed flat or in the form of a projection at any other location on the housing 3.

Fig. 1 also shows that a thread section 7 is formed in the filling opening 5, into which a closure bolt 8 is screwed. That is, the filling opening 5 is closed by the closing bolt 8.

In the embodiment shown, a sealing element 9 is located in the filling opening 5, wherein the closure screw 8 presses against the sealing element 9 in order to fluid-tightly close the filling opening 5. Furthermore, at least one sensor 10 is located in the filling opening 5 for detecting an operating state in the housing

fig. 2 shows a battery module 1000 having a first battery cell 100 and a second battery cell 200. The first battery cell 100 and the second battery cell 200 are each configured according to the battery cell 100 shown in fig. 1. As shown in fig. 2, the first battery cell 100 and the second battery cell 200 are electrically connected to each other using a cell connector 11 that is fixed to the respective connection terminals 4 of the first battery cell 100 and the second battery cell 200 and covers the respective filling openings 5.

Referring to fig. 2 to 5, a method of manufacturing the battery module 1000 shown in fig. 2 will be explained. Here, in the first step, the first battery cell 100 and the second battery cell 200 are provided. Subsequently, the cell connector 11 is positioned between the first battery cell 100 and the second battery cell 200 for establishing electrical connection between the connection terminal 4 of the first battery cell 100 and the connection terminal 4 of the second battery cell 200. This step can be seen with particular reference to fig. 3 and 4. As soon as the cell connector 11 rests on the connecting terminal 4, it is connected in a material-locking manner with the connecting terminal 4 of the first battery cell 100 and the connecting terminal 4 of the second battery cell 200 by means of the laser 12. Here, the filling opening 5 of the first battery cell 100 and the filling opening 5 of the second battery cell 200 are covered by the cell connector 11. This step is shown in particular in fig. 4 and 5.

The invention allows for a further constructional basis in addition to the embodiment shown. That is, the present invention should not be considered limited to the embodiments described in the drawings. It is therefore possible for a valve for pressure equalization between the interior volume of the housing 3 and the environment of the housing 3 to be arranged at least partially in the filling opening 5 next to the sensor 10 and/or the closure screw 8. In addition, the battery module 1000 may of course also have more than the two battery cells 100, 200 shown in fig. 2.