DE102016222088A1 - Joining process for the production of a battery and battery - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a joining method (100) for producing a battery (10), in particular for a vehicle (30), having at least two joining parts (11, 12) comprising the following steps:
Applying a liquid adhesive (20) to at least a first joint (13) of a first joining part (11) of the battery (10),
Producing a mounting arrangement (1) by merging the first joining part (11) with a second joining part (12) of the battery (10),
At least partially irradiation of the mounting arrangement (1) with microwaves (2), so that the adhesive (20) for producing a material connection between the at least two joining parts (11, 12) at least partially hardens.
Furthermore, the invention relates to a battery (10).

Description

The present invention relates to a joining method for manufacturing a battery according to the independent method claim and a battery according to the independent device claim.

State of the art

In the production of batteries, it is usually necessary to connect several components together. Different connection possibilities for the components are known. For example, it is known to screw components together. However, for reasons of lack of space, depending on the design, it is often not possible to use other mechanical fasteners for connecting the components.

In order to continue to secure mechanical connections against a loosening of the connection under dynamic loads or to provide an alternative to mechanical connections, the components are therefore often glued. In order to shorten the curing time of the adhesive and thus to accelerate mass production, it is also known to expose the components to high temperatures. Due to the high temperatures required, however, this is not unrestricted for all, possibly temperature-sensitive, components possible.

For example, from the publication US 4,460,663 A discloses a method for producing a battery housing, wherein initially two rings between the cover and a battery wall are provided, which are heated so that they melt and lead to a cohesive connection of the cover and the battery wall upon cooling. However, on the one hand high temperatures are required, so that a corresponding energy must be provided and on the other hand, other components can be affected when heating the binding rings, so that not only a choice of materials of the components to be connected is limited, but also possibly to connect Components must be treated in isolation.

Disclosure of the invention

• • Auftragen eines flüssigen Klebemittels auf zumindest eine erste Fügestelle eines ersten Fügeteils der Batterie,
• • Erstellen einer Montageanordnung durch Zusammenführen des ersten Fügeteils mit einem zweiten Fügeteil der Batterie,
• • zumindest abschnittsweises Bestrahlen der Montageanordnung, insbesondere der ersten Fügestelle, mit Mikrowellen, sodass das Klebemittel zur Herstellung einer stoffschlüssigen Verbindung zwischen den zumindest zwei Fügeteilen zumindest tlw. aushärtet.

The invention comprises a joining method for producing a battery, in particular for a vehicle, with at least two joining parts, the following steps:

• Applying a liquid adhesive to at least a first joint of a first adherend of the battery,
• Creating a mounting arrangement by merging the first joining part with a second joining part of the battery,
• At least sectionwise irradiation of the mounting arrangement, in particular the first joint, with microwaves, so that the adhesive cures at least partially to produce a cohesive connection between the at least two joining parts.

In particular, this provides a very good technical possibility in the production of the battery, at least two components energy-efficiently, without heat and safely connect with each other.

Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. In this case, features and details that have been described in connection with the joining method according to the invention apply, of course, in connection with the battery according to the invention and in each case vice versa, so that with respect to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention always reciprocal reference is or can be.

The application of the adhesive can also be carried out on further joints of the first joining part and preferably give a continuous joint seam. It is also conceivable that the liquid adhesive is applied both to the first joint of the first joining part, as well as to a second joint of the second joining part to ensure that both joining parts are sufficiently wetted with adhesive at the respective joint or joint seam when the cohesive Connection arises. The first and / or second joint may be formed, for example, by an edge of a housing or another form of the parts to be joined. The parts to be joined are, for example, two components of the battery, a battery module of the battery or a battery cell of the battery. In particular, the parts to be joined may be components of a battery housing, which may be electrically conductive. The joining method according to the invention can be used particularly advantageously for components of a housing, since in this case a large part of the battery components can already be mounted when connecting the housing parts, so that an insulated connection of the housing halves is difficult or impossible in conventional methods. The irradiation by microwaves according to the invention can thus result in that only the adhesive cures and other components are not or only slightly influenced, in particular if they are not microwaveable. there can cure the adhesive at least partially or completely. For the purposes of the present invention, the merging of the first joining part with the second joining part of the battery can preferably be understood to mean that the first joint of the first joining part, which is wetted with the liquid adhesive, is brought into contact with a second joint of the second joining part. For this purpose, the components can, for example, be pressed against one another or braced, the first joining part can be arranged on the second joining part, so that its own weight unfolds a pressing action, or vice versa. Thus, preferably, the first and the second joint can be irradiated with the microwaves. However, it is also conceivable that the first joining part is moved only close to the second joining part, so that the applied adhesive comes into contact with both joining parts at least during curing. Advantageously, the construction of the mounting arrangement can also be carried out prior to the application of the liquid adhesive to the first joint, so that the liquid adhesive is applied simultaneously to the first and the second joint.

For the purposes of the present invention, microwaves can be understood as electromagnetic waves in the microwave range. In this case, the frequency range of the electromagnetic waves may preferably be between 300 MHz and 300 GHz, particularly preferably between 1 and 300 gigahertz. In particular, the electromagnetic waves may have a wavelength of 1 mm to about 300 mm. When irradiating the mounting assembly by the microwaves, at least the adhesive is irradiated, so that the adhesive cures, wherein the adhesive is transferred from a liquid state to an at least partially solid state. In this case, the entire mounting arrangement can be irradiated with the microwaves or only the area of the first and / or second joint. In the context of the present invention, irradiation with microwaves can thus be understood as meaning emission of electromagnetic waves in the microwave range. The adhesive is in particular a part of the mounting arrangement and can be irradiated directly or indirectly with the microwaves. Thus, a magnetic emitter z. B. be arranged such that it is directed directly to the first joint and / or the second joint and thus to the adhesive. As a result, influencing the surroundings of the joint as well as further components can be further reduced.

Thus, surrounding components that are not part of the connection, in particular, not or only slightly, in particular influenced by a heat input, while at the same time the curing of the adhesive is accelerated by the irradiation with microwaves. At the same time, a temperature is reached which only slightly or not affects the other components and / or the parts to be joined by the battery. Furthermore, the joining method according to the invention is cost-effective, since the energy consumption is limited, since only little waste heat is produced and the production can be accelerated simultaneously by the accelerated curing of the adhesive. In this case, furthermore, the method steps can be carried out at least partially or completely automatically, so that costs can be reduced and the reproducibility can be increased.

In the joining method according to the invention, it can further be provided that the provision of the mounting arrangement comprises an electrical connection of the first joining part to a voltage source of the battery and an electrical connection of the second joining part to the voltage source of the battery. A voltage source can be understood as meaning, for example, a battery cell or a battery module (inside the battery). In this case, the at least two joining parts can each form a housing element of the battery. Thus, the joining parts can preferably each form an electrical conductor, which is suitable for voltage tapping. For example, by the two housing elements of the battery, a housing can be formed through which the voltage tap is made possible, so that no additional battery connector or additional electrical conductors are needed. As a result, other components and other costs and space requirements in the manufacture and assembly can be avoided. In order to electrically isolate the two joining parts from one another, an additional insulator can be provided, for example, which is arranged between the two components and is bridged by the adhesive. In particular, the first and / or the second joint of the joining parts can be designed to be electrically insulating, so that at the joints, for example, another material is used, as at the point of connection to the voltage source.

It can further preferably be provided that, in a joining method according to the invention, the adhesive separates the first from the second joining part, at least after the production of the integral connection. For this purpose, the adhesive may have, for example, aluminum oxides and / or silicon dioxides. Thus, the adhesive may be electrically insulating, so that the first joining part may have a different electrical potential from the second joining part. As a result, for example, a previously described insulator is not necessary to allow a voltage tap on the joining parts. Therefore, further costs can be saved because, for example, the first and the second joining part can be made of the same material. Furthermore, this can also be a reliable Assembly of the parts to be ensured, as are considered by a fitter less different steps and automatically with a firm connection by the adhesive also a galvanic separation of the first and second joining part is ensured.

Advantageously, the microwaves can be focused in a joining method according to the invention when irradiating the mounting arrangement on the first joint. Thus, for example, magnetic emitters can be arranged on the mounting arrangement in such a way that the emitted microwaves impinge only partially on the mounting arrangement or at points. It is, for example, possible to further limit this area by a corresponding design of the microwave radiator. Thus, for example, concave or convex reflection elements for the microwaves may be provided in order to bundle them and align them with the joint. This allows the microwaves to be blasted more effectively onto the joint so that less energy is needed to irradiate the joint and thus the adhesive with the same intensity or to provide the corresponding energy to ensure the curing of the adhesive. Furthermore, it can also be further avoided or reduced by focusing that further components are irradiated by the microwaves and thus influenced or heated.

In the context of the invention, it may further be provided that the adhesive reacts chemically at least during the irradiation of the mounting arrangement. Thus, the adhesive may comprise chemical functional elements from a group of epoxides and / or amines in order to be able to react chemically accordingly. Thus, the adhesive can be excited by the irradiation with microwaves for chemical reaction, for example, by single molecules are vibrated via chemical elements in vibration. Thus, the entropy of the adhesive can be increased and thus promote a chemical reaction. The chemical reaction or the use of the reactivity of the adhesive is thus a simple means to realize the bond by curing the adhesive without having to bring in critical temperatures.

Furthermore, it can be provided in a joining method according to the invention that when irradiating the mounting arrangement with the microwaves the microwaves are scaled to the adhesive so that at least substantially only defined functional elements of the adhesive react chemically by the microwaves. Under the scaling can be understood that the microwaves are tuned in their frequency, wavelength and / or intensity to the defined functional elements, including a control unit may be provided. The defined functional elements may include chemical elements and / or molecules that can ensure a material connection between the first and second adherends, in particular in interaction with further functional elements. As a result, for example, further functional elements, which can serve for the galvanic separation of the joining parts, are not or only slightly influenced by the microwaves. In particular, a microwave emitter for emitting the microwaves as a maser, i. be designed as a laser in the microwave range. Furthermore, the microwaves can be further adapted to the desired effect of the adhesive, so that here, too, further components of the battery experience an at least reduced influence by the microwaves. Thus, overall, the effectiveness of the joining process can be further increased, since the energy used can actually be used for the actual purpose, the curing of the adhesive. X1

Advantageously, in a joining method according to the invention by irradiating the mounting arrangement with the microwaves (exclusively) a temperature of the adhesive can be increased. The temperature is below a melting temperature of the adhesive. Although the entropy of the adhesive can be increased by increasing the temperature so that it can, for example, react chemically, it may not be necessary to exceed the melting temperature of the adhesive so that the temperature can also be within an acceptable range for surrounding components. The energy required is also limited because the melting temperature of the adhesive does not have to be reached. In particular, a higher intensity of the irradiation with the microwaves can further reduce the curing time of the adhesive. As a result, an acceleration of the production, in particular in series production, the battery can be achieved.

It can also be provided that in a joining method according to the invention, advantageously, the mounting arrangement is irradiated with the microwaves, at least in one plane, in full or in full bordering, in particular, wherein the joint is circumferentially formed. Thus, for example, microwave emitters can be arranged around the mounting arrangement, resulting in a circumferential irradiation of the joint and / or joint seam. Additionally or alternatively, a microwave radiator may further be provided, which rotates around the mounting arrangement or the joint. In this case, for example, a circumferential guide for the microwave radiator, by z. As a robot, be provided, in which this moves in particular automatically. Additionally or alternatively, the mounting arrangement may rotate. So This can, for example, be arranged on a turntable, which rotates and thereby ensures full irradiation of the joint. By a circumferential or full irradiation of the joint demensprechend also a full-scale material connection can be ensured so that the connection is particularly safe and at the same time can develop a sealing effect. As a result, for example, further seals omitted.

Within the scope of the invention, it may further be provided that an intensity of the irradiation of the mounting arrangement is regulated during the irradiation. This can ensure that the microwaves are introduced into the adhesive with as high an intensity as possible in order to ensure rapid curing of the adhesive and, secondly, the introduced energy does not rise too high, so that surrounding components are not heated. Thus, the intensity can be regulated, for example, depending on the local design of the first and / or second joint, in particular adaptively, in order to always ensure optimum curing.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a battery, in particular for a vehicle, is claimed which has at least two joining parts which are connected to one another by a joining method according to the invention, in particular as described above. Thus, a battery according to the invention brings the same advantages as they have already been explained in detail by an inventive joining method.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the first joining part is a first housing element of the battery and the second joining part is a second housing element of the battery. Preferably, the housing elements can each be a housing half. As a result, the housing can be designed in such a way that it requires little installation space and at the same time a secure connection of the two housing halves or the two housing elements can be provided. When mounting the housing elements in particular many other components are already arranged in the battery. If now two housing elements are joined together materially by the joining method according to the invention, the other components are not or only slightly influenced.

• 1 eine Anordnung zur Durchführung eines erfindungsgemäßen Fügeverfahrens in einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel in schematischer Perspektivansicht,
• 2 die Anordnung zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Fügeverfahrens des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels in schematischer Schnittansicht,
• 3 eine Detailansicht einer Fügestelle einer Montageanordnung des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels,
• 4 eine Zusammensetzung eines Klebemittels in einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel,
• 5 ein Temperaturverlauf bei einem erfindungsgemäßen Fügeverfahren in einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel,
• 6 Verfahrensschritte eines erfindungsgemäßen Fügeverfahrens,
• 7 ein Fahrzeug mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Batterie in einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel,
• 8 eine Anordnung zur Durchführung eines erfindungsgemäßen Fügeverfahrens in einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel.

Further, measures improving the invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments of the invention, which are shown schematically in the figures. Any features and / or advantages resulting from the claims, the description or the drawings, including constructive details, spatial arrangements and method steps, can be essential to the invention, both individually and in the most diverse combinations. It should be noted that the figures have only descriptive character and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. Show it:

• 1 an arrangement for carrying out a joining method according to the invention in a first embodiment in a schematic perspective view,
• 2 the arrangement for carrying out the joining method according to the invention of the first embodiment in a schematic sectional view,
• 3 a detailed view of a joint of a mounting arrangement of the first embodiment,
• 4 a composition of an adhesive in a further embodiment,
• 5 a temperature profile in a joining method according to the invention in a further embodiment,
• 6 Process steps of a joining method according to the invention,
• 7 a vehicle with a battery according to the invention in a further embodiment,
• 8th an arrangement for carrying out a joining method according to the invention in a further embodiment.

In the following figures, the identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features of different embodiments.

1 and 2 show an arrangement for carrying out a joining method according to the invention 100 in a perspective view of a first embodiment. This is a mounting arrangement 1 a battery 10 shown the first joining part 11 and a second joining part 12 having, which at a first joint 13 of the first part to be joined 11 and a second joint 14 of the second joining part 12 be connected to each other. The first and second joint 13 . 14 are fully on the first joining part 11 or on the second joining part 12 intended. When performing the joining process 100 for the production of the battery 10 become the joints 13 . 14 doing so by microwave radiator 40 with microwaves 2 irradiated at least in sections, so that an adhesive 20 , which at least on the first joint 13 is applied, for producing a cohesive connection between the joining parts 11 . 12 at least partially hardened. The microwave radiators 40 are all about the mounting arrangement 1 the battery 10 arranged so that the joints 13 . 14 can be fully irradiated.

Out 2 It also becomes clear that the first part of the assembly 11 a first housing element, in particular a first housing half, and the second joining part 12 a second housing member, in particular a second housing half, the battery forms. The joints 13 . 14 the parts to be joined 11 . 12 are there with the adhesive 20 connected by the microwaves 2 the microwave radiator 40 is irradiated. It can in the microwave radiator 40 the adhesive 20 irradiate directly or at least partially through other components, provided that these components are permeable to the microwaves 2 are. The first joining agent 11 is also a connection means 16 with a voltage source 15 the battery 10 connected. Furthermore, the second joining part 12 via a connection means 17 with the voltage source 15 also connected. This allows a voltage tap directly to the housing, which by the joining parts 11 . 12 is formed, be guaranteed. The voltage source 15 can, for example, a battery cell or a battery module of the battery 10 be. In particular, the joining parts 11 . 12 thus formed electrically conductive while the adhesive 20 preferably after establishing the connection of the first and second joining part 11 . 12 the parts to be joined 11 . 12 galvanically separated from each other. This eliminates the need for additional battery connectors to tap the power source 15 the battery 10 provided. Thus, the housing or the battery 10 be made very compact.

In 3 is also a detailed view of the joints 13 . 14 the mounting arrangement 1 of the first embodiment shown. Here is the adhesive 20 between the first joining part 11 and the second joining part 12 arranged. Will the adhesive 20 by irradiation with microwaves 2 stimulated to harden, thus can result in an increase in temperature. In particular, the adhesive may 20 be adapted to a chemical reaction due to the irradiation by the microwaves 2 exhibit. Because of the microwaves 2 however, on the adhesive 20 can be adjusted, a merely local increase in the temperature of the surrounding components can result, so that a particular measurable temperature gradient only in peripheral areas 11.1 . 12.2 of the first part to be joined 11 and the second joining part 12 results.

4 further shows a schematic representation of a composition of an adhesive 20 for a joining method according to the invention 100 , In this case, the adhesive has 20 different functional elements 21 . 22 . 23 which react chemically especially at different temperatures or with different energy input. Therefore, microwaves can 2 when irradiating a mounting arrangement 1 with the microwaves 2 on the adhesive 20 be scaled, so at least substantially only defined functional elements 21 . 22 of the adhesive 20 through the microwaves 2 react chemically. Thus, for example, a large part of the energy can be spent on the defined functional elements 21 . 22 react and thereby the adhesive 20 Allow to harden and a cohesive connection between two parts to be joined 11 . 12 guarantee. Other functional elements 23 can not or only slightly influenced, so that they do not react chemically and thus their function not by the microwaves 2 being affected. In particular, this can be done by bundling and / or further focusing the microwaves 2 be achieved. Under functional elements 21 . 22 . 23 In this case, different chemical groups of chemical elements and / or molecules can be understood. Under defined functional elements 21 . 22 Furthermore, such functional elements can be understood, which during curing of the adhesive 20 responsible for the cohesive connection or at least substantially responsible.

5 shows a temperature profile during a joining process according to the invention 100 in a further embodiment. In this case, a diagram is shown in which a temperature T is plotted against a time t. During the course of the joining process 100 over time t becomes a temperature 24 an adhesive 20 at least temporarily increased while the adhesive 20 through microwaves 2 is irradiated and in particular reacts chemically. However, it is provided that the temperature 24 during the joining process 100 always below a melting temperature 25 of the adhesive 20 remains. This is also one for the implementation of the joining process 100 limited energy required. At the same time, the adhesive 20 not further melted, so that only the desired curing takes place. Thus, a fast manufacturing process of a battery 10 allows.

6 shows a joining method according to the invention 100 for producing a battery 10 with at least two parts to be joined 11 . 12 in a schematic representation. In this case, according to a first method step 101 provided that liquid adhesive 20 on a first joint 13 of the first part to be joined 11 the battery 10 is applied. Furthermore, in a second process step 102 provided that a mounting arrangement 1 by merging the first joining part 11 with a second joining part 12 the battery 10 is created. Depending on the design of the battery 10 or depending on the effectiveness during assembly can be provided that the step 101 before the process step 102 is carried out. However, it can also be provided that the method step 102 before the process step 101 is provided, in particular so that the liquid adhesive 20 on the first joint 13 and a second joint 14 of the second joining part 12 the battery 10 is applied simultaneously. Then there is also a process step 103 provided, wherein at least a section-wise irradiation of the mounting arrangement 1 through microwaves 2 performed so that the adhesive 20 for producing a material connection between the at least two joining parts 11 . 12 at least partially hardened. Advantageously, it can be provided that the irradiation of the mounting arrangement 1 with the microwaves 2 at least partly during the previous process step 102 performed so that the adhesive 20 is already toughened when the first and second joining part 11 . 12 be merged. By the joining method according to the invention 100 provides an easy way to provide a cost effective connection of two components of a battery while using effective, reduced energy.

7 further shows a vehicle 30 which is a battery 10 having. The battery 10 is by an inventive joining method 100 , For example, by a joining method according to the embodiment of 6 , produced. Further, the battery 10 with an electric motor 31 of the vehicle 30 connected to power the vehicle. In particular, it may thus be a hybrid battery.

8th further shows an arrangement for carrying out a joining method according to the invention 100 , wherein a mounting arrangement 1 is shown schematically in the middle. To the mounting arrangement 1 around is also a guide 41 provided, which is adapted to a microwave radiator 40 respectively. The microwave radiator 40 can from a first position I to a second position II, a third position III and a fourth position IV circumferentially around the mounting arrangement 1 be adjusted. This is also an at least partially circulating irradiation of a joint 13 the mounting arrangement 1 by only one microwave emitter 40 possible. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the adjustment of the microwave radiator 40 by means of an automatic gripping arm. Additionally or alternatively, it is also conceivable that the mounting arrangement 1 is rotatably disposed, wherein the illustrated positions I, II, III, IV of the microwave radiator 40 Relative positions of the microwave radiator 40 to the mounting arrangement 1 are while the mounting arrangement 1 turns and the microwave 40 remains stationary.

The above explanations of the embodiments describe the present invention solely in the context of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments, if technically feasible, can be combined freely with one another, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 4460663 A [0004]

Claims (10)

Joining method (100) for producing a battery (10), in particular for a vehicle (30), having at least two joining parts (11, 12), comprising the following steps: - Applying a liquid adhesive (20) on at least a first joint (13) of a first joining part (11) of the battery (10), Creating a mounting arrangement (1) by merging the first joining part (11) with a second joining part (12) of the battery (10), - At least partially irradiating the mounting assembly (1), in particular the first joint (13) with microwaves (2), so that the adhesive (20) for producing a material connection between the at least two joining parts (11, 12) at least partially hardens. Joining method (100) after Claim 1 characterized in that providing the mounting structure (1) electrically connects the first adherend (11) to a voltage source (15) of the battery (10) and electrically connects the second adherend (12) to the voltage source (15) of the battery (10), in particular wherein the at least two joining parts (11, 12) each form a housing element of the battery (10). Joining method (100) after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the adhesive (20), at least after the production of the cohesive connection, the first of the second joining part (11, 12) electrically isolated. Joining method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the microwaves (2) are focused on the first joint (13) during irradiation of the mounting arrangement (1). Joining method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adhesive (20) reacts at least partially chemically when the mounting arrangement (1) is irradiated. Joining method (100) after Claim 5 , characterized in that when irradiating the mounting arrangement (1) with the microwaves (2) the microwaves (2) are scaled onto the adhesive (20) so that at least substantially only defined functional elements (21, 22) of the adhesive (20) through the microwaves (2) react chemically. Joining method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by irradiating the mounting arrangement (1) with the microwaves (2) a temperature (24) of the adhesive (20) is increased, the temperature (24) below a melting temperature (25) of the adhesive (20). Joining method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting arrangement (1) with the microwaves (2) is fully irradiated at least in one plane, in particular wherein the joint (13) is formed circumferentially. Joining method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an intensity of the irradiation of the mounting arrangement (1) is regulated during the irradiation. Battery (10), in particular for a vehicle (30), comprising at least two joining parts (11, 12), which by a joining method (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 9 are connected to each other cohesively.

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