CN111697174A - Connecting device of battery module - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection device (100) for a battery module (1), comprising a fixing unit (10) for mechanically fixing the battery module (1) in a battery system (S), and A contact unit (20) for electrically connecting the battery module (1) within the battery system (S). According to the invention, a force deflection device ( 30 ) is provided for establishing a mechanically functional connection between the fixing unit ( 10 ) and the contact unit ( 20 ), in particular for providing the fixing force (F) of the fixing unit ( 10 ) to the The unit (20) is contacted and the resistance on the contact unit (20) is reduced.

Description

Connection device for battery module

technical field

The invention relates to a connecting device for a battery module according to the independent device claim for mechanically fixing a battery module in a battery system or, for example, in a battery housing of a battery system, and for electrically connecting the battery module, for example Circuit connection to further battery modules of the battery system. Furthermore, the present invention relates to corresponding battery modules according to the dependent independent device claims and to a modularly constructed battery system having at least one corresponding battery module. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for connecting battery modules in a battery system according to the independent method claim.

Background technique

Connecting devices for battery modules in a battery system with screw contacts and plug contacts for the electrical connection of battery modules in a battery system are known. Connection devices with screw contacts do not provide contact protection when connecting battery modules in battery systems. For this reason, since the module voltage is higher than 60V, the installation and removal of battery modules must only be carried out by trained personnel. In addition, the bolts must also be tightened with a certain preload. However, the preload may decrease over time. This in turn may lead to an increase in contact resistance in the connection device. A connection device with plug contacts has a higher contact resistance than a connection device with screw contacts. This leads to additional electrical and thermal losses in the plug contacts. Where relevant, this can lead to additional heat within the battery module and cause the battery module to age more quickly. If such a battery module is used in an electric vehicle, the driving range of the electric vehicle may be reduced with the life of the battery module.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved connection device for a battery module for mechanically fixing the battery module in a battery system, for example on a battery housing of the battery system, and for connecting it, for example, to a battery Additional battery modules of the system are electrically connected. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved connection device which enables stable mechanical fixing and reliable electrical contacting of battery modules in a battery system. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improved battery module and an improved battery system of modular construction. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for connecting (ie for securing and for electrical connection or electrical contacting) battery modules in a battery system, in order to secure the battery modules in a mechanically stable manner. Reliable electrical connections within the battery system.

The object of the invention is achieved by an improved connection device for a battery module according to the independent device claim, in particular by the features of the characterizing part of the independent device claim. Furthermore, the object of the invention is solved by a corresponding battery module according to the dependent independent device claim and a modularly constructed battery system having at least one corresponding battery module. Furthermore, the object of the invention is solved by an improved method for connecting battery modules in a battery system according to the independent method claim, in particular by the features of the characterizing part of the independent method claim. Preferred developments of the invention are listed in the dependent claims. The features disclosed for the various inventive aspects may be combined with each other in such a way that the disclosures of the various inventive aspects of the invention are always referenced to each other.

According to an aspect for solving the technical problem, the present invention provides a connection device for a battery module, comprising: a fixing unit for mechanically fixing the battery module in a battery system, for example, the battery on the battery housing of the system; and a contact unit for electrically connecting or electrically contacting the battery module, for example, to further battery modules of the battery system, the contact unit can in particular be arranged on the battery module independently or at a spatial distance from the fixing unit superior. For this purpose, according to the invention, a force deflection device is provided in order to establish a mechanically functional connection between the fixing unit and the contact unit. The mechanically operative connection between the fixing unit and the contacting unit serves in particular to provide a fixing force from the fixing unit to the contacting unit in order to reduce the electrical resistance at the contacting unit.

The battery module according to the invention can have a plurality of battery cells. The battery module according to the invention can advantageously be used in high voltage applications, preferably in electric vehicles.

The idea behind the present invention is to provide a hybrid screw-plug-connection device which synergistically combines and even enhances the advantages of screw contacts (in a mechanical fixing unit) (eg high preload force) ) and the advantages of plug contacts (inside the electrical contact unit) (eg no hazards and simple handling and ease of use). According to the invention, the contact unit can preferably be arranged independently on the battery module, that is to say spatially spaced from the fixing unit. The battery module is mechanically fastened to the battery housing of the battery system by means of the fastening unit. For this purpose, the fixing unit can have screw contacts. The contact units are used to provide electrical connections on the battery modules for electrical connection of the battery modules within the battery system, in particular for electrically connecting the battery modules to further battery modules of the battery system. For this purpose, the contact unit can have plug-in contacts. According to the invention, the fixing unit can be designed to provide a fixing force, which is transmitted to the contact unit by means of a force deflection device in order to improve the electrical contact there, in particular to stabilize it mechanically, thereby significantly reducing the stress within the contact unit. Contact resistance.

Furthermore, the invention can be designed in the connecting device such that the fixing unit has fixing elements, in particular in the form of bolts, preferably in the form of close-fitting bolts, for form-fitting and/or friction-fitting fixing to the battery module. on the fixed element. The battery module can thus be fastened to the battery housing of the battery system in a simple and convenient manner, for example by means of screws. For this purpose, fixing elements in the form of bolts can be passed through corresponding fixing elements (eg in the form of threaded holes) on the module housing of the battery module and fixed to the battery housing of the battery system. It is advantageous here that the securing element is used only for mechanical securing and not for electrical contacting at the same time, so that the fitter can safely grip the securing element in order to connect the securing element to the battery housing. The fixing elements in the form of cooperating bolts can advantageously (in addition to the preload on the corresponding fixing elements) establish a fixing force on the force-receiving elements of the fixing unit.

Furthermore, the invention can be designed in the connection device such that the fixing unit has a movable force element (in particular in the form of a preferably elastic or extensible spacer) which is movable, that is to say movably supported relative to the battery module, which preferably It is pressed and unfolded by receiving the fixing element for establishing the fixing force. Thus, a fixing force can be generated when fixing the fixing element in a rational manner, and the fixing force can be used in an advantageous manner. Preferably, this holding force can be transferred to the contact unit by means of a force deflection device in order to increase the force with which the elements to be electrically connected are brought into contact with each other. The contact resistance within the contact unit can thus be greatly reduced.

Furthermore, the invention can be designed in the connection device such that the movable load-bearing element has two first spring elements and/or two second spring elements, by means of which the movable load-bearing element can be supported on both sides, preferably on both sides. on the battery module. By means of two spring elements each, the movable force-receiving element can be connected to the force deflection device on both sides and/or supported on the battery module on both sides in order to be able to build up a securing force.

In addition, the invention can be designed in the connection device such that the contact unit has a plug connector. Plug connectors offer significant advantages in terms of safe and simple circuit connection. In this way, the battery module can be easily and conveniently connected within the battery system, eg, with other battery module circuits. This also enables the reversible connection of the battery system within the battery system so that the battery modules can be easily and conveniently replaced. This also makes it possible to combine flexibly assembled battery systems with a variable number of battery modules.

In addition, the invention can be designed in the connection device such that the contact unit, in particular the plug connector, has plug pins and/or plug sockets in order to make an electrical connection, in particular between the battery module and further battery modules of the battery system . Within the scope of the present invention, it is conceivable that elements of the plug connector, namely the pins or plug sleeves, can be electrically connected to the module terminals of the battery module, and that further complementary elements of the plug connector can be connected to cables , which is directed to the further battery modules of the battery system. The battery modules can thus be easily, conveniently and safely wired within the battery system.

Furthermore, the invention can be designed in the connection device such that the contact unit, in particular the plug connector, has at least one spring-elastic clamping element, for example as part of a sleeve, in particular in the form of a spring-elastic clip And preferably there is a continuous or a plurality of lamellae for clamping the plug in the plug sleeve, preferably without play. A spring force can be provided by the spring-elastic clamping elements, by means of which the elements to be electrically connected come into contact with each other in the contact unit. The pin can be clamped in the plug socket on both sides by means of clips. A clip with multiple lamellae allows the clip to rest evenly on the latch.

Furthermore, the invention can be designed in the connection device such that the force deflection device has at least one force redirection element, in particular in the form of pliers. Especially force redirecting elements in the form of pliers can even utilize the principle of leverage to increase the holding force.

Furthermore, the invention can be designed in the connection device such that the force deflection device, in particular the force deflection element, has two levers and joints, preferably on both sides. Thus, the lever principle can be implemented in the force deflection device so that the fixing force is increased in the transmission from the fixing unit to the contact unit.

Furthermore, the invention can be designed in the connection device such that the force deflection device, in particular the force deflection element, has joints at which the force deflection device can be fastened to the battery module. The force deflection device can be supported on the battery module by means of the joint in order to transmit the securing force in a stable manner from the securing unit to the contact unit.

Furthermore, the invention can be designed in the connection device such that the force deflection device, in particular the force deflecting element, has two handles, at which the force deflection device is operatively connected to the fixing unit for absorbing the movable load of the fixing unit. The holding force of the force element. The connection to the movable force-receiving element can preferably be established on both sides by means of the two handles in order to grasp the fixing unit.

Furthermore, the invention can be designed in the connecting device such that each of the two handles is respectively engaged between the first spring element and the second spring element of the movable force-receiving element of the fixing unit, so that Obtain the fixed force of the movable force-bearing element of the fixed unit. A stable operation of the two handles can be achieved by the connection between the two spring elements.

Furthermore, the invention can be designed in the connection device such that the force deflection device, in particular the force deflection element, has two clamps, at which the force deflection device is operatively connected to the contact unit for introducing a fixing force into the contact The unit, in particular the side of the plug connector. The contact unit can be clamped on the side by means of two clamps in order to increase the preloading force in the contact unit, in particular to increase the force for making electrical contact of the components to be connected in the contact unit. This makes it possible to use a plug connector in the contact unit, which plug connector can be handled simply and safely and, due to the additional holding force, enables reliable electrical contacting of the electrical components to be connected.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the technical problem of the present invention is solved by a battery module for a modularly constructed battery system, which battery module is provided with connecting means, which can be designed as described above, the battery module is designed with Corresponding fastening elements for form-fit and/or friction-fit fastening with the fastening unit of the connection device for mechanically fastening the battery module to the battery housing of the battery system and are provided with terminals for contact with the connection device The cells are in electrical contact and are used to connect the battery module to other battery modules of the battery system. By means of the battery module according to the invention, the same advantages as described above in connection with the connection device according to the invention are achieved. These advantages are all cited here.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the technical problem of the present invention is solved by a battery system of modular construction with at least one battery module, which can be designed as described above. By means of the battery system according to the invention, the same advantages as described above in connection with the connection device according to the invention are achieved. These advantages are all cited here.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the technical problem according to the present invention is achieved by a method for connecting a battery module into a battery system by means of (or by) connecting means designed as described above, It includes a fixing unit for mechanically fixing the battery module in the battery system, for example on a battery housing of the battery system, and a contact unit for electrically connecting the battery module in the battery system, for example to the battery system. The other battery modules are electrically connected, and the contact unit is arranged on the battery module, in particular separately from the fastening unit. To this end, according to the invention, it is possible to achieve a mechanical deflection of the force between the fixing unit and the contact unit by means of (or via) a force deflection device, in particular from supplying the fixing unit to the contact unit with a fixing force and reducing the contact unit resistor on. By means of the method according to the invention the same advantages as described above in connection with the connecting device according to the invention are achieved. These advantages are all cited here.

In the context of the present invention, the method can advantageously be carried out by means of a connecting device.

Description of drawings

Further measures for improving the invention are shown in more detail below by describing preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The features recited in the claims and the description, respectively, can embody the invention individually or in any combination. It should be noted that these figures are of a descriptive nature only and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way. In the attached image:

Figure 1 shows the electrical resistance within a known connecting device as a function of the force by which the parts to be electrically connected come into contact with each other,

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a connecting device in the sense of the invention in a plan view of a battery module,

Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a fixing element in the sense of the invention,

Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a contact unit in the sense of the present invention,

FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a connection device according to the invention in a perspective view of a battery module.

Detailed ways

In the different drawings, the same features of the invention are always given the same reference numerals, so that they are usually only described once.

FIG. 1 shows a problem with the connection arrangement of battery modules in a known battery system having screw contacts 100* and plug contacts 100** for mechanically securing and electrically connecting the battery modules in the battery system . Although the connection devices with the screw contacts 100* have a relatively high preload force F* and a relatively low resistance R*, they do not provide any contact protection when operating the screw contacts 100*. Connections with plug contacts 100** can be operated relatively safely, but their resistance R* is significantly higher than that with screw contacts 100*.

Figures 2 to 5 show a connection device 100 of a battery module 1 according to the invention, which at least partially overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and advantageously combines the advantages of a screw contact 100* and a plug contact 100**. The connecting device 100 according to the invention has the following units: a fixing unit 10 for mechanically fixing the battery module 1 to the battery module 1 in the battery system S, for example (not shown for reasons of simplicity) On the battery case of the battery system S, and the contact unit 20 for electrical connection or contact with the battery module 1, for example, connection or contact with another battery module of the battery system. Within the scope of the invention, a separate contact unit 20 is used, which can be arranged on the battery module 1 at a spatial distance from the fixing unit 10 (see FIGS. 2 and 5 ).

In the connection device 100 , the invention provides a force deflection device 30 for establishing a mechanically functional connection between the fixing unit 10 and the contact unit 20 , as indicated by the arrow F in FIG. 2 . The force deflection device 30 acquires the fixing force F on the fixing unit 10 and transmits this fixing force F (intensified if necessary) to the contact unit 20 in order to increase the fixing force F (the electrically connected parts 21, 23 are fixed by the fixing force F). force F to make mutual contact), thereby reducing the resistance at the contact unit 20 .

The battery module 1 according to the invention has a plurality of battery cells and is used in high-voltage applications (eg electric vehicles). The battery module 1 according to the invention can be constructed within the framework of a modularly constructed battery system S, which can have further battery modules like the battery module 1 according to the invention.

The battery module 1 is mechanically fastened to the battery housing of the battery system S by means of the fastening unit 10 . For this purpose, the fixing unit 10 can have screw contacts. An electrical connection is provided on the battery module 1 by means of the contact unit 20 for the electrical connection of the battery module 1 within the battery system S, in particular for the electrical connection of the battery module 1 to another battery module of the battery system S. For this purpose, the contact unit 20 can have plug contacts, as shown schematically in FIG. 4 .

2 and 3 , the fixing unit 10 has fixing elements 11 , preferably in the form of close-fitting bolts, for form-fitting and/or friction-fitting fixing to corresponding fixing elements 101 of the battery module 1 (for example with threaded hole form) (see Figures 2 and 5). The battery module 1 can be screwed to the housing of the battery system S (not shown in detail) by means of close-fitting screws passing through the corresponding fixing elements 101 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , the fixing unit 10 has a force-receiving element 12 (in particular in the form of a preferably elastic or extensible spacer) which is movable, ie is supported so as to be able to move relative to the battery module 1 , which is preferably fixed by receiving The element 11 is pressed apart and unfolded for establishing the fixing force F. Preferably, the fixing force F can be transmitted to the contact unit 20 via the force deflection device 30 .

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2 , the movable force-receiving element 12 has two first spring elements F1 and two second spring elements F2 , by means of which the movable force-receiving element 12 is connected to the force deflection device 30 and can be The battery module 1 is preferably supported on both sides.

The movable force-receiving element 12 is arranged around the corresponding fixed element 101 , eg around the threaded hole. The movable force-receiving element 12 is connected to the two handles 33 of the force-deflecting device 30 by means of two first spring elements F1 . The two handles 33 of the force deflection device 30 are supported by the two second spring elements F2 on the battery module 1 , for example on the module housing. For this purpose, supports 102 can be provided on the battery module 1 , for example on the module housing.

As shown in FIG. 3 , a close-fit screw is preferably used as the fixing element 11 . By inserting the fit bolts into the movable force-receiving element 12 and into the threaded holes, a fixing force F is generated on the movable force-receiving element 12, which presses and tensions the movable force-receiving element 12 . As a result, the associated handle 33 of the force deflection device 30 is simultaneously pressed outwards.

The other end of the handle 33 is connected to the contact unit 20 , for example by means of two clamps 35 . The two clamps 35 press against the side surface 24 of the contact unit 20 and introduce a fixing force F into the contact unit 20 there. For this purpose, two pressure plates 36 can be provided on the two grippers 35 of the force deflection device 30 in order to be able to introduce the force into the contact unit 20 uniformly. The side surfaces 24 of the contact unit 20 are pressed together so that the contact force between the plug-in sleeve 22 , in particular the spring-elastic clamping element 23 in the plug-in sleeve 22 and the plug 21 is increased.

In other words, the contact unit 20 may have a plug connector, as shown in FIG. 4 . This has the advantage that the plug connector can be designed with low contact forces, thereby significantly reducing the price of the connecting device 100 . The force deflection device 30 also significantly reduces the contact resistance within the connector.

As mentioned above, the contact unit 20 , in particular the plug connector, can have plug pins 21 and/or plug sockets 22 for establishing electrical contact, in particular between the battery module 1 and further battery modules of the battery system S. Within the scope of the present invention, it is conceivable that the elements of the plug connector, the plug pins 21 or the plug sleeves 22 can be electrically connected to the module terminals T1 , T2 of the battery module 1 , wherein further complementary components of the plug connector can be connected electrically to the module terminals T1 , T2 of the battery module 1 The elements can be connected to cables K which can lead to further battery modules of the battery system S.

As also shown in FIG. 4 , the contact unit 20 , in particular the plug connector, can have at least one spring-elastic clamping element 23 (in particular a spring-elastic clamp) around the plug (eg in the plug sleeve 22 ) in the form of and preferably with one or more lamellae) for clamping the plug 21 in the plug sleeve 22 preferably without gaps.

FIG. 2 further shows that the force deflection device 30 can have at least one force deflection element 31 , in particular in the form of pliers. Furthermore, the force-diverting element 31 , in particular the forceps, can have two, preferably two-sided, levers 32 and joints 34 . The lever 32 can be used to increase the holding force F. The joint 34 can be used to support the force deflection device 30 on the battery module 1 .

A correspondingly constructed battery module 1 , a modularly constructed battery system S with at least one such battery module 1 and a corresponding method for connecting such a battery module 1 in the battery system S represent further subjects of the invention.

The above description of the drawings describes the invention in the scope of examples only. Of course, the individual features of the embodiments can be combined with one another as long as they are technically feasible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

List of reference numbers

1 battery module

10 Fixed unit

11 Fixing elements

12 Forced components

20 Contact unit

21 latch

22 Mating socket

23 Clamping elements

24 side

30 Force deflection device

31 Force steering elements

32 Leverage

33 handle

34 joints

35 Clamps

36 Platen

100 Connections

101 Corresponding fixing element

102 Supports

F Fixing force

F2 second spring element

F1 first spring element

S battery system

T1 module terminals

T2 module terminals

100* Bolted Contacts

100** plug contacts

F* Preload

R* resistance

Claims (15)

1. A connection device (100) for a battery module (1), comprising: a fixing unit (10) for mechanically fixing the battery module (1) within the battery system (S), and a contact unit (20) for electrically connecting the battery module (1) within the battery system (S), It is characterized in that, A force deflection device (30) is provided for establishing a mechanical functional connection between the fixing unit (10) and the contact unit (20). 2. The connection device (100) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that, The securing unit ( 10 ) has securing elements ( 11 ) for form-fitting and/or friction-fitting securing on corresponding securing elements ( 101 ) of the battery module ( 1 ). 3. The connection device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that, The fixed unit (10) has a movable force-receiving element (12). 4. The connection device (100) according to claim 3, It is characterized in that, The movable force-receiving element (12) has two first spring elements (F1) and/or two second spring elements (F2), and the movable force-receiving element (12) can pass through the two first spring elements (F1) and/or two second spring elements (F2). F1) and/or the two second spring elements (F2) are supported on the battery module (1). 5. The connecting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that, The contact unit (20) has a plug connector. 6. The connection device (100) according to claim 5, It is characterized in that, The contact unit (20) has a plug pin (21) and/or a plug socket (22). 7. The connection device (100) according to claim 6, It is characterized in that, The contact unit (20) has at least one spring-elastic clamping element (23) for clamping the pin (21) in the plug sleeve (22). 8. The connecting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that, The force deflection device (30) has at least one force transmission element (31). 9. The connecting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that, The force deflection device (30) has two levers (32) and a joint (34). 10. The connecting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that, The force deflection device (30) has a joint (34) at which the force deflection device (30) can be fastened to the battery module (1). 11. The connection device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that, The force deflection device (30) has two handles (33), and the force deflection device (30) is operatively connected to the fixing unit (10) at the two handles (33) for receiving a movable load of the fixing unit (10). The fixing force (F) of the force element (12). 12. The connection device (100) according to claim 11, It is characterized in that, Each of the two handles (33) is respectively engaged with the first spring element (F1) and the second spring element (F1) of the movable force receiving element (12) of the fixing unit (10). Between F2), the fixing force (F) of the movable force receiving element (12) of the fixing unit (10) is obtained. 13. The connecting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that, The force deflection device (30) has two clamps (35) and is operatively connected to the contact unit (20) at the two clamps (35) for introducing a fixing force (F) into the contact unit (20) Side (24). 14. A battery module (1) for a battery system of modular construction, having: The connecting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, Corresponding fixing elements (101) for form-fit and/or friction-fit fixing with the fixing unit (10) of the connecting device (100) for mechanically fixing the battery module (1) to the battery system (S) on the battery case, Terminals (T1, T2) for making electrical contact with the contact unit (20) of the connecting device (100) and for electrically connecting the battery module (1) with other battery modules of the battery system (S). 15. A method for connecting battery modules in a battery system (S) by means of a connecting device (100) having: a securing unit (10) for mechanically securing the battery module (1) within the battery system (S), and a contact unit (20) for electrically connecting the battery module (1) within the battery system (S), It is characterized in that, A mechanical force deflection is carried out between the fixing unit (10) and the contact unit (20) by means of a force deflection device (30).

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