DE102009058953A1 - Rechargeable battery-module for operating electrical or electronic devices in electrically operated motor vehicle, has connector i.e. plug, connected with voltage source by cable so that relative movement between cable and source is allowed - Google Patents

Abstract

The module (1a) has a voltage source (2), and a connector i.e. socket (4) electrically connected with the voltage source by a rigid line. Another connector i.e. plug (5) is connected with the voltage source by a flexible cable (6) such that relative movement between the cable and the voltage source is allowed. The voltage source includes multiple rechargeable battery-cells (3) that are rigidly connected with each other, where the connectors are implemented as plug-connectors, plug/socket, socket/plug, socket/socket or plug/plug. The connectors are electrically connected with each other.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to an accumulator module, comprising a voltage source and at least two terminals electrically connected to the voltage source, wherein a first terminal is connected via a rigid line to the voltage source.

STATE OF THE ART

At the present time, more and more electrical and electronic devices are used, which can be operated by means of a battery independent of a power grid. Usually, several galvanic cells are installed in this case to form an accumulator in order to achieve a required voltage, a required capacity and / or a required current. This is especially true for electrically powered vehicles to which ever higher demands are made in terms of performance, so that voltages of z. B. 400 V and currents of z. B. 250 A (equivalent to a power of 100 kW) at a range of a few hundred kilometers are no longer a rarity.

Frequently, the cells are not installed directly to an accumulator, but these are summarized in accumulator modules, which are then in turn electrically connected to each other. Typically, up to 400 cells are used today for an electric vehicle. An advantageous number of cells for an accumulator module are 2 to 50, more preferably 4 to 20 and more preferably 4 to 10 cells. Of course, this information is only an example to see, even a different number of cells is possible.

From the state of the art, for example, the US 5,496,657 A and the US 5,378,552 A in which an accumulator module comprises two sockets. These can then be electrically connected via special pins. But it is also possible that each accumulator module comprises a plug and a socket. A connection of several modules is also possible here, however, the separate pin can be omitted.

The US 5,662,497 A shows an example of connecting multiple cells. In this case, pin-shaped cell electrodes are connected to each other via sleeve-like intermediate parts.

Finally, the shows US 5,663,012 A a possibility for connecting cells, are provided in the spherical segment-shaped recesses in the cells into which a matching connecting pin engages.

All the possibilities disclosed have in common that an offset of the accumulator modules or cells can not be compensated. Due to manufacturing tolerances, such an offset can not always be excluded. Last but not least, increasing cost pressure means that larger tolerances are allowed, although technologically possibly even tighter tolerances could be realized. Now, if an unscheduled misalignment of modules or cells occurs, experience teaches that assembly personnel often violently attempt to align the modules or cells. However, a violent bending of the connections under certain circumstances causes contact surfaces to lift off from one another, at least in part, and thus the contact resistance between the accumulator modules is comparatively high. This not only leads to an undesirable loss of energy but can lead to a dangerous warming of the contact point to the destruction of cells at the sometimes very high currents.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved accumulator module, in particular an accumulator module, which can still be securely connected electrically even with an offset of an adjacent accumulator module.

The invention is achieved by an accumulator module of the type mentioned, in which a second connection with a flexible cable is connected to the voltage source such that a relative movement between the second terminal and the voltage source is possible.

By this measure it is achieved that an offset between different accumulator modules can be compensated without thereby affecting the electrical contact between them. An energy loss at the contact point and an inadmissible heating can thus be effectively avoided.

It is mentioned here that an accumulator module generally comprises several cells, but may also comprise only one cell. A "cell" in this context is a galvanic element for the conversion of chemical into electrical energy or any other element for generating an electrical voltage.

Advantageous embodiments and modifications of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, as well as from the description in conjunction with the figures of the drawing.

It is advantageous if the voltage source consists of several, rigidly interconnected accumulator cells. This creates a very stable accumulator module. On a compensation possibility between the individual cells is deliberately omitted here, since a tolerance compensation can be done at the module level.

It is advantageous if the first and second connection are designed as plug-in device. In this way, the battery modules can be easily connected and - for example, in case of maintenance - also easily separated again. Of course, it is also possible to permanently connect the accumulator modules together, for example by soldering. Optionally, a connector can be secured by soldering, laser welding, resistance welding or the like and thus be "quasi-permanent".

It is advantageous if the first / second connection is designed as a plug / socket, socket / plug, socket / socket or plug / plug. In this way, the connector can be well insulated, so that inadvertent contact does not lead to electric shock. To build a rechargeable battery, the accumulator modules are simply connected by making a connector. In addition to the standard forms plug / socket and socket / plug sometimes the special forms socket / socket and plug / plug are required, namely when the accumulator is not also a socket and a connector to connect. If the accumulator is to have two plugs, then an accumulator module with plug / plug connections is installed. If it is to have two sockets, then an accumulator module with socket / socket connections is installed.

It is particularly advantageous if the second connection is connected to the flexible cable in such a way that an insertion direction of the connection device extends transversely to the cable. In this way, a tolerance compensation in the insertion direction can be done very well and the insertion of a plug into a socket can be facilitated. A cable can be deformed with only little effort transverse to its axis.

It is also particularly advantageous if the flexible cable is meander-shaped, loop-shaped, loop-shaped or arc-shaped. In this way, a tolerance compensation in all directions can be done with little effort. The cable cross-sections required for the high currents cause a cable to become very thick and stiff. In particular, when a straight cable is loaded in the axial direction, this can lead to an impermissible mechanical load on the contact point on a circuit board and to the destruction of the contact point or even the board. With a bending of the cable, especially in the production of the accumulator module, this danger can be prevented.

It should be noted at this point that the cited shape of the cable can refer to the unloaded state, depending on its elasticity, or that this can only be established during installation or coupling with other accumulator modules. The latter occurs when the cable is particularly elastic. In this case, simply provide a longer (and straight) cable that is then brought into the appropriate shape during installation or the coupling with other accumulator modules.

It is favorable if an accumulator comprises a plurality of accumulator modules according to the invention, which are electrically connected to each other via two respectively mated first and second terminals. In this way, accumulators with arbitrary voltage and capacity can be assembled from the mentioned accumulator modules.

The above embodiments and developments of the invention can be combined or expanded in any way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments indicated in the schematic figures of the drawing. It shows:

1 a first embodiment of an accumulator module according to the invention, in which a plugging direction of the plug-in device extends transversely to a cable;

2 a second embodiment of an accumulator module according to the invention in a simplified representation, in which a plug is arranged in extension of a cable;

3 a further embodiment of an accumulator module according to the invention in a simplified representation, in which a cable is designed arcuate;

4 a further embodiment of an accumulator module according to the invention in a simplified representation, in which a cable is designed meandering and

5 a further embodiment of an accumulator module according to the invention in a simplified representation in which a cable loop or loop is designed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

1 shows a first embodiment of an accumulator module according to the invention 1a , The accumulator module 1a includes a voltage source 2 , which in the example given from several accumulator cells 3 is constructed. These can be interconnected in series and / or in parallel. The electrodes of the cells 3 be from below through in a circuit board 7 provided holes pushed through and connected there in a conventional manner with cell connectors. On the board 7 are still not shown electronic circuits and a first connection 4 in the form of a socket and a second connection 5 in the form of a plug.

Like from the 1 is easily apparent, is the socket 4 rigid with the voltage source 2 connected. Therefore, there are only no or only minimal relative movements between the bushing 4 and the voltage source 2 possible. The fastening of the socket 4 at the voltage source 2 can do it like in the 1 displayed indirectly over the board 7 done or otherwise. According to the invention, the second connection 5 not rigid, but over a cable 6 flexible with the voltage source 2 connected. Again, there is an indirect attachment over the board 7 or another type of attachment conceivable. Usually, several such accumulator modules 1a installed to an accumulator. This is a plug 5 a module 1a in the socket 4 another module plugged. By providing the cable 6 now position tolerances between the accumulator modules can be better or even compensated. Namely, according to the prior art, the plug was also rigidly connected to the voltage source.

In the 1 is finally a frame 8th which is the accumulator module 1a gives the necessary support, as well as a coolant line 9 , which is used to cool the accumulator module 1a is provided shown.

In the 1 is the plug 5 transverse to the direction of insertion A with the cable 6 connected. This has the advantage that the plug 5 easily into a socket 4 can be plugged in, as the cable 6 is relatively easily deformed transversely to its axis. In the 1 is between plugs 5 and cables 6 a right angle provided. Of course, other angles can be provided. The cable 6 can then be deformed also transversely to the direction of insertion A.

2 now shows an accumulator module 1b in a simplified form seen from above. For better representability, there is only one board 7 with a rigidly connected first connection 4 in the form of a socket and a via a cable 6 flexible with the board 7 connected second terminal in the form of a plug 5 shown. The cable 6 is at the other end with the board 7 soldered, welded or otherwise fastened in a similar manner. In this embodiment, the plug is 5 in the direction of insertion A with the cable 6 connected. This arrangement is therefore particularly to compensate for a lateral offset of the accumulator modules 1b suitable.

3 shows an accumulator module 1c that in the 2 illustrated accumulator module 1b is very similar. This is the cable 6 but arched to the board 7 guided. This has the advantage that both offset in the direction of insertion A and offset across it can be well balanced.

4 shows a further modification in the form of an accumulator module 1d , In this variant is the cable 6 meandering curved. It is therefore relatively soft in all directions of displacement.

The same goes for the in 5 illustrated accumulator module 1e in which the cable 6 bent loop or looped. Here is the plug 5 again across the cable 6 appropriate.

For all variants shown, of course, that the plug 5 in any position with the cable 6 can be connected, so in the extension of the cable 6 or across, especially at right angles to it. Furthermore, the plug can 5 with the socket 4 be swapped, so the plug 5 fix and the socket 4 over a cable 6 with the voltage source 2 connected is. The for the plug 5 cited teaching is then mutatis mutandis to the jack 4 apply. In addition, an accumulator module 1a ... 1e also have two plugs or two sockets. In this case, a plug is connected via a rigid cable and a flexible cable 6 with the voltage source 2 connected, or it will be a socket via a rigid cable and a flexible cable 6 with the voltage source 2 connected.

Of course, the invention also relates to other than the illustrated connecting devices. From the prior art, a variety of possibilities for this purpose is known. For example, tabs, multipole connectors, connectors with annular cross-section, etc. can be used.

An offset of the accumulator modules 1a ... 1e is still possible not only in the drawing plane, but also in height. This can also be compensated by the variants shown. Of course, also different types of accumulator modules 1a ... 1e to a Accumulator be installed. Finally, it is also conceivable that an accumulator module 1a ... 1e alone is used for energy supply, this is not with other accumulator modules 1a ... 1e combined.

Finally, it is noted that the representations in the figures are schematic and the accumulator modules 1a ... 1e Therefore, it may also contain additional constituents or fewer constituents. Also, the individual variants shown in the figures can form the subject of an independent 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 5496657 A [0004]
• US 5378552 A [0004]
• US 5662497 A [0005]
• US 5663012 A [0006]

Claims (7)

Accumulator module ( 1a ... 1e ), comprising a voltage source ( 2 ) and at least two with the voltage source ( 2 ) electrically connected terminals ( 4 . 5 ), with a first connection ( 4 ) via a rigid line to the voltage source ( 2 ), characterized in that a second connection ( 5 ) with a flexible cable ( 6 ) in such a way with the voltage source ( 2 ), that a relative movement between the second terminal ( 6 ) and the voltage source ( 2 ) is possible. Accumulator module ( 1a ... 1e ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the voltage source ( 2 ) of a plurality of rigidly connected accumulator cells ( 3 ) consists. Accumulator module ( 1a ... 1e ) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the first and second connection ( 4 . 5 ) are designed as plug-in device. Accumulator module ( 1a ... 1e ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first / second connection ( 4 / 5 ) is designed as a plug / socket, socket / plug, socket / socket or plug / plug. Accumulator module ( 1a ... 1e ) according to one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the second connection ( 5 ) in such a way with the flexible cable ( 6 ) is connected, that a plugging direction (A) of the plug device transverse to the cable ( 6 ) runs. Accumulator module ( 1a ... 1e ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the flexible cable ( 6 ) is meander-shaped, loop-shaped, loop-shaped or arc-shaped. Accumulator comprising a plurality of accumulator modules ( 1a ... 1e ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, which in each case via two mated first and second terminals ( 4 . 5 ) are electrically connected together.

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