DE102012110644A1 - Electrical energy store module for rechargeable battery pack to provide electrical power in e.g. garden tool, has latching parts utilized for connecting first cell holder to second cell holder, and contact portions formed on poles of cells - Google Patents

Abstract

The module (100) has a first cell holder (103-1) for fixing a pole side of energy storage cells (101) i.e. battery cells. A contact part (105-1) comprises contact portions (107-1) that are electrically contacted with poles (102-1) of the energy storage cells. A second cell holder (103-2) fixes antipole side of the power storage cells. Releasable latching parts (109, 111) are utilized for mechanically connecting the first cell holder to the second cell holder and extended between the adjacent energy storage cells. The pressing contact portions are formed on poles of the energy storage cells. An independent claim is also included for a tool for unlocking an electrical energy store module.

Description

The present invention relates to an electrical energy storage module having a plurality of energy storage cells and a tool for unlocking an energy storage module.

In conventional electrical energy storage modules, the energy storage cells are permanently installed, so that replacement of the energy storage cells is not possible. For a time-related deterioration of individual energy storage cells, therefore, the entire energy storage module must be replaced. This approach is inefficient and wastes resources.

The publication DE 10 2010 037 957 A1 describes a battery cell carrier for at least one elongate battery cell consisting of at least two substantially parallel carrier parts. The carrier parts are placed on the battery cells.

It is the object underlying the invention to provide an improved energy storage module, which allows a simple exchange of energy storage cells and at the same time a reliable contacting of the energy storage cells.

This object is achieved by articles having the features according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the figures, the description and the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by an electrical energy storage module having a plurality of energy storage cells, comprising a first cell holder for pole-side fixing of the energy storage cells, which comprises a contact part with contact sections for electrically contacting the poles of the energy storage cells; a second cell holder for mutually pole fixing of the energy storage cells; and an unlockable latching means for mechanically connecting the first cell holder to the second cell holder, which extends between adjacent energy storage cells and which is provided for pressing the contact portions on the poles of the energy storage cells.

By the electrical energy storage module, the advantage is achieved that an exchange of individual energy storage cells and easy installation are possible. In addition, a failure of the energy storage module due to human error in the form of forgotten welds or a process inaccuracy over time, such as wear of the welding electrodes, are excluded. The quality of the energy storage modules is increased and the throughput times in production are reduced.

The electrical energy storage module is for example a battery pack or a battery pack. The energy storage cells may be battery cells, such as zinc-carbon or alkaline-manganese batteries, or battery cells, such as lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, lithium-iron-phosphate, lithium-titanate, lithium-sulfur , Sodium-nickel chloride, sodium-sulfur, nickel-iron, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, nickel-hydrogen or nickel-zinc storage cells. The electrical energy storage module provides electrical power and can be used in gardening tools, drills, cordless screwdrivers, toys, emergency systems, medical devices or electric vehicles, such as e-bikes, pedelecs or e-light vehicles.

In an advantageous embodiment of the energy storage module, the second cell holder comprises a further contact part with contact sections for electrically contacting the further poles of the energy storage cells. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the energy storage cells are contacted on both sides.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the energy storage module, the latching means is formed by a pair of latching arms extending from the first cell holder and by a latching mandrel emanating from the second cell holder and insertable between the latching arms. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the latching means can be realized in a simple manner.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the energy storage module, the first or the second cell holder comprises an unlocking opening for the lateral insertion of a tool for unlocking the latching means. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that an unlocking can be performed quickly and easily.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the energy storage module, the contact sections are spiral spring contacts or dome contacts. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that a particularly fail-safe contact is achieved.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the energy storage module, the contact parts are stamped sheet metal parts. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the contact parts can be manufactured with little effort. In a further advantageous embodiment of the Energy storage module shows a burr of the contact parts away from the poles of the energy storage cells. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that increases the reliability of the electrical connection.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the energy storage module, the contact parts are formed from a copper-nickel-silicon alloy. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved, for example, that a high electrical and thermal conductivity with high hardness and strength and a good corrosion and abrasion resistance of the contact parts is achieved.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the energy storage module, the contact parts comprise a coating with tin, gold or nickel. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the conductivity of the contact parts is improved.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the energy storage module, a layer thickness of the coating is at least 1 μm. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that a sufficient layer thickness is ensured for a power line.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the energy storage module, the contact parts connect the energy storage cells in series or in parallel electrically. As a result, for example, either the technical advantage is achieved that the energy storage module delivers a high electrical voltage or that the energy storage module has a high capacity.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the energy storage module, the first and / or the second cell holder comprises stop surfaces for laterally fixing the energy storage cells. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that lateral sliding out of the energy storage cells can be prevented.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the energy storage module, the first and / or the second cell holder comprises damping elements for damping a vibration of the energy storage cells and / or fixing elements for fixing the energy storage cells relative to the cell holder and the contact part. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved, for example, that a contact interruption due to vibrations can be prevented and additional stabilization of the energy storage cells takes place against displacement relative to the cell holder and the contact part. By stops or clamps are formed by the fixing elements, an accurate positioning of the energy storage cells can be ensured to the corresponding contact portions of the contact part.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the energy storage module, the energy storage cells are glued into the first and / or second cell holder. As a result, the technical advantage is also achieved that the energy storage cells are secured against displacement.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the energy storage module, the first and / or the second cell holder comprises a dovetail guide for the mechanical coupling of the energy storage module with further energy storage modules. As a result, the technical advantage, for example, that several energy storage modules can be combined into a single module.

According to a second aspect, the object is achieved by a tool for unlocking a latching means extending between adjacent energy storage cells of an electrical energy storage module with two parallel unlocking mandrels for insertion into the energy storage module and for unlocking the latching means. By the tool, the technical advantage is achieved that the release can be solved easily.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in more detail below.

Show it:

1 an exploded view of an energy storage module;

2 a perspective view of an upper cell holder;

3 a perspective view of a contact part;

4 a perspective view of a lower cell holder;

5 a perspective view of the energy storage module in the assembled state;

6 a perspective view of a combination of several energy storage modules; and

7 a perspective view of a tool for unlocking the energy storage module.

1 shows an exploded view of an energy storage module 100 , The energy storage module 100 includes six energy storage cells 101 , a lower cell holder 103-1 for inserting and fixing a lower side of the six cylindrical energy storage cells 101 , a lower contact part 105-1 with contact sections 107-1 for electrically contacting the lower poles 102-1 the energy storage cells 101 , an upper cell holder 103-2 for inserting and fixing an upper side of the six energy storage cells 101 and an upper contact part 105-2 with contact sections 107-2 for electrically contacting the upper poles 102-2 the energy storage cells 101 , The contact sections 107-1 and 107-2 are formed by spring contacts.

Between the lower cell holder 103-1 and the upper cell holder 103-2 is an unlockable latching means 109 . 111 arranged that on the one hand the lower cell holder 103-1 with the upper cell holder 103-2 mechanically connects and on the other hand, a pressing force between the contact parts 105-1 and 105-2 and the poles 102-1 and 102-2 the energy storage cells 101 causes, so that an electrical contacting of the poles 102-1 and 102-2 can be ensured. The locking means 109 . 111 extends in the longitudinal direction of the energy storage cells 101 and runs between them.

The locking means 109 . 111 is through two pairs of opposing snap arms 109 formed by the lower cell holder 103-1 go out and by two Rastdorne 111 that from the upper cell holder 103-2 out. When assembling the energy storage module 100 overlap the latching hooks 115 the latch arms 109 the on the thorns 111 arranged locking lugs 117 so that there is a locked mechanical connection between the lower cell holder 103-1 and the upper cell holder 103-2 emerges that the energy storage cells 101 clamps.

The length of the locking means 109 . 111 ie the length of the locking arms 109 and the ratchets 111 , is on the length of the energy storage cells 101 Voted. The energy storage cells 101 For example, have dimensions of 18.0 mm ± 0.6 mm (diameter) and 65.5 mm ± 1.0 mm (length).

The first and the second cell holder 103-1 and 103-2 are one-piece moldings, which have a wall thickness of 0.4 to 1.5 mm and are made of plastic, such as glass fiber reinforced polyamide. In general, the cell holders 103-1 and 103-2 but also be formed from all other suitable materials. The first and the second cell holder 103-1 and 103-2 fix the energy storage cells 101 in two mutually offset rows of three.

2 shows a perspective view of the upper cell holder 103-2 , For lateral fixing of the energy storage cells 101 includes the upper cell holder 103-2 lateral stop surfaces 113-2 containing the six energy storage cells 101 enclose laterally after insertion. In the lateral stop surfaces 113-2 can additionally cam on the inside as fixing elements for fixing the energy storage cells 101 in the upper cell holder 103-2 be formed and the at the minimum diameter of the energy storage cells 101 can be adjusted. These cams can additionally as damping elements a vibration of the energy storage cells 101 weaken.

Additionally are in the stop surfaces 113-2 contact recesses 129 formed in the base area 123 of the cell holder 103-2 outstanding contacts of the contact part 105-2 can be introduced.

The base area 123-2 of the upper cell holder 103-2 has a hexagonal structure. In the base area 123-2 There are four unlocking openings each 119 formed, which are opposite in pairs and can be inserted into the unlocking mandrels of Entriegelungswerkzeugs. The unlocking mandrels used press the opposite latching arms 109 of the lower cell holder 103-1 apart, so that the locking connection dissolves.

Next includes the base area 123-2 of the upper cell holder 103-2 six recesses 121 in the places of the poles 102-2 the energy storage cells 101 are formed. As a result, the contact sections 107-2 accessible from outside.

3 shows a perspective view of the lower contact part 105-1 , The lower contact part 105-1 For example, it can be formed from a copper-nickel-silicon alloy and have a corrosion-free surface. The contact part 105-1 is a stamped sheet metal part with a material thickness of 0.4 mm. The six contact sections 107-1 are formed by coil spring contacts, such as stamped coil springs.

The coil spring can be pressed between two plates and have a travel of 4 mm. A maximum stress can be 600 N / mm ² and a force reaction 13 N. In the course of the coil spring tapers the cross section, so that an optimized geometry is achieved in the spring area. On the contact part 105-1 In addition, not shown hooks or spikes can be formed, which are in the assembly of the energy storage module 100 in the plastic of the cell holder 103-1 dig in and the contact part 103-1 fix.

In general, for the lower contact part 105-1 However, other materials are used which have a good conductivity. In addition, the contact part 105-1 be provided with a coating to improve the conductivity, such as a coating with tin, gold or nickel. The coating may have a thickness of 4-6 microns and be applied for example by hot tinning.

The contact part 105-1 has six external contacts 125 on, the side over the cell holder 103-1 protrude and by upwardly bent portions of the Kotaktteils 105-1 be generated. Through the external contacts 125 can the energy storage module 100 be coupled with other identical energy storage modules, in which they are pushed side by side and each external contacts 125 the energy storage modules 100 touch. In this way, between the energy storage modules 100 be made in a simple manner an electrically conductive connection.

The upper contact part 105-2 can in a similar manner as the lower contact part 105 be formed. The lower contact part 105-1 and the upper contact part 105-2 can be configured together such that a series circuit, a parallel connection or a series-parallel connection of the energy storage cells 101 is reached.

Instead of coil spring contacts, the contact parts 105-1 and 105-2 However, also have Kalottenkontakte, which are formed by spherical sectional bulges. By embossing the calotte, a contact can be defined.

4 shows a perspective view of the lower cell holder 103-1 , The lower cell holder 103-1 has two pairs of opposing snap arms 109 up, the resting thorn 111 of the upper cell holder 103-2 overlap laterally during mating and so a locking connection between the upper and the lower cell holder 105-1 and 105-2 cause. The tensions when inserting the Rastdorns 111 lie in the elastic range, so that a yield strength of the material of, for example, 60 MPa is not exceeded.

The latch arms 109 comprise at their upper end a beveled spreading surface 129 , When placing and pressing an unlocking tool with a corresponding spreading the latching arms 109 pressed apart and the snap connection between the lower cell holder 103-1 and the upper cell holder 103-2 will be unlocked.

5 shows a perspective view of the energy storage module 100 in the assembled state. The lower and the upper cell holder 103-1 and 103-2 are designed such that possible tolerances in the dimensions of the energy storage cells 101 can be compensated. In addition, on the outside of the energy storage module 100 Be arranged torsion protection markings. The external contacts 125 Stand laterally from the energy storage module 100 and occur in a combination of multiple energy storage modules 100 with other external contacts of the other energy storage modules 100 electrically in contact.

6 shows a perspective view of a combination of several energy storage modules 100 , The packaging, ie the joining of several energy storage modules 100 , via dovetail guides 131 attached to the outside of the energy storage modules 100 are arranged. In the dovetail channels 131 A depth stop is formed, allowing slipping of the dovetail guides 131 is prevented. A material thickening on the dovetail guides 131 serves for mutual attachment and fixation of the energy storage modules 100 ,

7 shows a perspective view of a tool 200 for unlocking the energy storage module 100 , For this purpose, the Entriegelungsdorne 201 bevelled unlocking surfaces 227 on. The unlocking mandrels 201 be in the Entriegelungsöffnungen 119 of the cell holder 103-1 inserted. The unlocking surfaces 227 come with the spreader surfaces 127 the latch arms 109 in contact and turn this aside. As a result, the locking connection between the locking arms 109 and the Rastdorn 111 dissolved and the lower cell holder 103-1 and the upper cell holder 103-2 can be separated. After separating the cell holder 103-1 and 103-2 can individual energy storage cells 101 be removed from the energy storage module and replaced.

The energy storage module described can conduct high currents and is uninterruptible even under mechanical stress, such as when used in traffic, sports or leisure. In contrast to welded energy storage modules, the individual energy storage cells are interchangeable. The simple assembly by plugging has the advantage that human error, for example in the form of forgotten welds when assembling the energy storage module, or a process inaccuracy over time, such as wear of the welding electrodes, can be excluded. This will improve the quality and reliability of the energy storage module 100 significantly increased and the production times can be reduced.

All features explained and shown in connection with individual embodiments of the invention may be provided in different combinations in the article according to the invention, in order to simultaneously realize their advantageous effects.

The scope of the present invention is given by the claims and is not limited by the features illustrated in the specification or shown in the figures.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

 Electric energy storage module

101

 Energy storage cells

102-1, 102-2

 Pole

103-1, 103-2

 cell holder

105-1, 105-2

 Contact parts

107-1, 107-2

 contact portions

109

 locking arms

111

 latch arbor

113-1, 113-2

 stop surfaces

115

 latch hook

117

 locking lug

119

 Entriegelungsöffnungen

121

 recesses

123-1, 123-2

 Floor space

125

 external contacts

127

 spreader

129

 contact recesses

131

 dovetail guide

200

 Tool

201

 Entriegelungsdorn

227

 unlocking surface

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

• DE 102010037957 A1 [0003]

Claims (15)

Electric energy storage module ( 100 ) with several energy storage cells ( 101 ), comprising: a first cell holder ( 103-1 ) for pole-side fixing of the energy storage cells ( 101 ), which is a contact part ( 105-1 ) with contact sections ( 107-1 ) for electrically contacting the poles ( 102-1 ) of the energy storage cells ( 101 ); a second cell holder ( 103-2 ) for fixing the energy storage cells ( 101 ); and an unlockable latching means ( 109 . 111 ) for mechanically connecting the first cell holder ( 103-1 ) with the second cell holder ( 103-2 ) located between adjacent energy storage cells ( 101 ) and for pressing the contact sections ( 107-1 ) on the poles ( 102-1 ) of the energy storage cells ( 101 ) is provided. Energy storage module ( 100 ) according to claim 1, wherein the second cell holder ( 103-2 ) another contact part ( 105-2 ) with contact sections ( 107-2 ) for electrically contacting further poles ( 102-2 ) of the energy storage cells ( 101 ). Energy storage module ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the latching means ( 109 . 111 ) by one of the first cell holder ( 103-1 ) outgoing pair of latching arms ( 109 ) and by one of the second cell holder ( 103-2 ) outgoing and between the latching arms ( 109 ) usable Rastdorn ( 111 ) is formed. Energy storage module ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or the second cell holder ( 103-1 . 103-2 ) an unlocking opening ( 119 ) for the lateral insertion of a tool ( 200 ) for unlocking the locking means ( 109 . 111 ). Energy storage module ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact sections ( 107-1 . 107-2 ) Coil spring contacts or dome contacts are. Energy storage module ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact parts ( 105-1 . 105-2 ) are punched sheet metal parts. Energy storage module ( 100 ) according to claim 6, wherein a burr of the contact parts ( 105-1 . 105-2 ) from the poles ( 102-1 . 102-2 ) of the energy storage cells ( 101 ) pointing away. Energy storage module ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact parts ( 105-1 . 105-2 ) are formed of a copper-nickel-silicon alloy. Energy storage module ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact parts ( 105-1 . 105-2 ) comprise a coating of tin, gold or nickel. Energy storage module ( 100 ) according to claim 9, wherein a layer thickness of the coating is at least 1 μm. Energy storage module ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact parts ( 105-1 . 105-2 ) the energy storage cells ( 101 ) connect electrically in series or in parallel. Energy storage module ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or the second cell holder ( 103-1 . 103-2 ) Stop surfaces ( 113-1 . 113-2 ) for laterally fixing the energy storage cells ( 101 ). Energy storage module ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or the second cell holder ( 103-1 . 103-2 ) Damping elements for damping a vibration of the energy storage cells ( 101 ) or fixing elements for fixing the energy storage cells ( 101 ) relative to the cell holder ( 103-1 . 103-2 ) and the contact part ( 105-1 . 105-2 ). Energy storage module ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or the second cell holder ( 103-1 ; 103-2 ) a dovetail guide ( 131 ) for mechanically coupling the energy storage module ( 100 ) with further energy storage modules. Tool ( 200 ) for unlocking one between adjacent energy storage cells ( 101 ) of an electrical energy storage module ( 100 ) extending latching means ( 109 . 111 ) with two parallel unlocking mandrels ( 201 ) for insertion into the energy storage module ( 100 ) and for unlocking the locking means ( 109 . 111 ).

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