DE102015220589A1 - Battery module and battery pack - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery pack (50) comprising at least one battery module (60) with a plurality of battery cells (2), each having a negative terminal and a positive terminal, and having a negative contact element and a positive contact element for electrically contacting the at least one battery module (60). In this case, the at least one battery module (60) is held in a frame (62) having contact points (64) which are electrically contacted with the contact elements.

Description

The invention relates to a battery pack comprising at least one battery module with a plurality of battery cells, each having a negative terminal and a positive terminal, and having a negative contact element and a positive contact element for electrically contacting the battery module.

State of the art

Electrical energy can be stored by means of batteries. Batteries convert chemical reaction energy into electrical energy. Here, a distinction is made between primary batteries and secondary batteries. Primary batteries are only functional once, while secondary batteries, also referred to as accumulators, are rechargeable. A battery comprises one or more battery cells.

In particular, so-called lithium-ion battery cells which have an anode and a cathode are used in an accumulator. These are characterized among other things by high energy densities, thermal stability and extremely low self-discharge. Lithium-ion battery cells are used, inter alia, in motor vehicles, in particular in electric vehicles (EV), hybrid vehicles (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).

A generic battery cell is in the DE 10 2012 217 451 A1 disclosed. The battery cell has a cell housing, which is made of a metal, for example. The cell housing is prismatic, in particular cuboid, designed and pressure-resistant. The battery cell has a positive terminal and a negative terminal for electrical contacting.

Several battery cells are combined mechanically to form a battery module. The battery cells are also interconnected electrically. For this purpose, the terminals of the battery cells are electrically connected to each other by means of cell connectors.

Several battery modules are combined into a battery pack and arranged in a common housing. The battery modules are also electrically interconnected. For this purpose, one terminal of each battery cell located at the edge of a battery module is electrically connected by means of a contact element with a terminal of a battery cell of another battery module.

From the publication KR 10-0771223 a battery module with a plurality of battery cells is known, wherein the terminals of the battery cells are connected by means of screwable cell connectors. The battery cells are mechanically connected by means of circumferential clamping bands.

From the publication DE 10 2012 222 712 A1 For example, a battery cell is known whose terminals have a contoured depression. For connecting terminals cell connectors are provided which engage positively in the recess of a terminal.

From the publication JP 2013-41774 A1 is a battery pack with several battery modules, each having a plurality of battery cells known. For electrical contacting of a battery module with another battery module contact elements are provided, which are designed as elastically deformable plug contacts.

Also from the publication US 2012/0156537 goes out a battery pack with several battery modules, each having a plurality of battery cells out. The battery modules are electrically and mechanically connected to each other.

Disclosure of the invention

A battery pack is proposed, which comprises at least one battery module with a plurality of battery cells, which each have a negative terminal and a positive terminal, and with a negative contact element and a positive contact element for electrically contacting the battery module. As a rule, the battery pack comprises several battery modules, which are electrically interconnected.

According to the invention, the at least one battery module is held in a frame, which has contact points which are electrically contacted with the contact elements of the battery module. The frame serves for the mechanical fixing of the battery modules as well as for the electrical contacting of the battery modules.

Advantageously, the contact elements of the battery module and the contact points of the frame are designed as mutually complementary plug contacts. Particularly advantageously lock the contact elements of the battery module and the contact points of the frame when inserting the battery module into the frame automatically with each other.

Preferably, the negative contact element of the battery module is electrically connected to the negative terminal of a battery cell, and the positive contact element of the battery module is electrically connected to the positive terminal of another battery cell. The battery cells are interconnected, for example, in series.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least two contact points of the frame are electrically connected to each other. For this purpose, for example, arranged within the frame connecting conductor. Thus, each two battery modules of the battery pack can be contacted with each other electrically.

Preferably, one of the electrically connected contact points of the frame is contacted with the negative contact element of a battery module, and the other of the electrically interconnected contact points of the frame is contacted with the positive contact element of another battery module. Thus, the battery modules of the battery pack are electrically connected in series.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one battery module has two end plates, between which the battery cells are arranged, and the negative contact element is attached to an end plate, and / or the positive contact element is attached to an end plate. When inserting the battery module in the frame of the battery pack, the contact elements of the battery module are thus in the immediate vicinity of the contact points of the frame.

According to a possible embodiment of the invention, the contact elements of the battery module are attached to the same end plate. In this case, the contact elements project in the same direction, preferably side by side, away from the battery module and from the end plate.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the contact elements of the battery module are attached to different end plates. In this case, the contact elements protrude in opposite directions away from the battery module and from the end plates.

Preferably, the negative contact element of the battery module and / or the positive contact element of the battery module are designed as a spring contact pin, which projects away from a side facing away from the battery cells of the end plate. The contact points of the frame are advantageously designed as sockets into which the spring contact pins protrude.

An inventive battery pack advantageously finds use, in particular, in an electric vehicle (EV), in a hybrid vehicle (HEV), in a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), in a stationary battery or in a battery in a marine application. But also other uses of the battery pack according to the invention are conceivable.

Advantages of the invention

By virtue of the configuration of the battery pack according to the invention, a plurality of battery modules can be electrically contacted with one another relatively simply within the battery pack. When the battery modules are correctly inserted into the frame of the battery pack, an electrical contacting of the contact elements of the battery modules with the contact points of the frame takes place automatically. In particular, this relatively complex connection techniques such as welding, bonding or screws for connecting battery modules are not required. As a result, the assembly of a battery pack with a plurality of battery modules in a shorter time and thus less expensive than known from the prior art can be realized. By suitable choice of electrical connections of the contact points within the frame of the battery pack different Verschaltungsarten the battery modules, such as parallel connection or series connection, can be realized. Further, spring contact pins allow a flow of relatively high current through the battery modules.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings and the description below. Show it:

1 a perspective view of a single battery module,

2 a partially transparent side view of the battery module 1 .

3 a perspective, partially transparent representation of a frame,

4 a perspective view of an incomplete battery pack with two contacted battery modules,

5 a perspective, schematic representation of the contacting of two battery modules with a frame and

6a a partially transparent representation of a first embodiment of a contact element and

6b a partially transparent representation of a second embodiment of a contact element.

Embodiments of the invention

In the following description of the embodiments of the invention, the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, wherein a repeated description of these elements is dispensed with in individual cases. The figures illustrate the subject matter of the invention only schematically.

1 shows a perspective view of a single battery module 60 from a battery pack 50 , The battery module 60 includes several battery cells 2 which extend in a row in a longitudinal direction x. At the beginning and at the end of the row is an end plate 58 intended. The battery cells 2 are thus between the end plates 58 arranged.

For fixing the battery cells 2 with each other, as well as with the end plates 58 , is a first fixing element 31 intended. The first fixation element 31 extends in the longitudinal direction x of an end plate 58 to the other end plate 58 along the row of battery cells 2 ,

Likewise, for fixing the end plates 58 and the battery cells 2 a second fixing element 32 provided, which extends in the longitudinal direction x of an end plate 58 to the other end plate 58 along the row of battery cells 2 extends.

The first fixation element 31 and the second fixing element 32 Both extend in the longitudinal direction x, ie parallel to each other. The first fixation element 31 and the second fixing element 32 are arranged in a transverse direction y spaced from each other.

For mechanical fixation of the end plates 58 and the battery cells 2 is also a third fixing element 33 intended. Also the third fixation element 33 runs in the longitudinal direction x and thus parallel to the first fixing element 31 and the second fixing element 32 , The third fixing element 33 is from the first fixing element 31 spaced apart in a vertical direction z.

Furthermore, a fourth fixing element 34 provided, which also extends in the longitudinal direction x and thus parallel to the first fixing element 31 , the second fixing element 32 and the third fixing element 33 , The fourth fixation element 34 is in the vertical direction z of the second fixing element 32 spaced apart. Likewise, the fourth fixing element 34 in the transverse direction y of the third fixing element 33 spaced apart.

The longitudinal direction x, the transverse direction y and the vertical direction z are each oriented at right angles to each other.

Each of the battery cells 2 has a negative terminal 11 and a positive terminal 12 on. The battery cells 2 are arranged such that in each case the negative terminal 11 from a battery cell 2 next to the positive terminal 12 the adjacent battery cell 2 lies. In each case a negative terminal 11 a battery cell 2 is by means of a cell connector with the positive terminal 12 the adjacent battery cell 2 connected. In this way creates a series connection of all battery cells 2 inside the battery module 60 ,

For electrical contacting of the battery module 60 are a negative contact element 41 , which is not visible in the illustration shown, and a positive contact element 42 intended. The negative contact element 41 is electric with the negative terminal 11 a battery cell 2 is connected, and the positive contact element 42 is electric with the positive terminal 12 another battery cell 2 connected.

The negative contact element 41 and the positive contact element 42 are each an end plate 58 attached. The contact elements 41 . 42 are designed as spring contact pins and protrude from the end plates 58 path. The contact elements 41 . 42 are each outside the battery module 60 So at one of the battery cells 2 opposite side of the end plates 58 attached and protrude in the longitudinal direction x of the end plates 58 path.

2 shows a partially transparent side view of the in 1 shown battery module 60 , Here are the two end plates 58 which the battery cells 2 record between them, transparently displayed, so that within the end plates 58 provided connection elements 45 . 46 are visible.

The positive contact element 42 is by means of a positive connection element 46 that in the front end plate 58 is arranged with the positive terminal 12 a battery cell 2 electrically and mechanically connected. Likewise, the negative contact element 41 by means of a negative connection element 45 that in the rear end plate 58 is arranged with the negative terminal 11 another battery cell 2 electrically and mechanically connected.

Thus, the battery cells 2 of the battery module 60 between the positive contact element 42 and the negative contact element 41 in this case electrically connected in series. Also a parallel connection of the battery cells 2 or a combination from series connection and parallel connection is conceivable.

In the present case are the contact elements 41 . 42 on the opposite, ie on different end plates 58 attached and protrude in opposite directions from each other and from the end plates 58 path. The contact elements 41 . 42 can also be on the same end plate 58 be attached next to each other and then protrude parallel to each other from the end plate 58 path.

In 3 is a perspective, partially transparent representation of a frame 62 from a battery pack 50 shown. The frame 62 serves to accommodate eight existing battery modules 60 , The frame 62 also includes means not shown here for the mechanical attachment of the battery modules 60 ,

The frame 62 has two parallel in the longitudinal direction x extending side walls 74 on which are arranged in the transverse direction y spaced from each other. Furthermore, the frame points 62 a front wall 71 and a back wall 72 on. The front wall 71 and the back wall 72 run parallel to each other in the transverse direction y and are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction x. Between the front wall 71 and the back wall 72 is a curtain wall 73 provided, which also runs in the transverse direction y and thereby of the front wall 71 and the back wall 72 is spaced in the longitudinal direction x.

The frame 62 has contact points 64 on, which present in the front wall 71 , in the partition 73 and in the back wall 72 are provided. The contact points 64 serve for electrical contact with the contact elements 41 . 42 the battery modules 60 , Furthermore, the frame points 62 a negative terminal pole 51 and a positive terminal pole 52 on. The connecting poles 51 . 52 are present in the front wall 71 arranged and serve for electrical contacting of the battery pack 50 ,

The contact elements 41 . 42 and the contact points 64 are designed as mutually complementary plug contacts. In the present case are the contact elements 41 . 42 designed as spring contact pins, and the contact points 64 are designed as sockets into which the spring contact pins protrude. The contact points designed as sockets 64 have inner spring contacts, which on the designed as a spring contact pins contact elements 41 . 42 act and thus establish an electrical connection. Alternatively, the contact elements 41 . 42 as sockets and the contact points 64 be designed as spring contact pins.

The negative terminal pole 51 is electrical with a contact point 64 connected. Also the positive connection pole 52 is electrical with a contact point 64 connected. The other contact points 64 are each electrically connected in pairs. For connection of two contact points 64 are, for example, connection conductors 66 provided, which within the front wall 71 , inside the back wall 72 as well as within the partition 73 are arranged.

In 4 is an incomplete battery pack 50 with two contacted battery modules 60 in a frame 62 shown in perspective. The frame 62 is presently designed such that between the rear wall 72 and the partition 73 four battery modules 60 in the transverse direction y can be arranged side by side. Also are between the front wall 71 and the partition 73 four battery modules 60 in the transverse direction y can be arranged side by side.

Two by means of a connection conductor 66 in pairs electrically connected contact points 64 are like that with two battery modules 60 connected to one of the electrically interconnected contact points 64 with the negative contact element 41 of the one battery module 60 is contacted, and that the other of the electrically connected contact points 64 with the positive contact element 42 of the other battery module 60 is contacted.

Furthermore, the negative contact element 41 a battery module 60 electrically with the negative connection pole 51 connected, and the positive contact element 42 a battery module 60 is electrically connected to the positive terminal pole 52 connected. Thus, the battery modules 60 inside the battery pack 50 in this case connected in series.

5 shows a perspective, schematic representation of the contacting of two battery modules 60 with contact points 64 in the partition 73 of the frame 62 , In particular, the side wall is 74 of the frame 62 not shown.

The negative contact element 41 of the one battery module 60 becomes electrically with a first contact point 64 in the partition 73 contacted. The positive contact element 42 of the other battery module 60 becomes electrically with a second contact point 64 in the partition 73 contacted, which is the first contact point 64 is opposite. The first contact point 64 and the second contact point 64 are within the partition 73 electrically connected to each other.

6a shows a partially transparent representation of a first embodiment of a Spring contact pin running contact element 41 . 42 , The contact element 41 . 42 has a contact housing 80 , a relative to the contact housing 80 sliding contact pin 82 and a spring 84 on. The contact housing 80 , the contact pin 82 and the spring 84 are made of an electrically conductive material.

The contact housing 80 is at the end plate 58 of the battery module 60 attached. The feather 84 is mechanically between the contact housing 80 and the contact pin 82 arranged and acts on the contact pin 82 relative to the contact housing 80 in the direction of the end plate 58 path.

6b shows a partially transparent representation of a second embodiment of a designed as a spring contact pin contact element 41 . 42 , The contact element 41 . 42 also has a contact housing 80 , a relative to the contact housing 80 sliding contact pin 82 and a spring 84 on. In addition, there is a ball 86 intended. The contact housing 80 , the contact pin 82 , the feather 84 and the ball 86 are made of an electrically conductive material.

The contact housing 80 is at the end plate 58 of the battery module 60 attached. The feather 84 is mechanically between the contact housing 80 and the contact pin 82 arranged and acts on the contact pin 82 relative to the contact housing 80 in the direction of the end plate 58 path. Here is the ball 86 between the spring 84 and the contact pin 82 arranged and used by the spring 84 also in the direction of the end plate 58 acted upon.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and the aspects highlighted therein. Rather, within the scope given by the claims a variety of modifications are possible, which are within the scope of expert action.

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 102012217451 A1 [0004]
• KR 10-0771223 [0007]
• DE 102012222712 A1 [0008]
• JP 2013-41774 A1 [0009]
• US 2012/0156537 [0010]

Claims (10)

Battery pack ( 50 ) comprising at least one battery module ( 60 ) with several battery cells ( 2 ), each of which has a negative terminal ( 11 ) and a positive terminal ( 12 ) and with a negative contact element ( 41 ) and a positive contact element ( 42 ) for electrically contacting the at least one battery module ( 60 ), characterized in that the at least one battery module ( 60 ) in a framework ( 62 ), the contact points ( 64 ), which with the contact elements ( 41 . 42 ) are electrically contacted. Battery pack ( 50 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact elements ( 41 . 42 ) and the contact points ( 64 ) are designed as mutually complementary plug contacts. Battery pack ( 50 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the negative contact element ( 41 ) electrically with the negative terminal ( 11 ) of a battery cell ( 2 ) and that the positive contact element ( 42 ) electrically to the positive terminal ( 12 ) of another battery cell ( 2 ) connected is. Battery pack ( 50 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two contact points ( 64 ) are electrically connected together. Battery pack ( 50 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the one of the electrically interconnected contact points ( 64 ) with the negative contact element ( 41 ) of a battery module ( 60 ), and that the other of the electrically connected contact points ( 64 ) with the positive contact element ( 42 ) of another battery module ( 60 ) is contacted. Battery pack ( 50 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one battery module ( 60 ) two end plates ( 58 ), between which the battery cells ( 2 ) are arranged, and that the negative contact element ( 41 ) on an end plate ( 58 ), and / or that the positive contact element ( 42 ) on an end plate ( 58 ) is attached. Battery pack ( 50 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the contact elements ( 41 . 42 ) on the same end plate ( 58 ) are attached. Battery pack ( 50 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the contact elements ( 41 . 42 ) on different end plates ( 58 ) are attached. Battery pack ( 50 ) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the negative contact element ( 41 ) and / or the positive contact element ( 42 ) is designed as a spring contact pin, which from one of the battery cells ( 2 ) facing away from the end plate ( 58 ) sticks out. Use of a battery pack ( 50 ) according to one of the preceding claims in an electric vehicle (EV), in a hybrid vehicle (HEV), in a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), in a stationary battery or in a battery in a marine application.

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