DE102015225369A1 - Contacting device, battery module and method for contacting - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a contacting device (10) for a battery module (1) for forming one or more electrical contacts (11, 12) to one or more terminals (6, 7) of one or more individual cells (5) of the battery module (1). in particular for a measuring tap, with an electrically insulating carrier (20) with or as an electrically insulating material (23), which is substantially surface or layer-like and with a top (21) and a bottom (22) is formed, and a A plurality of conductor tracks (35), each of an electrically conductive material (33), which run in the interior (29) of the carrier (20), spaced from each other and electrically isolated from each other, wherein a respective contact (11, 12) as a local plated-through hole (31, 32) between the bottom (22) and / or top (21) of the carrier (20) to one of the conductor tracks (35) can be formed or formed.

Description

The present invention relates to a contacting device, a battery module and a method for contacting. In particular, the present invention relates to a contacting device for a battery module, a battery module, in particular for an operating device, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle or the like, and a method for contacting a battery module.

In the field of vehicle technology, but also in other work or operating devices, battery modules are increasingly used from a plurality of single cells for energy supply. In addition to the electrical tap for supplying an underlying operating unit of the working or operating device with electrical energy contacting devices are used in such battery modules, the formation of one or more electrical contacts to one or more terminals of one or more individual cells of the battery module and in particular for a serve measuring tap. Measuring and / or preventive taps may also be designed for units for cell and / or temperature monitoring.

For this purpose, so-called harnesses are currently used in particular, which have a plurality of corresponding cables with connections in order to provide a direct electrical discharge of the measuring points to be detected.

In this case, individual harnesses are usually held for a respective battery module or assembled individually on site. This entails a considerable logistical and capital expenditure. It would therefore be desirable to simplify the known approach, which can be used for all or at least a large number of different battery modules.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a contacting device, a battery module and a method for contacting a battery module, in which the contacting of a battery module with simple means and as independent as possible from the specific configuration of the battery module can be done reliably.

The object underlying the invention is achieved in a contacting device according to the invention with the features of independent claim 1, in a battery module according to the invention with the features of independent claim 10 and in a method for contacting a battery module according to the invention with the features of independent claim 11. Advantageous developments are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a contacting device is provided, contacting device for a battery module for forming one or more electrical contacts to one or more terminals of one or more individual cells of the battery module, in particular for a measuring tap, with (i) an electrically insulating carrier with or as an electrically insulating material, which is substantially surface or layered and formed with a top and a bottom, and (ii) a plurality of conductor tracks each of an electrically conductive material, which extend inside the carrier, spaced from each other spatially and are electrically insulated from one another, wherein a respective contact as a local interconnection between the bottom and / or top of the carrier to one of the conductor tracks can be formed or formed. Due to the carrier with the plurality of embedded interconnects and the possibility of forming respective contacts through local vias, the contacting device according to the invention can be prefabricated regardless of the specific shape of a respective battery module for a variety of different battery modules. The contacting device according to the invention is thus available as a basic template for a specific line configuration, and only the actual formation of the plated-through holes then determines the respectively required connection topology. This therefore does not have to be known in advance in knowledge of a battery module on which it is based and the particular desired configuration of the interconnection. Thus, one and the same contacting device can be used for a large number of different battery modules.

With regard to the production of the contacting device according to the invention and also with regard to an automation of the actual formation of electrical contacts, a particularly favorable structure results if, according to a preferred embodiment of the contacting device according to the invention, the conductor tracks locally, in sections or over their full extent in pairs at a constant distance, are formed equidistant and / or parallel to each other. Furthermore, this also sets up a particularly efficient use of the area spanned by the carrier.

This can be further increased by, according to a development of the contacting device according to the invention, the carrier has pairs of opposing first edges and second edges and the printed conductors in particular of extending a first edge of a pair of edges to the second edge of the pair of edges.

A particularly high degree of adaptability to the geometry of an underlying battery module with its connections results when, according to another development of the contacting device according to the invention, the carrier is formed with or as a foil and / or with one or as a foil laminate.

The stability of the contacting device according to the invention for a robust operation can be increased by using a carrier which is formed with one or as a plate.

A particularly cost-effective arrangement with a high degree of electrical breakdown safety results when the carrier is formed with or made of a plastic.

The storage and in particular the mounting of the contacting device according to the invention can be improved if the carrier is formed with or as a flexible material, because in a particularly simple manner, a three-dimensional adaptability to the battery module and the design of the contacts of its individual cells can be ensured ,

Particularly cost-saving contacting device according to the invention can be realized with a high degree of flexibility, if recourse is made according to an advantageous embodiment of certain production techniques. Thus, it may be provided that the carrier is formed with a structure from the group of structures, which has an FPC structure, a flexible printed circuit board, an FFC structure, a ribbon cable, as a stamped grid structure and in particular in each embedded form.

In the embodiment of the strip conductors in the carrier of the contacting device according to the invention, there are any possibilities as long as the desired basic geometry of the plurality of strip conductors in the carrier and their mutual electrical insulation are ensured.

Thus, it is provided according to another embodiment of the contacting device according to the invention that the material of the conductor tracks is formed with or from a material from the group of materials comprising metallic materials, metals, electrically conductive plastics, electrically conductive carbon materials.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a battery module is also provided. This can be used in spite of the focus on the vehicle technical field with electric vehicles and / or hybrid vehicles in principle in any operating or working device.

The battery module according to the invention is formed with a plurality of individual cells having terminals, one or more electrical contacts to one or more terminals of one or more individual cells of the battery module, in particular for a measuring tap, and a contacting device according to the invention for forming the one or more electrical contacts.

The present invention further provides a method for contacting a battery module, which is formed with a plurality of individual cells having terminals with the steps: (A) providing a contacting device according to the invention, (B) aligning the contacting device such that one or more tracks of the Contacting device - in particular vertical - come to overlapping installation with one or more terminals of one or more individual cells of the battery module and / or with one or more electrically communicating cell connectors, and (C) forming a via in or on the contacting device in the region of an overlap between one Conductor and a terminal and / or cell connector and thereby indirectly or directly electrically connecting a conductor to one or more of the terminals.

Brief description of the figures

Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the figures.

1A to 1E show schematically different views of an embodiment of the contacting device according to the invention with and without vias.

2 schematically shows a plan view of an embodiment of the contact device according to the invention, which is mounted on a battery module.

3 to 6 show in schematic plan view other embodiments of the contacting device according to the invention, which is mounted in each case on an arrangement of a plurality of cell connectors for connecting individual cells of a battery module.

The following are with reference to the 1A to 6 Embodiments of the invention described in detail. Same and equivalent as well as equivalent or equivalent elements and components are designated by the same reference numerals. Not in every case of their occurrence, the detailed description of the designated elements and components is reproduced.

The illustrated features and other properties can be isolated in any form of each other and combined with each other, without departing from the gist of the invention.

The 1A to 1E show different views of an embodiment of the contacting device according to the invention 10 ,

On the one hand, a general ground state is shown without trained through-contacts 31 . 32 for the design of contacts 11 . 12 , with the plan view according to 1A and the side views according to the 1B and 1C on one of the first or short edges 26 or on one of the second and long edges 27 , The views of 1D and 1E correspond to those of 1B respectively. 1C However, now different embodiments of vias 31 and 32 for training contacts 11 and 12 are indicated.

According to the basic structure of the embodiment of the contacting device according to the invention 10 this consists of a carrier 20 which is in the top view of 1A the shape of a rectangle has a pair of first or short edges 26 and a pair of second or long edges 27 , which face each other in pairs. As well as from the 1B and 1C becomes clear, owns the carrier 20 from the carrier material 23 a bottom 21 as well as a top 22 , which in the embodiment according to the 1A to 1E are plane-parallel and spaced from each other constantly.

Although the basic structure of the contacting device according to the invention 10 of the 1A to 1E which is a plate, in a preferred embodiment, the contacting device 10 overall flexible and z. B. in the plane of the carrier 20 be formed flexible and / or have elastic properties to the relief of a battery module 1 with a plurality of single cells 5 to be three-dimensionally customizable.

In the carrier 20 with the carrier material 23 is a plurality of tracks 35 embedded. The tracks 35 are in the embodiment according to the 1A to 1E spaced equidistant from each other, parallel to the second or long edges 27 and between the first or short edges 26 , Also, the tracks are 35 made of an electrically conductive material 33 manufactured and from the second or long edges 27 , from the top 22 and from the bottom 21 of the carrier 20 spaced, like the 1A to 1C is removable.

For making a first or bottom contact 11 and / or a second or top-side contact 12 can, as in the 1D and 1E is shown at a certain lateral position of a conductor track 35 a respective under-side via 31 or a respective top-side feedthrough 32 be or be trained. The vias 31 and 32 thus provide an electrical contact of the respective conductor track 35 to the bottom 21 or to the top 22 of the carrier 20 ago.

The vias 31 and 32 can be formed by means of mechanical processes such as stamping, riveting or by means of thermal or optical processes such as electric welding or laser welding. There are all processes and means conceivable to establish and maintain electrical contact, including screws, clamps or the like.

Both 1D and 1E is a respective under-side via 31 designed to be a bottom contact 11 to design, whereas a respective top-side via 32 this serves to make a top contact 12 to establish, for example, to contact a to be isolated from the cell potentials measuring device, such as an NTC element or the like.

According to the sequence of 1D are any combinations at the same lateral position or at different lateral positions in the course of a respective trace 35 conceivable. This can be z. B. be used to different forms of electrical tap or electrical contacts on a respective underlying battery module 1 and its single cells 5 to realize. However, it is particularly advantageous if each conductor track 35 contacted with at most one potential.

2 shows a schematic plan view of the application of an embodiment of the contacting device according to the invention 10 as exemplified in the 1A to 1E is shown, in connection with a battery module 1 with a plurality of single cells 5 ,

The battery module 1 consists in the embodiment of the 2 from four single cells 5 , The single cells 5 each have a first or negative connection 6 and a second or positive connection 7 on. The single cells 5 are each rotated by 180 ° to each other in the housing 2 of the battery module 1 recorded and via cell connectors 8th interconnected in series to the first and second module connections 9-1 and 9-2 be tapped externally.

However, this arrangement, the interconnection and the tap are not mandatory. So can a plurality of single cells 5 interconnected in parallel and groupwise then be tapped in series to the outside.

In the embodiment according to 2 is on top of the battery module 1 with the connections 6 and 7 of the single cells 5 and the cell connectors 8th An embodiment of the contacting device according to the invention 10 placed on top and on-sided vias 31 directly with the connections 6 and 7 of the single cells 5 connected.

This embodiment is not mandatory. Rather, the actual connections 6 and 7 - in contrast to the representation of 2 - Be formed with a smaller sized contact surface, so then over correspondingly large area formed cell connector 8th over the under-side vias 31 The contacts 11 be formed.

Also in this regard, the inventive concept of the contacting device 10 with its flexible design for making the contacts 11 and 12 be used.

In 2 it can be seen that the respective under-side vias 31 on different tracks 35 are formed. In this way is a respective trace 35 for a better overview in the 2 additionally with one of the reference numerals 41 to 48 is provided with exactly one of the connections 6 or 7 a respective battery module 5 connected.

So can over a tap 40 , eg by means of a plug, and via a measuring line 50 with a corresponding number of individual phases for each of the tracks 35 externally, the relative potential difference between the terminals 6 and 7 of the single cells 5 on the one hand, but also between the external module connections 9-1 and 9-2 on the other hand.

This results in the module voltage of the battery module 1 overall as a potential difference between the tracks 35 with the numbers 45 and 48 , whereas the corresponding voltages of the single cells 5 from left to right in 2 can be tapped by following track pairings 41 and 45 . 42 and 46 . 43 and 47 respectively. 44 and 48 ,

In this way, during operation of the battery module according to the invention 1 out 2 the entire module voltage, but also the voltage of the single cells 5 be detected depending on the other operating conditions, for example, a degradation of the battery module 1 overall or the individual cells early to recognize.

The 3 to 6 show schematic plan views of other embodiments of the contacting device according to the invention 10 as they are related to vias 31 in different configurations of cell connectors 8th be used.

The embodiments of the 3 to 6 is a battery module according to the invention 1 With 16 Single cells 5 which are not explicitly shown. These are done by means of cell connectors 8th possibly together in groups connected in series or in parallel. The tap for the acquisition of measured values is carried out via bottom-side plated-through holes 31 to the cell connectors 8th out.

In the embodiment according to 3 it is a configuration in which the 16 Single cells 5 of the underlying battery module according to the invention 1 - similar to the arrangement 2 - All are connected in series.

In the embodiment according to 4 are always parallel pairs of single cells 5 connected in series.

In the embodiment according to 5 Three parallel triplets are connected in series.

In the embodiment according to 6 are three parallel groups of four single cells 5 connected in series.

These and other features and characteristics of the present invention will be further elucidated with reference to the following statements:

Currently Zellkontaktiersysteme (ZKS) are realized with appropriate contacting devices product or project specific. In each case, the current contacting devices can only be used for a specific module configuration and depend inter alia on cell type, cell number and cell interconnection. The signal lines are e.g. designed as harness solutions.

• – Projektspezifische Auslegungen der Komponenten eines ZKS oder eines Busbarmoduls sind nicht universell einsetzbar.
• – Es erfolgt also eine Festlegung auf bestimmte Modulkonfigurationen.
• – Die Variantenbildung muss durch alternative Komplettkomponenten erfolgen.
• – Es müssen Montageboards zum Einsatz kommen.
• – Die Variantenbildung in der Modulfertigung bedingt ein Beistellen der verschiedenen ZKS-Varianten als Zulieferteil.

This has the following disadvantages:

• - Project-specific interpretations of the components of a ZKS or a busbar module are not universally applicable.
• - So it is a commitment to certain module configurations.
• - Variant formation must be made by alternative complete components.
• - Mounting boards must be used.
• - The formation of variants in the module production requires a supply of the various ZKS variants as a supplier part.

In contrast, the invention provides inter alia the following measures:

• – Es werden kommunale Abgriffspunkte für Messstellen über ein einheitliches Layout z.B. einer flexiblen Leiterplatine bereitgestellt, wobei auch andere Techniken möglich sind.
• – Es kann ein einheitlicher Steckkontakt verwendet werden, bspw. im Sinne eines Tyco-MQS-nano mit FPC/FFC-Crimps.
• – Die Montage der ZKS kann vor Ort inhouse erfolgen.
• – Es ist eine Losgröße von 1 für die Kontaktierungsvorrichtung 10 und damit auch für die Zellmodule möglich.
• – Bisherige Montageboards können entfallen.

- It is created a communal, so common wiring harness for different module configurations in terms of cell count and interconnection and with sufficient similarity possibly also with respect to different cell types.

• - There are local tapping points for measuring points on a uniform layout such as a flexible printed circuit board provided, with other techniques are possible.
• - It can be used a uniform plug contact, for example. In the sense of a Tyco MQS nano with FPC / FFC crimps.
• - The ZKS can be installed in-house.
• - It's a lot size of 1 for the contacting device 10 and thus also possible for the cell modules.
• - Previous mounting boards can be omitted.

• – Bedienung mehrerer Modulkonfigurationen mit nur einem Leitungslayout
• – Es wird die Modulfertigung in allen nötigen Varianten mit Losgröße 1 für die Kontaktierungseinrichtung 10 als ZKS z.B. auf einer Anlage möglich.
• – Es ist eine Gleichteilstrategie für ZKS mehrerer Konfigurationen denkbar.
• – Bisher notwendige Kabelkanäle und Montageboards können entfallen.
• – Sowohl integrierte als auch externe Zellüberwachungs- oder CSC-Einheiten (CSC: Cell Surveillance Circuit) sind anschließbar, und zwar bei gleichem Layout z.B. der Flexplatine der Kontaktierungseinrichtung 10.
• – CSC könnte so gestaltet werden, dass auch Gleichteilstrategie mit Selbstidentifikation der Modulkonfiguration möglich ist, z.B. durch Abtastung eines Spannungsniveaus.

Thus, according to the invention, the following advantages occur, inter alia:

• - Operation of several module configurations with only one line layout
• - It is the module production in all necessary variants with lot size 1 for the contacting device 10 as ZKS eg on a plant possible.
• - A common part strategy for ZKS of several configurations is conceivable.
• - Previously required cable channels and mounting boards can be omitted.
• - Both integrated and external Cell Surveillance or CSC units (CSC: Cell Surveillance Circuit) can be connected with the same layout eg of the flex board of the contacting device 10 ,
• - CSC could be designed in such a way that it is also possible to use a common part strategy with self-identification of the module configuration, eg by sampling a voltage level.

The inventive concept can thus be used additionally or alternatively to form measuring and / or preventive taps for units for cell and / or temperature monitoring. That is, the wiring harness according to the invention of the contacting device 10 can serve the power / energy supply of a CSC unit.

Also conceivable is the tapping off of a voltage drop across an NTC element, that is, at a resistor with a negative temperature coefficient, which is at the top contacts 12 between two tracks 35 attaches. From the voltage drop, a CSC unit can then determine a temperature value at the corresponding measuring point. Other methods of temperature determination are also conceivable.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

battery module

2

casing

5

single cell

6

(first) connection, negative pole

7

(second) connection, positive pole

8th

cell connectors

9-1

(first) module connection, module negative pole

9-2

(second) module connection, module plus pole

10

contacting

11

first contact (from below)

12

second contact (from above)

20

carrier

21

bottom

22

top

23

(electrically insulating) carrier material

26

first, long edge

27

second, short edge

29

Heart of the vehicle 20

30

Interconnect arrangement

31

first via (from below)

32

second via (from above)

33

electrically conductive material

35

conductor path

40

Tap, plug

41-48

 Single conductor

50

Measurement line

Claims (11)

Contacting device ( 10 ) for a battery module ( 1 ) for forming one or more electrical contacts ( 11 . 12 ) to one or more ports ( 6 . 7 ) one or more individual cells ( 5 ) of the battery module ( 1 ), in particular for a measuring tap, comprising: - an electrically insulating support ( 20 ) with or as an electrically insulating material ( 23 ), which is substantially flat or layered and with a top ( 21 ) and a bottom ( 22 ), and - a plurality of printed conductors ( 35 ) each of an electrically conductive material ( 33 ), which are inside ( 29 ) of the carrier ( 20 ), spaced from each other and are electrically isolated from each other, wherein a respective contact ( 11 . 12 ) as a local via ( 31 . 32 ) between the underside ( 22 ) and / or top ( 21 ) of the carrier ( 20 ) to one of the tracks ( 35 ) can be formed or formed. Contacting device ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the printed conductors ( 35 ) are formed locally, in sections or over their full extension in pairs at a constant distance, equidistant and / or parallel to each other. Contacting device ( 10 ) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the carrier ( 20 ) Pairs of opposing first edges ( 26 ) and second edges ( 27 ) and the interconnects ( 35 ) in particular from a first edge ( 26 ) of a pair of edges ( 26 . 27 ) to the second edge ( 26 ) of the pair of edges ( 26 . 27 ). Contacting device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the carrier ( 20 ) is formed with or as a film and / or with one or as a film laminate. Contacting device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the carrier ( 20 ) is formed with one or as a plate. Contacting device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the carrier ( 20 ) is formed with or made of a plastic. Contacting device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the carrier ( 20 ) is formed with or as a flexible material. Contacting device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the carrier ( 20 ) is formed with a structure of the group of structures, which has an FPC structure, a flexible printed circuit board, an FFC structure, a ribbon cable, as a punched grid structure, and in particular each in embedded form. Contacting device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the material of the conductor tracks ( 35 ) is formed with or from a material of the group of materials comprising metallic materials, metals, electrically conductive plastics, electrically conductive carbon materials. Battery module ( 1 ), in particular for an electric or hybrid vehicle, having - a plurality of individual cells ( 5 ), which connections ( 6 . 7 ), - one or more electrical contacts ( 11 . 12 ) to one or more ports ( 6 . 7 ) one or more individual cells ( 5 ) of the battery module ( 1 ), in particular for a measuring tap, and - a contacting device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9 for forming the one or more electrical contacts ( 11 . 12 ). Method for contacting a battery module ( 1 ), which is formed with a plurality of individual cells ( 5 ), which connections ( 6 . 7 ), comprising the steps of: - providing a contacting device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9, - aligning the contacting device ( 10 ) such that one or more tracks ( 35 ) of the contacting device ( 10 ) - in particular vertically - to the overlapping system come with one or more connections ( 6 . 7 ) one or more individual cells ( 5 ) of the battery module ( 1 ) and / or with one or more electrically communicating cell connectors ( 8th ), and - forming a via ( 31 . 32 ) in or on the contacting device ( 10 ) in the region of an overlap between a conductor track ( 35 ) and a connection ( 6 . 7 ) and / or cell connectors ( 8th ) and thereby indirect or direct electrical connection of a conductor track ( 35 ) with one or more of the connections ( 6 . 7 ).

Images