DE102017214303A1 - Arrangement for the electrical contacting of cell modules of a battery, battery with such an arrangement and vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Proposed is inter alia an arrangement for electrical contacting of cell modules (7) of a battery (3) by means of at least one electrical module connector (8), which at one end a contacting section (8b) for contacting a contact terminal (11) of a cell module (7) and at the other end a contacting section (8c) for contacting a contact terminal (11) of another cell module (7). Advantageously, it is provided that the at least one module connector (8) is formed by an electrically conductive, metal rail (8a), which at each end has a contacting section (8b, 8c) for contacting the same, each with an electrical contact connection (11) to be interconnected Cell module (7), wherein the module connector (8) is an integral part of a base part (12) made of a thermally conductive, but electrically insulating plastic, and wherein ensuring the electrical contacting of the electrical contact terminals (11) of the cell modules to be interconnected (7 ) at least the rail (8a) is embedded in said plastic.

Description

The invention relates to an arrangement for the electrical contacting of cell modules of a battery by means of at least one electrical connector according to the preamble of patent claim 1 of the invention. According to claim 9 of the invention further relates to a battery with such an arrangement. According to claim 10 of the invention further relates to a vehicle with at least one such battery.

It is generally known to combine battery cells in a module housing into a so-called cell module and electrically connect the battery cells to one another by means of electrical connectors, resulting in a negative and a positive electrode connection of the cell module in question. According to the US 5,942,353 A the electrical connection between said battery cells is effected by means of electrically conductive connecting rods, which are connected or connectable by screwing with the respective electrical electrode terminals of the battery cells. The connection points are each assigned an electrically conductive cap which engages over the connecting rod and the associated screw points. By electrical connection of a plurality of such cell modules, for example, usable as a traction battery for electric vehicles HV battery (HV = high voltage) can be produced. For electrical connection of the cell modules find electrical module connector application, which in turn electrically connect from the respective module housing outstanding electrical contact terminals of the cell modules to be interconnected. From practice, it is also known to subject the batteries composed of battery cells and / or cell modules thermal management in order to optimize their performance. In particular, with regard to a cooling of the electrical and electronic components of a battery, however, it should be noted that their cooling is not always done where the greatest heat generation is recorded, for example in the region of the electrical contacts and connectors thereof. This is where the invention described below begins.

The object of the invention is to provide an arrangement for the electrical contacting of cell modules of a battery, which is labor-saving while ensuring a stable electrical connection and allows effective cooling, especially in the field of electrical contacts and connectors of the cell modules. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a battery with such an arrangement available. It is another object of the invention to provide a vehicle with such a battery.

Based on an arrangement for electrical contacting of cell modules of a battery by means of at least one electrical module connector having at one end a contacting section for contacting a contact terminal of a cell module and the other end a contacting section for contacting a contact terminal of another cell module, the stated object is achieved in that at least a module connector is formed by an electrically conductive, metal rail, which has a contacting section for contacting the same with one electrical contact connection of the cell modules to be interconnected, the module connector being an integral part of a base part made of a thermally conductive, but electrically insulating plastic, and wherein, when ensuring the electrical contacting of the electrical contact terminals of the cell modules to be interconnected at least the rail is embedded in said plastic.

By this measure, a simple and cost-effective electrical isolation or insulation of a current-carrying conductor, in the present case a module connector, advantageously combined with a high thermal conductivity of the module connector insulating plastic in particular for cooling the module connector.

The subclaims describe preferred developments or refinements of the invention.

Thereafter, it is preferably provided that the thermally conductive, but electrically insulating plastic embedded in a plastic matrix thermally conductive particles and / or fibers. More preferably, the thermally conductive particles and / or fibers consist of a thermally conductive ceramic. In order to be able to dissipate excess heat in particular quickly and effectively from the module connectors, the base part is preferably in thermal contact with a battery housing accommodating the cell modules and / or another battery component made of a thermally conductive material. In that regard, it is advantageous if said battery housing and / or the said other battery component made of a thermally conductive material or at least comprise such a material. For example, the battery case can consist of a metal, in particular of an aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In order to further optimize the thermal transition, it can be provided, for example, that the base part can be heated by mediating a thermal paste, a thermal adhesive and / or with the aid of a mechanical fastening element in a thermal Contact with a / the cell modules receiving battery case and / or one / the other battery component is made of a thermally conductive material and / or is connected to the same. Advantageously, it is provided that the base part is arranged in a prepared bead of the battery case and / or another battery component made of a thermally conductive material, whereby the thermal transition is improved due to enlargement of the contacting surfaces of the joining partners involved. Furthermore, this measure advantageously combines any intended material and / or adhesion between the joining partners with a positive fit. In order to minimize the space requirement and to make the structures of adjacent inputs or attachments of the battery as simple and inexpensive as possible, the base part is so arranged in the prepared bead of the battery case and / or the other battery component made of a thermally conductive material that the base part forms a flat surface with the battery case and / or the other battery component. As the invention further provides, the contact terminals of the cell modules preferably have a plastic casing, wherein said plastic casing per contact terminal forms an access opening into which a contacting portion of the module connector, contacting the associated contact terminal, inserted or inserted. Advantageously, the possibility is created by this measure to make the contact points fluid-tight. In order to make the electrical contact between the contact terminals of the cell modules and the respectively associated contacting portion of the module connector extremely simple, for example with regard to a mechanical contacting, the electrical connection between a contact terminal of a cell module and a contacting portion of the module connector is preferably solely by surface pressure of the contact surfaces of the connection partners causes. For this purpose, for example, provided that by screwing the cell modules in the battery case, the contact surfaces are pressed together, thus ensuring the electrical transition.

The invention also relates to a battery, with an arrangement of the type described above. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with at least one battery of the aforementioned type.

• 1 äußerst schematisch ein Fahrzeug mit einer Batterie, welche die erfindungsgemäße Kontaktierungsanordnung aufweist,
• 2 das Batteriegehäuse der Batterie nach 1 in einer perspektivischen Einzelansicht, umfassend ein Gehäuseunterteil und ein Gehäuseoberteil,
• 3 das mit Batteriemodulen bestückte Gehäuseunterteil in einer Aufsicht,
• 4 eine perspektivischen Einzelansicht von Modulverbindern zur elektrischen Verbindung der Batteriemodule untereinander gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform derselben,
• 5 ein Basisteil aus einem Kunststoff, mit zwei in demselben teilweise eingebetteten Modulverbindern nach 4,
• 6 den Schnitt „I-I“ nach 5,
• 7 die Modulverbinder nach 4 bis 6 im Zusammenbau bzw. elektrischen Kontakt mit Batteriemodulen,
• 8 eine zweite Ausführungsform eines Modulverbinders,
• 9 ein Basisteil aus einem Kunststoff, mit zwei in demselben teilweise eingebetteten Modulverbindern nach 8,
• 10 die Modulverbinder nach 8 und 9 im Zusammenbau bzw. elektrischen Kontakt mit Batteriemodulen,
• 11 den Schnitt „II-II“ nach 10,
• 12 eine vorteilhafte Weiterbildung eines Basisteils, welches sich streifenförmig von einem Ende zum anderen Ende des Batteriegehäuses erstreckt, und
• 13 eine weitere vorteilhafte Weiterbildung eines Basisteils, welches die gesamte Grundfläche des Inneren des Batteriegehäuses ausfüllt bzw. überdeckt.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments schematically illustrated in the drawings. However, it is not limited to these, but covers all embodiments defined by the claims. Show it:

• 1 very schematically a vehicle with a battery having the contacting arrangement according to the invention,
• 2 the battery case after the battery 1 in a perspective individual view, comprising a housing lower part and a housing upper part,
• 3 the housing lower part equipped with battery modules in a plan view,
• 4 3 is a perspective individual view of module connectors for the electrical connection of the battery modules with each other according to a first embodiment of the same,
• 5 a base part made of a plastic, with two in the same partially embedded module connectors after 4 .
• 6 the section "II" after 5 .
• 7 the module connector after 4 to 6 in assembly or electrical contact with battery modules,
• 8th A second embodiment of a module connector,
• 9 a base part made of a plastic, with two in the same partially embedded module connectors after 8th .
• 10 the module connector after 8th and 9 in assembly or electrical contact with battery modules,
• 11 the section "II-II" after 10 .
• 12 an advantageous development of a base member which extends in a strip shape from one end to the other end of the battery case, and
• 13 a further advantageous embodiment of a base part which fills or covers the entire base of the interior of the battery case.

1 shows first a vehicle 1 , in this case a passenger car, with an electric motor 2 as a drive motor and with a battery 3 , According to this embodiment is thus a purely electrically powered vehicle 1 with a traction or high-voltage battery 3 , Also included by the invention is a so-called hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle, which in addition to one or more electric motors 2 also has an internal combustion engine (not shown in the drawing).

The battery 3 has according to this embodiment, a battery case 4 with a bowl-shaped housing lower part 4a and a cup-shaped housing top 4b on. The Housing bottom 4a and the upper housing part 4b each have a circumferential mounting and sealing flange 5 . 6 on and are mediated by the same interconnected (not shown in the drawing). According to 3 is the battery case 4 , of which here only the lower housing part 4a is shown, with several, according to this embodiment with twelve electrically interconnected or connected cell modules 7 equipped, which in each case preferably comprise a plurality of non-illustrated and arranged in a prismatic module housing electrochemical cells which are connected in parallel and / or in series with each other electrically. The electrochemical cells may be formed, for example, by prismatic cells, pouch cells or round cells.

The cell modules 7 are also connected in parallel and / or in series with each other electrically, including electrically conductive module connector 8th be used. The module connectors 8th are preferably made of a metal, such as copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, an aluminum alloy or a combination of these materials (composite material).

Exemplary embodiment 1 (in particular FIGS. 4 to 7):

According to 4 which is two such module connectors 8th shows, these are by an electrically conductive, metal rail 8a as well as both ends thereof a contacting section 8b . 8c educated. In the present case is said rail 8a formed by a metallic strip profile. However, the invention is not limited to this specific embodiment of the rail 8a but captures any other profile known per se. In addition, said rail 8a be formed by a flexible single-core conductor or by a multi-core composite of wires and / or strands. The metal rail 8a and the contacting sections 8b . 8c can form a one-piece component or be joined to form a component by according to this embodiment, the contacting portions 8b . 8c formed by cut rod material and with the rail 8a are connected by welding. The contacting sections 8b . 8c extend orthogonally to the rail 8a , The free end of each contacting section 8b . 8c forms the front side a first contact surface 9 out, which with a second contact surface 10 a contact connection 11 a respective associated cell module 7 corresponds, which is discussed in more detail below.

According to the 5 and 6 are according to this embodiment, two such module connector 8th integral part of a base part 12 , The base part 12 is formed of a thermally conductive, but electrically insulating plastic, which is a plastic matrix of, for example, a phenolic resin, a UP molding compound (UP = unsaturated polyester resin) or a melamine / phenolic resin molding compound and thermally conductive particles and / or fibers embedded therein, in particular Short fibers, made of a thermally conductive ceramic and is processed by a known plastic injection molding, -Spritzpräge- or -Pressverfahren-.

When ensuring the intended electrical contact with the electrical contact connections 11 the cell modules to be electrically interconnected 7 is at least the rail 8a of each module connector 8th in said plastic of the base part 12 embedded. In the production of the base part 12 become the module connectors 8th fixed as so-called inserts in the tool and then sheathed with said plastic. According to 6 extends said casing to the foot of the Kontaktierungsabschnitte 8b . 8c the module connector 8th ,

Like that 3 . 5 and 7 can be seen, the base part has 12 According to this embodiment, a plate-shaped, rectangular shape. Orthogonal to the plate plane, the contacting sections extend 8b . 8c the module connector 8th as well as funds 13 for centering and / or fixing the base part 12 on at least one cell module 7 and / or on the battery case 4 and / or another battery component. The said means 13 for centering and / or fixing are rod-shaped and correspond with holes not shown in the drawing or recesses on the at least one cell module 7 and / or on the battery case 4 and / or on another battery component.

According to the 3 and 7 is every base part 12 including the Kontaktierungsabschnitte 8b . 8c the module connector 8th in such a way from above on the cell modules to be electrically interconnected 7 put on that first contact surfaces 9 the contacting sections 8b . 8c the module connector 8th the respectively associated second contact surface 10 of the relevant contact connection 11 a cell module 7 electrically contacted. In the present case, the said electrical contact is by surface pressure of the mutually corresponding contact surfaces 9 . 10 causes, for example, by mediating the basic parts 12 the contacting sections 8b . 8c by screwing the functioning as a battery cover housing upper part 4b of the battery case 4 with the housing lower part 4a the same on the respectively assigned contact connection 11 a cell module 7 be pressed.

Preferably, the upper housing part is made 4b also of a thermally conductive material, for example of metal, in particular of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, whereby heat from the module connector 8th over the base part 12 in the upper housing part 4b is derivable.

Exemplary embodiment 2 (in particular FIGS. 8 to 11):

The 8th to 11 show a second embodiment of the contacting arrangement, wherein functionally identical parts are designated by the same reference numerals as in the previous drawing figures, so that reference is also made to the explanation of the above description of the first embodiment of the invention.

This contacting arrangement differs from the previously described apparently first in that the rail 8a the module connector 8th is larger. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the dimensioning of the module connector 8th itself or the current-conducting cross-section thereof is essentially dependent on the current load and accordingly can vary within wide limits as a function of the boundary conditions currently to be recorded. In addition, this contacting arrangement differs from the above-described in that here means 13 for centering and / or fixing the base part 12 on at least one cell module 7 and / or on the battery case 4 and / or another battery component are provided, which are formed by bores, in which in each case a non-graphically illustrated, rod-shaped Zentrierungsgegenelement of the cell module 7 and / or the battery case 4 and / or another battery component engages.

In addition, according to 11 the base part 12 including module connector 8th in a prepared bead 14 of the housing base 4a , In this case, a housing bottom forming portion of the battery case 4 arranged. In that regard, there is at least the housing bottom of the housing base 4a also of a thermally conductive material, for example of metal, in particular of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, whereby heat from the module connector 8th over the base part 12 in the lower housing part 4a is derivable. The bead 14 is dimensioned such that the base part 12 with the battery case 4 respectively the housing bottom of the housing lower part 4a forms a flat surface.

To the heat transfer and the holder of the base part 12 including module connector 8th on the battery case 4 to optimize, the base part 12 with the intermediary of a thermal paste, a heat-conductive adhesive and / or at least one mechanical fastening element, such as a fastening screw, in thermal contact with the cell modules 7 receiving battery case 4 and / or another battery component made of a thermally conductive material and be connected to the same (not shown in the drawing).

Like that 11 and 12 can still be seen, have the contact terminals 11 the cell modules 7 a plastic sheath 15 on whichever per contact connection 11 an access opening 16 forms, in which a contacting section 8b . 8c a module connector 8th , the associated contact terminal 11 contacting, is introduced. Advantageously, the possibility is created by this measure to make the contact points fluid-tight. To the electrical contact between the contact terminals 11 the cell modules 7 and the respective associated contacting section 8b . 8c the relevant module connector 8th For example, to make extremely simple in terms of a machine contacting, the electrical connection between a contact terminal 11 a cell module 7 and a contacting section 8b . 8c of the module connector 8th here also solely by surface pressure of the mutually corresponding contact surfaces 9 . 10 causes. For this purpose, for example, provided that by screwing the cell modules 7 with the housing lower part 4a of the battery case 4 the said contact surfaces 9 . 10 pressed together to ensure the electrical transition (not shown in the drawing).

The embodiments described above are based on basic parts 12 which integrally has one or two module connectors 8th have (see in particular. 10 ). However, the invention is not limited to such a base part 12 but also captures a base part 12 which integrally has more than two module connectors 8th having.

So just shows by example 12 a strip-shaped base part 12 which extends from one end of the battery case 4 extends to the other end thereof and more than said two module connectors 8th (not shown in the drawing) of the type described above to all, ie, the present twelve cell modules 7 connected in parallel and / or in series with each other electrically or connect. 13 on the other hand shows a base part 12 which extends over the entire base of the interior of the battery case 4 extends to a plurality of non-graphically illustrated module connector 8th The above-described type preferably all cell modules 7 connected in parallel and / or in series with each other electrically or connect.

In addition, the embodiments described above are based on basic parts 12 including module connector 8th off, which as a prefabricated mounting hardware in the battery case 4 are / are built. In contrast, are also basic parts 12 covered by the invention, which already in advance with the upper housing part 4a or housing base 4b made of a thermally conductive material, such as a metal, are firmly connected, which is reduced due to reduced number of components of assembly work. Preferably, this is the at least one base part 12 for example, a plastic injection molding to the upper housing part 4a or housing base 4b molded, wherein the / the module connector 8th as insert / e in the upper part of the housing 4a or housing base 4b or positioned in the injection mold and encapsulated in plastic is / are (not shown in the drawing).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

vehicle

2

electric motor

3

battery

4

battery case

4a

Housing bottom

4b

Housing top

5

Mounting and sealing flange

6

Mounting and sealing flange

7

cell module

8th

module connector

8a

rail

8b

contacting section

8c

contacting section

9

first contact surface

10

second contact surface

11

Contact Termination

12

base

13

Centering and / or fixing means

14

Beading

15

Plastic sheathing

16

access opening

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 5942353 A [0002]

Claims (10)

Arrangement for the electrical contacting of cell modules (7) of a battery (3) by means of at least one electrical module connector (8) having at one end a contacting section (8b) for contacting a contact terminal (11) of a cell module (7) and at the other end a contacting section (8c) Contacting a contact terminal (11) of another cell module (7), characterized in that the at least one module connector (8) by an electrically conductive, metal rail (8a) is formed, which both ends a contact portion (8b, 8c) for contacting the same, each with an electrical contact terminal (11) of the cell modules to be interconnected (7), wherein the module connector (8) is an integral part of a base part (12) made of a thermally conductive, but electrically insulating plastic, and wherein ensuring the electrical contact the electrical contact terminals (11) of the Untereina At least the rail (8a) is embedded in said plastic to the cell modules (7) to be connected. Arrangement according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the thermally conductive, but electrically insulating plastic embedded in a plastic matrix thermally conductive particles and / or fibers. Arrangement according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the thermally conductive particles and / or fibers consist of a thermally conductive ceramic. Arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 3 Characterized in that the base part (12) in thermal contact with a cell modules (7) accommodating the battery case (4) and / or other battery component of a thermally conductive material is. Arrangement according to Claim 4 , characterized in that the base part (12) is arranged in a prepared bead (14) of the battery case (4) and / or another battery component of a thermally conductive material. Arrangement according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the base part (12) in such a way in the prepared bead (14) of the battery case (4) and / or the other battery component of a thermally conductive material is arranged, that the base part (12) with the battery case (4) and / or the other battery component forms a flat surface. Arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the contact terminals (11) of the cell modules (7) comprise a plastic sheath (15), said plastic sheath (15) per contact terminal (11) forming an access opening (16) into which a contacting portion (8b, 8c) of the Module connector (8), the associated contact terminal (11) contacting, inserted or inserted. Arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that the electrical connection between a contact terminal (11) of a cell module (7) and a contacting portion (8b, 8c) of the module connector (8) by surface pressure of the contact surfaces (9, 10) of the connection partners is effected. Battery (3), with at least one arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 8th , Vehicle (1), with at least one battery (3) after Claim 9 ,

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