DE102018109889A1 - Traction battery for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a drive battery (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least two battery modules (2), each battery module (2) comprising at least one battery cell (3), at least two battery modules (3) being surrounded by a strapping element (4). connected to each other.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a drive battery for a motor vehicle, in particular a drive battery for a hybrid or electric motor vehicle.

State of the art

Traction batteries for motor vehicles are known in principle from the prior art. Such drive batteries typically have a plurality of individual battery cells in order to provide the required capacity.

It is known to provide battery cells directly in a battery housing of a drive battery.

Alternatively, drive batteries are known in which a plurality of battery cells are connected to a respective battery module and at least two battery modules are combined to form a drive battery. The battery modules are fixed to each other and / or on a base plate of the battery case. Through these battery modules, the assembly of the drive battery is simplified in that the individual battery modules can be pre-assembled before the actual assembly. In addition, the provision of the battery modules in a simple manner allows scalability of the drive batteries, since the battery capacity can be modified by adding or omitting individual battery modules in a simple manner and without much effort. It must then not all individual battery cells are connected to each other, but only the preassembled battery modules with each other.

From the US 2007/184339 A is a scalable vehicle battery with interchangeable modules known.

From the US 2009/208836 A An alternative method of connecting battery cells to each other is known in which receiving trays are used to receive individual battery cells.

Furthermore, from the US 2015/155533 A It is known to attach battery modules in the battery housing by a press connection to allow quick attachment of the battery modules.

Furthermore, is from the US 2011/151298 A known to hold battery modules of the drive battery through an external support frame. In order to achieve a reduction in space, the necessary for clamping, are replaced by one end of the frame to the other end of the current clamping screws in their middle section by puller wire.

For mounting the known drive batteries a variety of fasteners, such as fittings, is necessary for the connection of the individual battery modules. This variety of fasteners increases the complexity of the structure and the production and thus also increase the cost of producing a drive battery constructed in this way.

Presentation of the invention

Starting from the known state of the art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved drive battery with a simplified construction.

The object is achieved by a drive battery for a motor vehicle having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments emerge from the subclaims, the present description and the figures.

Accordingly, a drive battery for a motor vehicle is proposed, comprising at least two battery modules, wherein each battery module comprises at least one battery cell. According to the invention, at least two battery modules are connected to one another by a strapping element which surrounds them.

Characterized in that at least two battery modules are connected by a strapping this strapping element with each other, can be dispensed with a plurality of connecting elements, which would otherwise be necessary for the connection or fixation of the battery modules.

Further, since the cost of connecting the battery modules to the prior art solutions is reduced, it is still economically feasible to make the battery modules less bulky and thus provide even better scalability without unduly increasing the complexity of the drive battery. In other words, the individual battery modules can be made relatively small, resulting in a high degree of flexibility in the scaling of the drive batteries.

In this context, hooping is understood to mean that an elongate strapping element revolves around the battery modules to be connected, thus strapping them, so that a connection of the battery modules is provided in this way. In other words, the strapping element forms a kind of fitting and circumferential loop or loop around the battery modules.

By connecting the battery modules by means of the strapping element, it is possible, due to a simple change in length of the strapping element, the number and / or size and / or shape of the individual battery modules arbitrarily, without resulting in each case a completely different connection concept with different connectors. Rather, a plurality of different configurations of battery modules can be connected to one another with a strapping element. The provision of specific connectors for particular configurations is therefore not necessary.

Furthermore, manufacturing tolerances of the individual battery modules can be compensated in a simple way by strapping. In addition, significantly fewer joints with a high tolerance quality are to be provided, for example, pinnings or screw joint attachment surfaces. As a result, the structure of the drive battery is further simplified in addition to the reduction in the number of parts.

According to one embodiment, the strapping element is a band and / or a wire and / or a rope and / or a wire rope. As a result, a particularly stable strapping can be provided, wherein the length of the strapping can be cut substantially continuously and in this way can be adapted flexibly to the respective configuration of the battery cells.

A particularly stable and at the same time durable strapping can be achieved if the strapping element comprises a plastic, for example PE and / or PET and / or PP and / or PS and / or metal and / or steel and / or an aluminum alloy and / or a textile , In addition, tapes, wires, ropes and / or wire ropes of the aforementioned materials are inexpensive to purchase, so that in addition to the ease of use also the cost of such a strapping element having drive battery are further reduced.

According to one embodiment, the strapping element and the battery modules held by the strapping element are designed such that the connected battery modules are fixed in a fixed position relative to one another by means of the strapping element. As a result, complete positional stability of the battery modules with one another can be achieved in a simple manner.

A particularly simple design of the drive battery can be provided if the fixation is provided by a frictional engagement between a contact surface of a battery module and a corresponding contact surface of another battery module, wherein the strapping element is stretched to train and thereby the frictional engagement between the battery modules is provided.

The tightening hardness of the strapping element, in other words the height of the tension of the strapping element, with which it straps or spans the battery modules, can be adjustable. As a result, on the one hand, the height of the contact force between the individual battery modules can be precisely specified or adjusted and, on the other hand, damage to the battery modules due to excessive loading of the battery modules by the strapping element occur.

According to one embodiment, the fixation is provided by means of a positive connection between two battery modules, wherein preferably a first battery module has a first fixing element which engages positively in a correspondingly shaped, preferably complementary to the first fixing element shaped, further fixing element of a second battery module. As a result, slipping of the battery modules with one another can be prevented in a simple manner, without a high strapping voltage being necessary.

In order to further simplify the structure of the drive battery, it can be provided that a connection to a base plate, a battery module housing, a housing of the drive battery and / or a frame of the drive battery is additionally provided by the strapping. In other words, the strapping element then not only surrounds the battery modules with one another, but additionally fixes them to at least one of the abovementioned parts.

According to one embodiment, the strapping element comprises a connection region for connecting two ends of the strapping element. Through this connection area, the strapping can be closed easily. The connection region is designed or dimensioned such that the forces necessary for holding or connecting the individual battery modules in the strapping element can also be absorbed or transmitted through the connection region.

In order to be able to provide a particularly firm and at the same time simple connection of the ends of the strapping element in the connection region, the connection region may be provided by a deformation of the ends of the strapping element in the connection region, for example by a positive connection, and / or by a deformation according to a further preferred embodiment Material bond, for example a Welded joint, an adhesive bond and / or a solder joint, be provided.

Alternatively or additionally, the connection region may comprise a rivet, an eyelet, a screw connection, a wire tightener, a turnbuckle, a threaded connection, preferably a worm-screw connection, and / or a sleeve.

Furthermore, according to a further preferred embodiment, at least one battery module has a guide for guiding the strapping element, preferably in the form of a notch, a depression, a groove, a bead and / or at least one expression.

list of figures

• 1 schematisch eine perspektivische Explosionsansicht einer Antriebsbatterie gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform;
• 2 schematisch eine perspektivische Seitenansicht einer Antriebsbatterie gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform;
• 3 schematisch eine Seitenansicht einer Antriebsbatterie gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform;
• 4 schematisch eine Draufsicht einer Antriebsbatterie gemäß einer vierten Ausführungsform; und
• 5 schematisch eine Seitenansicht einer Antriebsbatterie gemäß einer fünften Ausführungsform.

Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures. Showing:

• 1 schematically an exploded perspective view of a drive battery according to a first embodiment;
• 2 schematically a perspective side view of a drive battery according to a second embodiment;
• 3 schematically a side view of a drive battery according to a third embodiment;
• 4 schematically a plan view of a drive battery according to a fourth embodiment; and
• 5 schematically a side view of a drive battery according to a fifth embodiment.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

In the following, preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the figures. In this case, identical, similar or equivalent elements in the different figures are provided with identical reference numerals, and a repeated description of these elements is partially omitted in order to avoid redundancies.

1 shows schematically an exploded perspective view of a drive battery 1 according to a first embodiment. The drive battery 1 has a variety of battery modules 2 on. The battery modules 2 each have a plurality of battery cells 3 on, whichever in the battery modules 2 are included. The battery modules 2 This embodiment each have a module housing 24 on, which around the parallel arranged battery cells 3 is arranged. To connect the individual battery cells 3 assigns each battery module 2 a bus bar 6 at the back and a bus bar 6 on the front, showing the individual battery cells 3 of the battery module 2 connect electrically.

In the present case there are two battery modules each 2 by means of a strapping element 4 connected with each other. The strapping element 4 revolves seen in the circumferential direction, the two battery modules 2 , In other words, the strapping element forms 4 a kind of noose around the battery modules 2 around. Through this strapping element 4 or the strapping provided thereby are the battery modules 2 held relative to each other. By providing the strapping element 4 does not have to be every single battery module 2 on a base plate of the drive battery, not shown here 1 be attached separately, but for each by a strapping 4 connected battery modules 2 are in total only mechanical connections 11 at the outer ends of the battery modules 2 required to achieve a secure connection to the base plate.

The drive battery 1 can also be used for electrical connection of the individual battery modules 2 module connector 8th exhibit. Furthermore, the drive battery 1 one by means of the reference numeral 10 indicated cover and a microcontroller 9 include.

In the present embodiment, the strapping element 4 formed in the form of a steel wire. Alternatively, the strapping element 4 may also be provided as a tape or rope, may also be made of steel, or a plastic such as PE, PET, PP, PS, another metal such as an aluminum alloy, or a textile, preferably a textile fabric and / or a textile braid.

2 schematically shows a perspective side view of a drive battery 1 according to a second embodiment. The drive battery 1 according to this embodiment comprises two battery modules 2 , which by means of a strapping provided as a steel band 4 are strapped. To make sure the strapping element 4 along the outer contour of the battery modules 2 is correctly positioned, the battery modules have 2 one tour each 26 which is provided in the form of a circumferential recess or groove. The strapping element 4 is here provided as a circulating band of PET. The circumferential band is at its ends in a connection area 40 of the strapping element 4 connected. The connection is provided by a welded joint, in this case produced by ultrasonic welding.

One for making the connection area 40 or the strapping required strapping device is basically known from the prior art.

3 schematically shows a side view of a drive battery 1 according to a third embodiment. The drive battery 1 According to this embodiment substantially corresponds to the drive battery 1 out 2 , wherein in the embodiment according to 3 a fixation between the two battery modules 2 is provided by means of a positive connection. For this purpose, the in 3 Battery module shown on the left 2 first fixing elements 20 in the form of projections, which in to the first fixing elements 20 Although complementary formed further fixing elements while 20 of the other battery modules 2 Form so interlockingly engage that shifting along the contact surface 28 between the two battery modules 2 is prevented. A shift of the battery modules 2 relative to each other perpendicular to the contact surface 28 is through the strapping element 4 avoided.

To protect the edges of the battery modules 2 against deformation or otherwise damaging the material of the battery modules 2 through the strapping element 4 is also between the strapping element 4 and the battery modules 2 an edge protection 48 provided in the form of angle plates. Alternatively, the edge protection 48 be designed differently, for example as a film or tape.

4 schematically shows a plan view of a drive battery 1 according to a fourth embodiment. The drive battery 1 has in this case six battery modules 2 on, which by a plurality of mutually perpendicular strapping elements 4 connected to each other. This creates a coherent package of battery modules 2 , which in the final assembly of the drive battery 1 can be mounted as a whole. This is the way to install the battery modules 2 required amount of fasteners and joints greatly reduced.

In the present case, two of the strapping elements 4 in their respective connection areas 40 one sleeve each 46 on which the free ends of the strapping elements 4 positively and non-positively connects.

This in 4 centrally shown strapping 4 points in its connection area 40 a wire tensioner 42 on. Further, in one of the horizontally extending strapping 4 a turnbuckle 44 intended. Sleeves for strapping and wire tensioner and turnbuckles are known per se.

At least the strapping element 4 which is the turnbuckle 44 has, through the turnbuckle 44 be curious that between the battery modules 2 , which by this strapping element 4 strapped, such a high contact pressure is provided, that a shifting of the battery modules 2 along the respective contact surfaces 28 is prevented due to the resulting frictional engagement.

5 schematically shows a side view of a drive battery 1 according to a fifth embodiment. The connection battery 1 according to this embodiment, substantially the same 4 , Here by the centrally arranged, vertically extending strapping 4 In addition, a connection to a base plate 5 the drive battery 1 is provided. Alternatively or additionally, could by the same or another strapping element 4 also a connection to a battery module housing, a housing of the drive battery 1 and / or a frame of the drive battery 1 be provided.

Where applicable, all individual features illustrated in the embodiments may be combined and / or interchanged without departing from the scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

traction battery

2

battery module

20

First fixing element

22

Further fixing element

24

module housing

26

guide

28

contact area

3

battery cell

4

strapping

40

connecting area

42

wire tensioner

44

turnbuckle

46

shell

48

edge protection

5

baseplate

6

busbar

7

terminal

8th

module connector

9

microcontroller

10

cover

11

Mechanical connection

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 2007184339 A [0005]
• US 2009208836 A [0006]
• US 2015155533 A [0007]
• US 2011151298 A [0008]

Claims (10)

Drive battery (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least two battery modules (2), wherein each battery module (2) comprises at least one battery cell (3), characterized in that at least two battery modules (3) connected by a strapping this strapping element (4) are. Drive battery (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the strapping element (4) is a band and / or a wire and / or a rope and / or a wire rope. Drive battery (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the strapping element (4) comprises a plastic, preferably PE and / or PET and / or PP and / or PS and / or metal and / or steel and / or an aluminum alloy and / or a textile. Traction battery (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strapping element (4) and the strapping element (4) held battery modules (2) are designed such that the connected battery modules (2) by means of the strapping element (4) are fixed relative to each other in a fixed position. Drive battery (1) according to Claim 4 , characterized in that the fixing by a frictional engagement between a contact surface (28) of a battery module (2) and a corresponding contact surface (28) of another battery module (2) is provided, wherein the strapping element (4) is stretched to train and thereby the Friction between the battery modules (2) is provided. Drive battery (1) according to Claim 4 or 5 , characterized in that the fixation is provided by means of a positive connection between two battery modules (2), wherein preferably a first battery module (2) has a first fixing element (20) which in a correspondingly shaped, preferably complementary to the first fixing element shaped, further fixing element (22) of a second battery module (2) engages positively. Traction battery (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by the strapping element (4) in addition a connection to a base plate (5), a battery module housing, a housing of the drive battery (1) and / or a frame of the drive battery (1). is provided. Drive battery (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strapping element (4) comprises a connecting region (40) for connecting two ends of the strapping element (4). Drive battery (1) according to Claim 8 , characterized in that the connection region (40) is provided by a deformation of the ends of the strapping element (4) in the connection region, preferably by a positive connection, and / or by a material connection, preferably a welded connection, an adhesive connection and / or a solder connection , and / or the connection region comprises a rivet, an eyelet, a screw connection, a wire tensioner (42), a turnbuckle (44), a threaded connection, preferably a worm-screw connection, and / or a sleeve (46). Drive battery (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an edge protection (48) is provided between the strapping element (4) and a battery module (2) and / or at least one battery module (2) has a guide (26) for guiding the Having strapping element (4), preferably in the form of a notch, a recess, a groove, a bead and / or at least one expression.

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