DE102020209312A1 - Energy store of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an energy store (8) of a motor vehicle (2) with two battery modules (14). The battery modules (14) each have two poles (20) and each have a straight guide hole (22). The energy store (8) comprises a push rod (28) which is arranged in the two guide holes (22) so that it can be displaced transversally and which has an electrically conductive section (34). By means of the electrically conductive section (34), one of the poles (20) of one battery module (14) can be electrically contacted with one of the poles (20) of the other battery module (14) by moving the push rod (28). The invention also relates to a method (10) for producing an energy store (8).

Description

The invention relates to an energy store for a motor vehicle and a method for producing an energy store.

Motor vehicles, such as passenger cars, have a main drive for propulsion, with the main drive increasingly including an electric motor. In this case, for example, only one or more electric motors are used to propel the motor vehicle, so that the motor vehicle is designed as an electric vehicle. In an alternative to this, the motor vehicle also includes an internal combustion engine.

An energy store is usually used to supply current to the electric motor. The energy store itself has several battery modules, which are mostly identical in construction to one another. Each of the battery modules in turn has a number of individual battery cells, some of which are electrically connected in series and some of which are electrically connected in parallel. Thus, each of the battery modules provides an electrical DC voltage that is a single or multiple of one of the battery cells. The individual battery modules are electrically connected to one another for the respective motor vehicle to form the energy store. In this case, the individual battery modules are, for example, partially electrically connected in parallel and partially electrically in series, so that a desired electrical DC voltage is provided by means of the energy store, with the energy store having a specific capacity. It is possible here to design the battery modules in a modular manner and to use them for different types of motor vehicle and therefore to produce them in large quantities, which reduces production costs. To adapt to the respective type of motor vehicle, only the wiring of the battery modules is adapted.

To interconnect the battery modules, the connections of the battery modules are usually contacted with one another by means of screw contacts or plug connectors. Each screw contact has a cable with a cable lug placed on each end. Each cable lug is placed on a corresponding connection of different battery modules and fastened there with a nut or screw. It is also possible to weld the individual connections of the battery modules to one another or to design the connections as plug connectors to be connected manually.

A comparatively large number of individual work steps is required for each of the connection types mentioned, which is why the production time is increased. It also requires that part of it be done manually. Since comparatively high electrical voltages occur due to the interconnection, a risk to the person performing the work cannot be ruled out. Therefore, the person is required to be properly trained, and therefore the manufacturing cost is further increased.

The invention is based on the object of specifying a particularly suitable energy storage device for a motor vehicle and a particularly suitable method for producing an energy storage device, with assembly advantageously being simplified and/or safety being increased.

With regard to the energy store, this object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 and with regard to the method by the features of claim 10 . Advantageous developments and refinements are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

The energy store is part of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is preferably land-based and preferably has a number of wheels, of which at least one, preferably several or all, are driven by a drive. Suitably one, preferably several, of the wheels is designed to be steerable. It is thus possible to move the motor vehicle independently of a specific roadway, for example rails or the like. It is expediently possible to position the motor vehicle essentially anywhere on a roadway that is made of asphalt, tar or concrete in particular. The motor vehicle is, for example, a commercial vehicle, such as a truck (truck) or a bus. However, the motor vehicle is particularly preferably a passenger car.

The motor vehicle has in particular a drive, by means of which the motor vehicle is moved. For example, the drive, in particular the main drive, is designed at least partially electrically, and the motor vehicle is an electric vehicle, for example. The electric motor is expediently operated by means of the energy store. The energy store is suitable for this, in particular provided and set up. A converter is preferably arranged electrically between the energy store and the electric motor, by means of which the energization of the electric motor is set. In an alternative, the drive also has an internal combustion engine, so that the motor vehicle is designed as a hybrid motor vehicle.

An electrical DC voltage is expediently provided by means of the energy store, the electrical voltage being between 12 V and 80 V or between 200 V and 800 V and essentially 400 V, for example. The energy store is preferably a high-voltage battery.

The energy store has two battery modules, ie exactly two or more than two. Each battery module has two (electrical) poles between which, in particular, an electrical DC voltage is present during operation. The battery modules are thus each an energy storage unit, and the two poles of each battery module represent, in particular, electrical poles, one of which is assigned a negative electrical potential and the other a positive electrical potential. The electrical direct voltage is expediently between 12 V and 80 V and for example between 24 V and 60 V. In particular, the electrical voltage is essentially 30 V, 40 V, 50 V or 60 V, with a deviation of 10%, 5 % or 0% is present.

Each battery module expediently has one or more battery cells which are electrically connected between the two poles. In this case, the battery cells are, for example, electrically connected in parallel and/or in series with one another, so that the (electrical) voltage provided at the two poles is realized by means of the battery cells. Each battery module expediently has a housing within which any battery cells are arranged. In the assembled state, the two battery modules are preferably mechanically fastened to one another, expediently any housing. In other words, there is direct mechanical contact between the two battery modules. In an alternative, these are spaced apart from one another, so that an expansion during the charging/discharging process of the battery modules is made possible without the development of excessive mechanical stresses.

Furthermore, each battery module has a straight guide hole which is expediently designed in the manner of a channel. The cross section of the guide hole is in particular round or deviating therefrom, for example rectangular or square. For example, the respective guide hole is open at the side, so that it is slotted, in particular along its longitudinal direction. However, the guide hole is particularly preferably designed to be closed on the circumferential side and thus protrudes through an area spaced apart from an edge of the battery module. In particular, the guide hole is at least partially formed by means of the possible housing. The guide holes of the two battery modules are in particular arranged parallel to one another and are aligned with one another.

A push rod is arranged within the guide holes and is transversally displaceable in the two guide holes. In particular, in this case the push rod is at least partially supported by means of the guide holes. Suitably, a clearance fit or partially an interference fit is realized between the guide holes and the push rod. In summary, the push rod is guided by means of the guide holes. In particular, it is possible here to remove the connecting rod from the guide holes in order to dismantle the energy store.

The push rod has an electrically conductive section, which is made of a metal, for example. The electrically conductive section is preferably made of copper, such as pure copper or a copper alloy, silver or gold. The electrically conductive section is particularly preferably made of nickel-plated copper or has a tin coating. In this way, oxidation is avoided.

The electrically conductive section is, for example, cylindrical or particularly preferably hollow-cylindrical. In this way, material requirements are reduced. In this case, the electrically conductive section is suitably placed on a further section of the push rod, so that the electrically conductive section is stabilized. The electrically conductive section expediently forms the peripheral side of at least part of the push rod, with the electrically conductive section suitably covering the entire circumference so that it is closed on the peripheral side.

The electrically conductive section makes it possible to electrically contact one of the poles of one battery module with one of the poles of the other battery module. This requires moving the push rod in the guide holes. In other words, it is possible to create or cancel the electrical contact between the two poles by moving the push rod, so that the two poles are electrically insulated from one another. For example, depending on the interconnection of the battery modules, the two poles that are electrically contacted with one another by means of the section have the same electrical polarity or different electrical polarity.

In the mounted state, the two poles are electrically connected to one another by means of the electrically conductive section. In particular, at least a partial mechanical direct contact of the electrically conductive section with one of the poles or with a component that is electrically contacted with it. By moving the push rod in the guide holes, the direct mechanical contact can be eliminated, with the electrical contact also being terminated.

In the case of the energy storage device, it is therefore only necessary to move the connecting rod transversely in order to establish the electrical contact, this expediently having only a single degree of freedom, namely the ability to move transversely. Thus, assembly is simplified. Also, a number of required working steps is reduced, and therefore a manufacturing time is shortened. In addition, no special expertise is required for this, which is why the installation can also be carried out by untrained personnel. Furthermore, at least some of the components of the energy store that have an electrical potential are surrounded by the guide holes or arranged in them, so that accidental contact by a person is avoided. As a result, security is increased.

In one variant, the sub-rod has a guide tip or at least a chamfer, so that assembly with battery modules that are at least partially spaced apart from one another is also simplified. In an alternative, the battery modules are widened in the area of the guide holes. In these configurations, it is therefore taken into account that a change in volume of the battery modules or at least a change in geometry can occur during the charging/discharging processes. Due to the measures, mechanical stresses are avoided. Alternatively, the battery modules are designed to be comparatively rigid in the area of the guide holes, preferably the complete possible housing, so that loading of the connecting rod during operation is avoided.

For example, the electrical voltage provided by the battery modules is adapted to the desired electrical voltage of the energy store by means of the electrical contact. For this purpose, the battery modules are expediently electrically connected in series by means of the connecting rod. As an alternative to this, the two battery modules are electrically connected in parallel by means of the connecting rod, so that the capacity of the energy store is increased. For example, one of the battery modules is permanently installed in the motor vehicle in the assembled state or at least permanently assigned to it. The other battery module is installed here, for example, if required, and connected to the battery module that is already present, so that in particular the range of the motor vehicle is increased. The additional battery module is rented for a specific period of time, for example, so that the range of the motor vehicle can be increased for a short time without it being equipped with two cost-intensive battery modules from the outset. In this case, each of the battery modules is formed in particular by means of a high-voltage battery.

In an alternative, the two battery modules, preferably all of them, are arranged in a housing of the energy store. A battery management system is preferably arranged in the housing of the energy store, by means of which charging or discharging of the battery modules is regulated and/or controlled. The service life of the battery modules is thus increased.

For example, the electrically conductive section makes direct electrical contact with one of the poles of one of the battery modules. In particular, a line is used for this, for example a cable. Thus, the push rod can still be moved in the guide holes. The cable is suitably soldered or welded to the electrically conductive section. In particular, the guide hole of the other battery module has an area lined with an electrical contact. By moving the push rod, the section with the electrical contact is contacted.

Most preferably, however, each pilot hole has an area lined with an electrical contact. The electrical contact is in this case, for example, in the form of a strip or particularly preferably in the form of a hollow cylinder, for example in the form of a ring and thus represents a contacting ring. The electrical contact is expediently made of a metal such as copper, silver or gold. The electrical contact is particularly preferably made of nickel-plated copper or has a tin coating. Suitably the electrical contact is made of the same material as the electrically conductive portion of the push rod. Each electrical contact is electrically contacted with one of the poles of the respective battery module. In this case, there is preferably a rigid electrical contact, and the electrical contact is welded, for example, to the respective pole. By moving the push rod, the electrically conductive section is moved over the electrical contacts, so that it preferably rests mechanically directly on the two electrical contacts, which is why these are electrically contacted with one another via the electrically conductive section. In an alternative, for example, the electrically conductive section is in rigid contact with one of the poles, and the pole of the other battery module is connected by means of a corresponding electrical contact with the electrically conductive portion contacted or contactable.

In a development, the electrically conductive section is additionally mechanically connected to the electrical contact or contacts. In this case, for example, the electrical contact has an internal thread and the electrically conductive section at least partially has an external thread, so that the electrically conductive section is additionally screwed into the respective electrical contact. This prevents unintentional removal or movement of the push rod. As an alternative to this, the electrical contact is designed in the manner of a bayonet and is rotatably mounted in the respective guide hole. In this case, when the push rod is pushed in transversely, the respective electrical contact is partially rotated and elements arranged on the electrical section and the respective electrical contact engage in one another. Following this, they are locked together so that unintentional removal is prevented. To cancel the latching, for example for disassembly, it is expediently possible here to cancel the latching by means of a corresponding device. In a further alternative, the electrical contact is spring-loaded, for example, so that there is contact pressure between the respective electrical contact and the electrically conductive section. Thus, a contact resistance between the two is reduced. Alternatively or in combination with this, an electrically conductive paste, for example copper paste, is arranged between them, which is why an electrical contact resistance is further reduced. In a further alternative, the electrically conductive section is clamped by means of the respective electrical contact, so that a non-positive connection is formed between them. Alternatively or in combination with this, for example the electrically conductive section and/or the respective electrical contact is deformed, for example elastically and/or plastically, when the electrical contact is made. In this way, stability is increased. In particular, the push rod is designed as a hollow rod, and this is moved transversally in the guide holes, so that an electrical contact is made. In this case, for example, due to a corresponding dimensioning, the electrically conductive section is pressed into the interior of the connecting rod. A further rod is then inserted into the hollow push rod, by means of which the electrically conductive section is pressed radially outwards against the electrical contact. Alternatively, forces directed toward one another are applied to the two ends of the push rod for deformation.

The energy store particularly preferably has more than two battery modules. In this case, the battery modules are suitably structurally identical, so that the energy store has a modular structure. It is thus possible to adapt the energy store to different needs, with identical parts being able to be used, which is why production costs are reduced. For example, in this case the energy store has only a single battery management system, by means of which all battery modules are regulated/controlled. In particular, the number of battery modules is between 3 battery modules and 50 battery modules. And preferably between 5 battery modules and 30 battery modules.

At a minimum, however, each battery module has two poles and a pilot hole that is straight. The push rod protrudes through all the guide holes, and by means of the push rod two of the battery modules are electrically contacted with each other at least in pairs. All battery modules are suitably electrically contacted with one another by means of the connecting rod. It is thus possible to carry out the electrical contacting by means of transversal pushing of the push rod, which is why manufacture is facilitated.

For example, one of the poles of each battery module is electrically connected to one another by means of the same electrically conductive section of the connecting rod. In this case, all the battery modules are electrically connected in parallel with one another, in particular. For example, the push rod consists only of one electrically conductive section. Thus, manufacture is simplified. In this case, each battery module suitably has a further guide hole, within which a further push rod is mounted so that it can be displaced transversally. The two push rods are expediently identical in construction to one another. In this case, the remaining electrical pole of each battery module is assigned to the further guide hole, so that the remaining poles of the battery modules are electrically contacted with one another by means of the further push rod. The complete interconnection of the energy store is thus simplified. For example, the two push rods are assigned to different ends of each battery module or alternatively to the same side.

In an alternative, for example, each guide hole is assigned a second electrical contact, by means of which a second area of the same guide hole is lined. In this case, the second electrical contact makes electrical contact with the remaining pole of the respective battery module. Thus, each guide hole has two electric Assigned contacts, which are electrically contacted with different poles of the respective battery module. In this case, the push rod has a plurality of electrically conductive sections which are electrically insulated from one another. In this case, another section is present between the electrically conductive sections, which section is expediently made of a plastic. In particular, the electrically conductive sections alternate with the non-electrically conductive further sections in the transverse direction of the connecting rod. For example, the number of electrically conductive sections is equal to two or corresponds to the number of battery modules and is in particular equal to the number of battery modules or reduced by one.

Each of the electrically conductive sections of the push rod is contacted with two of the electrical contacts. In this case, the electrical contacts with which each of the electrically conductive sections is electrically contacted are expediently assigned to different battery modules in each case. It is thus possible to electrically connect all battery modules in series using a single connecting rod. In this case, the respective electrical section is expediently continuous. As an alternative to this, each of the electrically conductive sections has a plurality of subsections which are connected to one another by means of a corresponding line. In this way it is possible to electrically connect all battery modules in parallel using a single connecting rod. The second electrical contact and the electrical contact of each battery module are preferably designed to be structurally identical to one another, which simplifies production. In particular, electrical contact is also made in the same way with the respectively assigned electrically conductive section of the connecting rod, so that assembly is simplified.

For example, the push rod has a base body that is made of a plastic and to which the electrically conductive sections are applied along its longitudinal direction. The electrically conductive sections are preferably each formed by means of a cylinder. The cylinders are hollow, for example, and these are suitably placed on the connected base body of the push rod and/or at least partially overmoulded by means of the material forming the base body. Robustness is thus increased.

For example, the push rod is a single coherent component which, in particular, has the electrically conductive sections and the further electrically insulating sections. Due to the one-piece robustness is increased. As an alternative to this, the push rod has a number of individual segments that corresponds to the number of battery modules. Each battery module is expediently assigned one of the segments that is positioned in the respective guide hole. At least one of the electrically conductive sections is preferably assigned to each of the segments. In particular, each of the segments extends to the two ends of the respective guide hole, so that each guide hole is filled by the respective segment. The segments are initially separate from one another, and when the battery modules are joined together, the individual segments are also joined together to form the connecting rod. Here, the individual segments are, for example, only loosely against one another or are connected to one another. Thus, preferably, when the battery modules are joined together, the individual segments are also fastened to one another. In particular, these are locked together.

By means of transversal displacement of the push rod, each of the segments is at least partially introduced into the guide hole of the respectively directly adjacent battery module, with the electrical contacting being expediently made in this way. Since the individual segments are in direct contact with one another, all segments are displaced transversely when pressure is exerted on one of the outer segments, so that the electrical contact is established. In this case, only a comparatively small shifting of the push rod is required in order to create the complete electrical contact. Consequently, damage to the individual components of the energy store due to the transversal displacement of the push rod for electrical contacting is avoided. Also, a required force is reduced. In addition, it is possible to cancel the electrical contact by moving the push rod by the same amount in the opposite direction and, for example, to replace one of the battery modules.

For example, one of the battery modules has a connection, by means of which the electrical contacting of the energy store with other components of the motor vehicle takes place. In a particularly preferred manner, however, the push rod has a connection which makes electrical contact with the electrically conductive section. The connection is, for example, in one piece with the electrically conductive section or connected to it by means of an electrical line, which is embedded, for example, in the possible base body of the connecting rod. It is thus possible to make electrical contact with the energy store by making electrical contact with the connection. Therefore, the battery modules can be designed identical to each other, and it is not necessary to port all of them, a majority of which would not be used. In this case, the connection is preferably a component of one end of the push rod and expediently forms the end of the push rod. The connector itself has, for example, a threaded stud or a flat section so that a cable can be welded there.

For example, for electrical contacting, the push rod is moved transversely in the guide holes, either manually or by means of a tool, with a force being applied directly to the guide holes, which force is directed parallel to the guide holes and acts directly on the push rod. The energy store expediently has a lever which is in operative connection with the push rod. When the lever is actuated, the connecting rod is displaced transversally. Thus there is no need to touch the push rod to move it and electrical isolation is provided via the lever. As a result, security is increased. It is also possible to apply comparatively large forces by means of the lever.

The lever is expediently mounted on one of the battery modules, so that robustness is increased. A corresponding lever is preferably assigned to each of the battery modules, and the part of the connecting rod located in the respectively assigned guide hole is moved transversally by means of the lever. During assembly, all of the levers are suitably connected to one another, so that when one of the levers is actuated, all of the levers are moved. In other words, the levers are coupled to one another. Due to the lever, the force is applied evenly to the push rod, so that tilting or upsetting of a part of the push rod is avoided. The push rod is expediently divided into the individual segments, and each of the segments is operatively connected to the lever assigned to the same battery module.

The method is used to produce an energy store, which is in particular a component of a motor vehicle. The method provides that two or more battery modules are provided, each having two poles and a straight guide hole. The two poles of each battery module are expediently electrically contacted with at least one battery cell of the same battery module, so that there is an electrical potential difference between the two poles. The two battery modules are preferably fastened to one another, for which purpose they expediently have corresponding fastening means, for example latching elements. Alternatively, the fastening means are designed to be flexible, for example, so that movement of the battery modules relative to one another is at least partially possible. In particular, after attachment, the two guide holes are arranged parallel to one another and aligned. The two battery modules are electrically isolated from one another. In other words, the two poles of each of the battery modules are electrically insulated from one another from the poles of the other battery module.

In a subsequent work step, a push rod, which has an electrically conductive section, is moved transversally in the guide holes. Because of the shifting, the electrically conductive section is electrically contacted with one of the poles of each of the battery modules. For example, in this case the push rod is pushed completely into the guide holes or only shifted by a certain fraction of the length of each of the guide holes, in particular if the push rod has several segments, each of which is already assigned to battery modules. Here, when the battery modules are joined together, the push rod in particular is created.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with such an energy store.

The advantages and developments described in connection with the energy store can also be transferred to the manufacturing method/the motor vehicle and to each other and vice versa.

• 1 schematisch vereinfacht ein Kraftfahrzeug, das einen Energiespeicher aufweist,
• 2 ein Verfahren zur Herstellung des Energiespeichers,
• 3,4 jeweils ausschnittsweise den mehrere Batteriemodule und eine Schubstange aufweisenden Energiespeicher während der Herstellung in unterschiedlichen Fertigungsstadien,
• 5 ausschnittsweise eine zweite Ausführungsform des Energiespeichers während der Herstellung,
• 6 ausschnittsweise eine dritte Ausführungsform des Energiespeichers während der Herstellung,
• 7,8 jeweils ausschnittsweise eine vierte Ausführungsform des Energiespeichers während der Herstellung in unterschiedlichen Fertigungsstadien,
• 9 ausschnittsweise eine fünfte Ausführungsform des Energiespeichers, und
• 10 eine alternative Ausführungsform der Batteriemodule.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. Show in it:

• 1 schematically simplified a motor vehicle that has an energy store,
• 2 a method for manufacturing the energy storage device,
• 3 , 4 each detail of the energy store having several battery modules and a connecting rod during production in different production stages,
• 5 detail of a second embodiment of the energy storage device during manufacture,
• 6 detail of a third embodiment of the energy storage device during manufacture,
• 7 , 8th each section of a fourth embodiment of the energy storage device during production in different production stages,
• 9 sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the energy store, and
• 10 an alternative embodiment of the battery modules.

Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

In 1 a motor vehicle 2 in the form of a passenger car is shown in a schematically simplified manner. The motor vehicle 2 has a plurality of wheels 4 , at least two of which are driven by an electric motor 6 . The electric motor 6 is powered by an energy store 8, which is a high-voltage battery. An electrical DC voltage of 400 V or 800 V is provided by means of the energy store 8 .

In 2 a method 10 for producing the energy store 8 is shown in a schematically simplified manner. In a first step, several battery modules 14 are provided, as in 3 shown. However, only two of the total of five battery modules 14 are shown there, which are structurally identical to one another and each have a cuboid housing 16 . A plurality of battery cells 18 , which are lithium-ion battery cells, for example, are arranged in each case within the housing 16 . Between two poles 20 of the respective battery module 14, part of the battery cell 18 is electrically connected in parallel with one another and part of it is electrically connected in series. An electrical DC voltage of 50 V is therefore present between the two poles 20 .

Further, each battery module 14 has a guide hole 22 that is straight and protrudes through the complete case 16 . The cross section of the guide hole 22 is round in this case. Each of the guide holes 22 has two areas 24 which are each lined by means of an electrical contact 26 . The two electrical contacts 26 of each battery module 14 are separate from one another and consequently do not make direct electrical contact with one another. Thus, in summary, each of the sprocket holes 22 is lined with one of the electrical contacts 26 in one of the regions 24 and lined with the remaining second electrical contact 26 in the remaining second region 24 .

Each of the two electrical contacts 26 of each battery module 14 makes electrical contact with one of the poles 20 of the respective battery module 14 . The battery cells 18 of each of the battery modules 14 are thus connected between the two electrical contacts 26 . The electrical contacts 26 are formed by rings made of nickel-plated copper and form the boundary of the respective guide hole 22 in the respective area 24.

The two battery modules 14 are attached to one another. Here, in each case one of the sides of the essentially housing 16 is mechanically applied directly to the respectively adjacent one and fixed there. For this purpose, the housings 16 have corresponding fastening elements in an alternative that is not shown in detail. In a further alternative, the fastening takes place by means of corresponding separate fastening means, such as screws or a bar that spans all battery modules 14 . Regardless of the type of attachment, the battery modules 14 are arranged in such a way that the guide holes 22 are parallel to one another and are aligned with one another.

Furthermore, in the first working step 12 a push rod 28 is provided. The cross section of the push rod 28 is also round and corresponds to the cross section of the guide holes 22. The push rod 28 has a base body 30 which is made of a plastic and has an essentially cylindrical shape. A total of five hollow-cylindrical rings 32 are placed on the base body 30, which form contacting rings and are made of nickel-plated copper. The mutually structurally identical rings 32 each form an electrically conductive section 34 and are spaced apart from one another, so that a further section 36 is formed between the electrically conductive sections 34 by means of the base body 30 and is electrically insulating. In other words, the electrically conductive sections 34 and the further sections 36 of the push rod 28 alternate along the extension from the push rod 28, with each of the electrically conductive sections 34 being formed by means of a cylinder, namely a hollow cylinder. In each case one of the electrically conductive sections 34 , ie one of the rings 32 , forms one of the ends 38 of the push rod 28 and is used as a connection 40 . The connection 40 is therefore in one piece with the respective electrically conductive section 34 and is therefore electrically contacted with it.

In a subsequent second work step 42, the push rod 28 is inserted into the guide holes 22, as in FIG 4 shown. The length of the push rod 28 is equal to the length of the joined guide holes 22, and the push rod 28 is inserted into the guide holes 22 until the two ends 38 are flush with the housing of the two outer battery modules 14 (not shown). When the push rod 28 is positioned in this way, the two electrically conductive sections 34 forming the connections 40 are mechanically directly in contact with one of the electrical contacts 26 and are thus directly electrically contacted with it. The remaining intervening three electrically conductive sections 34 are each on two of the electrical 's contacts 26 mechanically directly and are therefore contacted with these, the two electrical contacts 26 are each assigned to different battery modules 14. Two poles 20 of different battery modules 14 are thus electrically connected to one another by means of one of the electrically conductive sections 34 in each case, and the battery modules 14 are electrically connected in series by means of the connecting rod 28 . Five times the electrical DC voltage that is provided by each of the battery modules 14 and that is present between the respective poles 20 is therefore present between the two terminals 40 . In summary, the poles 20 of different battery modules 14 of the energy store 8 are electrically contacted by moving the push rod 28 in the guide holes 22.

When installed in the motor vehicle 2, a corresponding cable is welded to the two connections 40. In a variant that is not shown in detail, each connection 40 has an external thread and protrudes at least partially beyond the assembly of battery modules 14 . It is therefore possible to attach a cable lug there.

If the push rod 28 is moved in the opposite direction by an amount corresponding to the extension of half of the respective electrically conductive section 34 along the direction of extension of the push rod 28, electrical contact between one of the part of the electrically conductive sections 34 and one of the associated electrical contacts 26 repealed, so that the battery modules 14 are in turn electrically isolated from one another.

In a variant illustrated in more detail, each of the electrical contacts 26 has a spring mechanism or is designed to be resilient, so that they are pressed against the respectively assigned electrically conductive section 34, which is why a contact resistance is reduced. To reduce this, it is also possible to use an appropriate conductive paste. In a further alternative, not shown in detail, the rings 32 are latched to the respective associated electrical contacts 26, so that robustness and stability are increased.

In 5 An alternative embodiment of the energy store 8 is shown, the battery modules 14 not having been changed and thus in turn each having the guide hole 22 with the two electrical contacts 26 . The push rod 28, on the other hand, has been modified and now has only two electrically conductive sections 34, each of the electrically conductive sections 34 comprising five subsections 44 which are ring-shaped and whose extent along the longitudinal direction of the push rod 28 is equal to the length of the electrical contacts 26 along the extending direction of the guide hole 22 is. All sub-sections 44 of the same electrically conductive section 34 are connected to one another by means of a common line 46 which is embedded in the base body 30 . Because of the lines 46, all subsections 44 of the same electrically conductive section 34 are therefore at the same electrical potential.

When the push rod 28 is completely arranged in the guide holes 22 of the battery modules 14, the poles 20 with the same electrical polarity are always in electrical contact with one another by means of the subsections 44, so that the battery modules 14 are connected in parallel by means of this push rod 28. The respective sub-section 40 arranged at the ends 38 of the connecting rod 28 forms the connection 40 to which further components of the motor vehicle 2 can be electrically connected.

In 6 another alternative of the energy store 8 is shown in detail during assembly. Here, the battery modules 14 are modified, and in these, the guide hole 22 has only one of the electrical contacts 26 . The remaining of the electrical contacts 26 is part of a further guide hole, which is structurally identical to the guide hole 22 of the respective battery module 14, but which is arranged at a different end of the housing 16. In this example, the push rod 28 is made of a single material, namely nickel-plated copper, and is thus formed entirely by means of the electrically conductive section 34 . There is a further push rod 50 which is structurally identical to the push rod 28 and which is inserted into the further guide hole 48 . In this case, electrical contact is made with all electrical contacts 26 of the further guide holes 48 by means of the additional push rod 50 , and all electrical contacts 26 of the guide holes 22 are contacted with one another by means of the push rod 28 . In this example, each of the connecting rods 28, 50 is assigned the electrical contacts 26 with the same electrical polarity. In summary, one of the poles 20 of each battery module 14 is electrically contacted with one another by means of the same connecting rod 28, 50 and thus by means of the same electrically conductive section 34.

In 7 and 8th an alternative embodiment of the energy store 8 is shown. The battery modules 14 essentially correspond to those in 3 shown variant. Thus each of the guide holes 22 in turn has the two electrical contacts 26 . A segment 52 of the push rod is different in each of the guide holes 22 28 arranged. In other words, the push rod 28 is divided into several segments 52, which are initially separate from one another. In this case, each of the segments 52 has one of the electrically conductive sections 34 and one of the further sections 36 . Each of the electrically conductive sections 34 is already in direct mechanical contact with one of the electrical connections 26 of the same battery module 14. In a variant that is not shown in detail, there is a fuse so that the segment 52 is prevented from being removed from the associated guide hole 22. In this case, however, the segment 52 can still be displaced transversely in the respective guide gate 22 .

After the battery modules 14 have been placed mechanically on one another, the individual segments 52 are also in contact with one another. In a variant that is not shown in detail, the individual segments 52 are fastened to one another, for example by means of gluing or latching elements.

Subsequent to this, as in 8th As shown, a force is applied to the outboard end of one of the outermost segments 52 parallel to the pilot holes 22 in the direction of the remaining segments 52. This force is introduced via this segment 52 onto the adjacent segment 52 and successively into the remaining segments 52 . As a result, all segments 52 are displaced in the same direction in the guide holes 22, with the electrically conductive sections 34, with the exception of one of the outermost segments 52, penetrating into the guide hole 22 of the respective adjacent battery module 14 and there in direct mechanical contact with the electrical contact 26 located there. Thus, these electrically conductive sections 34 are mechanically directly in contact with two of the electrical contacts 26 in each case, which are consequently electrically contacted with one another by means of this associated electrically conductive section 34, so that all battery modules 14 are electrically connected in series.

In 9 a further development is shown. In this case, each of the battery modules 14 has a lever 54 which is mounted on the respective housing 16 . When the lever 54 is pivoted, the respective segment 52 is displaced transversely in the respective guide hole 22 . In other words, each of the levers 54 is in operative connection with the respective segment 52 of the push rod 28. During assembly, after the battery modules 14 are attached to one another, the free ends of the levers 54 are also coupled by means of a common operating rod 56, the coupling in the example shown here by means of slotted holes. When the operating rod 56 is moved, all the levers 54 are pivoted and therefore all the segments 52 are also moved in the respective guide hole 22 . Because of the elongated holes that are used for coupling, this also occurs with only one transverse movement of the operating rod 56. Because of the lever 54, no direct mechanical contact is required to move the individual segments 52 to one another, so that comparatively large manufacturing tolerances can be selected. In this way, the force is evenly introduced into the connecting rod 28. When the operating rod 56 is moved in the opposite direction, the electrical contacting of the battery modules 14 is broken, so that it can be used, for example, to switch off the energy store 8 in an emergency.

In 10 is a modification of the in 7 illustrated battery module 14 shown. In this case, the electrically conductive section 34 is in direct contact with one of the poles 20 of the battery module 14, in particular by means of a line or a cable. As a result, the pilot hole 22 has only a single electrical contact 26, thereby reducing costs. Due to the direct electrical contact, contact resistances are also reduced.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. On the contrary, other variants of the invention can also be derived from this by a person skilled in the art without departing from the subject matter of the invention. In particular, all of the individual features described in connection with the individual exemplary embodiments can also be combined with one another in other ways without departing from the subject matter of the invention.

Reference List

2

motor vehicle

4

wheel

6

electric motor

8th

energy storage

10

proceedings

12

first step

14

battery module

16

casing

18

battery cell

20

pole

22

guide hole

24

Area

26

electric contact

28

push rod

30

body

32

rings

34

electrically conductive section

36

another section

38

end

40

connection

42

second step

44

subsection

46

management

48

another guide hole

50

another push rod

52

segment

54

lever

56

control rod

Claims (10)

Energy store (8) of a motor vehicle (2), with two battery modules (14), each having two poles (20) and each having a straight guide hole (22), and with a push rod (28) which can be displaced transversely in the two guide holes ( 22) and which has an electrically conductive section (34), one of the poles (20) of one battery module (14) being connected to one of the poles (20) of the other battery module (14) by means of the electrically conductive section (34). can be electrically contacted by moving the push rod (28). Energy storage (8) after claim 1 , characterized in that each guide hole (22) is lined in a region (24) with an electrical contact (26) which is electrically contacted in each case with one of the poles (20) of the respective battery module (14). Energy storage (8) after claim 1 or 2 , characterized by further battery modules (14), wherein the push rod (28) protrudes through all the guide holes (22). Energy storage (8) after claim 3 , characterized in that in each case one of the poles (20) of each battery module (14) is electrically contacted with one another by means of the same electrically conductive section (34). Energy store (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each guide hole (22) has a second electrical contact (26), by means of which a second region (24) is lined which is connected to the other pole (20) of the respective battery module (14) is electrically contacted, and that the push rod (28) has a plurality of electrically conductive sections (34) which are electrically insulated from one another and are each contacted with two of the electrical contacts (36). Energy storage (8) after claim 5 , characterized in that the electrically conductive sections (34) are each formed by means of a cylinder. Energy storage (8) according to one of Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that the push rod (28) has a number of individual segments (52) corresponding to the number of battery modules (14), each battery module (14) being assigned one of the segments (52). Energy storage (8) according to one of Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that one of the ends (38) of the push rod (28) has a terminal (40) which is electrically contacted with the electrically conductive section (34). Energy storage (8) according to one of Claims 1 until 8th characterized by a lever (54) operatively connected to the push rod (28). Method (10) for producing an energy store (8) according to one of Claims 1 until 9 wherein two battery modules (14) are provided, each having two poles (20) and each having a straight guide hole (22), and wherein a push rod (28) having an electrically conductive portion (34) such transversely in the two guide holes (22) is shifted so that one of the poles (20) of one battery module (14) is electrically contacted with one of the poles (20) of the other battery module (14) by means of the electrically conductive section (34).

Images