阅读说明：本技术 用于将第一电池单元与第二电池单元接触的装置以及电池装置 (Device for contacting a first battery cell with a second battery cell, and battery device ) 是由 约亨·豪斯曼 米夏埃尔·申克 托比亚斯·托福特 于 2020-03-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于将第一电池单元(6)与第二电池单元(6)接触的装置(1),包括：导电元件(2),所述导电元件在第一端部(21)上具有用于电接触第一电池单元(6)的第一接触面(20)并且在第二端部(23)上具有用于电接触第二电池单元(6)的第二接触面(22)；和在第一接触面(20)和第二接触面(22)之间沿轴向方向(10)延伸的引导元件(3),其中引导元件(3)具有引导面(30),用于在组装第一电池单元(6)和第二电池单元(7)时相对于第一电池单元(6)沿轴向方向(10)引导第二电池单元(6),并且其中引导元件(3)构成为导电元件(2)的电绝缘部,本发明还涉及一种包括装置(1)的电池装置。(The invention relates to a device (1) for contacting a first battery cell (6) with a second battery cell (6), comprising: a conductive element (2) having a first contact surface (20) on a first end (21) for electrically contacting a first battery cell (6) and a second contact surface (22) on a second end (23) for electrically contacting a second battery cell (6); and a guide element (3) extending in the axial direction (10) between the first contact surface (20) and the second contact surface (22), wherein the guide element (3) has a guide surface (30) for guiding the second battery cell (6) in the axial direction (10) relative to the first battery cell (6) when the first battery cell (6) and the second battery cell (7) are assembled, and wherein the guide element (3) is designed as an electrical insulation of the electrically conductive element (2), and to a battery device comprising the device (1).)

1. An apparatus (1) for contacting a first battery cell (6) with a second battery cell contact (6), the apparatus comprising:

a conductive element (2) having a first contact surface (20) on a first end (21) for electrically contacting the first battery cell (6) and a second contact surface (22) on a second end (23) for electrically contacting the second battery cell (6); and

a guide element (3) extending in an axial direction (10) between the first contact surface (20) and the second contact surface (22),

wherein the guide element (3) has a guide surface (30) for guiding the second battery unit (6) in an axial direction (10) relative to the first battery unit (6) when assembling the first battery unit (6) and the second battery unit (7), and

wherein the guide element (3) is designed as an electrical insulation of the electrically conductive element (2).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide element (3) is constructed continuously in the circumferential direction with respect to the axial direction (10) and/or in that the guide element (3) is of an electrically insulating material.

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the guiding element (3) has an outer cross-sectional contour (31) which is shaped such that, in addition to guiding the second battery unit (6) in an axial direction (10), a positioning of the second battery unit (6) relative to the first battery unit (6), preferably an angular positioning in a circumferential direction with respect to the axial direction (10), is provided.

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer cross-sectional profile (31) has a polygonal shape, preferably a substantially triangular, quadrangular or hexagonal shape, wherein preferably at least one corner of the polygonal outer cross-sectional profile (31) is rounded.

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a touch protection means (32) extends beyond the second contact surface (22) in the axial direction (10).

6. Device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the touch protection means (32) has a side wall (33) extending from the second contact surface (22) and/or the touch protection means (32) has a frame structure (34), preferably a bar frame structure.

7. Device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the touch protection device (32) has an insertion opening (36) for inserting a second contact element (70) of the second battery cell (7), wherein the height (37) and the width (38) of the insertion opening (36) are preferably formed larger than the height and the width of the second contact element (70), respectively, wherein the insertion opening (36) is preferably formed laterally.

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that fastening elements, preferably threaded holes (24) or threaded pins, for providing a mechanical connection and/or a mechanical and electrical connection are provided on the first contact surface (20) and/or fastening elements, preferably threaded holes (24) or threaded pins, for providing a mechanical connection and/or a mechanical and electrical connection are provided on the second contact surface (22).

9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide element (3) has a lead-in section (4) which extends from the second end (23) in the direction of the first end (21), wherein the lead-in section (4) preferably tapers in the direction of the second end (23), wherein the lead-in section (4) is preferably at least partially conical and/or pyramidal (truncated and/or truncated pyramidal) in design and/or has at least one chamfer (40).

10. A battery device (5) comprising a first battery unit (6) and a second battery unit (6),

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the second battery unit (6) is positioned relative to the first battery unit (6) by means of a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and wherein the first battery unit (6) is in electrical contact with the second battery unit (6) via the device (1).

11. Battery device (5) according to claim 10, characterized in that the second battery unit (6) is arranged above the first battery unit (6), wherein the device (1) preferably extends from the first battery unit (6) through an opening in a bottom element (72) of the second battery device (7) in the direction of the second battery device (7).

Technical Field

The invention relates to a device for contacting a first battery cell with a second battery cell and a battery device.

Background

In the field of battery devices, for example vehicle batteries, it is known to assemble a battery device from a plurality of battery cells, wherein each battery cell can in turn have a plurality of battery cells. Therefore, a battery cell having a plurality of battery cells constitutes a high-voltage unit. These battery cells are generally stacked one on top of another in the stacking direction in the battery case. In order to electrically connect or contact the individual stacked battery cells with one another when assembling the battery device, flexible, electrically conductive connecting elements, usually in the form of cables, are currently passed through openings of the individual battery cells or through openings of the battery housing of the battery device during assembly. Since these cables do not have a predetermined position and their orientation can change more or less unpredictably, this represents a safety risk for the battery device and in particular also for the person assembling the battery device. This is especially true because the battery case or the opening of the component having the battery cell, such as the bottom of the battery cell, is typically constructed of an electrically conductive metal material.

Furthermore, for assembling conventional battery devices, additional expenditure is required to protect the components of the battery device and to protect personnel and technical devices involved in assembling the battery device, which is reflected in increased assembly time and additional devices to improve functional safety and operational safety.

Disclosure of Invention

Based on the known prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved battery device and an improved device for contacting a first battery cell with a second battery cell.

The above object is achieved by a device for contacting a first battery cell with a second battery cell having the features of claim 1. Advantageous refinements emerge from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

Accordingly, an apparatus for contacting a first battery cell with a second battery cell is proposed, the apparatus comprising: a conductive element having a first contact surface on a first end for electrically contacting a first battery cell and a second contact surface on a second end for electrically contacting a second battery cell; and a guide element extending in the axial direction between the first contact surface and the second contact surface, wherein the guide element has a guide surface for guiding the second battery cell in the axial direction relative to the first battery cell when the first battery cell and the second battery cell are assembled, wherein the guide element is configured as an electrical insulation of the electrically conductive element.

With a device configured in this way, it is possible on the one hand to provide a predetermined distance between the first contact surface for contacting the first battery cell and the second contact surface for contacting the second battery cell. The first contact surface and the second contact surface are here always in a fixed position relative to each other, so that a more or less unpredictable movement or repositioning of the second contact surface during assembly of the first battery unit and the second battery unit is avoided.

Furthermore, a predetermined guidance relative to the first battery unit can be provided via the guiding surface of the guiding element for the second battery unit, so that on the one hand additional guiding elements can be dispensed with or at least their number can be reduced, and incorrect positioning of the second battery unit relative to the first battery unit at the time of assembly can be avoided.

Furthermore, due to the insulating action of the device by the guide element, in other words, due to the fact that the guide element is configured as an electrically insulating part of the electrically conductive element, a touch protection device is provided, by means of which contact of the staff with the electrically conductive element during assembly can be prevented. Furthermore, the insulation can prevent the conductive element from being able to come into contact with the conductive member of the first battery cell and/or of the second battery cell that is not provided for contacting the first battery cell and/or the second battery cell. It is thus also possible to avoid the formation of accidental short circuits or accidental discharges. Functional safety and operational safety can thus be improved.

It is thus possible, when assembling the first battery unit and the second battery unit, in particular when placing the second battery unit onto the first battery unit, to guide the second battery unit relative to the first battery unit and bring it into a predetermined spatial orientation, and at the same time to reduce or even completely eliminate the risk of unintentional and/or harmful electrical contact during assembly.

The assembly of the first battery unit and the second battery unit can thus be carried out by means of the device without the need for significant additional devices to ensure functional safety and operational safety. This can reduce assembly costs and required assembly time compared to conventional battery devices.

Furthermore, by using the device, the production of the battery device can be further automated compared to conventional battery devices. Due to the above points, the cost for manufacturing the battery device can be reduced accordingly as compared with the conventional battery device.

If the guide element is formed continuously in the circumferential direction with respect to the axial direction, this makes it possible to achieve a peripheral touch protection for the conductive element, so that a particularly high functional safety and a particularly high operational safety are achieved.

Preferably, the guide element has an electrically insulating material, preferably a plastic or a plastic composition.

According to a further embodiment, the guide element has an outer cross-sectional contour which is shaped such that, in addition to guiding the second battery unit in the axial direction, a positioning of the second battery unit relative to the first battery unit is provided, preferably in the circumferential direction at an angle to the axial direction. It can therefore be ensured that the second battery cell is always oriented in the correct spatial orientation with respect to the first battery cell, or the possibility of incorrect positioning of the second battery cell with respect to the first battery cell can be eliminated.

It has proved to be particularly advantageous to achieve a guiding and positioning if the outer cross-sectional profile has a polygonal shape, preferably a substantially triangular, quadrangular or hexagonal shape, wherein preferably at least one corner of the polygonal outer cross-sectional profile is rounded.

In order to achieve a further improvement in the safety against accidental, unintentional touching of the second contact surface, in particular during assembly, the touch protection device can extend beyond the second contact surface in the axial direction.

Advantageously, for this purpose, the touch protection device has a side wall extending from the contact surface. Alternatively or additionally, the touch protection device can have a frame structure, preferably a bar frame structure.

In order to provide a particularly safely designed touch protection device on the one hand and, in addition, to enable a simple contacting of the second contact surface by the second contact element of the second battery cell, the touch protection device can have a preferably lateral insertion opening for inserting the contact element of the second battery cell. Alternatively, the inlet opening can also be oriented upward from the second contact surface on the end side, in other words in the axial direction. By introducing the opening, the orientation of the contact element of the second battery cell relative to the device for contacting the second contact surface can additionally be preset.

If the height and width of the insertion opening are preferably designed to be greater than the height and width of the second contact element, respectively, the second contact element can be inserted into the insertion opening in a simple manner. Alternatively, the inlet opening can also be open upward.

According to a further embodiment, a fastening element, preferably a threaded hole or a threaded pin, for providing a mechanical connection and/or a mechanical and electrical connection is provided on the first contact surface and/or a fastening element, preferably a threaded hole or a threaded pin, for providing a mechanical connection and/or a mechanical and electrical connection is provided on the second contact surface. A secure and durable fastening and/or a durable and secure electrical contact of the contact element on the contact surface can thus be achieved.

In order to facilitate the introduction of the device into the opening of the second battery cell during the assembly of the second battery cell and the first battery cell, the guide element can have a lead-in section which extends from the second end in the direction of the first end, wherein the lead-in section is preferably tapered in the direction of the second end, wherein the lead-in section is preferably at least partially conical and/or pyramidal, in other words truncated conical and/or truncated pyramidal, and/or has a chamfer at least on one edge.

Preferably, the guide element has a shoulder, on which the second battery cell, preferably the bottom of the second battery cell, rests, so that a predetermined distance between the first battery cell and the second battery cell can be provided.

Alternatively or additionally, the guide element can be tapered in the region of the guide surface in the direction of the second end, so that, with a corresponding formation of the opening of the second battery part, a predetermined distance between the first battery part and the second battery part can likewise be provided.

The object set forth above is also achieved by a battery device having the features of claim 10. Advantageous developments emerge from the dependent claims as well as from the description and the drawings.

Accordingly, a battery device is proposed, which comprises a first battery cell and a second battery cell. The battery device is further characterized in that the second battery unit is positioned relative to the first battery unit by a device according to one of the above-described embodiments, and wherein the first battery unit is in electrical contact with the second battery unit via the device.

The above-mentioned advantages and effects with respect to the device can be achieved in a similar manner by means of a battery device.

It has proven to be particularly evident that the above-mentioned advantages and effects are achieved if the second battery unit is arranged above the first battery unit according to a further embodiment, wherein the device preferably extends from the first battery unit through the opening in the bottom element in the direction of the second battery device.

Drawings

Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in detail in the following description of the figures. Shown here are:

fig. 1 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a battery device according to a first embodiment;

fig. 2 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a battery device according to another embodiment;

fig. 3 schematically shows a perspective side view of a device for contacting a first battery cell and a second battery cell according to a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 4 schematically shows a side view of the device in FIG. 3;

fig. 5 schematically shows a perspective side view of a device for contacting a first battery cell and a second battery cell according to another embodiment;

FIG. 6 schematically shows a side view of the device in FIG. 5;

fig. 7 schematically shows a side view of a device for contacting a first battery cell and a second battery cell according to another embodiment;

fig. 8 schematically shows a side view of a device for contacting a first battery cell and a second battery cell according to another embodiment;

FIG. 9 schematically shows a top view of the device in FIG. 8;

fig. 10 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a battery device according to another embodiment;

fig. 11 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a battery device according to another embodiment;

fig. 12A to 12F schematically show the outer cross-sectional profile of a guide element according to a preferred embodiment.

Detailed Description

Preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this case, identical, similar or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols in the different figures, and a repeated description of these elements is partially omitted in order to avoid redundancy.

Fig. 1 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a battery device 5 according to a first embodiment. The battery device 5 has a first battery cell 6 and a second battery cell 7, which are electrically contacted with each other by means of the device 1 for contacting the first battery cell 6 with the second battery cell 7. Furthermore, the second battery unit 7 is positioned relative to the first battery unit 6 by the device 1.

The device 1 comprises an electrically conductive element 2 which has a first contact surface 20 on a first end 21 for electrically contacting a first battery cell 6 and a second contact surface 22 on a second end 23 for electrically contacting a second battery cell 7. The second contact surface 22 is arranged at a predetermined distance from the first contact surface 20 in the axial direction 10 of the device 1. In other words, the conductive element 2 extends from the first end 21 to the second end 23.

Fastening elements in the form of threaded holes 24 for providing a mechanical connection between the device 1 and the first battery unit 6 are provided on the first contact surface 20. The screw 8 is now screwed into the threaded hole 24, and the first contact element 60 of the first battery cell 6 is pressed against the first contact surface 20, so that a substantially flat electrically conductive connection is provided between the first contact element 60 and the first contact surface 20.

Alternatively or additionally, in addition to the mechanical connection, the screw can also provide an electrical contact between the first battery cell 6 and the electrically conductive element 2 if the screw has an electrically conductive material.

According to an alternative embodiment, the screw 8 can have a non-conductive material, in other words an electrically insulating material. It is thus possible to realize: when the screw 8 is touched by a person, the person is not subjected to an electric current surge.

Similarly, a fastening element for providing a mechanical and/or mechanical and electrical connection to the second battery cell 7 is likewise provided on the second contact surface 22, here again in the form of a threaded hole 24, in which a further screw 8 is screwed in order to be able to press the second contact element 70 of the second battery cell 7 against the second contact surface 22, in order to provide an electrically conductive connection between the aforementioned components.

Between the first contact surface 20 and the second contact surface 22, a guide element 3 also extends in the axial direction 10, which has a guide surface 30 on its radial outside with respect to the axial direction 10. The guide surface 30 is designed for guiding the second battery unit 7 in the axial direction 10 relative to the first battery unit 6, so that the second battery unit 7 can be guided and positioned relative to the first battery unit 6 when the first battery unit 6 and the second battery unit 7 are assembled by means of the device 1 which has been previously mounted on the first battery unit 6.

The device 1 now extends from the first battery unit 6 through the opening 71 in the bottom element 72 of the second battery unit 7 in the direction of the second battery unit 7. The bottom element 72 is guided by the guide surface 30 via the opening 71.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1, the second battery cell 7 and the first battery cell 6 are substantially identically constructed. The two battery cells 6, 7 each have a plurality of battery cells (not shown) which are in electrical contact with one another and which in turn are in contact with the first contact element 60 and the second contact element 70, respectively. Currently, the second battery unit 7 is also disposed above the first battery unit 6. In other words, the first battery cell 6 and the second battery cell 7 constitute two planes of the battery device 5 that are stacked one on top of the other.

The guide element 3 is also formed as an electrical insulation of the electrically conductive element 2. For this purpose, the guide element 3 is provided with an electrically insulating material.

In order to provide a circumferential insulation of the conductive element 2 between the first contact surface 20 and the second contact surface 22 with respect to the axial direction 10, the guide element 3 is formed continuously with respect to the axial direction 10 in the circumferential direction. In other words, the guide element 3 constitutes a sheath or sleeve housing the conductive element 2, said sheath or sleeve extending in the axial direction 10 between the first end 20 and the second end 23.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the guide element 3 has a substantially polygonal outer cross-sectional contour 31 perpendicular to the axial direction 10 according to fig. 12A. The guide element 3 can alternatively also have other outer cross-sectional profiles.

As can be taken from fig. 12A, the outer cross-sectional profile 31 has a substantially rectangular shape, wherein the corners are rounded. In other words, the outer cross-sectional profile 31 has substantially the shape of a square profile.

Due to this shape of the outer cross-sectional contour 31, in addition to guiding the second battery unit 7 in the axial direction 10, it is also possible to provide a positioning of the second battery unit 7 relative to the first battery unit, wherein due to the polygonal shape an angular positioning in the circumferential direction with respect to the axial direction 10 is also provided.

The term "angular orientation" is understood here to mean that the main orientation of the second battery unit 7 is preset with respect to a plane which is arranged perpendicular to the axial direction 10. In other words, the angle or vector of the main orientation of the second battery cell 7 lying in the above-mentioned plane is preset by the shape of the outer cross-sectional contour 31.

Fig. 2 schematically shows a sectional view of a battery device 5 according to another embodiment, which substantially corresponds to the battery device 5 shown in fig. 1.

In this exemplary embodiment, the conductive element 2 is completely surrounded by the material of the guide element 3, except for the contact surfaces 20, 22.

In contrast to the illustration in fig. 1, the guide element 3 according to fig. 2 is not provided in the form of a sleeve in the interior, but is formed as a substantially continuous, closed solid body.

The threaded holes 24, which are used as fastening elements of the device 1 with respect to the first battery cell 6 and the second battery cell 7 as described above, each extend as blind holes through the conductive element 2 into the guide element 3.

Fig. 3 schematically shows a perspective side view of a device 1 for contacting a first battery cell 6 and a second battery cell 7 according to another preferred embodiment. The device 1 is constructed substantially similarly to the device 1 shown in fig. 1.

The device 1 in fig. 3 also has a touch protection 32, which extends beyond the second contact surface 22 in the axial direction 10. The touch protection 32 is currently constructed as a frame structure 34, wherein a plurality of bars 35 together constitute a bar frame structure.

The frame structure 34 here has a substantially truncated pyramid-like shape or pyramid-like shape with respect to the guide element 3. The frame structure 34 thus also provides a lead-in section 4 which facilitates the sliding and centering of the bottom element 72 onto the device 1 through the opening 71. The lead-in section 4 tapers here, as viewed in the axial direction 10, in the direction of the second end 23.

In other words, the frame structure 34 provides the second contact surface 22 and the insertion section 4 of the guide element 3 with the touch protection 32 on the one hand.

In fig. 4 a side view of the device 1 in fig. 3 is schematically shown. The truncated pyramid-like shape of the frame structure 34 can thus be obtained again particularly clearly. A lateral insertion opening 36 is also provided by the frame structure 34, through which the second contact element 70 can be inserted for assembly with the device 1 and in particular for contacting the second contact surface 22.

The height 37 and the width 38 of the insertion opening 36 are in this case of greater design than the height and width of the second contact element 70, respectively, so that it is possible to insert the second contact element 70 into the insertion opening 36 in a simple manner.

Fig. 5 and 6 schematically show a perspective side view and a side view of a device 1 for contacting a first battery cell 6 and a second battery cell 7 according to a further embodiment. The device 1 substantially corresponds to the device according to fig. 1, wherein the device 1 has a lead-in section 4 on the second end 23, which, viewed radially in the direction of the axial direction 10, tapers in the direction of the second end 23. In other words, the insertion section 4 is likewise of substantially truncated pyramidal design. For this purpose, the edges of the contact surfaces 22 each have a chamfer 40.

Fig. 7 schematically shows a side view of a device 1 for contacting a first battery cell 6 and a second battery cell 7 according to another embodiment. The device 1 has a touch protection device 34 with a frame structure 34 according to fig. 3 and 4. Furthermore, the device 1 has a lead-in section 4 which is formed not only by the frame structure 34 but also extends over the guide element 3. The insertion section 4 thus has a truncated pyramid shape, wherein the insertion section 4 is formed by the region of the guide element 3 provided with the chamfer 40 and the frame structure 34 and thus by the touch protection 32.

Fig. 8 schematically shows a side view of a device 1 for contacting a first battery cell 6 and a second battery cell 7 according to another embodiment. The touch protection 32 is provided here in the form of a side wall 33, which extends beyond the second contact surface 22 on three sides in the axial direction 10 and which is also formed in the present case from the material of the guide element 3. In other words, the guide element 3 extends beyond the second contact surface 20 by the side wall 33.

Fig. 9 schematically shows a top view of the device in fig. 8. The side wall 33 and the second contact surface 22 form a pocket receptacle for the second contact element 70.

Alternatively, the end faces at the ends of the three side walls 33 can be at least partially covered and/or have a frame structure 32, so that lateral insertion openings are again provided. Alternatively, the inlet opening can also be oriented in the axial direction 10.

Fig. 10 schematically shows a sectional view of a battery device 5 according to another embodiment. The battery device corresponds essentially to the battery device described in fig. 2, wherein the second contact surface of the device 1 is not arranged on the end face at the second end 23, but rather transversely on the second end 23.

Fig. 11 schematically shows a sectional view of a battery device 5 according to another embodiment, which substantially corresponds to the battery device in fig. 2. The guide element 3 of the device 1 also has a shoulder 39, by means of which shoulder 39 a defined distance between the first battery cell 6 and the second battery cell 7 can be provided.

Fig. 12A to 12F schematically show different embodiments of the outer cross-sectional contour 31 of the guide element 3 according to preferred embodiments of the device 1.

Fig. 12A shows an outer cross-sectional profile 31 having a polygonal shape which substantially corresponds to a rectangle with rounded corners.

Fig. 12B shows an outer cross-sectional profile 31 having an elliptical shape corresponding to a quadrilateral with correspondingly rounded corners.

Fig. 12C shows a substantially circular outer cross-sectional profile 31.

Fig. 12D shows an outer cross-sectional profile 31 having a polygonal shape, which substantially corresponds to a triangle. According to a preferred refinement, the corners of the triangle are rounded.

Fig. 12E shows an outer cross-sectional profile 31 having a polygonal shape, which substantially corresponds to a hexagon.

Fig. 12F shows an outer cross-sectional profile 31, which is essentially based on the outer cross-sectional profile 31 shown in fig. 12E, wherein the corners of the hexagon are rounded.

All individual features shown in the embodiments can be combined and/or interchanged with one another as applicable without departing from the scope of the invention.

List of reference numerals:

1 apparatus

10 axial direction

2 conductive element

20 first contact surface

21 first end part

22 second contact surface

23 second end portion

24 threaded hole

3 guide element

30 guide surface

31 external cross-sectional profile

32 touch protection device

33 side wall

34 frame structure

35 rod

36 introduction opening

37 height

38 width

39 shoulder

4 introduction section

40 chamfered edge

5 Battery device

6 first battery unit

60 first contact element

7 second battery unit

70 second contact element

71 opening

72 bottom element

8 screw