Mounting device for a composite battery

Abstract

The invention relates to a mounting device (1) for a composite battery (7) composed of a plurality of battery cells (71), comprising: a circuit board (2) with electrical lines and switching elements for parallel or serial connection of the battery cells; a safety mechanism with a fuse device (51) for providing overcurrent protection for each battery cell; a housing with two housing parts (61, 62) with a contact area (63) for securing the battery cells, wherein the contact area of at least one housing part is designed as a surrounding rim (64) for the battery cells; the circuit board comprises recesses (23) for receiving and contacting (31, 32) the battery cells respectively, which are located in the surrounding rim respectively, wherein each recess surrounds the surrounding rim with the battery cell in its largest cross-sectional area. With the mounting device it is possible to provide a composite battery with replaceable battery cells, which have different shapes, powers and voltages, are connected in series or in parallel and have overcurrent protection on the single cell level, and a battery pack (8) with composite batteries which are configured accordingly by the user in a safe, simple and economic manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an installation device for a composite battery, a composite battery with the installation device, and a battery pack with a corresponding composite battery, the composite battery being used to provide different voltages and currents to a load and consisting of at least one battery cell. Background Technology

[0002] Battery cells or batteries, whether they are primary batteries in various commercially available non-rechargeable forms or rechargeable batteries or so-called secondary batteries configured for specific devices, can provide power supply independent of the power grid when needed, and thus enable electrical devices from mobile phones to electric vehicles to operate without geographical limitations.

[0003] The wide range of applications for battery cells comes with a variety of requirements, particularly in terms of power, energy content, shape, and size. Each energy storage device used in a particular application must meet these requirements. All commercially available battery cells offer their key core parameters in a standardized form.

[0004] Composite batteries typically consist of multiple independent, standardized battery cells, such as the form of a standard 18650 independent cylindrical lithium battery, which can be configured in a specific way in terms of voltage, power, and shape through their number and wiring for a particular application.

[0005] To ensure a reliable power supply from composite batteries, especially for rechargeable batteries, accumulators, or battery packs, it is necessary to take precautions against deep discharge and overcharging, while also limiting the current load on each individual cell. This requires both protection mechanisms at the individual cell level and safety mechanisms to monitor the function of all individual cells assembled within the composite battery pack.

[0006] Based on this, in particular, an overvoltage fuse (e.g., in the form of a predetermined break point within the battery cup) is mounted on the battery plane. When the predetermined internal pressure of the battery is exceeded, the overvoltage fuse automatically and irreversibly disconnects, thereby preventing further damage to the battery cells. In contrast, electronic protection circuits are used to monitor the function of the composite battery. On one hand, these protection circuits can monitor the composite voltage and the voltage difference between individual battery cells, and can electronically interrupt the relevant current path when unacceptably high currents occur. Furthermore, or additionally, thermal sensors can be installed in the composite battery to individually detect the temperature of each individual cell, or to simultaneously detect the temperature of multiple individual cells. These individual cells interact with the electronic protection circuits to interrupt the current flow to the composite battery, thereby more reliably preventing overheating and damage to the composite battery. Therefore, the above-mentioned types of safety mechanisms are as important for the functional safety of composite batteries as the safe use of any technical device that operates on composite batteries.

[0007] Correspondingly, pre-assembled composite batteries (e.g., for use in motor vehicles) are available on the free market. These batteries have electronic protection, temperature monitoring, cooling, and overcurrent fuses, in which the individual cells are securely connected to each other by spot welding. For safety reasons, end users cannot and cannot easily replace defective battery cells. However, composite batteries used in electrical tools often lack fuses at the individual cell level.

[0008] However, these pre-assembled composite batteries also have drawbacks. Particularly disadvantageous in terms of purchase and operating costs is that, in the case of series connection, even a single defective cell or a faulty temperature monitoring system can cause the entire composite battery or battery pack to fail. The end user cannot reasonably replace the defective cell, nor can they continue to use the composite battery or battery pack, or the still-functioning batteries in defective devices (such as electric screwdrivers, laptops, electric bicycles, or electric lawnmowers). Furthermore, in many composite batteries or battery packs, individual cells are encapsulated in a plastic matrix. Therefore, replacing individual cells without damaging the composite battery or battery pack is not feasible. Also, in many cases, it is impossible to continue using electronic protection devices after a single voltage drop in a single series stage, as it is irreversibly disconnected.

[0009] Due to the lack of repair options, the originally fully functional composite batteries can only be disposed of at high costs, which is undoubtedly a negative factor for the environment.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a composite battery or battery pack that allows end users to replace defective battery cells themselves in a simple, economical, and, most importantly, safe manner. Furthermore, for environmental reasons, in addition to repair options, it is desirable for end users to assemble functional single cells from a composite battery or battery pack after one cell has become defective, allowing them to continue using the battery pack, without requiring any special equipment or operational safety restrictions.

[0011] In order for the electrical energy provided by the composite battery to largely meet the corresponding requirements of the device using the battery, it is also necessary to be able to use the individual battery cells in series and in parallel.

[0012] Examples of composite batteries with secondary batteries are known from US2008 / 0054870 A1, wherein these secondary batteries operate alternately in series or parallel circuits via electronic controls and conventional mechanical relays or semiconductor switches.

[0013] DE 10 2018 009 445 A1 discloses a battery pack for mobile or fixed applications, wherein circular batteries are arranged in plug modules in the form of a self-supporting array made of plastic and can be assembled in parallel and / or in series by brazing to a contact plate or alternatively by spot welding, laser welding or ultrasonic welding.

[0014] EP 2 416 405 A1 describes overcurrent protection at the single-cell level, which takes the form of spot welding a connecting wire to the positive terminal of a single cell, which is designed so that in the event of an internal short circuit in the single cell, the cell will thermally degrade due to the increased current, thereby preventing the discharge of parallel single cells.

[0015] Therefore, based on existing technology, although it is possible to arrange round cells in plastic plug-in modules in a flexible manner in composite batteries or battery packs, so that the individual battery cells can make electrical contact in series or parallel, wherein the contact can be made in a non-releasable manner, in the form of welding or brazing, or controlled by mechanical relays or semiconductor switches, it is also necessary to use fuses and electronic protection circuits to ensure the basic safe operation of such composite batteries.

[0016] However, end users cannot easily, economically, and reliably replace defective battery cells in such composite batteries, nor can they reconfigure used, still functional single-cell batteries in terms of voltage, power, and shape for new applications in the same simple, economical, and reliable manner. Summary of the Invention

[0017] The present invention aims to provide an installation device for composite batteries that provide different voltages and currents to a load. This device is suitable for overcoming the shortcomings of the prior art and enables end users to modify composite batteries or battery packs themselves as needed in a simple, economical and reliable manner, and also to use used battery cells that are still in good working order.

[0018] The object of this invention will be achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred improvements are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0019] A first aspect of the invention relates to an installation device for a composite battery for providing different voltages and currents to a load. The composite battery comprises at least one battery cell, particularly at least one circular single cell from a battery pack. It has electrical contacts in the form of positive and negative terminals for extracting stored electrical energy. The installation device of the invention includes a circuit board with electrical wires or printed wires, and includes a switching element for electrically connecting at least one battery cell to a load, and a safety mechanism for monitoring the function of at least one battery cell.

[0020] Furthermore, the mounting device includes a housing for accommodating multiple battery cells. The housing consists of two parts, namely a first housing portion and a second housing portion, for releasably encapsulating the battery cells. Depending on the number of battery cells to be housed in the housing, the first housing portion and the second housing portion each have multiple contact areas arranged within the two housing portions, such that each battery cell to be housed in the housing can contact the first and second housing portions respectively in the contact areas and can be secured between them.

[0021] To securely hold the battery cell within the housing, each contact area of ​​the first or second housing portion is designed as a perimeter for receiving the battery cell. Each of these perimeters is designed in such a way that it at least partially surrounds the battery cell housed therein. To further secure the battery cell's position within the housing, all contact areas of the first and second housing portions are alternatively designed as perimeters in a corresponding manner. Each of these perimeters can also be designed such that it can be received by a recess in a circuit board when the battery cell is inserted. These recesses or milled cutouts in the circuit board can, for example, be rectangular, so that they can each accommodate a round battery.

[0022] To ensure that the battery cells, which are held in recesses within the circuit board in this manner, are electrically connected to the circuit board, each recess has a first contact surface and a second contact surface. The first contact surface is configured to electrically connect the positive terminal of the battery cell, and the second contact surface is configured to electrically connect the negative terminal of the battery cell to electrical conductors or printed conductors on the circuit board. The connection between the contact surfaces of the circuit board and the battery cells is designed to be electromechanically detachable.

[0023] Therefore, the mounting device of the present invention provides a releasable force-fit retention for the battery cells to be housed on the circuit board. This retention differs particularly advantageously from conventional battery arrangements on the circuit board in that it not only reliably stabilizes the position of each individual battery cell but also enables a more compact configuration of the composite battery array configured with it. The circuit board of the mounting device of the present invention can thus be substantially adapted to various individual cell shapes or specifications or form factors, as well as individual cell voltages or composite voltages and output currents, thus it can also be referred to as a universal circuit board.

[0024] For each battery cell, the safety mechanism includes a fuse as an overcurrent protector, which, for a space-saving circuit board layout, preferably connects the first contact surface to the conductors of the circuit board. Thus, the fuse provides protection at the single-cell level against thermal damage, such as damage caused by excessively rapid charging and discharging or damage to the separator after deep discharge of the battery cell, and prevents accidental combustion of the battery cell.

[0025] A second aspect of the invention relates to a composite battery for supplying electrical energy to a load. The composite battery comprises: at least one battery cell with electrical contacts for extracting stored electrical energy; and an installation device according to the invention for supplying different voltages and currents to the load from the at least one battery cell. Preferably, a secondary battery is provided as the battery cell, in the form of a rechargeable spherical battery or accumulator, particularly a lithium-ion spherical battery, as available under type names 18650 and 21700. Because such a secondary battery can be used, the installation device according to the invention is suitable for supplying electrical energy to virtually all stationary and mobile loads. By equipping the composite battery with the installation device according to the invention, an end user can assemble a safe composite battery using their selected battery cells. In the same safe and simple manner, the end user can also replace individual faulty or used single cells of the composite battery. Therefore, the composite battery designed according to the invention also excels in its reusability.

[0026] Another aspect of the invention relates to a battery pack for supplying electrical energy to a load, comprising a plurality of composite cells according to the invention. By configuring the composite cells used with the mounting device according to the invention, the battery pack possesses all the aforementioned advantages of the mounting device or the composite cells, and is therefore particularly characterized by its safe and simple configuration in terms of power, voltage, and shape, without requiring the end user to use special tools. This battery pack is also particularly suitable for widespread application in the consumer sector because defective or used individual cells can be replaced in a simple and reliable manner at any time, while maintaining a high level of operational safety. End users can thus also reuse, for example, individual cells already used in other battery packs from defective equipment, which is advantageous not only for cost reasons but also for environmental reasons.

[0027] The battery pack according to the invention comprises a plurality of composite batteries. Each composite battery in the battery pack is connected in series or parallel to each other in an electromechanically releasable manner via its first and second connection sockets. Conductive connecting elements are provided for this purpose, each of which can be connected to either the first or second connection socket of a composite battery. Electrical energy from the battery pack is supplied to a load via one of the first or second connection sockets of the composite batteries connected by the connecting elements. A third connection socket of the composite batteries in the battery pack is used for monitoring their function and for balancing the voltages among the individual composite batteries. For the necessary electromechanical connection between the respective third connection sockets, wiring elements are provided, preferably designed as flat ribbon cables with plugs corresponding to the third connection sockets.

[0028] The battery pack's composite cells are electromechanically secured to each other by first fastening elements disposed in each composite cell. These fastening elements are preferably provided as holes in the edge region of the housing of each mounting device. A screw with a nut is preferably used as the first connecting element. The composite cells of the battery pack are releasably held in a vertically or horizontally stacked arrangement by means of second fastening elements (also preferably disposed in the edge region of each composite cell and configured as blind holes) and a second connecting element, regardless of whether adjacent composite cells are opposite the first and second housing portions, or whether one of the adjacent composite cells is rotated 180° about its longitudinal axis to be assigned to another composite cell, such that two composite cells are opposite each other with the first or second housing portions respectively. For this purpose, the second connecting element is preferably configured as a pin. By arranging the first and second fastening elements perpendicular and parallel to the circuit board in the edge region of each mounting housing, it is ensured that the individual composite cells of the battery pack are held together by means of the second connecting element in the desired vertical and / or lateral arrangement, and by means of the first connecting element, it is ensured that all composite cells of the battery pack are reliably force-fitted together in a releasable manner.

[0029] Therefore, the battery pack according to the invention is modularly constructed and can be variably designed in shape and size depending on the number of composite batteries or mounting devices included. Particularly advantageous here is that not only can the battery pack be adapted to predetermined spatial conditions in almost any way, but it can also be reliably and correspondingly fixed in almost any position in a releasable manner by means of a first fastening element and a first connecting element.

[0030] The optimized design of the present invention is derived from other features mentioned in the claims.

[0031] Therefore, it is preferable that the first and second contact surfaces in each recess of the circuit board of the mounting device according to the invention are respectively configured as metal contact springs for electrical connection with the contacts of the battery cell. The contact surfaces designed according to the invention enable the battery cell to be electrically contacted in a safe and releasable manner in the mounting device, requiring only simple insertion and removal of the single cell, without the risk of thermal damage, such as that arising from the welding or brazing methods used when contacting the single cell in conventionally constructed composite batteries and accumulators.

[0032] The fuse device of the mounting device, which serves as overcurrent protection for each battery cell, is preferably designed as an electrical plug-in fuse, which is releasably electrically connected to the printed conductors of the circuit board via a socket. Here, the socket is inreleasably connected to the circuit board via a rivet or screw connection. With the plug-in fuse according to the invention, it is ensured that in the event of a short circuit in a battery cell, for example due to a faulty separator, the parallel-connected individual cells will not discharge through the damaged cell, thereby preventing the damaged individual cells or cell-cell complex from burning out. Unlike soldered sockets, the preferred method of fixing the sockets to the circuit board particularly ensures that even if the connected battery cells become defective due to the high temperatures generated therefrom, these sockets will not detach from the circuit board. Therefore, composite batteries equipped with the mounting device according to the invention have a considerable safety advantage compared to known composite batteries or battery packs.

[0033] The fuse of the mounting device is particularly adaptable to battery cells with different power densities, and is therefore designed for use with lithium batteries with very low internal resistance. The mounting device according to the invention can also be used to configure particularly high-performance composite batteries, such as those needed for use with electric screwdrivers. Since the installation and replacement of the preferred fuse can be performed without any special equipment, the mounting device according to the invention also features exceptional service friendliness or user-friendliness. As a plug-in fuse, a preferred commercially available "mini" design from the automotive industry is preferred, which is offered for different maximum current values ​​and is characterized by its high usability.

[0034] Each fuse or plug-in fuse for functional protection at the single-cell level is preferably disposed separately in the positive terminal region of the inserted battery cell. The plug-in fuses are preferably horizontal, and thus arranged longitudinally parallel to the surface of the circuit board. This arrangement has the advantage that the condition of each individual plug-in fuse of the mounting device can be visually inspected without loosening the plug connection; that is, the mounting device is already observable, which in turn contributes to the particular service-friendliness or user-friendliness of the mounting device according to the invention. The lower construction height of the horizontally arranged plug-in fuses also reduces the space requirement of the mounting device, thereby advantageously reducing the space requirement of the composite battery in which the mounting device is disposed. The conductive lines on the circuit board and the positive terminal of the battery cell inserted into the mounting device according to the invention can be separated in the form of separate circuit devices arranged in series between them for functional protection at the single-cell level, particularly enabling good accessibility and replaceability of the fuse devices, unlike devices known in the prior art.

[0035] In addition to the fuse for each battery cell, the safety mechanism of the mounting device according to the invention also includes electronic protection to prevent deep discharge and overcharging of each battery cell. For this purpose, the electronic protection includes a voltage balance regulator of the battery management system. Alternatively or in combination with this, the safety mechanism includes a temperature monitor with a temperature sensor to monitor the temperature of each or individual battery cells of the composite battery during operation. For this purpose, it is preferable to assign a temperature sensor to each recess on the circuit board of the mounting device to further enhance the operational safety of the composite battery with the mounting device. Particularly preferably, the safety mechanism is directly mounted on the circuit board of the mounting device and electrically connected to printed wires provided for this purpose, thereby ensuring the functional safety of the composite battery with the mounting device according to the invention in a particularly user-friendly manner and without additional circuitry costs.

[0036] The circuitry or printed conductors of the circuit board of the mounting device according to the invention are preferably designed as power lines with a large cross-section or control lines with a small cross-section, depending on the power to be transmitted. The signal flow through the control lines is preferably used to monitor the function and temperature of the battery cells, and to balance the voltage between them. The power lines include first power lines for series connection of the battery cells and second power lines for parallel connection of the battery cells. Each of the first and second power lines connected to the positive terminal of the battery cell, or each of the first and second power lines connected to the negative terminal of the battery cell, can be electrically connected to a corresponding connector of the load via a first busbar. The busbars are preferably located on two opposing longitudinal sides of the main surface of the circuit board of the mounting device. Therefore, the mounting device according to the invention can provide a composite battery whose individual battery cells can be flexibly configured while meeting a high level of safety requirements, without requiring the extensive wiring work typically necessary within the composite battery. Therefore, compared to conventional composite batteries and battery packs, composite batteries and battery packs with the mounting device according to the invention can be configured not only more easily but also more quickly, which directly has a favorable impact on manufacturing costs.

[0037] Particularly preferred is that the power lines are arranged on the first main surface of the circuit board in the form of first and second power lines and busbars, respectively, and control lines are arranged on the second main surface. In other words, the power lines and control lines of the mounting device according to the invention are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the circuit board, or on its top and bottom sides. This not only achieves extensive electromagnetic decoupling between the two types of lines, but also allows the user to immediately see the decoupling, thereby simplifying the configuration of the composite battery and making its operation more trouble-free.

[0038] According to the invention, switching elements for selectively disconnecting and closing the electrical connection between the battery cell and the first or second power line are advantageously provided at nodes of the electrical conductors or printed conductors on the circuit board of the mounting device according to the invention. These nodes are thus used to select wiring schemes in which the individual battery cells of the composite battery equipped with the mounting device according to the invention can operate, or to determine their various series and parallel configurations. As switching elements for electrically connecting the individual battery cells in series and parallel connections, closing switches and changeover switches are preferably used in the mounting device, in the form of electromechanical switches such as jumpers with sockets, solder bridges, relays, and / or electronic switches.

[0039] A particularly preferred closing switch is a jumper with a socket for establishing a releasable electrical connection, or a solder bridge for establishing a non-releasable electrical connection. The socket used with the jumper is fixedly connected to the circuitry on the circuit board. Advantageously, for low transition resistance, the socket is configured with multiple contacts at each node for any unconnected wiring scheme, and electrical connections are established between the jumper and the corresponding contacts.

[0040] For example, a jumper with four linearly arranged contacts can be provided, allowing each pair of three lines on the circuit board to be connected at their ends via two correspondingly spaced socket contacts, thus preparing the mounting device according to the invention for series or parallel connection of the battery cells to be accommodated. The circuit layout on the circuit board ensures that one end of a line is connected to only one of the other two ends of the line via a jumper. For this purpose, three socket contacts are provided at one end of the line, alternately connecting it to the other two ends of the line, while two socket contacts are provided at each of the other two ends of the line. The end of the line with three socket contacts is arranged at a right angle, with one socket contact at the apex of the angle and one socket contact on each of the two sides of the angle, for engaging with two of the four jumper contacts respectively. One of the two ends of the line with two socket contacts is aligned with the side of the angle forming the end of the line and can be configured via a jumper for series connection of the battery cells. The other end of the line is aligned with the other side of the angle and can be configured via a jumper for parallel connection of the battery cells. When the user configures the composite battery via jumper, the design of the plug contacts according to the present invention reliably eliminates short circuits caused by unacceptable wiring connections.

[0041] Therefore, this mounting device can switch between series and parallel connections of the individual battery cells to be housed in a simple, economical, and reliable manner, without the need for special expenses such as the use of welding mechanisms and / or special tools. If electronic switches or electronically controllable switches are used instead of jumpers or welding bridges, various connection schemes can be generated in a particularly simple manner, even when the housing of the composite battery with the mounting device is enclosed. In this case, the electronic switch is controlled by an adjustment element on the outside of the housing, or by means of an electronic protection device included in the mounting device via a third connection socket; in special designs, this electronic protection device is also additionally designed to control the electronic switch.

[0042] A particular advantage of this mounting device is that, due to this circuit board layout according to the invention, the number of switching elements required for any voltage configuration of the composite battery in which the mounting device is configured is limited as follows:

[0043] The number of switching elements = 2 × [(number of battery cells) - 1],

[0044] As long as the corresponding switching elements are designed as changeover switches according to the wiring logic described above.

[0045] With the wiring scheme of the present invention, which includes jumpers, electronic switching elements and / or solder bridges, end users are thus able to independently determine the desired wiring scheme of the composite battery in a simple and intuitive manner, and adjust the composite battery at any time for other uses.

[0046] Furthermore, it is preferable to provide connection sockets on the circuit board of the mounting device according to the invention. These connection sockets can be electrically connected to the battery cells to be housed by the mounting device via busbars to provide the stored electrical energy to the load. For this purpose, the first connection socket is electrically connected to the first contact surface via the first busbar, and the second connection socket is electrically connected to the second contact surface via the second busbar. These electrical connections are preferably designed to transmit a continuous current of up to 35A. As mentioned above, the first busbar, and thus the first connection socket, is preferably connected to the positive terminal of the battery cell to be housed by the mounting device via a power line and the first contact surface; while the second busbar, and thus the second connection socket, is connected to the negative terminal of the battery cell to be housed by the mounting device via a power line and the second contact surface. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a third connection socket for monitoring the function of electronic protection components and for voltage balancing, also called balancing, between the various composite batteries. This balancing / data connection, along with the two high-current connections, forms the interface for the composite batteries configured with the mounting device according to the invention.

[0047] Each contact area included by the first and second housing portions of the mounting device preferably has an opening in the area of ​​the battery cup. These openings thus allow direct heat dissipation from the battery cell fixed between the contact areas of the first and second housing portions. However, especially when using the mounting device in a humid environment, it may be advantageous to completely omit these openings. In this case, sufficient heat dissipation is preferably ensured by appropriately dimensionally designing the interior of the mounting device's housing and / or using a housing material with good thermal conductivity (such as aluminum).

[0048] Furthermore, preferably, the first and second housing portions are designed such that the circuit board containing the battery cell is at least partially surrounded on the first or second main surface of the circuit board. In this case, the second housing portion is firmly connected to the circuit board, for example, releasably connected by a screw connection, or non-releasably connected by an adhesive connection, while the first housing portion is releasably connected to the second housing portion and / or the circuit board by force engagement, for example, by a snap-fit ​​element. Alternatively, preferably, the circuit board is indirectly and releasably secured between the first and second housing portions by friction engagement, retaining pins, and / or snap-fit ​​elements.

[0049] The connection socket mounted on the circuit board is preferably accessible through an opening in the seam area of ​​the two housing parts and is indirectly secured in the mounting device corresponding to the battery unit using a connecting element disposed between them.

[0050] Advantageously, the contact points between the first and second housing portions, and the contact points between each of these housing portions and the battery cell and connection socket to be housed therein, are provided with resilient sealing areas, for example made of silicone, to prevent dust and water splashes from entering.

[0051] The first and second housing portions of the mounting device each have a surrounding edge region on the side opposite to the circuit board. The height of the edge region protrudes beyond the battery cells to be installed, thereby enabling them to rest reliably on a flat base, or on the edge region of the first or second housing portion of another mounting device of a corresponding design, in which battery cells or a corresponding composite battery are installed.

[0052] Preferably, each of these edge regions has a groove or edge region opening to ensure heat dissipation, thereby ensuring cooling of the battery cell to be housed in the mounting device according to the invention or the composite battery configured with the mounting device during operation.

[0053] Furthermore, preferably, a ventilation mechanism is provided on the side facing the circuit board for the first and / or second housing portions to cool the hot gases released from the battery cells under high pressure in the event of thermal damage, while reducing pressure, thereby reliably preventing fire hazards upon contact with oxygen in the ambient air and thus preventing damage to the mounting device. Optionally, the ventilation mechanism includes a fire extinguisher in a recess within each tubular cavity.

[0054] The ventilation mechanism includes a tubular cavity having at least one inlet on the inner side of the housing facing the circuit board and at least one outlet on the outer side of the housing away from the circuit board. Thus, in addition to forming the inner cavity of the housing containing the circuit board (defined by two housing portions), the tubular cavity also forms a separate housing region connected to the inner cavity of the housing surrounding the circuit board via at least one inlet and connected to the outside of the housing via at least one outlet.

[0055] Particularly preferably, the ventilation mechanism is arranged along one of the two longitudinal sides of the housing or circuit board, and forms a partition wall between the inner cavity of the housing containing the circuit board and the outer wall of the housing in the form of two corresponding partial walls in the first and second housing portions. When the mounting device is used, these partial walls abut against each other in their longitudinal extension and include at least one inlet. Advantageously, the housing of the mounting device is made of heat-resistant plastic or aluminum.

[0056] The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with each other. Attached Figure Description

[0057] The invention will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0058] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a circuit diagram of a composite battery according to the present invention, which has a single cell protected at the single cell level for selective operation in parallel or series circuits.

[0059] Figure 2 The figure shown is according to the present invention. Figure 1 A front view of the mounting device for the composite battery without a casing;

[0060] Figure 3 The following is based on Figure 2 Rear view of the mounting device;

[0061] Figure 4 Schematic illustration based on Figure 1 The single cells are connected in (a) series and (b) parallel.

[0062] Figure 5 The following is based on Figure 2 A portion of the mounting device, which includes the battery unit and the second housing portion encircled within the circuit board;

[0063] Figure 6 Section AA shows the results according to Figure 5 A portion of the mounting device, which has a battery cell and a second housing portion with a surrounding edge;

[0064] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of a composite battery with six battery cells according to the present invention, which includes (a) a related first housing portion and (b) according to Figure 2 The second housing portion includes a mounting device for six battery cells, and (c) a schematic diagram of the composite battery according to (a) and (b) in section BB;

[0065] Figure 8 The diagram shows the battery pack according to the present invention. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the electrical connections of the three mounting devices;

[0066] Figure 9 The diagram shown is an external schematic of the battery pack with three series-connected composite batteries of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0067] Figure 1 The circuit diagram shown is of a composite battery 7 equipped with the mounting device 1 according to the invention. To allow the battery cells 71 of the composite battery 7 to operate selectively in a series or parallel circuit, each battery cell 71 is connected at its positive terminal to a first busbar 37 via a first contact surface 31 and a fuse 51 for overcurrent protection via a second power line 36 and a changeover switch 42. Each battery cell 71 is electrically connected at its negative terminal to a second busbar 38 via the second contact surface 32 via the second power line 36 and a closing switch 41. The electrical energy thus provided will be obtained by the load through the first and second busbars 37 and 38.

[0068] Figure 2The diagram shows a front view of the mounting device 1 for a composite battery 7 according to the invention, without a housing. In the illustrated embodiment, the first main surface 21 of the circuit board 2 included by the mounting device 1 has three recesses 23, each having a first and second contact surface 31, 32, in the form of conductive elastic contacts. When directly electrically connected to the first contact surface 31, a fuse 51, in the form of a plug-in fuse releasable into a socket, is provided for overcurrent protection. A second power line 36 extends from the socket of the fuse 51 to a node 33. This node includes a contact surface for electrical connection to a switching element, in the form of a changeover switch 42, for connecting the battery cell 71 housed in the recess 23 in a parallel connection via the second power line 36 or in a series connection via the second power line 36 and the first power line 35. Therefore, the positive terminal of the series-connected battery cell 71 can be connected via the second power line 36 and the first busbar 37 to the corresponding input terminal of the electronic protection element 52, which is included in the safety mechanism, on the first main surface 21 of the circuit board 2 included in the mounting device 1. The negative terminal of the series-connected battery cell 71 can be connected via the second power line 36 and the second busbar 38 to the corresponding input terminal of the electronic protection element 52. The mounting device 1 of the present invention is connected to the load via first and second connection sockets 39 and 310, which are connected to the first busbar 37 or the second busbar 38 via the electronic protection element 52. The electronic protection element 52 can be accessed via the third connection socket 311 for functional monitoring and control purposes.

[0069] Figure 3 For those without a shell Figure 2 The image shows a rear view of the mounting device 1 of the present invention. On the second main surface 22 of the circuit board 2 included by the mounting device 1, a temperature sensor 54 is provided at each of the three recesses 23 for monitoring the temperature of the battery cells 71 to be housed in the respective recesses 23. Each temperature sensor 54 is electrically connected to a temperature monitor 53 via a control line 34 for detecting the battery temperature. In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature monitor 53 is arranged as a separate circuit element on the second main surface 22 of the circuit board 2, wherein the temperature monitor 53 is contacted on one hand via a third connection socket 311, and on the other hand is functionally connected to an electronic protection element 52 on the first main surface 21 of the circuit board 2. The necessary electrical connection is designed as the control line 34. However, it is also a preferred alternative to provide the temperature monitor 53 on the first main surface 21 of the circuit board 2 and correspondingly connect the control line 34. In both cases, the safety mechanism of the mounting device 1 according to the present invention includes the electronic protection element 52, the temperature monitor 53, the protection device 61, and the temperature sensor 54.

[0070] therefore, Figure 2 and Figure 3 The embodiment of the mounting device 1 according to the present invention shown is for a series arrangement of three battery cells 71, according to... Figure 4 As shown in the schematic diagram (a), these battery cells are electrically connected to each other via two first power lines 35. Connection to a load can be achieved via a first busbar 37 connected to the positive terminal of the series circuit and a second busbar 38 connected to the negative terminal of the series circuit.

[0071] Figure 4 (b) shows three battery cells 71 arranged in parallel. In this case, the positive terminal of each battery cell 71 is electrically connected to the first busbar 37 via the second power line 36, while the negative terminal is electrically connected to the second busbar 38 for connecting a load.

[0072] Figure 5 It schematically shows the following based on Figure 2 A partial top view of the mounting device 1. The battery cell 71, inserted into the mounting device 1, is surrounded here by a first housing portion 61 made of plastic and a perimeter 64 consisting of a rectangular recess 23 in the circuit board 2. Furthermore, the battery cell, mechanically secured in this manner, is electrically connected to printed wires (not shown) on the circuit board 2 via first and second contact surfaces 31, 32. The battery cell 71 is a standard 18650 round battery.

[0073] Figure 6 It is the installation device 1 along Figure 5 A schematic partial cross-sectional view along section AA. In the illustrated embodiment, the first housing 61 is securely connected to the circuit board 2 by an adhesive connection. A perimeter 64 penetrates and protrudes from the circuit board 2, thereby ensuring, on the one hand, that the first and second contact surfaces 31, 32 (not shown) on the circuit board 2 are properly assigned to the electrical contacts (not shown) of the battery cell 71, and on the other hand, providing a cooling surface for the battery cell 71 in the form of the perimeter 64. The battery cell 71 rests planarly against the contact area 63 of the first housing 61, surrounded by the perimeter 64. Further cooling of the battery cell 71 is achieved through an opening 65 in the contact area 63.

[0074] Figure 7 shows three schematic diagrams of a composite battery according to the present invention, which has six battery cells 71 of standard 18650. In the plan view, Figure 7(a) shows the associated second housing portion 62, and Figure 7(b) shows the portion with a corresponding... Figure 2The mounting device 1 and the associated first housing portion 61 of the six battery cells 71 are shown in cross section BB in FIG7(c), which has a second housing portion 62 according to FIG7(a) and a first housing portion 61 according to FIG7(b). The two housing portions 61, 62 are injection molded from heat-resistant plastic.

[0075] Figure 7(a) shows a plan view of the second housing portion 62, thus revealing the outer side of the composite battery 7. This second housing portion has six openings 65 for heat dissipation in the contact area 63 of the battery cell 71. For helical connection to the first housing portion 61, first fastening elements 611 in the form of holes are formed in the corner and edge region walls on both longitudinal sides. These wall sections also include second fastening elements 612 as blind holes for releasably receiving second connecting elements 82 in the form of pins. For stability, the first fastening elements 611 are defined by arc-shaped inner wall regions. Furthermore, grooves are formed on the edge walls on the longitudinal sides between the first and second fastening elements 611 and 612, respectively. These grooves ensure that heat released from the battery cell 71 through the openings 65 during operation of the composite battery 7 can be reliably dissipated, even when the composite battery 7 is placed against a flat surface or stacked with multiple composite batteries in a battery pack 8.

[0076] Figure 7(b) shows the inner side of the first housing portion 61 of the composite battery 7. The edge wall of the first housing portion 61 is constructed to overlap with the edge wall of the second housing portion 62 and includes first and second fastening elements 611, 612 arranged accordingly for releasable connection to the second housing portion 62 via the aforementioned first and second connecting elements 81, 82. Furthermore, along one of the two longitudinal edge walls, on the inner side of the first housing portion 61 facing the circuit board 2, a ventilation mechanism 68 in the form of a tubular cavity is constructed. This cavity has an inlet 69 and two outlets 610 in the edge wall. In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular cavity of the ventilation mechanism 68 is vertically defined by a partition with the inlet 69 and opposing edge walls with two outlets 610, while the lateral definition is achieved by portions of the base surfaces of the first housing portion 61 and the second housing portion 62, respectively. In addition to the two outlets 610, three grooves for first, second, and third connection sockets 39, 310, and 311 of the composite battery 7 are formed on the edge wall of the first housing portion 61. These grooves are designed to ensure dust and splash protection for the inner cavity of the housing during the operation of the composite battery 7. Each of the three connection sockets 39, 310, and 311 also abuts against the corresponding edge wall of the second housing portion 62. The contact area 63 in the first housing portion 61 forms a perimeter 64 to stabilize the position of the battery cell 71 it abuts. These perimeters 64 penetrate the grooves 23 in the circuit board 2 and surround half of the outer surface of each battery cell 71. On the front, each perimeter includes grooves for first and second contact surfaces 31 and 32 on the circuit board 2. These contact surfaces are configured for electrical contact with the battery cell 71 and are designed as resilient contacts. In this embodiment of the composite battery 7 according to the invention, the circuit board 2 is firmly bonded to the inner side of the first housing portion 61 and, according to Figure 2 and Figure 3 To construct. Instead of in Figure 2 and 3 The circuit board 2 has six recesses 23, each of which surrounds the battery cell 71 within the rim 64, as shown in the three recesses shown.

[0077] Figure 7(c) schematically shows the composite battery 7 in cross section BB, which has a second housing portion 62 according to Figure 7(a) and a first housing portion 61 according to Figure 7(b). The releasable connection between the two housing portions 61 and 62 is achieved here by screws. These screws are installed as first connectors 81 in holes provided for this purpose as first fastening elements 611.

[0078] Figure 8The diagram schematically illustrates three composite batteries 7 electrically connected in parallel to form a battery pack 8. These composite batteries each possess the features of the present invention. Figure 2 The battery pack 8 comprises an installation device 1 and three battery cells 71. To connect the three composite batteries 7 of the battery pack 8 according to the invention in parallel, all the first connection sockets 39 and all the second connection sockets 310 are electromechanically and releasably connected to each other. For this purpose, the first and second connection sockets 39, 310 are preferably designed as threaded pins and screwed together with three corresponding holes via each contact element 83 in the form of a conductive metal bridge. Connection to the load is achieved using one of the first connection sockets 39 and one of the second connection sockets 310 of the three composite batteries 7, also via a releasable screw connection. This preferred method of electromechanical connection of the individual composite batteries 7 of the battery pack 8 allows for reliable electrical contact even if the connection sockets may become hot. Functional monitoring of the battery pack 8 and voltage balance among the individual composite batteries 7 are achieved via a third connection socket 311 provided in each of the three composite batteries 7. For this purpose, the third connection socket 311 is connected to a line element 84 in the form of a flat ribbon cable.

[0079] at last, Figure 9 A schematic reproduction of the appearance of a battery pack 8 having three series-connected composite batteries 7 is shown. The first and second housing portions 61, 62 of each individual composite battery 7 are closed, with no openings 65 in the area of ​​the battery cell 71, and are constructed of die-cast aluminum. The electrical connection of the three series-connected composite batteries 7 is achieved by two connecting elements 83. In this embodiment, each connecting element 83 is designed as a conductive metal bridge with two holes. The first and second connection sockets 39, 310 of the three composite batteries 7 are preferably designed as threaded pins. The first connection socket 39 of the first composite battery 7 and the second connection socket 310 of the second composite battery 7 arranged thereon in the figure are screwed together by the first of the two connecting elements 83; while the first connection socket 39 of the second composite battery 7 and the second connection socket 310 of the third composite battery 7 arranged thereon in the figure are electromechanically and releasably connected to each other in the same manner by the second connecting element 83. In this case, connection to an external load is made through the second connection socket 310 or negative terminal of the first composite battery 7 and the first connection socket 39 or positive terminal of the third composite battery 7. Functional monitoring of the battery pack 8 and voltage balancing among the individual composite batteries 7 are achieved through a third connection socket 311 provided in each of the three composite batteries 7.

[0080] Each of the three composite batteries includes a mounting device 1 according to the invention and a housing, the mounting device having a circuit board 2 and a housing according to the invention. Figure 2The first, second, and third connecting sockets 39, 310, and 311 are provided in the housing, which has first and second housing portions 61 and 62 according to FIG. 7. Both housing portions are made of plastic and each has an opening 65 for heat dissipation in the contact area of ​​the battery cell 71. Each battery cell 71 is partially surrounded inside the housing by a perimeter 64 for stable positioning, which is in turn surrounded by a recess 23 of the circuit board 2. These perimeters 64 are formed within the first housing portion 61. The first housing 61 and second housing 62 of each composite battery 7 and the circuit board 2 have first fastening elements 611 in the form of holes at the corners. Furthermore, each of the two housing portions 61 and 62 of each composite battery 7 includes a plurality of second fastening elements 612 in the form of blind holes in the edge region of its main surface, in the case of the conventional arrangement of the circuit board 2. Second connecting elements 82 are releasably mounted in the blind holes in the form of spacer pins. In this way, the composite batteries 7 of the battery pack 8 are kept at a certain distance in a desired lateral arrangement. With the openings 65 in the first and second housing portions 61, 62, adequate cooling of the battery cells 71 is ensured during the operation of the battery pack 8. The three composite batteries 7, arranged vertically, are releasably clamped together by nuts in holes at the corners of each housing via first connecting elements 81 in the form of screws. Simultaneously, each composite battery 7, whether the battery cell 71 or the first, second, and third connecting sockets 39, 310, 311, is thus secured between the relevant first and second housing portions 61, 62, and the interior of the housing is protected against dust and water splashes.

[0081] List of reference numerals

[0082] 1 Installation device

[0083] 2 circuit boards

[0084] 21 First Main Surface

[0085] 22 Second Main Surface

[0086] 23 grooves

[0087] 31 First contact surface

[0088] 32 Second contact surface

[0089] 33 nodes

[0090] 34 control circuits

[0091] 35 First Power Line

[0092] 36 Second Power Line

[0093] 37 First Convergence Line

[0094] 38 Second Confluence

[0095] 39 First Connecting Socket

[0096] 310 Second Connection Socket

[0097] 311 Third Connection Socket

[0098] 41 Closed switch

[0099] 42 Changeover Switch

[0100] 51 Fuse Device

[0101] 52 Electronic Protection Components

[0102] 53 Temperature Monitor

[0103] 54 Temperature Sensor

[0104] 61 First shell section

[0105] 62 Second shell section

[0106] 63 Contact Area

[0107] 64 border

[0108] 65 opening

[0109] 66 edge areas

[0110] 67 Edge area opening

[0111] 68 ventilation system

[0112] 69 entrances

[0113] 610 Export

[0114] 611 First fastening element

[0115] 612 Second Fastening Component

[0116] 7 Composite Battery

[0117] 71 battery cells

[0118] 72 electrical contacts

[0119] 8 battery packs

[0120] 81 First connecting element

[0121] 82 Second connecting element

[0122] 83 Connecting Components

[0123] 84 circuit components

Claims

1. An installation device for a composite battery, the composite battery comprising at least one battery cell for supplying different voltages and currents to a load, the battery cell having electrical contacts for extracting stored electrical energy, the installation device comprising a circuit board and a safety mechanism, the circuit board having electrical lines and a switching element for connecting the at least one battery cell to the load, the safety mechanism for monitoring the function of the at least one battery cell, characterized in that, A housing is provided for accommodating multiple battery cells, the housing having a first housing portion and a second housing portion. Each of the first and second housing portions has multiple contact areas. Each battery cell is fixed between at least one contact area of ​​the first housing portion and the second housing portion. Each contact area in the first housing portion and / or the second housing portion is designed to accommodate the perimeter of each battery cell, and Each of the surrounding edges is designed to at least partially enclose the battery cell that can be housed therein; The circuit board has multiple recesses for accommodating the perimeter containing the battery unit. Each groove has a first contact surface and a second contact surface. The first contact surface is used to electrically connect the positive terminal of the battery cell, and the second contact surface is used to electrically connect the negative terminal of the battery cell to the electrical circuit. One of the first and second contact surfaces is electrically connected to the circuitry of the circuit board via the safety mechanism, which includes a fuse for providing overcurrent protection for each battery cell. Each battery cell within the perimeter can be releasably electrically connected to the circuit board via a first contact surface and a second contact surface, respectively. Each recess in the circuit board is sized so that the battery cell can be enclosed within the perimeter at its maximum cross-sectional area.

2. The installation device according to claim 1, wherein, The first contact surface is electrically connected to the circuitry of the circuit board via the safety mechanism.

3. The installation device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first and second contact surfaces is constructed in the form of a metallic contact spring.

4. The mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The fuse device includes an electrical plug-in fuse and a socket in a releasable connection. The socket is permanently electrically connected to the circuitry of the circuit board.

5. The installation device according to claim 4, wherein, The socket is electrically connected to the circuitry of the circuit board in a manner that prevents it from being thermally released.

6. The installation device according to claim 1, wherein, The safety mechanism includes: electronic protection components for preventing deep discharge and overcharging of each battery cell; and / or a temperature monitor for having at least one battery cell, the temperature monitor having at least one temperature sensor.

7. The installation device according to claim 6, wherein, The electronic protection device includes a voltage balance regulator for the battery management system.

8. The installation device according to claim 1, wherein, The safety mechanism is mounted on the circuit board and electrically connected to the electrical circuit.

9. The installation device according to claim 1, wherein, The circuit board includes the following wiring: Control circuitry for functional monitoring of at least one battery cell and for voltage balancing between battery cells. Multiple first power lines used for the series connection of the battery cells Multiple second power lines for parallel connection of the battery cells, A first busbar for establishing an electrical connection between the positive terminal of at least one battery cell and the load, and A second busbar for establishing an electrical connection between the negative terminal of at least one battery cell and the load.

10. The mounting device according to claim 9, wherein, The first power line and the second power line are disposed on the first main surface of the circuit board, and the control line is disposed on the second main surface of the circuit board.

11. The mounting device according to claim 9, wherein, The switching element, used to disconnect or close the electrical connection between at least one battery cell and the first or second power line, is disposed at a node of the electrical lines on the circuit board.

12. The mounting device according to claim 11, wherein, The switching element is configured to electrically connect the battery cells in series and parallel connections. The switching element includes at least one electromechanical switch.

13. The mounting device according to claim 12, wherein, At least one electromechanical switch includes at least one jumper with a socket, or at least one solder bridge, or at least one relay, and / or at least one electronically controllable switch.

14. The mounting device according to claim 11, wherein, The circuit board includes: a first connection socket electrically connected to the node and a second connection socket electrically connected to the second busbar for providing power to the composite battery; a third connection socket for functional monitoring of electronic protection components and for voltage balancing, wherein the electronic protection components are used to prevent deep discharge and overcharging of each battery cell.

15. The mounting device according to claim 14, wherein, The composite battery provides electrical energy with a continuous current of up to 35A.

16. The installation device according to claim 1, wherein, Each contact area in the first housing portion and / or the second housing portion has an opening. Wherein, the first housing portion at least partially surrounds the circuit board with the battery cell on the first main surface of the circuit board. Wherein, the second housing portion at least partially surrounds the circuit board with the battery cell on the second main surface of the circuit board. The second housing portion is fixedly or removably connected to the circuit board. The first housing portion is releasably connected to the second housing portion and / or to the circuit board.

17. The mounting device according to claim 1, wherein, The first housing portion and the second housing portion each have a surrounding edge region on the side opposite to the circuit board. This edge region protrudes in height from the battery cell to be accommodated by the mounting device, and each is configured with a plurality of edge region openings. The first housing portion and / or the second housing portion include a ventilation mechanism on the side facing the circuit board for controlled pressure reduction in the event of thermal damage to the battery cell housed by the mounting device. The ventilation mechanism is configured as a tubular cavity having at least one inlet on the inner side of the housing facing the circuit board and at least one outlet on the outer side of the housing opposite to the circuit board.

18. The mounting device according to claim 1, wherein, The housing has a first connection socket, a second connection socket, and a third connection socket, as well as a first fastening element and a second fastening element for fastening the mounting device.

19. The mounting device according to claim 18, wherein, The first fastening element is in the form of a hole, and the second fastening element is in the form of a blind hole.

20. The installation device according to claim 1, wherein, The composite battery consists of at least one circular battery from a battery pack.

21. A composite battery for providing electrical energy to a load, comprising at least one battery cell having electrical contacts for extracting stored electrical energy. Its features are, An installation device according to any one of claims 1-20 is provided for supplying a load with different voltages and currents from at least one battery cell.

22. The composite battery for providing electrical energy to a load according to claim 21, wherein, At least one battery cell is at least one circular cell of a storage battery.

23. The composite battery for providing electrical energy to a load according to claim 22, wherein, At least one circular battery is at least one lithium-ion circular battery.

24. A battery pack for providing electrical energy to a load, characterized in that: To provide electrical power to the load, a plurality of composite batteries according to any one of claims 21 to 23 are provided. In this configuration, multiple composite batteries are mechanically and releasably fastened together by a first fastening element and a first connecting element disposed in each composite battery, and are releasably held in place by means of a second fastening element and a second connecting element disposed in each composite battery, in a vertical or horizontal stacked arrangement. The battery pack is secured by the first fastening element and the first connecting element in a force-fitting manner. The multiple composite batteries are connected in series or in parallel, and can be loosely electrically connected to each other through a first and second connection socket provided in each composite battery using a connecting element. The first and second connection sockets of the plurality of composite batteries are configured to provide power from the battery pack to the load, and Each of the multiple composite batteries has a third connection socket connected via a circuit element for function monitoring and voltage balancing.

25. The battery pack for supplying electrical energy to a load according to claim 24, wherein, The first fastening element is in the form of a hole.

26. The battery pack for supplying electrical energy to a load according to claim 24, wherein, The second fastening element is a blind hole type.

27. The battery pack for supplying electrical energy to a load according to claim 24, wherein, The first connecting element is in the form of a screw.

28. The battery pack for supplying electrical energy to a load according to claim 24, wherein, The second connecting element is in the form of a pin.

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