Battery pack with reinforcement elements

Abstract

A battery pack has a plurality of reinforcing elements disposed between a plurality of cell holders and separating the cell connectors of the battery pack. Thus, the battery pack according to the invention provides improved short circuit protection during the manufacturing process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery that includes a reinforcing element for short-circuit protection during the manufacturing process. Background Technology

[0002] In the era of renewable energy, energy storage systems are playing an increasingly important role, especially for home applications. This has led to the development of numerous different types of batteries, such as zinc-manganese batteries, zinc-air batteries, mercury-zinc batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. Lithium iron phosphate batteries are particularly well-suited for home use due to their relatively low reactivity and the resulting higher level of safety.

[0003] To produce more powerful batteries, multiple battery cells are combined into a battery pack to form a single battery. These battery cells are interconnected in series and parallel circuits to achieve the required voltage and battery capacity. For this purpose, the battery cells are mounted in a battery holder and interconnected via appropriate battery connectors.

[0004] For example, EP2891195B1 discloses a battery pack comprising multiple battery cells. A battery holder accommodates the multiple batteries, and connecting components are connected to the multiple batteries. A circuit board is used for mounting circuitry for the multiple batteries. A cell substrate is integrally formed with a battery cell receiving unit that accommodates the multiple batteries, a base unit supporting the battery cell receiving unit, and impact-absorbing ribs. Each impact-absorbing rib is formed between the outer periphery of the base unit and the outer surface of each battery cell receiving unit, and is configured to deform in the direction of impact.

[0005] However, risks remain, particularly in the manufacturing of battery packs. For example, metal objects may fall during manufacturing and cause short circuits in the battery connectors. This could happen when the battery connectors themselves are being inserted. Similarly, screws and nuts used to secure CSC, T-CSC circuit boards, or housings could fall onto already inserted battery connectors and short-circuit them. It is also conceivable that personal belongings of employees involved in battery pack manufacturing might accidentally fall out.

[0006] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack with improved short-circuit protection during the manufacturing process. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This objective is achieved by the features according to independent claims 1 and 15. The dependent claims pertain to specific embodiments of the invention.

[0008] The battery pack according to the present invention includes a plurality of battery holders for accommodating battery cells. The battery holders are arranged in N rows and M columns and are integrally connected to form a flat battery cell mounting assembly, wherein both M and N are greater than 3. In a preferred embodiment, M and N may each be greater than 10.

[0009] The battery holder is configured to have a vertical opening, allowing connection of the two terminals of the battery cells stored therein. This means that the positive terminal of the battery cell can be connected to the upper side of the battery cell mounting, and the negative terminal of the same battery cell can be connected to the opposite lower side of the battery cell mounting.

[0010] According to the present invention, a plurality of battery cells are stored in a battery holder, having the same polarity in each row in the N direction and opposite polarity in each column in the M direction. In other words, the connectable polarities of the battery cells on each side of the battery cell mounting member alternate in each row in the N direction.

[0011] According to the present invention, the battery pack further includes a plurality of battery connectors arranged in an alternating manner on two of a plurality of N rows on both sides of the battery cell mounting member, and connecting the battery cells to each other. For example, battery cells in rows N=1 and N=2, N=3 and N=4, N=5 and N=6 can be interconnected via battery connectors on the upper side of the battery cell mounting member, while correspondingly, battery cells in rows N=2 and N=3, N=4 and N=5, N=6 and N=7 can be interconnected via battery connectors on the opposite lower side.

[0012] According to the invention, the battery pack further includes a plurality of reinforcing elements arranged at two-row intervals between N rows, such that they separate the battery connectors arranged on corresponding two rows of each of the N rows. The reinforcing elements are formed to be higher than the battery holder in the longitudinal direction.

[0013] By using a reinforcing element to separate the battery connector, better protection against short circuits can be achieved during the battery pack manufacturing process, as the reinforcing element acts as a barrier to prevent metal objects from falling. Metal objects rest against the reinforcing element, thus preventing further short circuits to the battery cells via the battery connector.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing element can be integrally connected to the battery holder. In other words, in this embodiment, the battery holder can be formed as an integral battery cell mounting component with the reinforcing element. In addition to the barrier effect, this can also advantageously improve the stability of the battery pack against horizontal deformation, thereby improving the stackability of the battery pack.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment, the reinforcing element can be configured as a reinforcing rib having at least one notch. For example, the reinforcing rib can be configured as a partition wall having at least one notch in the region between adjacent battery holders. The technical effect of at least one notch can be compared to that of an expansion joint, which can compensate for deformation of the battery cell mounting, for example, as a response to heating / cooling. Particularly preferably, the reinforcing rib can have two notches.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the battery holder and the reinforcing element can be made of plastic. Particularly preferably, the battery holder and the reinforcing element can be made of the same plastic.

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the plastic may be butadiene styrene (ABS).

[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the battery holder and reinforcing element can be manufactured using injection die casting or vacuum casting methods, for example, as a one-piece battery cell mount. In this case, the aforementioned at least one notch can actively influence the rheology of the component during manufacturing, i.e., prevent the battery cell mount from deforming in response to temperature differences, such as during cooling.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, the pin-shaped spacers may be arranged alternately in a row with the reinforcing elements on the battery holder. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the reinforcing elements may extend longitudinally below the spacers. In other words, the spacers may be formed to be longitudinally higher than the reinforcing elements. Preferably, the reinforcing elements may extend from 1.0 mm to 0.2 mm below the spacers. However, very particularly preferably, the reinforcing elements may extend from the spacers to a maximum of 0.5 mm. In other words, the reinforcing elements may extend longitudinally within a range above the battery holder and below the spacers.

[0020] In addition to reinforcing components, pin-shaped spacers can improve the stackability of battery packs. Furthermore, such spacers can be used to define the distance from the housing on which the battery pack can be installed. This, for example, can prevent current leakage. This is particularly important for meeting specific protection levels.

[0021] Typically, multiple battery cells can be interconnected via series and parallel circuits to achieve the desired voltage and capacity. In a preferred embodiment, the battery cells can be connected in parallel in the M-direction and in series in the N-direction. The circuit can be particularly preferably 15 series and 16 parallel.

[0022] According to the present invention, the type of battery cell is not limited. However, in a preferred embodiment, the battery cell may be a circular cell coated with plastic.

[0023] According to the invention, the type of battery cell is not limited. However, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the battery cell may be a lithium iron phosphate battery cell. In this way, the safety of the battery pack can be advantageously improved because the reactivity of lithium iron phosphate battery cells is relatively low.

[0024] According to the invention, the shape of the battery holder is not limited. However, in another preferred embodiment, the battery holder may have a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical shape is particularly advantageous for storing the aforementioned plastic-coated circular units.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment, the battery pack may have at least four channels for connecting elements. The term "connecting element" should be interpreted broadly herein and may include elements with plug connections and threaded connections. However, screw connections, such as screws and nuts, are preferred. The battery pack may be connected to the surrounding housing, for example, via channels.

[0026] The battery pack according to the invention is preferably used in battery modules for home applications. Such home applications particularly include modular storage systems, for example, systems that allow single-family or multi-family homes to operate independently of the public power grid. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 and 2a Figure 2b schematically illustrates a battery pack according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3 A reinforcing element according to one embodiment is illustrated schematically.

[0029] Figure 4 A portion of a battery pack having spacers and reinforcing elements according to one embodiment is shown schematically.

[0030] Figure 5 A battery pack having channels for connecting elements is schematically shown according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0031] In the following, examples or exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar elements in the drawings may be denoted by the same reference numerals, but sometimes different reference numerals may be used.

[0032] It should be emphasized that the present invention is by no means limited to the exemplary embodiments and their implementation features described below, but also includes modifications to the exemplary embodiments, in particular by modifying features of the modified description examples included within the scope of protection of the claims or by combining one or more features of the description examples.

[0033] Figure 1 A battery pack according to one embodiment is schematically illustrated. The battery pack 10 includes a plurality of battery cells 2, each battery cell 2 being surrounded by a corresponding battery holder 3 for storing the battery cell 2 therein. The battery holders 3 are arranged in N rows and M columns and interconnected to form a tiled battery cell mounting assembly 1, wherein both M and N are greater than 3. The number of N rows and M columns according to the invention is not limited and can be selected according to the battery pack application requirements. However, in a preferred embodiment, M and N can each be greater than 10. However, the battery pack 10 may also preferably have battery holders 3 with N = 15 rows and M = 16 columns.

[0034] The battery holder 3 has an opening in the vertical direction, that is, an opening facing the upper and lower sides of the battery cell mounting member 1. The battery cell 2 can be stored in these battery holders 3, for example, by corresponding fixing elements (not shown). Since the battery holder 3 is open at the top and bottom, the battery cell 2 housed therein can be connected to both sides of the battery cell mounting member 1, that is, the positive and negative terminals of the battery cell 2 can be connected simultaneously.

[0035] According to the present invention, the shape of the battery holder 3 is not limited and can be based on the shape of the battery cell 2 to be stored therein. However, in a preferred embodiment, the battery holder 3 may have a cylindrical shape.

[0036] According to the present invention, the type and variety of battery cell 2 are not limited. In a preferred embodiment, battery cell 2 may be a circular cell 2 coated with plastic.

[0037] In a particularly preferred embodiment, battery cell 2 may also be a lithium iron phosphate battery cell. The advantage of lithium iron phosphate battery cells is that they are less reactive than other batteries, and therefore safer.

[0038] According to the present invention, the battery pack 10 further includes a plurality of battery connectors 5. Battery connectors are typically used to combine battery cells in the battery pack into a single battery, with the battery cells connected in series and parallel. According to the present invention, the battery connectors 5 are arranged in an alternating manner on both sides of the battery cell mounting member 1, covering two rows of the N rows of battery holders 3, and interconnecting the battery cells 2 mounted therein. According to the present invention, the type of interconnection is not limited and can be selected according to the application requirements of the battery pack. However, in a preferred embodiment, the battery cells 2 can be connected in parallel in the M directions and in series in the N directions. Particularly preferably, the battery cells 16 can be connected in parallel (16p) in 16 directions and in series (15s) in 15 directions.

[0039] Furthermore, the battery pack 10 according to the invention includes a plurality of reinforcing elements 4. The plurality of reinforcing elements 4 are arranged between N rows of battery holders 3 at intervals of two rows each. In the longitudinal direction, the reinforcing elements 4 are formed above the battery holders 3 such that they separate the battery connectors 5 arranged on corresponding two rows of the N rows. In other words, the reinforcing elements 4 are arranged alternately at intervals of two rows relative to the columns connected by the battery connectors.

[0040] The advantage of reinforcing elements is that metal objects that might fall during the battery pack manufacturing process no longer run across rows of battery cells, potentially causing short circuits. Therefore, reinforcing elements act as a barrier. Furthermore, reinforcing elements can also strengthen the battery pack, especially the flat-laid battery cell mounting components, to prevent deformation.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the battery holder 3 and the reinforcing element 4 can be made of plastic. Particularly preferably, the battery holder 3 and the reinforcing element 4 can be made of the same plastic. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the plastic can be styrene-butadiene acrylic acid (ABS). In a very particularly preferred embodiment, the battery holder 3 and the reinforcing element 4 can be manufactured by injection molding or vacuum casting.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment, the reinforcing element 4 can be integrally connected to the battery holder 3. This further improves the stability of the battery cell mounting and prevents the reinforcing element from slipping.

[0043] As Figure 1 Supplement, Figure 2a and 2b The two sides of a battery pack according to one embodiment are schematically shown. Figure 2a In the diagram, 1a corresponds to the upper side of the battery cell mounting component, while... Figure 2b In the diagram, 1b corresponds to the lower side of the battery cell mounting component. Corresponding to the side markings, other reference numerals are similar. Figure 1 by Figure 2a and 2b The indices a and b are used to identify them. As in... Figure 2a and Figure 2b As is evident from the diagram, battery connectors 5a and 5b are staggered on both sides 1a and 1b of the battery cell mounting members in two rows of N rows, connecting the battery cells 2a and 2b stored in the battery holders 3a and 3b to each other. On each side 1a and 1b, reinforcing elements 4a and 4b are arranged at two-row intervals between the N rows. Each reinforcing element 4a and 4b is formed to be higher in the longitudinal direction than the battery holders 3a and 3b, such that they separate the battery connectors 5a and 5b arranged above the two rows of N rows.

[0044] Figure 3 A reinforcing element according to one embodiment is schematically shown. The reinforcing element is shown in detail herein and is configured as a reinforcing rib 6 in this embodiment. Figure 3 As shown by the dashed line, the reinforcing rib 6 can be arranged between two adjacent battery holders. The reinforcing rib 6 can be arranged between adjacent battery holders in the row direction and can extend over the entire length of the row. The reinforcing rib 6 can be higher than the battery holder in the longitudinal direction.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing element may be configured as a reinforcing rib having at least one notch. Figure 3The reinforcing rib 6 of the embodiment shown has a notch 7. This notch 7 can be, in particular, wedge-shaped. This at least one notch can advantageously serve as an expansion joint, preventing deformation of the battery cell mount, for example, as a function of temperature. When the battery holder and reinforcing rib are integrally molded from plastic, for example using injection molding or vacuum casting, at least one notch can prevent deformation of the resulting battery cell mount during cooling.

[0046] Figure 4 A portion of a battery pack having spacers and reinforcing elements according to one embodiment is schematically shown. Figure 4 In one embodiment, the reinforcing element is constructed as a reinforcing rib 6 with two notches 7. In this case, the two notches 7 can also be wedge-shaped. Figure 3 on the contrary, Figure 4 Each of the battery holders 3 shown in the embodiments includes a pin-shaped spacer 8. Reinforcing ribs 6 may extend longitudinally below the spacer 8, preferably in the range of 1.0 mm to 0.2 mm, but particularly preferably at most 0.5 mm below the spacer 8. The pin-shaped spacers 8 may be arranged alternately with the reinforcing ribs 6 in the row direction on the battery holder 3. For example, when the battery pack is mounted in a housing, the spacers can advantageously define the distance from the housing wall. This prevents current leakage. Furthermore, the spacers can improve the stackability of the battery pack.

[0047] Figure 5 An embodiment of a battery pack having channels for connecting elements is schematically illustrated. In a preferred embodiment, the battery pack 10 may have at least four channels 9a, 9b for connecting elements. The four channels may be arranged in the region of the center 9b of the battery pack 10 or the corner 9a of the battery pack 10. Advantageously, the battery pack 10 may also have four channels in both the region of the center 9b and the region of the corner 9a. According to the invention, the channels 9a, 9b are not limited relative to the connecting elements. The connecting elements may include plug connections or screw connections, such as screws and nuts, and the channels 9a, 9b may be configured accordingly. However, the channels 9a, 9b may be advantageously constructed for threaded connections. For example, the battery pack 10 may be connected to the surrounding housing via connecting elements passing through the channels 9a, 9b.

[0048] The battery pack of the present invention can be used in battery modules for home applications. In particular, home applications can be modular storage systems, for example, enabling single-family or multi-family homes to operate independently of the public power grid and be powered by alternative energy sources such as solar energy.

[0049] List of reference numerals

[0050] 10 battery packs

[0051] 1 Battery cell mounting components

[0052] 1a Upper side of the battery cell mounting component

[0053] 1b Underside of the battery cell mounting component

[0054] 2, 2a, 2b battery cells

[0055] 3, 3a, 3b Battery holders

[0056] 4,4a,4b Reinforcing elements

[0057] 5, 5a, 5b Battery Connectors

[0058] 6 Reinforcing ribs

[0059] 7. Notch

[0060] 8 spacers

[0061] Channels 9a and 9b

Claims

1. A battery pack (10), comprising: Multiple battery holders (3, 3a, 3b), each configured to accommodate a battery cell (2, 2a, 2b), wherein the battery holders (3, 3a, 3b) are arranged in N rows and M columns and integrally connected to each other to form a tiled battery cell mounting assembly (1), wherein both M and N are greater than 3, wherein the battery holders (3, 3a, 3b) are open in the vertical direction such that the positive terminal of the battery cell (2, 2a, 2b) stored in the respective battery holder (3, 3a, 3b) can be connected to the upper side of the battery cell mounting assembly (1), while the negative terminal can be connected to the opposite lower side of the battery cell mounting assembly (1). Multiple battery cells (2, 2a, 2b) are stored in the battery holder (3, 3a, 3b), wherein the polarity within the row in the N direction is the same, and the polarity within the column in the M direction is opposite. Multiple battery connectors (5, 5a, 5b) are staggered on both sides (1a, 1b) of the battery cell mount (1) in two rows of multiple N-direction rows, respectively, and interconnect the battery cells (2, 2a, 2b). Multiple reinforcing elements (4, 4a, 4b) are arranged at two-row intervals between multiple N-direction rows and are formed in the longitudinal direction higher than the battery holder (3, 3a, 3b), such that the multiple reinforcing elements (4, 4a, 4b) separate the two battery connectors (5, 5a, 5b) arranged in the corresponding two rows in the N-direction rows. The reinforcing element (4, 4a, 4b) is constructed as a reinforcing rib (6) in the form of a partition wall, having at least one notch (7) between two adjacent battery holders (3, 3a, 3b), the at least one notch (7) serving as an expansion joint to compensate for deformation of the battery mounting components caused by heating and / or cooling; The reinforcing elements (4, 4a, 4b) are integrally connected to the plurality of battery holders (3, 3a, 3b).

2. The battery pack (10) according to claim 1, wherein, Both M and N are greater than 10.

3. The battery pack (10) of claim 1, wherein, The battery holders (3, 3a, 3b) and the reinforcing elements (4, 4a, 4b) are made of plastic.

4. The battery pack (10) according to claim 3, wherein, The plastic is butadiene styrene (ABS).

5. The battery pack (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The battery holders (3, 3a, 3b) and the reinforcing elements (4, 4a, 4b) are manufactured by injection die casting or vacuum casting.

6. The battery pack (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, On the battery holders (3, 3a, 3b), pin-shaped spacers (8) and reinforcing elements (4, 4a, 4b) are arranged alternately in the row direction.

7. The battery pack (10) according to claim 6, wherein, The reinforcing elements (4, 4a, 4b) extend in the longitudinal direction below the spacer (8).

8. The battery pack (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The battery cells (2, 2a, 2b) are connected in parallel in row M and in series in column N.

9. The battery pack (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The battery cells (2, 2a, 2b) are circular cells coated with plastic.

10. The battery pack (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The battery cells (2, 2a, 2b) are lithium iron phosphate battery cells.

11. The battery pack (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The battery holders (3, 3a, 3b) are cylindrical.

12. The battery pack (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The battery pack (10) has at least four channels (9a, 9b) for connecting elements.

13. Use of the battery pack (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 in a battery module for home applications.

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