Energy storage array for energy storage device

Abstract

An energy storage array for an energy storage device includes a first and a second electrode plate spaced apart from each other, a plurality of substrates slidably arranged between the electrode plates and configured to each receive an energy storage device, and a fixing device configured to fix the substrates.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to an energy storage array for an energy storage device.

[0002] Energy storage arrays are known, for example, in the form of battery or capacitor modules. Such modules comprise multiple interconnected energy storage devices, such as battery cells or capacitors, within a single array or module. These energy storage devices are used to store energy and can be used in a variety of applications.

[0003] A known drawback of energy storage arrays is that the individual energy storage units are typically interconnected via cables. Connecting the individual energy storage units in an array using cables can promote electrical losses and lead to performance degradation, especially in applications requiring rapid energy delivery. Cables can introduce additional parasitic resistance, which can result in a higher overall resistance of the energy storage array, thus reducing energy transfer efficiency. Cable connections are generally more susceptible to mechanical stress, vibration, or shock. This can affect module reliability, especially in environments with high mechanical stress. Cable connections can hinder heat dissipation, which may lead to higher operating temperatures.

[0004] Known energy storage arrays can only be put into operation at a very high cost, and the maintenance or replacement of individual energy storage devices is complex.

[0005] The objective of this invention is to overcome the known disadvantages of the prior art. Therefore, the objective of this invention can be particularly viewed as providing an energy storage array in which the individual energy storage devices are not connected to each other by cables, the energy storage array being able to be quickly and easily put into operation and / or enabling easy replacement of the individual energy storage devices.

[0006] To address this problem, an energy storage array for an energy storage device is provided, comprising a first and second electrode plate spaced apart from each other, a plurality of substrates slidably arranged between the electrode plates and configured to each receive an energy storage device, and a fixing device configured to fix the substrates.

[0007] Therefore, the energy storage array includes two plates. These two plates preferably have the same shape. The plates can be understood as preferably rectangular plates. The plates form the external conductive surface of the energy storage array. On one hand, the plates form a connection with the internal energy storage device; on the other hand, the plates provide external connections to the energy storage array. Therefore, according to the present invention, the plates can also be understood as connecting plates or end plates.

[0008] Preferably, the first and second plates form two opposite ends of the energy storage array. Each plate preferably has an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner sides are opposite to each other and the outer sides are opposite to each other.

[0009] The energy storage array preferably has a cubic shape, wherein the electrodes form two opposing side surfaces. Preferably, the electrodes form the entire surface of the two opposing side surfaces of the cube. These side surfaces including the electrodes, or those formed by the electrodes, preferably have the smallest of the six cubic surfaces. Preferably, more than half of the outer surface area of ​​the electrodes can be used as a conductive surface.

[0010] The substrate is a holding device for an energy storage device. Each substrate is designed to accommodate an energy storage device. An energy storage array comprises two or more substrates. Therefore, an energy storage array can have 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more substrates. The mounting surfaces of the substrates preferably form horizontally arranged planes. Preferably, the upper side of the substrate is designed to accommodate the energy storage device. In this case, the substrate is preferably arranged in the region of the energy storage array near the ground. However, according to the invention, the lower side of the substrate is also designed to accommodate the energy storage device. In this case, the substrate is preferably arranged in the region of the energy storage array near the top plate.

[0011] The substrates are arranged such that they can move between the electrodes. Therefore, the substrates can move in the direction of the first electrode and in the direction of the second electrode. Preferably, the substrates can be pushed against the first electrode, thereby forming contact between the substrates and the first electrode, or the substrates can be positioned close to the first electrode. Other substrates can follow the first substrate, such that the substrates are arranged adjacent to each other. In this way, the substrates are arranged in rows starting from the first electrode. The substrates are arranged in contact with or close to each other.

[0012] The energy storage array includes a fixing device configured to fix substrates. Preferably, the fixing device is designed to push the substrates together and secure them in this pushed-together state. Therefore, the fixing device is preferably designed to firmly hold the substrates in the pushed-together position and prevent movement. According to the invention, the pushed-together state can therefore be understood as meaning that the substrates are arranged close to each other or in direct contact with each other. Preferably, one substrate is positioned adjacent to a first electrode plate, while other substrates are arranged in rows adjacent to substrates next to the electrode plates.

[0013] The fixing device is also designed to release the substrate again, allowing the substrate to move again.

[0014] The fixing device is preferably arranged between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the fixing device includes an electrode connecting plate. The electrode connecting plate can be arranged such that the substrate is located between the electrode connecting plate and the first electrode plate.

[0016] The electrode connecting plate can be understood as a rectangular plate. The electrode connecting plate is designed to contact an energy storage device, which can be arranged between a first electrode plate and the electrode connecting plate. Preferably, the electrode connecting plate is designed to contact the energy storage device located on the substrate closest to the electrode connecting plate. The electrode connecting plate is preferably arranged to be movable between the first and second electrode plates. Preferably, the electrode connecting plate can be movable in the direction of the first and / or second electrode plates. Preferably, there is an electrical connection between the electrode connecting plate and the second electrode plate, such that the second electrode plate can make electrical contact with the energy storage device via the electrode connecting plate. Preferably, more than half of the surface of the electrode connecting plate facing the first electrode plate can be used as a conductive surface. Preferably, the electrode connecting plate is arranged parallel to the electrode plates.

[0017] The electrode connecting plate is preferably designed to push all substrates together. The electrode connecting plate is preferably designed to contact the substrate furthest from the first electrode plate and push that substrate toward the first electrode plate, thereby pushing all substrates together. Preferably, the side of the electrode connecting plate facing the first electrode plate has a substrate contact portion for contacting the substrate furthest from the first electrode plate and an electrical contact portion for electrical contact with an energy storage device located on the substrate. Preferably, the area of ​​the substrate contact region is in the range of 1%-25% of the total area of ​​the side of the electrode connecting plate facing the first electrode plate, preferably in the range of 5%-15%, and the area of ​​the electrical contact region is in the range of 75%-99% of the total area of ​​the side of the electrode connecting plate facing the first electrode plate, preferably in the range of 85%-95%.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fixing device includes a gear. The gear is preferably a self-locking gear. A self-locking gear has the advantage of preventing the possibility of unintentional reverse movement. In the fixing device according to the invention, this is important for ensuring the stable and secure positioning of the substrate and therefore the energy storage device. The self-locking gear allows the pole connection plate to remain in the desired position without being affected by forces acting on one or more output shafts.

[0019] The gear is preferably a worm gear. A gear with a worm ratio can achieve a high transmission ratio. In this way, high power transmission can be achieved at low speeds. However, according to the invention, a bevel gear can also be used.

[0020] The gear is preferably positioned between the pole connecting plate and the second pole plate. The gear is preferably designed to move the pole connecting plate in the direction of the first pole plate and return it in the direction of the second pole plate.

[0021] The gear preferably includes a drive shaft and one or more output shafts. Preferably, the drive shaft is designed as a worm, and each of the one or more output shafts includes a worm wheel, which is a corresponding wheel of the worm.

[0022] The drive shaft of the gear preferably extends parallel to the pole plate. That is, the axis of rotation of the drive shaft preferably extends parallel to the plane spanned by the pole plate. One or more output shafts of the gear preferably extend perpendicular to the plane spanned by the pole plate.

[0023] One or more output shafts may be individually connected to the pole connecting plate via bearings (preferably in the form of thrust bearings). The bearings can be used to disengage the rotational movement of one or more output shafts. The rotational movement of one or more output shafts can cause the one or more output shafts to move together with the pole connecting plate in the direction of the first pole plate.

[0024] The gears (preferably each output shaft) preferably have a pressure regulating device. The pressure regulating device is preferably designed to adjust the position of one or more output shafts relative to the drive shaft. In this way, the position of the pole connecting plate and thus the pressure acting on the substrate or energy storage device can be adjusted for a given position of the drive shaft.

[0025] The substrate is preferably slidably mounted individually. The substrate may have a first sliding element. Therefore, each substrate may have one or more first sliding elements. These first sliding elements facilitate movement of the substrate between the electrodes. The first sliding elements of the substrate are preferably arranged on the side of the substrate not intended to receive an energy storage device. Preferably, the first sliding elements are arranged on the underside of the substrate. Preferably, the first sliding elements comprise linear ball bearings and / or sliding bushings and / or sliding brackets. The first sliding elements are preferably designed to engage in or surround one or more linear guides.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the energy storage array includes one or more linear guides. These one or more linear guides preferably extend perpendicular to the electrode plates and / or electrode connecting plates. One or more linear guides may extend from the first electrode plate toward the second electrode plate. Preferably, one or more linear guides extend at least as far as the mounting device, and more preferably as far as the electrode connecting plate of the mounting device.

[0027] According to the present invention, a linear guide can be understood as a mechanical component capable of achieving precise and low-friction linear movement of a substrate. Preferably, the linear guide is designed as a slide rail or slide tube, wherein a first sliding element of the substrate is movable on the slide rail or slide tube. Thus, the first sliding element, such as a linear ball bearing and / or a sliding bushing, can be used to achieve low-friction linear movement relative to a fixed linear guide. Preferably, the energy storage array comprises two linear guides.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the substrates are elastically mounted such that the substrates closest to the electrode plate separate from the electrode plate when no force is applied by the fixing device. In an advantageous embodiment, the substrates are elastically mounted such that the substrates separate from each other when no force is applied by the fixing device. In an advantageous embodiment, the substrates are elastically mounted such that the substrates closest to the fixing device separate from the fixing device when no force is applied by the fixing device. This means that the substrates, which have been pushed together by the fixing device, automatically separate or move away from each other from the first electrode plate and / or from the fixing device after being released by the fixing device (e.g., by moving the electrode connecting plate in the direction of the second electrode plate). This allows for rapid disconnection of the electrical contact between the electrode plate and the energy storage device, as well as between the energy storage device itself. Preferably, a spring element is arranged between the first electrode plate and the adjacent substrate and / or between the substrates and / or between the fixing device (especially the electrode connecting plate) and the adjacent substrate. The spring element is preferably in the form of a disc spring. Disc springs have the advantage of saving space and can provide high spring force in a small space.

[0029] Preferably, each substrate includes one or more guiding elements for guiding the energy storage device. On one hand, the guiding elements ensure that the energy storage device can be precisely pushed onto the substrate. Preferably, the substrate has a stop for the energy storage device. While the guiding elements control the movement of the energy storage device parallel to the plane of the electrode, the stop prevents the energy storage device from moving beyond the ends of the substrate. The energy storage device preferably has a counter element corresponding to the guiding element. In an advantageous embodiment, the guiding element is designed as a spring, and the corresponding counter element of the energy storage device is designed as a groove, or conversely, the guiding element is designed as a groove, and the corresponding counter element of the energy storage device is designed as a spring.

[0030] The guiding element is preferably designed so that the energy storage device can only be attached to the substrate in a specific orientation. The energy storage device is preferably designed so that it can only be attached to the substrate in a specified orientation. This ensures that incorrect installation and resulting short circuits are avoided. Preferably, the guiding element is designed asymmetrically along the viewing direction of the guiding element for this purpose. The asymmetrical design creates a mechanical safety feature that ensures that the energy storage device can only be installed in the intended correct location.

[0031] Instead of the guiding elements attached to the substrate, or in addition to the guiding elements attached to the substrate, the energy storage array may have additional guiding elements. These guiding elements can perform the same function as the aforementioned guiding elements on the substrate, and are preferably asymmetrical. Preferably, these additional guiding elements are designed to interact with the side of the energy storage device opposite to the side facing the substrate. Preferably, the additional guiding elements are attached to the top plate of the energy storage array and extend in the direction of the substrate. Preferably, one or more guiding elements are provided for each slot for the energy storage device.

[0032] Therefore, the guiding elements of the substrate and / or other guiding elements for guiding the energy storage devices ensure that the energy storage devices can only be inserted into the energy storage array with the same orientation. This prevents short circuits because all energy storage devices can only be inserted with the same polar orientation. However, according to the invention, the guiding elements of the substrate and / or other guiding elements are adapted in such a way that the energy storage devices can be inserted with different orientations, preferably with an orientation rotated 180°. In this way, the polar orientation of the energy storage array can be easily changed. Preferably, the guiding elements or a portion of each guiding element can be repositioned, tightened, pivoted, and / or otherwise repositioned to adjust the orientation of the energy storage device to be inserted, thereby adjusting the polar orientation.

[0033] Each substrate preferably includes a locking device for locking and unlocking the energy storage device. The locking device is preferably designed to lock the energy storage device that has been fully attached to or pushed onto the substrate. According to the invention, "locking" is understood herein to mean that removal of the energy storage device positioned on the substrate is inhibited by the locking device. Preferably, the locking device is automatically activated once the energy storage device is fully positioned on the substrate. The locking device may have a preferably spring-loaded locking lever that automatically engages in the energy storage device once it is fully positioned on the substrate. The energy storage device preferably has a corresponding latching device designed to securely hold the locking device in place. The locking device is also designed to release or unlock the locked energy storage device. Unlocking is preferably performed by actuating (e.g., moving or pivoting) the locking lever against a spring force.

[0034] The substrate can be designed such that the energy storage device automatically, at least partially, moves away from the substrate upon unlocking. For this purpose, the energy storage array (preferably the substrate) can have a spring that is compressed when the energy storage device is placed or pushed in. When the substrate unlocks, the spring pushes the energy storage device at least partially away from the substrate.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment, each substrate includes a second sliding element, preferably in the form of a sliding roller. These second sliding elements are preferably designed to reduce friction between the substrate and the energy storage device. The second sliding elements are preferably arranged on the side of the substrate intended to contact the energy storage device. Preferably, each substrate has one or more sliding elements.

[0036] Preferably, the energy storage array comprises one energy storage device per substrate. The energy storage devices are electrically connected to each other and to the electrode plates by pushing the substrates, and thus the energy storage devices together. Preferably, there is direct contact between two directly adjacent energy storage devices. Therefore, it is not necessary to wire the energy storage devices to each other or to the electrode plates. Each energy storage device has a side surface arranged parallel to the plane of the electrode plate, each having a contact surface for contacting adjacent energy storage devices, electrode plates, or fixing devices. This contact surface preferably occupies at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, and particularly preferably at least 85% of the side surface. This large surface area ensures low internal resistance and good heat dissipation.

[0037] The energy storage device is preferably a group consisting of a free capacitor, a battery, and a storage battery. A supercapacitor, preferably in the form of a double-layer capacitor, is particularly preferred as an energy storage device.

[0038] A further objective of this invention is to provide a method for commissioning an energy storage array that overcomes the known drawbacks of the prior art. Therefore, the objective of this invention is particularly to provide a method for commissioning an energy storage array that can be performed simply and quickly.

[0039] To address this issue, a method for commissioning energy storage arrays is provided, comprising the following steps: a) Arranging the energy storage device on the substrate, preferably by sliding the energy storage device onto the substrate. b) Optionally, the energy storage device can be locked onto the substrate. c) Pushing the substrates with energy storage devices together, preferably by means of an actuating gear. d) Optionally, the electrode plates may be connected, for example, to an external device.

[0040] Preferably, these steps are performed in a specified order. Preferably, the method consists of specified steps.

[0041] The description of the energy storage array according to the invention and the method for commissioning the energy storage array according to the invention should be understood as complementary to each other; therefore, method details explained in relation to the energy storage array should also be understood individually or in combination as method details. Features of the energy storage array explained in relation to the method according to the invention should also be understood individually or in combination as features of the energy storage array.

[0042] The invention will now be explained again by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the energy storage array according to the present invention is shown. The energy storage array 1 includes a cuboid housing, wherein a first electrode plate 2 and a second electrode plate 3 form two opposing sidewalls. The outer sides of the electrode plates 2 and 3 represent terminals of the energy storage array. A fixing device 9 is arranged on the inner side of the second electrode plate 3. Substrates 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 are arranged between the fixing device 9 and the first electrode plate 2. Substrates 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 can be pressed together by the fixing device 9 and pushed toward the first electrode plate 2. The substrates are arranged such that their undersides slide on a linear guide extending from the first electrode plate 2 toward the fixing device 9. An energy storage device can be inserted into the energy storage array through the front opening of the housing shown in the view, whereby each substrate 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 is designed to accommodate an energy storage device. The inner sides of the electrode plate 2 and the fixing device 9 can be in electrical contact with the inserted energy storage device. An electrical connection exists from the inner side of the fixing device 9 to the outer side of the electrode plate 3.

[0044] Figure 2 The diagram shows energy storage devices 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 with insertion. Figure 1 An energy storage array. The first electrode 2 represents the anode, and the second electrode 3 represents the cathode. The substrates 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, including energy storage devices 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, are pushed together by a fixing device, such that an electrical connection exists from the first electrode 2 to the second electrode 3 through the energy storage devices 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 and the fixing device 9. The direction of the current can be reversed by rotating the energy storage device so that the lower side is on top. However, for this to be done, the asymmetric guiding element must be adjusted (see...). Figure 5 (positioning)

[0045] Figure 3A cross-section of an energy storage array with inserted energy storage devices according to the invention is shown along a plane orthogonal to the electrode plates. The energy storage devices are positioned on substrates 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. These substrates are pushed together by a fixing device including an electrode connecting plate 15 and a gear 16. Spring elements 18, 19, 20, and 21 are arranged between the individual substrates. These spring elements ensure that the individual substrates separate from each other once the electrode connecting plate 15 moves toward the second electrode plate, i.e., to the right. Furthermore, spring elements are arranged between the first electrode plate and substrate 4, and between the electrode connecting plate 15 and substrate 8, which ensure that once the electrode connecting plate 15 moves toward the second electrode plate, i.e., to the right, the substrates 4 and 8 move away from the first electrode plate or the electrode connecting plate 15. An asymmetrical guide element 38 ensures that the energy storage devices can only be inserted into the energy storage array in one orientation.

[0046] Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment of the gear 16 of the fixing device is shown. The gear 16 includes a drive shaft 23 and two output shafts 24, 25. The drive shaft 23 has two worms meshing with worm gears 26, 27. This design means that the gears are self-locking, such that rotational forces acting on the output shafts 24, 25 do not cause the drive shaft 23 to rotate. Thrust bearings 28, 29 are arranged at the ends of each of the output shafts 24, 25 and are intended to connect to a pole plate (not shown). When the drive shaft 23 rotates in one direction, the output shafts 24, 25 move in a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft 23. When the drive shaft 23 rotates in another direction, the output shafts 24, 25 move in another direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft 23. For example, clockwise rotation of drive shaft 23 causes output shafts 24 and 25 to move away from drive shaft 23, and thus thrust bearings 28 and 29 to move away from drive shaft 23, while counterclockwise rotation of drive shaft 23 causes output shafts 24 and 25 to move toward drive shaft 23, and thus thrust bearings 28 and 29 to move toward drive shaft 23.

[0047] Figure 5An exemplary embodiment of the substrate 5 is shown. First sliding elements 30, 31, in the form of sliding bushings, are attached to the lower side. These first sliding elements 30, 31 are designed to engage around and move along linear guides. The upper side of the substrate 5 is designed to accommodate an energy storage device. The energy storage device can be pushed onto the substrate 5 from the left-hand side until it encounters a stop 36. For this purpose, a guide element 43, in the form of a guide rail, is attached to the upper side. The guide element 43 has a protrusion 32 on one side, and is therefore asymmetrical. The substrate 5 also has a locking device 37 in the form of a locking lever. The locking lever is resiliently mounted such that when the energy storage device is placed on the substrate 5, the locking lever is pressed downwards, and once the energy storage device has been fully inserted into the substrate 5 and locked in place, the locking lever automatically moves upwards again. This prevents the energy storage device from being removed from the substrate 5 without actuating the locking device. The upper side of the substrate 5 also has second sliding elements 33, 34, 35 in the form of sliding rollers.

[0048] Figure 6 A cross-section is shown along a plane parallel to the electrode plates through a substrate 5 with a partially inserted energy storage device 11. As the energy storage device 11 is further pushed onto the substrate 5, a locking device 37 in the form of a locking lever is initially pressed downwards by a latching device 39 of the energy storage device 11. As the energy storage device 11 is further pushed onto the substrate 5 towards the stop 36, the locking lever will move towards the energy storage device 11 after passing the latching device 39, preventing the energy storage device 11 from being pulled out of the substrate 5.

[0049] Figure 7 An energy storage device 11 is shown fully pushed onto the substrate 5. A spring 42 is attached near the stop 36, and when the locking device 37 is unlocked by actuating the unlocking switch 41, the spring 42 causes the energy storage device 11 to move at least partially away from the substrate 5. The energy storage device 11 has an additional latching device 40 on its upper side, which is designed to interact with another locking device attached to a region near the top plate of the energy storage array.

Claims

1. An energy storage array for an energy storage device, comprising: A first electrode plate and a second electrode plate, which are spaced apart from each other. Multiple substrates, slidably arranged between the electrodes and configured to each receive an energy storage device, and A fixing device configured to fix the substrate.

2. The energy storage array according to claim 1, wherein, The first electrode and the second electrode form two opposite ends of the energy storage array.

3. The energy storage array according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The fixing device includes an electrode connecting plate, which is arranged such that the substrate is located between the electrode connecting plate and the first electrode plate.

4. The energy storage array according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The fixing device is designed to push the substrates together and to fix the substrates in the pushed-together state, and to release the substrates again.

5. The energy storage array according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The fixing device includes a gear, preferably a self-locking gear, and preferably, the gear is arranged between the pole connecting plate and the second pole plate.

6. The energy storage array according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The drive shaft of the gear extends parallel to the pole plate, and / or wherein, Each of the one or more output shafts is connected to the pole connecting plate via a bearing, preferably in the form of a thrust bearing.

7. The energy storage array according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The substrate is individually and slidably mounted, preferably wherein the substrate has a first sliding element, the first sliding element being preferably designed to engage or surround one or more linear guides.

8. The energy storage array according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising one or more linear guides, said one or more linear guides preferably extending perpendicularly to the electrode plate and / or the electrode connecting plate, preferably wherein said linear guides extend from the first electrode plate toward the electrode connecting plate.

9. The energy storage array according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The substrate is elastically mounted such that, without the application of force by the fixing device, the substrate adjacent to the electrode plate separates from the electrode plate, and / or the substrates separate from each other, and / or the substrate adjacent to the fixing device separates from the fixing device.

10. The energy storage array according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The spring element is arranged between the first electrode plate and the adjacent substrate, and / or between the substrates, and / or between the fixing device and the adjacent substrate, particularly between the electrode connecting plate and the adjacent substrate.

11. The energy storage array according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, Each of the substrates includes one or more guiding elements for guiding the energy storage device.

12. The energy storage array according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The guiding element is asymmetric.

13. The energy storage array according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, Each of the substrates includes a locking device for locking and unlocking the energy storage device.

14. The energy storage array according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, Each substrate includes a second sliding element, preferably a sliding roller, which is preferably designed to reduce friction between the substrate and the energy storage device.

15. A method for commissioning an energy storage array, preferably the energy storage array according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the method comprising the following steps: a) Arranging the energy storage device on the substrate, preferably by sliding the energy storage device onto the substrate. b) Optionally, the energy storage device can be locked onto the substrate. c) Pushing the substrates having the energy storage device together, preferably by means of an actuating gear. d) The electrode plate may be connected optionally.

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