Mechanical connection between accumulator modules and a support plate

Abstract

Device for mechanically connecting at least one accumulator module (2) of a modularly constructed accumulator (1) with a support plate (3), wherein at least one traction element (4), which in its intended arrangement on the accumulator module (2) and the support plate (3) engages on one side (10, 11) of the accumulator module (2) facing away from the support plate (3) and on the other side (12) of the support plate (3) facing away from the accumulator module (2), and wherein the traction element (4) comprises at least two bearing blocks (7, 8) and at least one clamping element (9), wherein one bearing block (7) engages the side (10, 11) of the accumulator module (2) facing away from the support plate (3) and the other bearing block (8) engages the side (12) of the support plate (3) facing away from the accumulator module (2), wherein the bearing blocks (7, 8) are mechanically connected to each other and clampable against each other via the clamping element (9), and wherein furthermore the clamping device (9) is designed as a clamping screw, characterized by the fact that where at least two accumulator modules (2) are to be mechanically connected to the support plate (3), at least two tensioning elements (4) arranged adjacent to each other on a common side of the accumulator modules (2) are mechanically connected to each other via at least one additional tensioning element (16), and wherein the additional tensioning device (16) is attached on one side to at least one bearing block (7, 8) of a tensioning device (4) and on the other side to at least one bearing block (7, 8) of a further tensioning device (4) arranged adjacent to this tensioning device (4).

Description

State of the art

[0001] In electrically powered motor vehicles, particularly electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, batteries are used to supply the vehicle's electrical drive components with electrical energy via a vehicle-side high-voltage electrical system. For this purpose, battery modules are used, each containing at least two battery cells, which can be connected in series or parallel. These battery modules can be combined into larger battery subunits, which can be combined with a common cooling system. A battery can ultimately be constructed from two or more of these battery subunits.Depending on the available installation space, the accumulator modules and accumulator subunits can be arranged on top of each other in several levels to form an accumulator.

[0002] It is expected that in the future, new battery systems will be used in both stationary applications, such as wind turbines and motor vehicles, and in consumer devices, such as laptops, mobile phones, and similar products. These new systems will be subject to very high demands regarding their reliability, performance, and lifespan. An important parameter for performance is the specific energy of a battery, measured in watt-hours per kilogram (Wh / kg), which indicates how much electrical energy can be stored in one kilogram of battery.

[0003] The battery modules are typically connected individually to a mounting plate, which can also serve as a cooling system. Mechanical connection between the battery modules themselves is usually not provided. The connection between the individual battery modules and the mounting plate is generally achieved using short bolts. Due to the large mass of the battery modules and their centers of gravity being located some distance from the bolted connections, high dynamic loads occur at the bolted connections during operation of a suitably equipped vehicle.

[0004] State of the art in this regard includes, for example, the publications DE 31 26 594 A1 and JP H10-149 805 A as well as US 3 664 877 A and CN 2 01 326 269 Y. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] The object of the invention is to create an improved mechanical connection between accumulator modules and a support plate, thereby increasing the stiffness of a correspondingly designed accumulator.

[0006] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a device having the features of claim 1 and an accumulator having the features of claim 9. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims, each of which, individually or in combination, can represent an aspect of the invention.

[0007] Not according to the invention, a device for mechanically connecting at least two accumulator modules of a modularly constructed accumulator with a support plate arranged between the accumulator modules is proposed, comprising at least one traction element which, in its intended arrangement on the accumulator module and the support plate, engages on the one hand on the side of the accumulator module arranged on one side of the support plate facing away from the support plate and on the other hand on the side of the accumulator module arranged on the other side of the support plate facing away from the support plate.

[0008] When using such a device, a conventional mechanical connection between the battery modules and the mounting plate via direct screw connections is not required. Instead, the mechanical connection between the battery modules and the mounting plate positioned between them is achieved by the intended arrangement of at least one tension member, which applies tensile forces and thereby clamps the mounting plate between the two battery modules. Due to the distance between the aforementioned attachment points, the tension member is significantly longer than the screws of conventional screw connections, which results in a reduction of preload forces and very good dynamic load-bearing capacity of a suitably equipped battery. This also gives the tension member a longer service life than the screws of conventional screw connections.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment, the traction element comprises at least two bearing blocks and at least one clamping device, wherein one bearing block engages the side of the accumulator module arranged on one side of the support plate facing away from the support plate, and the other bearing block engages the side of the accumulator module arranged on the other side of the support plate facing away from the support plate. The bearing blocks are mechanically connected to each other and can be clamped against each other via the clamping device. The shape of the bearing blocks is preferably adapted to the respective shape of the surface to which they engage. Preferably, differently shaped bearing blocks can be combined with a specific clamping device in order to easily adapt the device to various applications.If the bearing blocks of a traction element are arranged on the accumulator modules as intended, a force is exerted on the bearing blocks via the clamping device, whereby the force exerted on one bearing block is opposite to the force exerted on the other bearing block, which can cause the bearing blocks to clamp against each other.

[0010] Claim 1 proposes a device for mechanically connecting at least one accumulator module of a modularly constructed accumulator to a support plate, characterized by at least one tensile element which, when arranged as intended, engages on the accumulator module and the support plate on the one hand on the side of the accumulator module facing away from the support plate and on the other hand on the side of the support plate facing away from the accumulator module.

[0011] When using a device according to claim 1, a conventional mechanical connection between the accumulator module and the support plate via direct screw connections is not required. Instead, the mechanical connection between the accumulator module and the support plate is achieved by the intended arrangement of at least one tensile element, which applies tensile forces and thereby presses the support plate against the accumulator module. Due to the spacing of the aforementioned contact points, the tensile element according to claim 1 is significantly longer than the screws of conventional screw connections, which results in a reduction of preload forces and very good dynamic load-bearing capacity of a correspondingly equipped accumulator. This also gives the tensile element a longer service life than the screws of conventional screw connections.

[0012] According to the invention, the traction element comprises at least two bearing blocks and at least one clamping device, wherein one bearing block engages the side of the accumulator module facing away from the support plate and the other bearing block engages the side of the support plate facing away from the accumulator module, wherein the bearing blocks are mechanically connected to each other via the clamping device and can be clamped against each other. The shape of the bearing blocks is preferably adapted to the respective shape of the surface to which they engage. Preferably, differently shaped bearing blocks can be combined with a specific clamping device in order to easily adapt the device to different applications. If the bearing blocks of a traction element are intended to be attached to the accumulator module or the support plate, respectively, the clamping device can be used to secure the bearing blocks to the support plate.When the bearing blocks are arranged on the bearing plate, a force is exerted on them via the clamping device, whereby the force exerted on one bearing block is opposite to the force exerted on the other bearing block, thereby causing the bearing blocks to clamp against each other.

[0013] According to the invention, the clamping device is further configured as a clamping screw or clamping strap. The specific choice of clamping device depends on the particular technical requirements. If a clamping screw is selected, it can preferably interact with an internal thread formed on one of the bearing blocks of the clamping device. Such a clamping device can also be referred to as a tension anchor. Preferably, the at least one clamping screw is accessible from above when mounting a suitably designed accumulator in the motor vehicle. This increases the ease of installation associated with such an accumulator. A tensioning strap made of fabric can be used.

[0014] Another advantageous embodiment provides that, in the case of at least two accumulator modules to be mechanically connected to the support plate, at least one traction element simultaneously engages the sides of two adjacent accumulator modules facing away from the support plate. This reduces the total number of traction elements required, resulting in a corresponding weight saving.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the invention, if, in at least two accumulator modules to be mechanically connected to the support plate, at least two tension elements arranged adjacent to each other on a common side of the accumulator modules are mechanically connected to each other via at least one additional clamping element. This further improves the overall construction for clamping the accumulator modules to each other, in particular to better absorb dynamic loads acting on a correspondingly designed accumulator.

[0016] Advantageously, the additional clamping device engages at least one bearing block of a tension member and at least one bearing block of another tension member located adjacent to that tension member. The bearing blocks must be designed accordingly. Since the additional clamping device does not engage the clamping devices of adjacent tension members, no transverse forces act on the clamping devices of these tension members that could cause them to detach.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment, the additional clamping device engages, on the one hand, the bearing block of a tension member located on the side of an accumulator module facing away from the support plate, and on the other hand, the bearing block of the additional tension member located on the side of the support plate facing away from the accumulator module. This ensures that the tensile forces applied by the tension members are supplemented, and that the device optimally absorbs transverse forces and / or shear forces acting on a suitably designed accumulator.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment, two tension members arranged adjacent to each other on a common side of the accumulator modules are mechanically connected to each other via at least two clamping devices, wherein the additional clamping devices cross each other when arranged as intended on the accumulator modules and the support plate. This cross-bracing can very effectively absorb transverse forces and / or shear forces acting on a suitably designed accumulator.

[0019] Preferably, the device is designed such that, with at least two accumulator modules mechanically connected to the support plate, at least two accumulator modules are arranged between two tension members positioned adjacent to each other on a common side of the accumulator modules. This further reduces the number of tension members required and thus the weight of the device. It is also possible for three or more accumulator modules to be arranged between the tension members positioned adjacent to each other on a common side of the accumulator modules. This leads to a further reduction in the number of tension members required, but may, under certain circumstances, result in a weakening of the stiffness of a correspondingly designed accumulator subunit.

[0020] A further advantageous embodiment provides that, in the case of several accumulator modules to be mechanically connected to the support plate, the tensioning elements arranged on one common side of the accumulator modules are offset from the tensioning elements arranged on the opposite common side of the accumulator modules. This ensures optimal tensioning of the accumulator modules using as few tensioning elements as possible.

[0021] It is further considered advantageous if the mounting plate is at least partially made of a thermally conductive material. This allows the mounting plate to be used as a common cooling device for cooling the accumulator modules mounted on it. For this purpose, the mounting plate can also be made entirely of a thermally conductive material.

[0022] Furthermore, it is proposed that at least one bearing block of at least one tension member be designed in such a way that it can be mechanically connected to an accumulator housing or an accumulator support structure. This allows the entire assembly, consisting of accumulator modules, support plate, tension members, and possibly additional clamping devices, to be attached to the accumulator housing or another accumulator support structure that at least partially surrounds the accumulator modules.

[0023] Claim 9 proposes an accumulator comprising at least two accumulator modules and a support plate, characterized by at least one device according to one of the above embodiments or any combination thereof. This incorporates the advantages mentioned above.

[0024] The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures and preferred embodiments, wherein the features shown below can represent an aspect of the invention both individually and in combination with one another. The figures show... Fig. 1: a schematic representation of a first embodiment of an accumulator not according to the invention, Fig. 2: a schematic representation of a further embodiment for a non-inventive accumulator, Fig. 3: a schematic and perspective representation of the in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown embodiment for the traction element of the device, Fig. 4: a schematic representation of an embodiment of the accumulator according to the invention, Fig. 5: a schematic and perspective representation of an embodiment of the accumulator according to the invention, and Fig. 6: a schematic and perspective representation of a further embodiment for a bearing block of a traction element of the device according to the invention.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a modularly constructed accumulator 1 not according to the invention. The accumulator 1 has at least two accumulator modules 2, which are mechanically connected via a device according to the invention to a support plate 3 made of thermally conductive material arranged between the accumulator modules 2. For this purpose, the device comprises four tension members 4, of which in Fig. 1 Only two traction elements 4 arranged on the side of the accumulator 1 facing the viewer are visible. The traction elements 4 are arranged as intended on the accumulator modules 2 and the support plate 3. In this intended arrangement, the traction elements 4 engage on the one hand on the side 5 of the accumulator module 2 facing away from the support plate 3. Fig. 1 left side of the support plate 3 of the accumulator module 2 and on the other hand on the side 6 of the support plate 3 facing away from the support plate 3. Fig. 1 right side of the support plate 3 arranged accumulator module 2.

[0026] The traction elements 4 each have two bearing blocks 7 and 8 and a clamping device 9 in the form of a clamping screw. One bearing block 7 engages the side 5 of the accumulator module 2, located on the left side 5 of the support plate 3, which faces away from the support plate 3, and the other bearing block 8 engages the side 6 of the accumulator module 2, located on the right side of the support plate 3, which faces away from the support plate 3. The bearing blocks 7 and 8 are mechanically connected to each other via the clamping device 9 and can be clamped against each other, with this clamping effect being achieved by actuating the clamping device 9.

[0027] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment for a non-inventive accumulator 1. The accumulator 1 comprises two accumulator modules 2, which are mechanically connected to the support plate 3 made of thermally conductive material via a device according to the invention.

[0028] For this purpose, the device has six traction elements 4, of which in Fig. 2 only three traction elements 4 arranged on the side of the accumulator 1 facing the viewer are visible. The in Fig. The two traction elements 4, arranged as intended on the accumulator modules 2 and the support plate 3, each engage on one side at the side 10 or 11 of the accumulator modules 2 facing away from the support plate 3 and on the other side at the side 12 of the support plate 3 facing away from the accumulator modules 2. The middle traction elements 4 engage simultaneously on the sides 10 and 11 of the two adjacent accumulator modules 2 facing away from the support plate 3.

[0029] The traction elements 4 each have two bearing blocks 7 and 8 and a clamping device 9 in the form of a clamping screw. Each bearing block 7 engages the side 10 or 11 of the accumulator module 2 facing away from the support plate 3, and each other bearing block 8 engages the side of the support plate 3 facing away from the accumulator modules 2, with the middle bearing blocks 7 simultaneously engaging sides 10 and 11 of the accumulator modules 2. The bearing blocks 7 and 8 are mechanically connected to each other via the clamping device 9 and can be clamped against each other, with this clamping effect being achieved by actuating the clamping device 9.

[0030] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic and perspective representation of the [structure / project] in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 2 for the tensioning element 4 of the device. The bearing blocks 7 and 8 each have a hook-shaped contour with which they are arranged on the accumulator modules 2 and the bearing plate 3, respectively. The head 13 of the clamping element 9, designed as a clamping screw, is supported against an abutment 14 of the bearing block 7, while an external thread 15 arranged at the opposite end of the clamping element 9 interacts with an internal thread formed on the bearing block 8, thereby enabling the clamping of the bearing blocks 7 and 8 against each other.

[0031] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a section of an embodiment of the accumulator 1 according to the invention. The tension elements 4 arranged adjacent to each other on the common side of the accumulator modules 2 facing the viewer are mechanically connected to each other via two additional clamping elements 16. The same applies to the tension elements 4 arranged adjacent to each other on the common side of the accumulator modules 2 facing away from the viewer. The additional clamping elements 16 are also designed as clamping screws. The in Fig. The device shown in Figure 4 is designed such that two accumulator modules 2 are arranged between two tensioning devices 4, which are arranged adjacent to each other on a common side of the accumulator modules 2. The tensioning devices 9 and 16 can be actuated from above and are therefore easily accessible for assembly purposes.

[0032] The additional clamping devices 16 engage on one side a bearing block 7 or 8 of a tension member 4 and on the other side at least one bearing block 8 or 7 of a further tension member 4 arranged adjacent to this tension member 4. The additional clamping devices 16 each engage on one side a bearing block 7 of a tension member 4 that engages the side 10 or 11 of an accumulator module 2 facing away from the support plate 3 and on the other side the bearing block 8 of the further tension member 4 that engages the side of the support plate 3 facing away from the accumulator module 2. The additional clamping devices 9 cross each other at their Fig. 4 shown intended arrangement on the accumulator modules 2 and the support plate 3.

[0033] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic and perspective representation of an embodiment of the accumulator 1 according to the invention. The structure of this accumulator 1 essentially corresponds to that described in Figure 5. Fig. 4 shown assembly of accumulator module 1. The one on the in Fig. The traction elements 4 arranged on the front common side of the accumulator modules 2 are offset from the traction elements 4 arranged on the rear common side of the accumulator modules 2 opposite this side.

[0034] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic and perspective view of a further embodiment for a bearing block 8 of a traction element 4 of the device according to the invention. The bearing block 8 is designed such that it can be mechanically connected to an accumulator housing or an accumulator support structure (not shown). For this purpose, bores 17 are formed in the bearing block 8 through which a fastening element (not shown), for example a screw, can be guided.

Claims

[1] Device for mechanically connecting at least one accumulator module (2) of a modular accumulator (1) to a support plate (3), wherein at least one traction element (4), which in its intended arrangement on the accumulator module (2) and the support plate (3) engages on the one hand the side (10, 11) of the accumulator module (2) facing away from the support plate (3) and on the other hand the side (12) of the support plate (3) facing away from the accumulator module (2), and wherein the traction element (4) comprises at least two bearing blocks (7, 8) and at least one clamping element (9), wherein one bearing block (7) engages the side (10, 11) of the accumulator module (2) facing away from the support plate (3) and the other bearing block (8) engages the side (12) of the support plate (3) facing away from the accumulator module (2), wherein the bearing blocks (7, 8) are mechanically connected to each other and clampable against each other via the clamping element (9), and wherein furthermore the clamping device (9) is designed as a clamping screw, characterized by , that where at least two accumulator modules (2) are to be mechanically connected to the support plate (3), at least two tensioning elements (4) arranged adjacent to each other on a common side of the accumulator modules (2) are mechanically connected to each other via at least one additional tensioning element (16), and wherein the additional tensioning device (16) is attached on one side to at least one bearing block (7, 8) of a tensioning device (4) and on the other side to at least one bearing block (7, 8) of a further tensioning device (4) arranged adjacent to this tensioning device (4). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that in the case of at least two accumulator modules (2) to be mechanically connected to the support plate (3) at least one traction element (4) simultaneously acts on the sides (10, 11) of two accumulator modules (2) arranged adjacent to each other that are facing away from the support plate (3). [3] Device according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized by , that the additional clamping device (16) engages on the one hand the bearing block (7) of a traction element (4) which engages on the side (10, 11) of an accumulator module (2) facing away from the support plate (3) and on the other hand the bearing block (8) of the further traction element (4) which engages on the side (12) of the support plate (3) facing away from the accumulator module (2). [4] Device according to claim 3, characterized by , that two tensioning elements (4) arranged adjacent to each other on a common side of the accumulator modules (2) are mechanically connected to each other via at least two clamping elements (16), wherein the additional clamping elements (16) cross each other when arranged as intended on the accumulator modules (2) and the support plate (3). [5] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that the device is designed such that, in the case of at least two accumulator modules (2) to be mechanically connected to the support plate (3), at least two accumulator modules (2) are arranged between two traction elements (4) arranged adjacent to each other on a common side of the accumulator modules (2). [6] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that in the case of several accumulator modules (2) to be mechanically connected to the support plate (3), the traction elements (4) arranged on a common side of the accumulator modules (2) are arranged offset from the traction elements (4) arranged on the common side of the accumulator modules (2) opposite this side. [7] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the support plate (3) is at least partially made of a thermally conductive material. [8] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, that at least one bearing block (8) of at least one traction element (4) is designed in such a way that it can be mechanically connected to an accumulator housing or an accumulator support structure. [9] Accumulator (1) with at least two accumulator modules (2) and a support plate (3), characterized by at least one device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8.

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