Device for fastening and guiding a cable and traction battery of a motor vehicle

Abstract

Device (21b) for fastening and guiding a cable (20) in the region of a gap between assemblies, in particular in the region of a gap (19) between a battery housing (11) of a traction battery (10) of a motor vehicle and module housings (16) of battery modules (15) of the traction battery (10) or in the region of a gap between a body structure of the motor vehicle and module housings (16) of battery modules (15) of a traction battery (10) and / or in the region of a gap between module housings (16) of battery modules (15), wherein the device (21b) comprises a monolithic body (22) made of a foam, wherein the monolithic body (22) made of foam has a fastening and guiding section (23) for a cable, wherein the fastening and guiding section (23) has a width which is smaller than the width of the gap, wherein the monolithic body (22) made of foam further comprises an insertion and clamping section (24), via which the device (21b) together with the respective cable mounted on the fastening and guide section (23) can be inserted at least partially into the gap and clamped in the gap, wherein the insertion and clamping section (24) has a width which is greater than the width of the gap, at least in the region of clamping lugs (25) thereof, wherein the insertion and clamping section (24) has at least one projection (26) which engages in a central region of the fastening and guiding section (23) on a first longitudinal side of the fastening and guiding section (23) in such a way that the fastening and guiding section (23) protrudes laterally relative to the respective projection (26), wherein the respective cable can be mounted on a second longitudinal side of the fastening and guiding section (23) opposite the first longitudinal side.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for fastening and guiding a cable in the region of a gap between assemblies, in particular in the region of a gap between a battery housing of a traction battery of a motor vehicle and module housings of battery modules of the traction battery, or in the region of a gap between a body structure of a motor vehicle and module housings of battery modules of a traction battery, and / or in the region of a gap between module housings of battery modules of a traction battery. Furthermore, the invention relates to a traction battery of a motor vehicle.

[0002] Traction batteries for motor vehicles, specifically for electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles, typically have a battery housing in which battery modules are housed. Traction batteries for motor vehicles without a separate battery housing are also known. In this case, at least some of the battery modules are directly adjacent to the body structure of a motor vehicle.

[0003] Each battery module has a module housing and battery cells housed in the module housing. Furthermore, a battery module can have a control unit within the module housing. The control unit of a battery module can also be arranged outside the module housing in its own housing, particularly when several battery modules share a common control unit. Cables run between the battery modules, particularly between their control units. In traction batteries known from practice, these cables are attached and guided via devices; these devices are designed as hard and dimensionally stable plastic clips made of polypropylene. The problem here is that, for example, in the event of a crash, such hard and stable plastic clips can damage the module housings of battery modules and the battery cells arranged in the module housing.

[0004] A grommet for guiding a cable is known from DE 101 40 714 A1.

[0005] In US 2016 / 0 366 796 A1 it is proposed to guide a cable in a protector, wherein the protector comprises a trough-like base body and a cover, each having a layer of urethane foam.

[0006] Further devices for guiding a cable are known from JP 2001 314 012 A, from US 2020 / 0 154 582 A1 and from US 6 064 003 A.

[0007] DE 10 2014 018 493 A1 discloses a device for fastening and guiding a cable in the region of a gap between assemblies, the device comprising a monolithic body, the monolithic body comprising a fastening and guiding section for a cable, the fastening and guiding section having a width which is smaller than the width of the gap, the monolithic body further comprising an insertion and clamping section via which the device, together with the respective cable mounted on the fastening and guiding section, can be inserted into the gap at least in sections and clamped in the gap, the insertion and clamping section having a width which is greater than the width of the gap, at least in the region of clamping lugs thereof.

[0008] Further prior art is known from JP 2020 145 087 A, WO 2004 088 809 A1 and US 2004 / 0 115 004 A1.

[0009] There is a need to improve the fastening and routing of a cable, particularly in the area of ​​a battery module of a traction battery.

[0010] The object of the invention is to create a novel device for fastening and guiding a cable as well as a novel traction battery of a motor vehicle.

[0011] This object is achieved by a device for fastening and guiding a cable in the region of a gap between assemblies according to claim 1.

[0012] The device for fastening and guiding a cable in the area of ​​a gap between assemblies has a monolithic body made of a foam.

[0013] The monolithic foam body has a fastening and guiding section for a cable. The fastening and guiding section of the monolithic foam body has a width that is smaller than the width of the gap.

[0014] Furthermore, the monolithic foam body has an insertion and clamping section, through which the device, together with the cable mounted on the fastening and guide section, can be inserted at least partially into the gap and clamped in the gap. The insertion and clamping section of the monolithic foam body has a width that is greater than the width of the gap, at least in the area of ​​the clamping lugs.

[0015] The device according to the invention allows for advantageous fastening and routing of a cable in the region of a gap between assemblies. In particular, the device according to the invention is suitable for fastening and routing a cable in the region of a gap between a battery housing of a traction battery and module housings of battery modules of the traction battery, or in the region of a gap between a body structure of the motor vehicle and module housings of battery modules of a traction battery and / or in the region of a gap between module housings of battery modules of the traction battery. In the event of a crash, the devices according to the invention, which are designed as monolithic bodies and consist entirely of foam, can deform. There is no risk of the devices damaging a module housing or battery cells accommodated in the module housing.

[0016] According to the invention, the insertion and clamping section has at least one projection which engages in a central region of the fastening and guide section on a first longitudinal side thereof such that the fastening and guide section protrudes relative to the respective projection, wherein the respective cable can be mounted on a second longitudinal side of the fastening and guide section opposite the first longitudinal side. In particular, the insertion and clamping section has two projections which each engage in the central region of the fastening and guide section on the first longitudinal side thereof such that the projections are spaced apart from one another and the fastening and guide section protrudes laterally relative to the respective projection. The respective projection encloses an angle of preferably 90° with the insertion and clamping section.This allows for a particularly advantageous clamping of the device in the gap and thus ultimately for the fastening and guiding of a cable in the gap. Particularly preferred is the embodiment in which the insertion and clamping section of the device according to the invention comprises two projections that run essentially parallel to one another, extend at an angle of 90° relative to the fastening and guiding section, and are spaced apart from one another. Thus, the device, together with the cable fastened and guided to the device, can be advantageously inserted into the gap and clamped in the gap.

[0017] According to an advantageous development, a single clamping lug is formed on each respective projection. If the device has two projections, the clamping lugs of the two projections are formed on the same side of the respective projection and are directed away from each other. This is preferred in order to simplify the manufacture of the device and to insert it at least partially into a respective gap via the clamping lugs and to clamp it in the gap without the risk of unwanted deflection of the device.

[0018] The traction battery of a motor vehicle is defined in claim 10.

[0019] Preferred developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail, without being limited thereto, with reference to the drawings. Herein: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a traction battery of a motor vehicle according to the invention; Fig. 2a a view from below of a first device according to the invention for fastening and guiding a cable; Fig. 2b a side view of the device of the Fig. 2a together with a cable; Fig. 2c a top view of the device of the Fig. 2a; Fig. 3a is a bottom view of a second device according to the invention for fastening and guiding a cable; Fig. 3b a side view of the device of the Fig. 3a together with a cable; Fig. 3c a top view of the device of the Fig. 3a.

[0020] The invention relates to a device for fastening and guiding a cable in the region of a gap between assemblies.

[0021] Furthermore, the invention relates to a traction battery of a motor vehicle.

[0022] In particular, the invention is used for fastening and guiding cables which are to be guided in the region of a gap between a battery housing of a traction battery of a motor vehicle and module housings of battery modules of the traction battery which are arranged in the battery housing.

[0023] The invention is described below for this preferred application.

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 shows a highly schematic view of a traction battery 10 of a motor vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the traction battery 10 has a battery housing 11, which includes side walls 12 that delimit the battery housing 11 to the outside and define a receiving space for battery modules 15.

[0025] Furthermore, the battery housing 11 in the embodiment shown has struts 13 which divide the receiving space of the battery housing 11 into several sections 14, namely in the embodiment shown the Fig. 1 in four sections 14. The number of four sections 14 is purely exemplary.

[0026] The battery modules 15 are arranged in the battery housing 11. In the exemplary embodiment, the Fig. 1 In the battery housing 11, a total of sixteen battery modules 15 are arranged, namely four battery modules 15 in each section 14. The number of four battery modules 15 per section 14 is purely exemplary.

[0027] Within sections 14, the battery modules 15 are directly adjacent to one another. When the struts 13 are removed, additional battery modules 15 are directly adjacent to one another.

[0028] For one of the battery modules 15, Fig. 1 the structure of the same is visualized, wherein each battery module 15 in the embodiment shown has a module housing 16 and battery cells 17 accommodated in the module housing 16.

[0029] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 in the module housing 16 of the battery module 15 a control unit 18 for the respective battery module 15 is accommodated.

[0030] It should be noted at this point that the control unit 18 can also be located outside the module housing 16 and have its own housing. This is particularly the case when several battery modules 15 share a common control unit 18.

[0031] The battery modules 15 are arranged in the battery housing 11 in such a way that gaps 19 are formed between the module housings 16 and the side walls 12 and the struts 13 of the battery housing 11. Cables can run in the area of ​​these gaps 19, wherein Fig. 1 such a cable 20 is shown, which extends in the battery housing 11, namely along the battery modules 15 accommodated in the battery housing 11. In particular, if the struts 13 are omitted, such gaps for cable guidance can also be formed between immediately adjacent battery modules 15.

[0032] For guiding and fastening such a cable 20 in the respective gap 19 between the respective battery module 15 and the respective side wall 12 or the respective strut 13 of the battery housing 11, devices 21 are used, to which the respective cable 20 is fastened and guided and which are inserted into the respective gap 19. This is shown in Fig. 1 in the area of ​​a battery module 15, whereby different devices 21a and 21b can be used here.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows, by way of example, that in the illustrated embodiment, six devices 21 are used for each battery module 15. These devices serve, on the one hand, to align the respective battery module 15 in the battery housing 11 and, on the other hand, to guide and secure the cable 20 shown on one side of the respective battery module 15. The devices 21a can be conventional, hard, and dimensionally stable plastic clips. The device 21b is a device according to the invention for securing and guiding a cable in the region of a gap between two assemblies.

[0034] It should be noted that the devices 21a can also be completely or partially replaced by devices 21b according to the invention.

[0035] Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b and Fig. 2c show a first embodiment of a device 21b according to the invention for fastening and guiding a cable in the region of a gap between assemblies, wherein in Fig. 2b the device 21b is shown together with the cable 20.

[0036] The device 21b according to the invention has a monolithic body 22 made of a foam. The device 21b therefore consists of a single piece and is made entirely of the foam. The foam is preferably a foam with flame-retardant properties. An EPDM foam with flame-retardant properties is particularly preferably used. The monolithic foam body 22 has a fastening and guide section 23 for the cable 20 and also an insertion and clamping section 24, via which the device 21b, together with the cable 20 mounted on the fastening and guide section 23, can be inserted at least partially into the respective gap 19 and clamped in the gap 19.

[0037] The width of the fastening and guiding section 23 of the monolithic foam body 22 of the device 21b according to the invention is smaller than the width of the respective gap 19 and preferably adapted to the width of the cable 20 to be mounted.

[0038] The insertion and clamping section 24 of the monolithic foam body 22 of the device 21b according to the invention, however, has a width, at least in the region of clamping lugs 25, which is greater than the width of the respective gap 19.

[0039] When the device 21b is inserted into the respective gap 19, the foam body 22 is compressed at least in the area of ​​the clamping lugs 25, whereby the clamping lugs 25 then clamp the device 21b in the respective gap 19 with frictional engagement.

[0040] In the embodiment shown, the insertion and clamping section 24 has two projections 26 which engage in a central region of the fastening and guiding section 23 on a first longitudinal side thereof in such a way that the fastening and guiding section 23 protrudes laterally relative to the two projections 26, and in such a way that the two projections 26 are spaced apart from one another and each enclose an angle of 90° with the fastening and guiding section 23.

[0041] On a second longitudinal side opposite this first longitudinal side, the cable 20 can be mounted on the fastening and guide section 23, for which purpose according to Fig. 2b preferably a winding tape 27 is used, which is wound around the cable 20 to be mounted and the fastening and guide section 23 at least in sections.

[0042] This wrapping tape 27 is preferably a self-adhesive wrapping tape 27.

[0043] In the embodiment of the Fig. 2a to 2c, a single clamping lug 25 is formed in the area of ​​each projection 26 of the insertion and clamping section 24. The clamping lugs 25 are formed on the same side of the respective projection 26 and are angled or oriented relative to the respective projection 26 such that the clamping lugs 25 are directed away from each other. This allows for a particularly advantageous clamping of the device 21b together with the cable 20 fastened and guided on the device 21b in the respective gap 19.

[0044] The embodiment of the Fig. 2a to 2c can be modified in particular so that the insertion and clamping section 25 has a single projection 26, on which the two clamping lugs 25 are formed. In this case, the projection extends continuously between the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b visible space between the two projections 26.

[0045] A further embodiment of a device according to the invention is shown Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b and Fig. 3c, where Fig. 3b, the device 21b is again shown together with the cable 20. The embodiment of the Fig. 3a to 3c differs from the embodiment of the Fig. 2a to 2c only by the design of the two projections 26 of the insertion and clamping section 24 as well as by the design of the clamping lugs 25. Regarding all other details, reference can be made to the above explanations regarding the embodiment of the Fig. 2a to 2c.

[0046] In the embodiment of the Fig. 3a to 3c, several, namely two, clamping lugs 25 are formed on each of the two projections 26, namely at least one on opposite sides of the respective projection 26. This can be done in particular Fig. 3a and Fig. 3c, which show that the clamping lugs 25 protrude on both sides of the device 21b.

[0047] The projections 26 are how best Fig. 3a, is contoured in a wave-like manner, with humps of the wave contours of the projections 26 forming the clamping lugs 25.

[0048] Also in the embodiment of the Fig. 3a to 3c, the two projections 26 can be replaced by a common, single projection 26, which then forms the plurality of clamping lugs 25.

[0049] The invention accordingly proposes a novel device 21b for fastening and guiding a cable 20 in the region of a gap 19 between assemblies, which device has a monolithic body 22 made of a foam.

[0050] As already mentioned, the foam preferably has flame-retardant properties and is preferably EPDM foam. However, other foam materials with flame-retardant properties can also be used.

[0051] The device 21b according to the invention can also be used for fastening and guiding a cable in the region of a gap between module housings of immediately adjacent battery modules.

[0052] If the traction battery does not have a separate battery housing, the device 21b according to the invention can be used for fastening and guiding a cable in the region of a gap between a body structure of the motor vehicle and the module housings of battery modules and / or in the region of a gap between the module housings of immediately adjacent battery modules.

[0053] Furthermore, the invention proposes a traction battery 10 that utilizes the device 21b according to the invention for fastening and guiding a cable 20 in the region of a gap 19, in particular between the battery housing 11 and the battery modules 15. The device 21b according to the invention is used in particular where, in the event of a crash, forces acting on the traction battery 10 can lead to damage to a battery module 11 and thus to battery cells 17 arranged in the battery module 11.

[0054] Traction batteries without a separate battery housing 11 are also known. In this case, the battery modules without a battery housing 11 are at least partially enclosed by a body structure of the motor vehicle. In particular, the device 21b according to the invention then serves to fasten and guide a cable in the region of a gap between the body structure of the motor vehicle and the module housings of the battery modules.

Claims

[1] Device (21b) for fastening and guiding a cable (20) in the region of a gap between assemblies, in particular in the region of a gap (19) between a battery housing (11) of a traction battery (10) of a motor vehicle and module housings (16) of battery modules (15) of the traction battery (10) or in the region of a gap between a body structure of the motor vehicle and module housings (16) of battery modules (15) of a traction battery (10) and / or in the region of a gap between module housings (16) of battery modules (15), wherein the device (21b) comprises a monolithic body (22) made of a foam, wherein the monolithic body (22) made of foam has a fastening and guiding section (23) for a cable, wherein the fastening and guiding section (23) has a width which is smaller than the width of the gap, wherein the monolithic body (22) made of foam further comprises an insertion and clamping section (24), via which the device (21b) together with the respective cable mounted on the fastening and guide section (23) can be inserted at least partially into the gap and clamped in the gap, wherein the insertion and clamping section (24) has a width which is greater than the width of the gap, at least in the region of clamping lugs (25) thereof, wherein the insertion and clamping section (24) has at least one projection (26) which engages in a central region of the fastening and guiding section (23) on a first longitudinal side of the fastening and guiding section (23) in such a way that the fastening and guiding section (23) protrudes laterally relative to the respective projection (26), wherein the respective cable can be mounted on a second longitudinal side of the fastening and guiding section (23) opposite the first longitudinal side. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the respective projection (26) forms an angle of 90° with the insertion and clamping section (23). [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the respective cable can be mounted on the fastening and guide section (23) via a self-adhesive winding tape (27). [4] Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized byin that the insertion and clamping section (23) has two projections (26) which each engage in the central region of the fastening and guiding section (23) on the first longitudinal side of the fastening and guiding section (23) in such a way that the projections (26) are spaced apart from one another and the fastening and guiding section (23) projects laterally relative to the respective projection (26). [5] Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that a single clamping lug (25) is formed on each projection (26). [6] Device according to claim 4 and 5, characterized by that the clamping lugs (25) of the two projections (20) are formed on the same side of the respective projection (26) and are directed away from each other. [7] Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that several, in particular two, clamping lugs (25) are formed on the respective projection (25). [8] Device according to claims 4 and 7, characterized by that the clamping lugs (25) of each projection (26) are formed on two opposite sides of the respective projection (26). [9] Device according to claim 8, characterized by that the projections (26) are contoured in a wave-like manner, with humps of the wave contours forming the clamping lugs (25). [10] Traction battery (10) of a motor vehicle, with a plurality of battery modules (15), each having a module housing (16) and battery cells (17) arranged in the module housing (16), wherein the battery modules (15) are arranged in a battery housing (11) of the traction battery (10) or are surrounded at least in sections by a body structure of the motor vehicle without a battery housing, wherein the battery modules (15) are arranged such that at least one gap (19) is formed between the battery housing (11) and the module housings (16) of the battery modules (15), or at least one gap is formed in the area between the body structure of the motor vehicle and the module housings (16) of battery modules (15) and / or at least one gap is formed between the module housings (16) of the battery modules (15), with at least one cable (20), with devices (21b) according to one of claims 1 to 9 for fastening and guiding the respective cable (20) in the region of the at least one gap (19).

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