Holding device for pre-tensioned mounting of a battery module, winding device and method for winding a battery module

Abstract

Holding device (20) for wrapping a battery module (10) with a tension band (40), wherein the battery module (10) has several stacked battery cells (12) which are held between two end clamping plates (14-1, 14-2), wherein the holding device (20) has: at least two clamping elements (22-1, 22-2), wherein each clamping element (22-1, 22-2) can be attached to or is attached to a respective clamping plate (14-1, 14-2); at least one connecting element (24) that connects the at least two clamping elements (22-1, 22-2) to each other, wherein the connecting element (24) is configured to adjust the at least two clamping elements (22-1, 22-2) relative to each other in a first direction (Y) such that a preload force acting between them on the battery module (10) can be generated or is generated by means of the clamping elements (22-1, 22-2), wherein each clamping element (22-1, 22-2) is associated with at least one gripping section (28-1, 28-2) that is substantially orthogonal to the first direction (Y), which is connected to the clamping element in question and is designed as a receiving mandrel (30), which can be inserted or is inserted into a corresponding clamping opening (16) provided on the clamping plate in question (14-1, 14-2), wherein each clamping element (22-1, 22-2) has a system section (26-1, 26-2) parallel to the first direction (Y), which can be arranged or is arranged along several battery cells (12) of the battery module (10), characterized by that the holding device has a first pair of clamping elements (22-1, 22-2), wherein at least one gripping section (28-1, 28-2, 30) is attached to each system section (26-1, 26-2) of the first pair, a second pair of separate assembly sections (26-3, 26-4), each assembly section (26-3, 26-4) of the second pair having at least one corresponding opening (16) into which the gripping section (28-1, 28-1, 30) of the respective clamping element (22-1, 22-2) of the first pair can be inserted or is inserted, such that each assembly section (26-3, 26-4) of the second pair is coupled or can be coupled to the at least one gripping section (28-1, 28-2, 30) of the respective clamping element (22-1, 22-2) of the first pair, wherein the plant sections (26-3, 26-4) of the second pair are also coupled to each other by means of a further adjustable connecting element (24), and wherein the battery module (10) is accommodated or received in a second direction (X) orthogonal to the first direction (Y) between the second pair of installation sections (26-3, 26-4) and the installation sections (26-1, 26-2) of the first pair of clamping elements (22-1, 22-2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a holding device according to the preamble of claim 1 for wrapping a battery module with a tension band, wherein the battery module comprises several stacked battery cells that are held between two end clamping plates. The invention further relates to a winding device with such a holding device and a method for wrapping a battery module.

[0002] Such a holding device is known, for example, from DE 10 2018 105 692 A1.

[0003] Another holding device with claw-like clamping elements is known from DE 10 2016 200 496 A1.

[0004] A battery module wrapped by a tension band made of fiber-reinforced plastic is known from the applicant's German patent application DE 10 2022 103 288 A1. The tension band shown therein has fibers running in the direction of the band's length in order to absorb the tensile forces that arise in the battery module due to expansion.

[0005] The object underlying the invention is seen as being to propose components and procedures that are to be used when wrapping a battery module.

[0006] This problem is solved by a holding device, a winding device, and a method for winding a battery module, comprising the features of the respective independent patent claim. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments are specified in the dependent patent claims.

[0007] A holding device is proposed for wrapping a battery module with a tension band, wherein the battery module comprises several stacked battery cells held between two end clamping plates. The holding device has the following features: at least two clamping elements, each clamping element being attachable or mounted on a respective clamping plate; at least one connecting element connecting the at least two clamping elements to each other, the connecting element being configured to adjust the at least two clamping elements relative to each other in a first direction, such that a preload force acting between them on the battery module can be generated or is generated by means of the clamping elements.

[0008] The first direction mentioned here can also be described as the stacking direction of the battery cells in the battery module. In their initial state, where the holding device is used, the battery cells are typically bonded together, in particular by adhesive. Similarly, the clamping plates located at the ends can be bonded to the first or last battery cell of the stack.

[0009] The proposed design of the holding device, with two adjustable clamping elements, makes it possible to apply a pre-tensioning force to the battery module before wrapping it with a tension band. This pre-tensioning force counteracts any subsequent expansion forces of the battery cells during operation. In other words, the tension band absorbs the typically high tensile forces that increase over the lifetime of a battery module due to operational volume expansion (swelling pressure).

[0010] The connecting element can be adjustable, in particular hydraulically, pneumatically or mechanically, so that a certain force can be exerted on the battery module or the battery cell stack by means of the clamping elements.

[0011] In the holding device, each clamping element has a contact section parallel to the first direction (stacking direction), which can be arranged or is arranged along several battery cells of the battery module. This ensures that the battery module is supported or mounted in the holding device at least on one side.

[0012] In the holding device, each clamping element is assigned at least one gripping section that is substantially orthogonal to the first direction. This gripping section is connected or connectable to the respective clamping element and can be arranged on or in a clamping plate. The gripping section thus enables the battery module to be easily and / or positively engaged in the holding device.

[0013] In this arrangement, at least one gripping section is designed as a receiving mandrel, which can be inserted into, or is inserted into, a corresponding clamping opening on the respective clamping plate. The receiving mandrel can be cylindrical. This allows the preload force to be transferred to the clamping plates and thus to the stacked battery cells by means of the gripping sections provided on the clamping elements.

[0014] The holding device comprises a first pair of clamping elements, each of which has at least one gripping section attached to it. It further comprises a second pair of separate clamping sections, each of which can be coupled to the at least one gripping section of the corresponding clamping element of the first pair, such that the battery module can be received or held in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction between the second pair of clamping sections and the clamping sections of the first pair of clamping elements.

[0015] The two sections of the second pair are also coupled to each other by means of an adjustable connecting device. Each section of the second pair has at least one corresponding opening into which the gripping section of the respective clamping element of the first pair can be inserted or is inserted. In other words, the battery module can be held in the holding device from two sides, with the desired preload force being applied on both sides by means of the respective connecting element.

[0016] The holding device can have a centrally located, in particular rotationally symmetrical, coupling point designed to be connected to a rotating device, in particular an industrial robot. This makes it possible to rotate the holding device and a battery module arranged therein to simplify wrapping with the tension band.

[0017] As an alternative to the aforementioned receiving mandrels, at least one gripping section can be designed as a clamping section that rests against the relevant clamping plate. The clamping section can extend orthogonally to the relevant mounting section, i.e., in particular along the second direction, so that it rests against the outside of the relevant clamping plate.

[0018] Furthermore, a winding device for wrapping a battery module with a tension band is proposed. The battery module comprises several stacked battery cells held between two end clamping plates. The winding device includes a holding device as described above and a tension band winding head, wherein the holding device and the tension band winding head are movable relative to each other. Using such a winding device, which can be implemented, for example, with industrial robots, battery modules can be easily wrapped with a tension band, in particular a fiber-reinforced plastic band, under applied pretension.

[0019] A method for wrapping a battery module with a tension band is also proposed, comprising the following steps: Providing a battery module with multiple stacked battery cells, which are sandwiched between two end-faced clamping plates; Provide a holding device as described above; Arranging the battery module in the holding device; Setting a desired preload force acting on the battery module by means of the holding device, in particular by means of the connecting element of the clamping elements; Wrapping the battery module with the tension band, in particular by rotating the holding device relative to a tension band winding head of a winding device described above; Removing the wrapped battery module from the holding device.

[0020] Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the figures. These show: Fig. Figure 1 simplifies and schematically shows a top view of a battery module with several stacked battery cells and clamping plates; Fig. 2 simplified and schematically shows a top view of a holding device for a battery module; Fig. 3 simplified and schematically shows a top view of the battery module held in the holding device; Fig. 4 simplified and schematically shows a section view corresponding to section line IV-IV of the Fig. 3; Fig. 5 simplified and schematically a sectional view according to the Fig. 4 with an adapted holding device; Fig. 6 simplified and schematic two representations of wrapping the battery module using the holding device and a winding device; Fig. 7 simplified and schematically a to Fig. 4 similar views with the battery module fully wrapped; Fig. Figure 8 shows a simplified and schematic top view of the battery module with alternative mounting devices; Fig. 9 simplified and schematically a side view corresponds to arrow IX in Fig. 8; Fig. Figure 10 shows a simplified and schematic side view of the battery module with two tension band wrappings; Fig. Figure 11 shows a simplified and schematic flowchart of a process for wrapping the battery module.

[0021] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a simplified and schematic top view of a battery module 10. The battery module 10 has several battery cells 12 arranged or stacked side by side in the stacking direction Y. The battery module 10 can therefore also be described as a stack of battery cells 12. The battery cells 12 are bonded together, in particular by adhesive bonding.

[0022] Clamping plates 14-1 and 14-2 are arranged at the ends of the battery module 10. In other words, the battery cells 12 are held or arranged between the two clamping plates 14-1 and 14-2 in the clamping direction Y. Clamping plate 14-1 rests against a first battery cell 12-1 of the battery module 10. Clamping plate 14-2 rests against a last battery cell 12-n of the battery module 10.

[0023] In the example shown, the clamping plates 14-1 and 14-2 each have two clamping openings 16. The clamping openings 16 can be designed, for example, as blind holes or through holes.

[0024] Fig. Figure 2 shows a simplified and schematic top view of a holding device 20 for a battery module 10. The holding device 20 has two clamping elements 22-1, 22-2. The clamping elements 22-1, 22-2 can be attached to a respective clamping plate 14-1, 14-2. The holding device 20 also includes a connecting element 24 that connects the two clamping elements 22-1, 22-2 to each other. The connecting element 24 is designed to adjust the clamping elements 22-1, 22-2 relative to each other in the Y-direction (first direction) so that a preload force acting between the clamping elements 22-1, 22-2 on the battery module 10 can be generated. The adjustability of the clamping elements 22-1, 22-2 relative to each other is indicated by the double arrow in Figure 2. Fig. 2 illustrated.

[0025] Fig. Figure 3 shows a simplified and schematic top view of the battery module 10 arranged or attached to the holding device 20. This state is subsequently described in detail with reference to the sectional view in Figure 3. Fig. 4, which roughly corresponds to the intersection line IV-IV of the Fig. 3 corresponds to a more detailed description.

[0026] From the overall view of Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shows that each clamping element 22-1, 22-2 has a system section 26-1, 26-2 parallel to the direction Y, which can be arranged or is arranged along several battery cells 12 of the battery module 10.

[0027] Furthermore, in the holding device 20, each clamping element 22-1, 22-2 is assigned at least one gripping section 28-1, 28-2 that is substantially orthogonal to the Y-direction and is connected or connectable to the respective clamping element 22-1, 22-2, in particular to the respective mounting section 26-1, 26-2. The gripping section 28-1, 28-2 can be arranged or is arranged on the respective clamping plate 14-1, 14-2.

[0028] In the example shown, the Fig. Figures 2 to 4, designated as gripping sections 28-1 and 28-2, each show two receiving mandrels 30 that can be inserted into, or are inserted into, the corresponding clamping opening 16 on the respective clamping plate 14-1 and 14-2. It should be noted that the number of receiving mandrels 30 is not limited to two per clamping element 22-1 and 22-2. There may also be only one receiving mandrel or more than two receiving mandrels.

[0029] As mentioned above, the connecting element 24 can be used to move the clamping elements 22-1, 22-2 and thus their gripping sections 28-1, 28-2 or receiving mandrels 30 relative to each other, in particular towards each other, in order to exert a desired preload force on the battery module 10 or the stacked battery cells 12.

[0030] In the Fig. Figure 4 shows an example, with a battery module 10 held or clamped on one side in the holding device 20.

[0031] According to the example of Fig. 5. It is also possible that clamping takes place on the other side of the battery module 10. In this case, the holding device 20 has a first pair of clamping elements 22-1, 22-2, wherein at least one gripping section 28-1, 28-2 (receiving mandrels 30) is attached to each section 26-1, 26-2 of the first pair. Furthermore, the holding device 20 has a second pair of separate sections 26-3, 26-4, wherein each section 26-3, 26-4 of the second pair can be coupled to, or is coupled to, the gripping section 28-1, 28-2 of the respective clamping element 22-1, 22-2 of the first pair. Thus, the battery module 10 can be accommodated or accommodated in an X-direction orthogonal to the Y-direction between the second pair of system sections 26-3, 26-4 and the system sections 26-1, 26-2 of the first pair of clamping elements 22-1, 22-2.

[0032] The two system sections 26-3, 26-4 also have corresponding clamping openings 16 as shown, so that the receiving mandrels 30 can be received therein. Furthermore, the two system sections 26-3, 26-4 are also connected by means of an additional connecting element 24, so that the preload force acting on the battery module 10 can be applied by the interaction of the clamping elements 22-1, 22-2 and the additional system sections 26-3, 26-4.

[0033] From the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 further shows that the holding device 20 has a centrally or midway, in particular rotationally symmetrically arranged coupling point 32, which is designed to be connected to a rotating device, in particular an industrial robot.

[0034] Fig. Figure 6 shows a simplified and schematic view of the wrapping of the battery module 10 with a tension band 40. A winding device 50 can be used when wrapping the battery module 10 with the tension band 40, which is located in Fig. Figure 6 is simplified and only partially illustrated. A holding device 20 as described above can be attached to, or attached to, the winding device 50. In particular, the holding device 20 can be detachably connected to the winding device 50. The holding device 20 can, for example, be connected to a robot arm 52 or the like of the winding device 50 by means of the coupling point 32, so that the holding device 20, together with the battery module 10 clamped therein, can be rotated about an indicated axis of rotation DA, which is illustrated by the curved contour arrows.

[0035] The winding device 50 further comprises a tension band winding head 54, which is configured to provide tension band to be wound around the battery module 10. The holding device 20 and the tension band winding head 54 are movable relative to each other; in particular, the holding device 20 can be rotated, and the tension band winding head 54 can be moved as required to change or adjust the position and / or the tension force acting on the tension band.

[0036] Fig. 7 shows in a to Fig. Figure 5 shows the situation after the battery module 10 has been wrapped with the tension band 40. The battery module 10 wrapped with the tension band 40 can then be removed from the holding device 20, as illustrated by the vertical contour arrow. The tension band 40 is shown with horizontal hatching in this illustration, even though it is shown in a side view (not cut away). The horizontal hatching of the tension band 40 can also illustrate the orientation of fibers within the tension band 40, the fibers of which are made of fiber-reinforced plastic and are essentially oriented to withstand the tensile forces that occur when the battery module 10 or the battery cells 12 expand or swell during the battery module's lifetime.

[0037] Fig. Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the holding device 20 in a state attached to the battery module 10. In this example, two holding devices 20 are attached to the battery module 10. Each holding device 20 comprises the clamping elements 22-1, 22-2 already described above, which are connected to each other by means of the connecting element 24.

[0038] In these holding devices 20, a system section 26-1, 26-2 extends along several battery cells 12 of the battery module. However, the gripping section 28-1, 28-2 is designed as a clamping section that rests against the respective clamping plate 14-1, 14-2.

[0039] Fig. Figure 9 shows the battery module 10 with the holding device 20 according to the example of the Fig. Figure 8 shows a side view. The holding device 20 is centrally mounted on the battery module 10, so that the battery cells 12 and the clamping plates 14-1, 14-2 are visible above and below the holding device 20. This allows the tensioning band 40 to be positioned above and below the holding devices 20 attached to both sides of the battery module 10. In particular, the battery module 10 can be wrapped with two tensioning band strips 40, as shown in Figure 8. Fig. The final state is shown in the illustrations in 10.

[0040] Fig. Figure 11 illustrates a simplified method 500 for wrapping a battery module 10 with a tension band 40. According to a first step S501, a battery module 10 with several stacked battery cells 12, which are held between two end clamping plates 14-1, 14-2, is provided. Step S501 is, for example, in Fig. 1 shown.

[0041] According to step S502, a holding device described above is provided. Step S502 is, for example, in Fig. 2 shown, indicating that the holding device 20 according to Fig. 8 fall under this step S502.

[0042] According to a further step S503, the battery module 10 is arranged in the holding device 20. S503 is, for example, in the Fig. Illustrated in sections 3 to 5, as well as 8 and 9.

[0043] According to step S504, a desired preload force acting on the battery module 10 is set using the holding device 20.

[0044] According to step S505, the battery module 10 is wrapped with the tension band 40, in particular by rotating the holding device 20 relative to a tension band winding head 54 of a winding device 50 according to Fig. 6.

[0045] Finally, according to step S506, the wrapped battery module 10 can be removed from the holding device 20. This step is described, for example, in Den Fig. 7 and Fig. 10 illustrated.

Claims

[1] Holding device (20) for wrapping a battery module (10) with a tension band (40), wherein the battery module (10) has several stacked battery cells (12) which are held between two end clamping plates (14-1, 14-2), wherein the holding device (20) has: at least two clamping elements (22-1, 22-2), wherein each clamping element (22-1, 22-2) can be attached to or is attached to a respective clamping plate (14-1, 14-2); at least one connecting element (24) that connects the at least two clamping elements (22-1, 22-2) to each other, wherein the connecting element (24) is configured to adjust the at least two clamping elements (22-1, 22-2) relative to each other in a first direction (Y) such that a preload force acting between the clamping elements (22-1, 22-2) on the battery module (10) can be generated or is generated by means of the clamping elements (22-1, 22-2), wherein each clamping element (22-1, 22-2) is associated with at least one gripping section (28-1, 28-2) that is substantially orthogonal to the first direction (Y), which is connected to the clamping element in question and is designed as a receiving mandrel (30), which can be inserted or is inserted into a corresponding clamping opening (16) provided on the clamping plate in question (14-1, 14-2), wherein each clamping element (22-1, 22-2) has a system section (26-1, 26-2) parallel to the first direction (Y), which can be arranged or is arranged along several battery cells (12) of the battery module (10), characterized by , that the holding device has a first pair of clamping elements (22-1, 22-2), wherein at least one gripping section (28-1, 28-2, 30) is attached to each system section (26-1, 26-2) of the first pair, a second pair of separate assembly sections (26-3, 26-4), each assembly section (26-3, 26-4) of the second pair having at least one corresponding opening (16) into which the gripping section (28-1, 28-1, 30) of the respective clamping element (22-1, 22-2) of the first pair can be inserted or is inserted, such that each assembly section (26-3, 26-4) of the second pair is coupled or can be coupled to the at least one gripping section (28-1, 28-2, 30) of the respective clamping element (22-1, 22-2) of the first pair, wherein the plant sections (26-3, 26-4) of the second pair are also coupled to each other by means of a further adjustable connecting element (24), and wherein the battery module (10) is accommodated or received in a second direction (X) orthogonal to the first direction (Y) between the second pair of installation sections (26-3, 26-4) and the installation sections (26-1, 26-2) of the first pair of clamping elements (22-1, 22-2). [2] Holding device (20) according to claim 1, wherein it has a centrally, in particular rotationally symmetrically arranged coupling point (32) which is configured to be connected to a rotating device, in particular an industrial robot (52). [3] Winding device (50) for wrapping a battery module (10) with a tension band (40), wherein the battery module (10) has several stacked battery cells (12) which are held between two end clamping plates (14-1, 14-2), wherein the winding device (50) has a holding device (20) according to one of the preceding claims and a tension band winding head (54), wherein the holding device (20) and the tension band winding head (54) are movable relative to each other. [4] Method (500) for wrapping a battery module (10) with a tension band (40), comprising the steps: Providing (S501) a battery module (10) with several stacked battery cells (12) that are held between two end clamping plates (14-1, 14-2); Providing (S502) a holding device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 2; Arranging (S503) the battery module (10) in the holding device (20); adjusting (S504) a desired preload force acting on the battery module (10) by means of the holding device (20); Wrapping (S505) the battery module (10) with the tension band (40), in particular by rotating the holding device (20) relative to a tension band winding head (54) of a winding device (50) according to claim 3; Removing (S506) the wrapped battery module (10) from the holding device (20).

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