Separating device for separating at least one cell connector and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a separating device (14) for separating at least one cell connector (12) for connecting respective battery cells (16) of a battery system (10), comprising a housing (18) which can be locked to the corresponding battery cell (16) by means of at least one guide element (30), and comprising a rotatable rod (20) on which a cutting element (24) is arranged, which comes into contact with the cell connector (12) when the housing (18) is locked and is designed to cut the cell connector (12) when the rod (20) rotates. The invention further relates to a method.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a separating device for separating at least one cell connector according to claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method.

[0002] It is known in the art that, during a repair of a high-voltage (HV) battery or battery system, it may be necessary to bring a cell into a defined state by electrically isolating it from the other cells installed in the battery. This is done by loosening or separating the cell connector or cell conductor. It is important to either remove the entire cell conductor or create a defined air gap, particularly due to clearance and creepage distances.

[0003] It is also known from the state of the art that different methods are used for separation: - Separation by manual cutting tools such as side cutters: A purely manual process in which no defined air gap is created, partly electrically conductive and not suitable for small installation spaces. - Oscillating cutting blades: This is also a purely manual process that doesn't create a defined air gap, is partially electrically conductive, and is not suitable for small installation spaces. Metal particles can be created inside the battery.

[0004] JP H10-40 969 A discloses a separating device for separating at least one cell connector for connecting respective battery cells of a battery system.

[0005] US 2023 / 0 364 730 A1 discloses a device for separating the connection of a multi-part module electrode assembly.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a separating device with which cell connectors can be easily separated, in particular taking safety protection into account.

[0007] This object is achieved by means of a separating device having the features of patent claim 1 and by means of a method according to the invention. Advantageous refinements of the separating device according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention, wherein the means of the separating device are used to carry out the method steps. Furthermore, advantageous developments of the invention are described by the dependent patent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0008] One aspect of the invention relates to a separating device for separating at least one cell connector for connecting respective battery cells of a battery system, in particular in high-voltage (HV) batteries. The separating device is designed with or comprises a housing which, for example, consists of an electrically insulating material in order to provide protection when the separating device is in use. By means of at least one guide element, the separating device can be locked to the battery cell or at a defined location around the battery cell. The guide elements can be attached to the housing; alternatively, they can also be attached directly to the cell or the connector and inserted into corresponding slots or geometrically matching receptacles on the housing.

[0009] The separating device further comprises a rotatable rod or torsion bar which is arranged in a receptacle of a tubular element arranged on the outer circumference and on which a cutting element such as a knife is arranged, which in particular has a defined cutting width. This cutting width can alternatively be adjusted or set, for example via adjusting elements before or during use of the separating device. When the housing is locked, the cutting element comes into contact with the cell connector and, when the rod rotates, is designed to cut the cell connector in a circular motion. This means that rotating the rod causes a circular movement of the cutting element, which cuts around the cell connector or cuts out a circle, depending on the circumference of the cutting circle. This allows the cell connector to be separated and a cell to be removed.Particularly due to the housing and the rotatable rod, protective measures are provided to enable easy separation of the connector while still enabling safe separation of the electrical conductivity at the cell connector.

[0010] In other words, the invention enables the separation of a cell connector with a gap. This involves a non-electrically conductive separation tool that can be operated manually and simultaneously offers high reproducibility. No metal particles are created. The separation device automatically locks at the separation point, separates a defined portion of the connector, and creates a precisely defined air gap. There is no particle ingress, which is why the separation device can also be used in small installation spaces.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cutting element is pressed against the at least one cell connector by means of a spring element. This arrangement enables a constant spring force, which results in the cutting element acting on the cell connector with consistent pressure. This results in uniform cuts without the cuts being too deep or uneven. The constant spring force ensures reliable separation of the cell connector and minimizes the risk of damage to the surrounding components of the battery cells, especially with regard to cutting too deep. This is particularly important in applications where precise separation is necessary during the maintenance or repair of high-voltage battery systems.

[0012] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the housing is made of an electrically insulated material. The use of an electrically insulated material for the housing ensures, for example, that the disconnector can be held securely in the hand without electrical contact with the battery cells or other electrical components. This is particularly important when working on the aforementioned high-voltage battery systems, where strict safety regulations must be observed to minimize the risk of short circuits or other electrical hazards. In addition, the housing can be ergonomically designed to enable natural and comfortable handling during use.

[0013] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rotating rod comprises a rotating handle. This rotating handle is also ergonomically designed and, for example, arranged axially to the rotating rod in order to rotate the cutting element or knife. By pressing on the handle, the user can act directly on the cutting element or knife. A spring element between the rotating handle and the cutting element allows for even pressure distribution. The ergonomic rotating handle facilitates rotating the rod and applying the necessary force to the cutting element. The spring element enables a constant spring force, which helps the knife operate evenly without exerting excessive pressure on the cell connector.

[0014] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a force can be applied to the cutting element in the direction of the cell connector via the rotary handle. This allows the user to transfer the necessary force to the cutting element or blade by simply turning the rotary handle in order to separate the cell connector in a controlled manner. The rotary handle thus serves not only for ergonomic handling but also for the direct control / use of the separating device. The ability to specifically transfer force to the cutting element enables a particularly safe separation of the cell connector without damaging the surrounding components of the battery cells.

[0015] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, an insulated cut guard is provided. This cut guard is rotatably mounted on the torsion bar to protect the cutting edge of the cutting element and prevent users from accidentally coming into contact with the cutting edge. The insulated cut guard provides an additional safety mechanism that protects both the user and the surrounding battery cells from damage. Due to the rotatable arrangement, the cut guard can be easily positioned to cover the cutting edge of the cutting element when the separating device is not in use.

[0016] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cutting element is designed as a ceramic blade. This choice allows the blade to be insulating while simultaneously possessing long-lasting, stable, and strong cutting properties. Ceramic blades are known for their high hardness, sharpness, and resistance to corrosion. They offer excellent insulating properties. At the same time, ceramic blades are very sharp and allow cuts through the cell connector without damaging it.

[0017] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the knife can be inserted beneath a region of the cell connector. This makes it possible to separate the cell connector close to the cells. This arrangement allows the knife to be positioned so that the cell connector can be cut directly at the battery cell, which is particularly useful for enabling controlled separation. By inserting the knife beneath the region of the cell connector, the cell connector is effectively separated on the cell side.

[0018] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cutting element is designed as a cutting wheel. This cutting wheel can be double-walled and also made of ceramic to ensure insulating properties while simultaneously offering robust cutting properties. Using such a cutting wheel as the cutting element instead of a knife enables the creation of a circular cut, thereby avoiding contact and the risk of air and leakage currents.

[0019] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for separating at least one cell connector for connecting respective battery cells of a battery system using a separating device. The housing of the separating device is placed and locked on the battery cell by at least one guide element. Subsequently, the cell connector is cut in a circular manner by means of a rotatable rod on which a cutting element, in particular a ceramic knife or cutting wheel, is arranged. This method enables controlled separation of the cell connectors, with the ceramic knife working more precisely due to its insulating properties and strong cutting properties. The circular cutting movement of the cutting element separates the cell connector precisely and safely without damaging the surrounding battery cells.

[0020] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0021] Showing: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a battery system with cell connectors which can be separated from respective battery cells by means of a separating device according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic cross-section of a possible embodiment of such a separating device; Fig. 3 a further schematic cross-section showing a possible design of a cutting element of the separating device; and Fig. 4 a further schematic cross-section to illustrate another possible design of a further cutting element.

[0022] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a battery system 10 with cell connectors 12, which can be separated from respective battery cells 16 by means of a separating device 14 according to the invention.

[0024] The illustration shows a conventional battery system 10 according to the current state of the art. The separator 14 is shown in dashed lines and is placed over the cell connector 12. This separator 14 is then used to cut out the cell connector 12 in a circular manner, for example, to separate or remove the underlying battery cell 16. This functionality of the separator 14 enables individual battery cells 16 to be safely serviced, replaced, and / or repaired.

[0025] The separating device 14 is designed to provide a high level of safety both for the battery cells 16 and for the user during the separating process.

[0026] Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-section of a possible embodiment of such a separating device 14.

[0027] The separator 14 consists of a housing 18 made of electrically insulating material to ensure safety in the vicinity of battery cells. This is intended to at least partially ensure the easy handling of the separator 14, particularly when used with high-voltage (HV) batteries as the battery system 10.

[0028] Furthermore, the cutting device 14 comprises a rotatable rod 20 or a rotating rod with an ergonomic rotating handle 22, which allows the user to rotate or control the cutting element 24 arranged thereon. The cutting element 24 itself can be either a ceramic knife or a cutting wheel, which is both insulating and efficient in cutting. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the rod 20 is in a receptacle 26 of a tubular element 28 which is connected to the rotary handle 22 and is optionally formed as a single piece, and which is thus arranged around the outer circumference of the rod 20. This embodiment could, for example, provide insulation for the rod 20 and thus for the cutting element 24. In particular, the housing 18 and rod 20 are elongated and arranged axially relative to one another, with the housing 18 containing the receptacle 26 and the receptacle 26 containing the rod 20. The rod 20 can be designed such that at least one region 20a of the rod 20 protrudes from the housing and the cutting element 24 is arranged outside the housing 18 in this region 20a.

[0029] Guide elements 30 are also arranged or provided to create or support a secure and exact positioning over the cell connector 12. These guide elements 26 are in the Fig. 2 is arranged on the side of the separating device 14. In an alternative embodiment, these guide elements 28 could be arranged on the battery side, whereby corresponding receptacles, slots, or openings can be arranged on the separating device 14 itself to also enable positioning. The guide element 30 can be designed as an extension of the housing 18 and thus, for example, be circular and configured on its inner circumference such that it can be slipped or placed over an at least partial configuration of a cell connector 12.

[0030] Finally, an insulated cut protection 32 surrounds the cutting element 24 or is provided between the cutting element 24 and the cell connector 12 and, in particular, protects the user from injury and prevents damage to the cutting element 24 itself. This construction is designed, for example, to meet the safety requirements of (high-voltage) battery systems 10 in order to provide safe separation of the cell connectors 12.

[0031] To enable this separation of cell connectors 12, in one proposed method, the housing 18 of the separating device 14 is first placed onto the battery cell 16 by means of at least one guide element 30 and locked in place. Subsequently, a circular cut is made using the rotatable rod 20, on which the cutting element 24 is arranged. For this purpose, the rod 20 is rotated via the rotary handle 22, and the cutting element 24 is pressed against the cell connector with a force F. A rotary movement M of the rotary handle and the force F produce a circular cut in the cell connector 12. This severed the electrical connection between the battery cell 16 corresponding to the cell connector 12 and the battery system 10, allowing further processing to take place.

[0032] A spring element 34 between the rotary handle 22 and the cutting element 24 enables the pressure or force F to be evenly balanced. The ergonomic rotary handle 22 facilitates the rotation of the rod 20 and the application of the necessary force F to the cutting element 24. The spring element 32 thus enables a constant spring force F_1 despite the force F, which contributes to the cutting element 24 working evenly without exerting excessive pressure or force F on the cell connector 12.

[0033] Fig. 3 shows a further schematic cross section to illustrate a possible embodiment of a cutting element 16 of the separating device 14, wherein the cutting element 16 is designed as a ceramic knife.

[0034] Two cutting wheels are arranged on the torsion bar or rod 20 as the cutting element 24. An insulating part serving as the cut protection 32 is also attached to the rod 20 and is located beneath the cell connector 12 or arrester. When the rod 20 is rotated, the cutting wheels separate the cell connector 12 in a defined manner, and the insulation protects the metallic parts beneath the cell connector 12 from a short circuit.

[0035] Fig. 4 shows a further schematic cross-section to illustrate a further possible embodiment of a further cutting element 16, designed as a double cutting wheel.

[0036] Instead of the cutting wheel, a cutting blade made of a non-electrically conductive material is arranged on the torsion bar or rod 20 as a cutting element 24. This blade dips under the cell connector 12 and separates the cell connector 12 upwards. An insulating part is also attached to the rod 20 as a cut protection 32, which sits under the cell connector 12 and is Fig. 3 also protects metallic parts located under the cell connector 12 from a short circuit.

[0037] In summary, the invention proposes a device or the separating device 14 for the defined separation of a cell connector 12.

Claims

[1] Separating device (14) for separating at least one cell connector (12) for connecting respective battery cells (16) of a battery system (10), with a housing (18) which can be locked to the corresponding battery cell (16) by means of at least one guide element (30), characterized by a rotatable rod (20) which is arranged in a receptacle (26) of a tubular element (28) arranged on the outer circumference, and on which a cutting element (24) is arranged, which comes into contact with the cell connector (12) when the housing (18) is locked to the battery cell (16) and is designed to cut the cell connector (12) when the rod (20) rotates. [2] Separating device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the cutting element (24) can be pressed against the at least one cell connector (12) by means of a spring element (34). [3] Separating device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the housing (18) is made of an electrically insulated material. [4] Separating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the rotatable rod (20) comprises a rotary handle (22). [5] Separating device (10) according to claim 4, characterized by that a force (F) can be applied to the cutting element (24) via the rotary handle (22). [6] Separating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an insulated cut protection (32) is arranged. [7] Separating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cutting element (24) is designed as a ceramic knife. [8] Separating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cutting element (24) can be inserted into an area between the cell connector (12) and the battery cell (16). [9] Separating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cutting element (24) is designed as a cutting wheel. [10] Method for separating at least one cell connector (12) for connecting respective battery cells (16) of a battery system (10) by means of a separating device (14) according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which a housing (18) of the separating device (14) is placed and locked onto the battery cell (16) by means of at least one guide element (30), and in which the cell connector (12) is cut by means of the cutting element (24) by means of a rotation of a rotatable rod (20) on which a cutting element (24) is arranged.

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