Electrical connection device and battery cell module

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection device (2), in particular for a battery cell module (1), which can be used in the region of an opening (8) in a wall (9), having an inner part (6) and an outer part (7), wherein the inner part (6) can be arranged on an inner side of the wall (9) and wherein the outer part (7) can be arranged on the outer side of the wall (9), wherein the inner part (6) can be connected to the outer part (7) through the opening (8), wherein the inner part (6) has an electrical contact element (10) in the middle and the outer part (7) is designed as a ring-like element with a central recess (11) to allow access to the electrical contact element (10) through the central recess (11), wherein the inner part (6) has a first thread (12) and the outer part (7) has a second thread (13), such that the outer part (7) with its second thread (13) can be inserted into the inner part (6) with its first thread (12) can be screwed in,wherein the inner part (6) has a first edge region (14) and the outer part (7) has a second edge region (15), wherein a peripheral edge (16) of the wall (9) can be accommodated around the opening (8) between the first edge region (14) and the second edge region (15). The invention also relates to a battery cell module (1) with at least one connection device (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical connection device and a battery cell module with at least one electrical connection device, in particular for an at least partially electrically driven motor vehicle.

[0002] Fully or partially electrically powered motor vehicles are known in the prior art, which have at least one battery cell module designed to supply power to a motor vehicle drive system for propelling the vehicle. Such battery cell modules can, for example, be accommodated in a plurality in a common battery housing or, alternatively, can be arranged and used individually as a battery.

[0003] Such a battery cell module has a module housing in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged, for example, as a battery cell stack and inserted into the module housing. At least one electrical connection device is provided on the module housing for electrically connecting the battery cells, wherein the electrical connection device is electrically connectable to the battery cells within the module housing and, furthermore, the electrical connection device is electrically connectable from outside the module housing in order to electrically connect the battery cell module to an electrical load, etc. Accordingly, the electrical connection device allows an electrical connection from the interior of the module housing to the exterior of the module housing.

[0004] In the event that a cooling fluid flows directly through the module housing, the electrical connection device must also be arranged in a sealing manner so that no leakage of the cooling fluid flowing through occurs.

[0005] In the prior art of WO 2022 / 129 809 A1, an electrical connection device has become known which projects through an opening in a wall of the module housing and has a plate on both the outside and inside of the module housing, wherein the plate on the inside is screwed to the wall of the module housing. A seal is arranged between the plate on the outside and the wall, as well as between the plate on the inside and the wall, which seals off the module housing. Such an electrical connection device design must be connected to the wall of the module housing before the battery cells are inserted into the module housing, since otherwise there is no longer sufficient space for the screws to be screwed in. This results in a high assembly effort, which leads to increased costs.The proposed design also does not take into account tolerance-related variations in wall thickness, which can lead to leaks in the case of tolerance-related variations in wall thickness.

[0006] The object is to create an electrical connection device and a battery cell module which are improved compared to the prior art, so that the electrical connection device is easier and more cost-effective to assemble and yet allows for different wall thicknesses to be taken into account and the battery cell module with an improved connection device is easier to assemble and more cost-effective to construct.

[0007] The object of the connection device is achieved with the features of claim 1.

[0008] An embodiment of the invention relates to a connection device, in particular for a battery cell module, which can be used in the region of an opening in a wall, having an inner part and an outer part, wherein the inner part can be arranged on an inner side of the wall and wherein the outer part can be arranged on the outer side of the wall, wherein the inner part can be connected to the outer part through the opening, wherein the inner part has an electrical contact element in the center and the outer part is designed as a ring-like element with a central recess to allow access to the electrical contact element through the central recess, wherein the inner part has a first thread and the outer part has a second thread, such that the outer part with its second thread can be screwed into the inner part with its first thread, wherein the inner part has a first edge region and the outer part has a second edge region,wherein a peripheral edge of the wall is adapted to be received around the opening between the first edge region and the second edge region. This allows for the provision of a connection device that is easy to install and also less sensitive to any tolerances or thicknesses of the wall of a module housing.

[0009] In one embodiment, it is expedient if, by screwing the outer part relative to the inner part, an axial distance between the first edge region and the second edge region can be adjusted, so that a peripheral edge of the wall can be clamped in the axial direction around the opening between the first edge region and the second edge region. This ensures insensitivity to fluctuating tolerances in the wall thickness.

[0010] In another embodiment, it is also expedient for the outer part to have an annular flange extending in the axial direction radially within the second thread, and for the inner part to have an annular surface radially within the first thread, with the annular flange encompassing the annular surface. This better defines and centers the relative position of the outer part and the inner part, and creates a possible sealing area for sealing between the outer part and the inner part in the area between the annular flange and the annular surface.

[0011] In one embodiment, it is also expedient for the outer part to have a seal on its second edge region, which can be sealingly applied to the wall at the peripheral edge. This achieves a secure connection to the wall, particularly on the outer side of the wall.

[0012] In a further embodiment, it is also advantageous if the inner part has a seal on its annular surface, which can be sealingly applied to the annular flange of the outer part. This ensures a secure connection between the inner and outer parts.

[0013] In one embodiment, it is expedient for the inner part to be constructed in multiple parts, with the at least two parts of the inner part being sealingly connected to one another. This allows different regions of the inner part to be designed differently as needed and subsequently connected to one another, ultimately resulting in a single-piece inner part.

[0014] In another embodiment, it is expedient for the outer part to have at least one locking arm or arms, each of which has a beveled end region and an undercut, wherein the locking arm or arms engage with their beveled end region into a receptacle of the inner part to form a positive connection between the inner part and the outer part. This allows a secure connection between the inner and outer parts to be created despite the outer part being screwed into the inner part, which also holds together securely over time, even in the presence of vibrations.

[0015] In one embodiment, it is expedient if the at least one locking arm or arms is / are arranged radially within the annular flange. This requires little installation space.

[0016] The object of the battery cell module is achieved with the features of claim 9.

[0017] An embodiment of the invention relates to a battery cell module with a module housing and with at least one battery cell stack which can be introduced into the module housing, wherein at least one connection device according to the invention or several connection devices according to the invention is or are provided.

[0018] In one embodiment, it is expedient if the inner part of the connection device is arranged connected to the battery cell stack, which can be introduced into the module housing with the battery cell stack, wherein subsequently, after the battery cell stack has been introduced with the inner part, the outer part can be connected to the inner part through an opening in the wall of the module housing.

[0019] The invention will be explained in detail below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 a schematic view of an embodiment of a battery cell module, and Fig. 2 a schematic view of an embodiment of a connection device.

[0020] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a battery cell module 1 according to the invention, wherein only one connection device 2 is shown by way of example. However, multiple connection devices 2 may also be provided, although this need not be explicitly shown for the explanation of the connection device according to the invention. However, the number of connection devices is also not decisive for the explanation of the connection device according to the invention and the battery cell module according to the invention.

[0021] The battery cell module 1 is, in particular, a battery cell module 1 for a motor vehicle. The battery cell module 1 can be used alone as such or can form a battery with at least one other battery cell module 1.

[0022] The motor vehicle used may, for example, be an electrically powered motor vehicle, for example an electric vehicle with a purely electric drive or a hybrid vehicle with a partial electric drive and an alternative drive, such as an internal combustion engine.

[0023] The battery cell module 1 preferably has a plurality of battery cells 3, in particular two or more battery cells 3, particularly preferably eight or more battery cells 3. These battery cells 3 are preferably assembled as a battery cell stack 4 in order to be introduced into the module housing 5 as a structural unit.

[0024] The module housing 5 can be a module housing 5 that is open on one side or both sides, into which the battery cell stack 4 can be inserted.

[0025] Out of Fig. 1 it can be seen that the connection device 2 is designed in several parts and has an inner part 6 and an outer part 7.

[0026] The connection device 2 is arranged and insertable in the area of ​​an opening 8 of a wall 9 of the module housing 5.

[0027] The inner part 6 is arranged mechanically and electrically connected to the battery cell stack 4 and is inserted, such as pushed, into the module housing 5 with the battery cell stack 4. The outer part 7 is inserted from the outside through the opening 8 and connected to the inner part 6.

[0028] The connection device 2 can thus be used in the area of ​​an opening 8 of a wall 9, wherein the connection device 2 is formed with an inner part 6 and an outer part 7, which can be connected to one another.

[0029] The inner part 6 can be arranged on the inside of the wall 9 and the outer part 7 can be arranged on the outside of the wall 9, wherein the inner part 6 can be connected to the outer part 7 through the opening 8.

[0030] The Fig. 2 shows details of the connection device 2.

[0031] For electrical contacting, the inner part 6 has an electrical contact element 10 in the center, which can be contacted from the outside through the opening 8 and which is electrically connected on the inside of the wall 9 to the battery cell stack 4 or another electrical or electronic unit within the module housing 5.

[0032] To allow access to the electrical contact element 10 from the outside, the outer part 7 is designed as a ring-like element with a central recess 11. This allows access to the electrical contact element 10 through the central recess 11. For example, a plug or similar device can be inserted into the central recess 11.

[0033] To connect the inner part 6 to the outer part 7, the inner part 6 has a first thread 12, and the outer part 7 has a second thread 13. The outer part 7, with its second thread 13, can be screwed into the inner part 6 with its first thread 12. However, this could also be reversed, with the first thread 12 being screwed into the second thread 13, although this is not shown.

[0034] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the inner part 6 has a first edge region 14 and the outer part 7 has a second edge region 15, each of which protrudes in a radial direction. The first edge region 14 is spaced apart from the second edge region 15. The first edge region 14 and / or the second edge region 15 is / are preferably annular.

[0035] Also in Fig. 2 that a peripheral edge 16 of the wall 9 is received around the opening 8 between the first edge region 14 and the second edge region 15.

[0036] By screwing the outer part 7 relative to the inner part 6, an axial distance between the first edge region 14 and the second edge region 15 is also adjusted, so that a peripheral edge 16 of the wall 9 can be clamped or clamped in the axial direction around the opening 8 between the first edge region 14 and the second edge region 15. For this purpose, the rotatably designed outer part 7 is designed to be rotatable relative to the stationary inner part 6, so that the outer part 7 can be screwed into the inner part 6 or the outer part 7 can be screwed to the inner part 6.

[0037] Also in Fig. 2 that the outer part 7 has an annular flange 17 extending in the axial direction radially within the second thread 13. The inner part 6 has an annular surface 18 radially within the first thread 12, such that the annular flange 17 surrounds the annular surface 18. The annular flange 17 at least almost touches the annular surface 18 or actually touches it.

[0038] To seal the connection device 2 in the module housing 5, the outer part 7 has a seal 19 on its second edge region 15, which can be sealingly applied to the wall 9 at the peripheral edge 16. The seal 19 can be an O-ring seal, for example, partially accommodated in a groove 20. Alternative seal designs are also possible, for example, a two-component design.

[0039] It can also be seen that the inner part 6 has a seal 21 on its annular surface 18, which can be sealingly applied to the annular flange 17 of the outer part 7. The seal 21 can be an O-ring seal, for example, partially accommodated in a groove 22. Alternative seal designs are also possible, for example, as a two-component design.

[0040] Furthermore, Fig. 2 that an additional positive connection is provided between the inner part 6 and the outer part 7. For this purpose, the outer part 7 has at least one locking arm 23 or locking arms 23, which has or have a beveled end region and an undercut. The locking arm 23 or locking arms 23 extend in the axial direction x and are at least slightly elastic in the radial direction.

[0041] The inner part 6 has at least one corresponding receptacle 24, so that the locking arm 23 or the locking arms 23 engage or engage with their bevelled end region in a corresponding receptacle 24 of the inner part 6 to form the positive connection between the inner part 6 and the outer part 7. This connection is a locking connection, which can also be released again with an auxiliary tool if necessary.

[0042] In this case, at least one locking arm 23 or the locking arms 23 are arranged radially within the annular flange 17. The locking arm 23 or the locking arms 23 can be connected to the annular flange 17.

[0043] Also in Fig. 2 that the inner part 6 is formed in several parts, wherein the at least two parts 25, 26 of the inner part 6 are preferably connected to one another in a sealing manner. List of reference symbols 1 battery cell module 2 Connection device 3 battery cells 4 battery cell stacks 5 module housings 6 Inside 7 Outdoor part 8 Opening 9 Wall 10 Contact element 11 Recess 12 first thread 13 second thread 14 first edge area 15 second edge area 16 peripheral edge 17 Ring flange 18 ring area 19 Seal 20 grooves 21 Seal 22 grooves 23 locking arm 24 recording 25 Part of the inner part 26 Part of the inner part QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2022 / 129 809 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Connection device (2), in particular for a battery cell module (1), which can be used in the region of an opening (8) of a wall (9), with an inner part (6) and with an outer part (7), wherein the inner part (6) can be arranged on an inner side of the wall (9) and wherein the outer part (7) can be arranged on the outer side of the wall (9), wherein the inner part (6) can be connected to the outer part (7) through the opening (8), wherein the inner part (6) has an electrical contact element (10) in the middle and the outer part (7) is designed as a ring-like element with a central recess (11) in order to allow access to the electrical contact element (10) through the central recess (11), wherein the inner part (6) has a first thread (12) and the outer part (7) has a second thread (13), such that the outer part (7) with its second thread (13) can be inserted into the inner part (6) with its first thread (12) can be screwed in,wherein the inner part (6) has a first edge region (14) and the outer part (7) has a second edge region (15), wherein a peripheral edge (16) of the wall (9) can be received around the opening (8) between the first edge region (14) and the second edge region (15). [2] Connection device (2) according to claim 1, characterized by that by screwing the outer part (7) relative to the inner part (6) an axial distance between the first edge region (14) and the second edge region (15) can be adjusted, so that a peripheral edge (16) of the wall (9) can be clamped around the opening (8) between the first edge region (14) and the second edge region (15) in the axial direction. [3] Connection device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the outer part (7) has an annular flange (17) extending in the axial direction radially inside the second thread (13), and wherein the inner part (6) has an annular surface (18) radially inside the first thread (12), wherein the annular flange (17) engages around the annular surface (18). [4] Connection device (2) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by that the outer part (7) has a seal (19) on its second edge region (15) which can be sealingly applied to the wall (9) on the peripheral edge (16). [5] Connection device (2) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by that the inner part (6) has a seal (21) on its annular surface (18) which can be sealingly applied to the annular flange (17) of the outer part (7). [6] Connection device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the inner part (6) is designed in several parts, wherein the at least two parts (25, 26) of the inner part (6) are sealingly connected to one another. [7] Connection device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the outer part (7) has at least one locking arm (23) or locking arms (23), which has or have a bevelled end region and an undercut, wherein the locking arm (23) or the locking arms (23) engage or engage with their bevelled end region in a receptacle (24) of the inner part (6) to form a positive connection between the inner part (6) and the outer part (7). [8] Connection device (2) according to claim 7, characterized by that the at least one locking arm (23) or the locking arms (23) is or are arranged radially inside the annular flange (17). [9] Battery cell module (1) with a module housing (5) and with at least one battery cell stack (4) which can be introduced into the module housing (5), wherein at least one connection device (2) or several connection devices (2) according to one of the preceding claims is or are provided. [10] Battery cell module (1) according to claim 9, characterized by that the inner part (6) of the connection device (2) is arranged connected to the battery cell stack (4), which can be introduced into the module housing (5) with the battery cell stack (4), wherein subsequently, after the battery cell stack (4) has been introduced with the inner part (6), the outer part (7) can be connected to the inner part (6) through an opening (8) in the wall (9) of the module housing (5).

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