Cell connector and battery module

Abstract

The invention relates to a cell connector of a battery module (10) with at least one end region (3) which is designed to form a positively locking electrically conductive connection with a voltage tap (4) of a battery cell (2), wherein the cell connector (1) in the at least one end region (3) comprises a first connecting element (51) which is elastically deformable in a first direction (61) perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (6) of the cell connector (1), and a second connecting element (52) which is elastically deformable in a second direction (62) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (6) of the cell connector (1).

Description

State of the art:

[0001] The invention relates to a cell connector according to the preamble of the independent claim. The present invention also relates to a battery module.

[0002] A battery module comprises a plurality of individual battery cells, each with a positive and a negative voltage tap. The voltage taps of these multiple battery cells are electrically connected to one another in a series and / or parallel configuration, thus forming the battery module. Specifically, each battery cell can have a first voltage tap, particularly a positive one, and a second voltage tap, particularly a negative one, which are electrically connected to one another by means of cell connectors, creating a series and / or parallel connection. Battery modules are further interconnected to form batteries or complete battery systems.

[0003] Typically, cell connectors are designed to be relatively rigid and are bonded to the battery cell's voltage tap, for example, by laser welding. With such bonded connections, unreliable welds can result due to insufficient holding force caused by comparatively poor or unfavorable tolerances of the battery cells.

[0004] State of the art in this regard includes, for example, the publications US 2019 / 0165529 A1 or US 2022 / 0416368 A1. Disclosure of the invention:

[0005] A cell connector with the features of an independent claim offers the advantage that a reliable electrically conductive connection can be formed. In particular, this ensures a reliable electrical connection between the cell connector and a voltage tap of a battery cell over its entire service life.

[0006] According to the invention, a cell connector for a battery module is provided. The cell connector comprises at least one end region, which is configured to form a positive-locking, electrically conductive connection with a voltage tap of a battery cell. Furthermore, the cell connector in this at least one end region comprises a first connecting element, which is elastically deformable in a first direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the cell connector. The cell connector also comprises a second connecting element, which is elastically deformable in a second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cell connector. The first and second directions are, in particular, arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0007] The measures listed in the dependent claims enable advantageous further developments and improvements of the device specified in the independent claim.

[0008] In particular, the disadvantages of a material-bonded connection can be overcome by means of the formable positive-locking connection between the cell connector and the voltage tap of the battery cell.

[0009] It is advantageous if the cell connector comprises two first connecting elements in at least one end region. The second connecting element is positioned between the two first connecting elements. This allows for an even more reliable positive-locking connection.

[0010] It is also advantageous if the first connecting element has a projection and / or a recess designed for connection to the voltage tap of the battery cell. This ensures a secure connection, particularly along the length of the cell connector.

[0011] Furthermore, it is also advantageous if the second connecting element continues to have a nose which is designed to contact the voltage tap of the battery cell by means of a pressure force.

[0012] Advantageously, the cell connector has a first end region which is designed to form a positive-locking electrically conductive connection with a voltage tap of a first battery cell, and the cell connector has a second end region which is designed to form a positive-locking electrically conductive connection with a voltage tap of a second battery cell.

[0013] It is advantageous if an elastically deformable connection area is formed between the first and second end areas. This allows for the compensation of tolerances between two battery cells to be connected.

[0014] It is also advantageous if the connection area includes a plug connector designed for connection to a sensor or control device. Specifically, the plug connector is designed as a flat connector. Furthermore, temperature and / or voltage can preferably be measured at the cell connector. This offers the advantage that material-bonded connections, such as those made by bonding or laser welding, can be avoided. In other words, a direct connection can be established between the cell connector and the sensor or control device.

[0015] The present invention also relates to a battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells and a plurality of cell connectors according to the invention as described above. Each battery cell comprises voltage taps having a recess. In particular, the battery cells comprise a first voltage tap, e.g., a positive voltage tap, and a second voltage tap, e.g., a negative voltage tap. An end region of a cell connector is positively engaged in a recess, such that the plurality of battery cells are electrically connected in series and / or parallel.

[0016] Preferably, the battery module is a 12-volt battery module or a 48-volt battery module.

[0017] Advantageously, the majority of battery cells are prismatic in design. It should be noted that prismatic battery cells each comprise a battery cell housing with a total of six lateral faces, arranged in pairs opposite each other and essentially parallel to one another. Furthermore, adjacent lateral faces are arranged at right angles to each other. The electrochemical components of the respective battery cell are housed within the interior of the battery cell housing. Typically, two voltage taps, such as a positive and a negative voltage tap, are arranged on an upper lateral face, referred to as the top face. The lower lateral face, opposite the upper lateral face, is referred to as the bottom face.

[0018] A battery module according to the invention offers the particular advantage that the battery cells of the battery module can be mechanically and electrically connected without an additional connection technology.

[0019] Overall, a solution according to the invention offers the advantage that a complex verification of the electrical and mechanical structure of a material-bonded connection can be dispensed with. Furthermore, an optical inspection could be carried out on only one top surface.

[0020] Furthermore, the requirement for a material-bonded connection between the cell connector and the voltage tap of the battery cell, such as copper and copper or aluminum and aluminum, can be dispensed with. An inventive solution for forming a positive-locking connection offers the advantage that the need for identical material pairing is eliminated.

[0021] Furthermore, an embodiment according to the invention enables comparably good recyclability, thus allowing for reconditioning, repair, retrofitting and reuse of the battery, as well as maintenance and servicing. Overall, more sustainable products can be made available. Brief description of the drawings:

[0022] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description.

[0023] It shows: Fig. 1 an embodiment of a cell connector according to the invention in a perspective view, Fig. 2 an embodiment of a cell connector according to the invention in a side view in an undeformed state, Fig. 3 an embodiment of a cell connector according to the invention in a side view in a deformed state, Fig. 4 an embodiment of a battery cell of a battery module according to the invention in a perspective view, Fig. 5 an embodiment of a battery cell of a battery module according to the invention in a side view, Fig. 6 a section of a battery module according to the invention in a side view, Fig. 7 a section of a battery module according to the invention in a top view, Fig. 8 another embodiment of a cell connector according to the invention in a perspective view and Fig. 9 another embodiment of a cell connector according to the invention in a side view.

[0024] The Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a cell connector 1 according to the invention, of which in the Fig. 1 unrecognizable battery module 10 in a perspective view.

[0025] The cell connector 1 has a first end region 31, which forms a positive-locking, electrically conductive connection with a [missing information] in the Fig. 1. The cell connector 1 has a second end region 32, which forms a positively engaged, electrically conductive connection with a terminal in the Fig. 1 is formed by an unrecognizable voltage tap 4 of a second battery cell 22.

[0026] The cell connector 1 has a longitudinal direction 6. The first end region 31 and the second end region 32 are arranged opposite each other in the longitudinal direction 6 of the cell connector 1.

[0027] In the end regions 3, the cell connector 1 comprises two first connecting elements 51 and one second connecting element 52. The second connecting element 52 is arranged between the two first connecting elements 51.

[0028] The first connecting elements 51 are designed to be elastically deformable in a first direction 61 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 6 of the cell connector 1.

[0029] The second connecting elements 52 are designed to be elastically deformable in a second direction 62 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 6 of the cell connector 1.

[0030] It should also be noted that the first direction 61 and the second direction 62 are also arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0031] The first connecting elements 51 each have a projection 71 and a recess 72, which are designed for connection to a voltage tap 4 of the battery cell 2. In particular, the projection 71 can surround a voltage tap 4 of the battery cell 2 and / or a voltage tap 4 of the battery cell 2 can engage in the recess 72.

[0032] The Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the cell connector 1 according to the invention in a side view in an undeformed state and the Fig. Figure 3 shows the embodiment of the cell connector 1 according to the invention in a side view in a deformed state.

[0033] It can be seen that the second connecting elements 52 each still have a nose 73. In addition, the second connecting elements 52 each include a further projection 74. The further projection 74 can, for example, surround a voltage tap 4 of the battery cell 2.

[0034] From the Fig. Figure 3 also shows that the second connecting elements 52 are elastically deformable in the second direction 62. This allows the nose 73 to exert a pressure force on the voltage tap 4 of the battery cell 2, thus ensuring reliable electrical contact.

[0035] An elastically deformable connection area 8 is formed between the first end area 21 and the second end area 22.

[0036] The Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a battery cell 2 of a battery module 10 according to the invention in a perspective view and the Fig. Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a battery cell 2 of a battery module 10 according to the invention in a side view.

[0037] In particular, the battery cell 2 shown here has a prismatic shape.

[0038] The battery cells 2 each have voltage taps 4, in particular a first voltage tap 41 and a second voltage tap 42.

[0039] The voltage taps 4 each also have a recess 9.

[0040] The Fig. Figure 6 shows a section of a battery module 10 according to the invention in a side view and the Fig. 7 a section of a battery module 10 according to the invention in a top view.

[0041] Two prismatic battery cells 2 are visible, each electrically connected to the other by a cell connector 1. The end regions 3 of the cell connectors 1 are positively engaged in the recess 9 of the voltage tap 4, so that a plurality of battery cells 2 of the battery module 10 are electrically connected in series and / or parallel.

[0042] From the Fig. Figure 6 shows that the nose 73 of the second connecting element 52 exerts a pressure force 77 on the voltage tap 4 of the respective battery cell 2. In particular, the pressure force 77 acts in the direction of the second direction 62.

[0043] Furthermore, it is from the Fig. 6 can be seen that the further projection 74 surrounds the voltage tap 4 of the battery cell 2. This forms a locking mechanism in the longitudinal direction 6 of the cell connector 1.

[0044] From the Fig. Figure 7 shows that the first connecting elements 51 are received in the recess 9 and also lock the cell connector 1 in the longitudinal direction 6 as well as in the first direction 61.

[0045] The Fig. Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of a cell connector 1 according to the invention in a perspective view and the Fig. Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of a cell connector 1 according to the invention in a side view.

[0046] This embodiment of the cell connector 1 comprises, in addition to the one described in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 described embodiment includes a plug contact 11, which is designed for connection to a sensor or a control device.

[0047] In particular, the plug contact 11 includes an elastically deformable section 12 by means of which tolerances can be reliably compensated. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] US 2019 / 0165529 A1

[0004] US 2022 / 0416368 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Cell connector of a battery module (10) with at least one end region (3) which is designed to form a positively locking electrically conductive connection with a voltage tap (4) of a battery cell (2), characterized by , that the cell connector (1) in at least one end region (3) comprises a first connecting element (51) which is elastically deformable in a first direction (61) perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (6) of the cell connector (1), and comprises a second connecting element (52) which is elastically deformable in a second direction (62) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (6) of the cell connector (1). [2] Cell connector according to the preceding claim 1, characterized by , that the cell connector (1) comprises two first connecting elements (51) in the at least one end region (3), wherein the second connecting element (52) is arranged between the two first connecting elements (51). [3] Cell connector according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 2, characterized by , that the first connecting element (51) further has a projection (71) and / or a recess (72) which are designed for connection to the voltage tap (4) of the battery cell (2). [4] Cell connector according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the second connecting element (52) further has a nose (73) which is designed to contact the voltage tap (4) of the battery cell (2) by means of a pressure force (77). [5] Cell connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that the cell connector (1) has a first end region (31) which is formed to form a positively locking electrically conductive connection with a voltage tap (4) of a first battery cell (21), and the cell connector (1) has a second end region (32) which is formed to form a positively locking electrically conductive connection with a voltage tap (4) of a second battery cell (22). [6] Cell connector according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that an elastically deformable connection area (8) is formed between the first end area (21) and the second end area (22). [7] Cell connector according to the preceding claim 6, characterized by , that the connection area (8) further includes a plug contact (11) which is designed for connecting the cell connector (1) to a sensor or a control device. [8] Battery module with a plurality of battery cells (2) and cell connectors (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the battery cells (2) each comprise voltage taps (4) having a recess (9), and an end region (3) of a cell connector (1) is positively received in a recess (9) such that the plurality of battery cells (2) are electrically connected in series and / or in parallel. [9] Battery module according to the preceding claim 8, characterized by , that the majority of battery cells (2) are each prismatically shaped.

Images