Akkupack

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery pack, in particular a replaceable battery pack, comprising a housing for accommodating electronics and at least one battery cell, with a charge level indicator configured to display a charge level, wherein the charge level indicator has at least one display element and at least one actuating element for actuating the charge level indicator, and wherein the charge level indicator is arranged on a flat outer surface of a housing part of the housing. It is proposed that the housing part has at least two protective elements for protecting the charge level indicator, which are arranged adjacent to the actuating element and / or the display element of the charge level indicator.

Description

State of the art

[0001] In DE 10 2022 210 058 A1 a battery pack for an electric bicycle is described, wherein the battery pack has a charge level indicator. Disclosure of the invention

[0002] The invention relates to a battery pack, in particular a replaceable battery pack, comprising a housing for accommodating electronics and at least one battery cell, with a charge level indicator configured to display a charge level, wherein the charge level indicator has at least one display element and at least one actuating element for actuating the charge level indicator, and wherein the charge level indicator is arranged on a flat outer surface of a housing part of the housing. It is proposed that the housing part have at least two protective elements for protecting the charge level indicator, which are arranged adjacent to the actuating element and / or the display element of the charge level indicator. Advantageously, this allows the charge level indicator to be effectively protected.

[0003] The battery pack is intended for a consumer, in particular for an electric means of transport, preferably an electric bicycle. For the purposes of this application, an electric bicycle is understood to mean, in particular, a bicycle that has a drive unit to assist the rider. The electric bicycle is preferably designed as an e-bike, a pedelec, an S-pedelec, a cargo bike, a folding bike, or the like. The drive unit has a motor, which may, for example, be a mid-drive motor or a hub motor. The motor is preferably an electric motor. The drive unit is connected to the battery pack to supply the drive unit with energy. The battery pack has a housing, which is preferably detachably connected to a housing of the consumer, in particular to the frame of the electric bicycle.The electric bicycle preferably has a control unit, wherein the control unit of the electric bicycle is associated with the electronics.

[0004] The interchangeable battery pack is preferably designed to be detachable from the e-bike without tools. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the battery pack is permanently attached to or integrated into the e-bike's housing. Tool-free detachability includes detachment via a lock, such as a bicycle lock. The lock can be operated, for example, by a key or an electric actuator. The battery pack is designed to be connectable to a charging device for recharging the battery pack. Alternatively or additionally, the battery pack can also be designed so that it can be charged while attached to the e-bike.

[0005] At least one battery cell is arranged within the battery pack housing. The battery pack housing is preferably designed as an outer casing. The battery pack, and in particular its housing, can be detachably connected to the consumer, especially an e-bike, and / or a charging device via a mechanical interface, or it can be permanently connected. The housing preferably has at least one housing part designed as an outer casing part. This outer casing part separates the battery pack from the outside and can be touched by a user.

[0006] The battery pack also has at least one electrical interface through which it can be electrically connected to the load. This electrical connection allows the battery pack to be charged and / or discharged, for example. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that information can be transmitted between the battery pack and the load via this electrical interface. The load or charger has an electrical interface corresponding to the electrical interface of the battery pack. This electrical interface is preferably designed as a contact interface, where the electrical connection is made via a physical contact between at least two conductive components. The electrical interface preferably comprises at least two electrical contact elements.In particular, one of the electrical contact elements is configured as a positive contact and the other as a negative contact. Additionally, the electrical interface can have at least one auxiliary contact designed to transmit additional information to the e-bike and / or the charging device. These auxiliary contacts can be configured as signal contacts, coding contacts, temperature contacts, bus contacts, etc. The electrical contact elements can be, for example, spring-loaded contact elements in the form of contact tips or flat contacts in the form of contact blades. Alternatively or additionally, the electrical interface can have a secondary charging coil element for inductive charging. The mechanical and electrical interfaces can be integrated or separate.

[0007] The electronics of the battery pack can include a circuit board, a processing unit, a control unit, a transistor, a capacitor, and / or a memory unit and / or other electronic components known to those skilled in the art. Additionally or alternatively, it is also conceivable that the electronics acquire information. The electronics are designed to control or regulate the battery pack and / or the load. In particular, the electronics include a BMS (Battery Management System) designed to monitor the battery pack. The BMS is specifically designed to prevent overcharging and / or deep discharging of the battery pack. Preferably, the BMS is designed to ensure correct cell balancing. The electronics can also include one or more sensor elements, for example, a temperature sensor to determine the temperature inside the battery pack or a motion sensor to detect movement.The electronics may alternatively or additionally include a coding element, such as a coding resistor. For the purposes of this application, a printed circuit board (PCB) is understood to be a circuit carrier that has an organic or inorganic substrate, for example, IMS. The PCB may be rigid or flexible. Furthermore, the PCB may be populated or unpopulated. The PCB may have a single layer or be multilayered.

[0008] The battery cell can be designed as a galvanic cell with a structure in which one cell terminal is located at one end and another cell terminal at the opposite end. In particular, the battery cell has a positive cell terminal at one end and a negative cell terminal at the opposite end. Preferably, the battery cells are designed as NiCd or NiMH cells, and especially preferably as lithium-based or Li-ion battery cells. Alternatively, it is also conceivable, for example, that the battery cell is designed as a pouch cell or as a prismatic cell. The battery voltage of the battery pack is generally a multiple of the voltage of a single battery cell and results from the connection (parallel or series) of the battery cells. For common battery cells with a voltage of 3.6 V, exemplary battery voltages of 3.6 V, 7.2 V, 10 V, 8 V, 14.4 V, 18 V, 36 V, 54 V, 108 V, etc., are thus possible.Preferably, the battery cell is designed as a cylindrical cell, at least in its essential shape, with the cell poles arranged at the ends of the cylindrical shape.

[0009] The battery pack's charge level indicator is connected to the electronics. The charge level indicator can be, for example, an LED or a screen, such as an LCD screen. The actuating element is preferably designed as a user-operated element of the battery pack, such as a button or a switch.

[0010] Furthermore, it is proposed that the two protective elements be formed integrally with the housing part. This advantageously provides a particularly compact and effective form of protection. In the context of this application, "integral" means that the elements are formed as a single component and thus made of the same material – there is no material-bonded, force-fit, or form-fit connection. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the protective element is formed integrally with the housing part, either as a single component or in multiple components. An integral design is understood to mean that the two components are material-bonded and made of the same or different materials.

[0011] Furthermore, it is proposed that the housing component in the area of ​​the protective elements have a material thickness that is at least 50% greater. This can advantageously provide particularly effective protection.

[0012] Furthermore, it is proposed that the housing component be made of a metallic material. This would advantageously improve the level of protection. The housing component could, for example, be made of aluminum and preferably as an extruded part. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the housing component to be made of a plastic.

[0013] Furthermore, it is proposed that the two protective elements be spaced apart by a distance greater than the width of the charge level indicator. This would advantageously allow the charge level indicator to be positioned between the protective elements. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable to position the charge level indicator next to the protective elements, rather than between them.

[0014] It is further proposed that the two protective elements be identical. In particular, the two protective elements are designed in such a way that they form a stable base. This allows the battery pack to be placed securely on the charge indicator.

[0015] Furthermore, it is proposed that the two protective elements be designed as two parallel ribs. The ribs preferably have a width that essentially corresponds to the wall thickness of the housing part. In particular, the two protective elements have a length that essentially corresponds to the length of the battery pack.

[0016] Furthermore, it is proposed that the two protective elements have a height corresponding to between 150% and 250% of the thickness of the charge level indicator. This advantageously allows for optimal protection while maintaining a compact battery pack. Drawings

[0017] Further advantages arise from the following drawing description. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0018] They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an electric bicycle with a battery pack according to the invention; Fig. 2 a perspective view of a battery pack for the electric bicycle according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a side view of a housing and a charge level indicator of the battery pack according to Fig. 2; Fig. 4 a partial cross-section through the housing and the charge level indicator according to Fig. 3 in an enlarged view. Description of the exemplary implementations

[0019] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a consumer 10 with a power supply device 100 in the form of a battery pack 102 in a perspective view. The consumer 10 is exemplified as an electrically powered means of transport 12, in particular as an electric bicycle 14. The electric bicycle 14 can, for example, be a pedelec or an e-bike.

[0020] The electric bicycle 14 has a frame 18, or bicycle frame. Two wheels 20 are connected to the frame 18. The consumer 10 also has a drive unit 22, which includes an electric motor. The electric motor is preferably a permanent magnet excited, brushless DC motor. The electric motor is shown as a mid-drive motor, although a hub motor or the like is also conceivable.

[0021] The drive unit 22 includes a control unit (not shown) designed to control or regulate the electric bicycle 14, in particular the electric motor. The electric bicycle 14 has a pedal crank 24. The pedal crank 24 is connected to a pedal crank axle (not shown).

[0022] The control unit and the drive unit 22, comprising the electric motor and the crank axle, are arranged in a drive housing 26 connected to the frame. The drive motion of the electric motor is preferably transmitted to the crank axle via a gearbox (not shown), with the degree of assistance provided by the drive unit 22 being controlled or regulated by the control unit.

[0023] The electric bicycle 14 is electrically and mechanically connected to the battery pack 102, which is designed to supply energy to the drive unit 22. The battery pack 102 is shown as an example of a replaceable battery pack. In its connected state, the battery pack 102 is shown as fully integrated into the frame 18 of the electric bicycle 14. The connection can be made by axially inserting the battery pack 102 into the down tube of the frame 18 or by pivoting the battery pack 102 laterally into the frame 18. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the battery pack 102 is designed such that it can be attached to an outer surface of the frame 18.

[0024] The battery pack 102 is in Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view. The battery pack 102 has a housing 104 in which, for example, a large number of battery cells (not shown) are arranged. The housing 104 is, for example, designed in multiple parts and has housing part 113 in the form of a tubular base body 110, which is, for example, made of a metal part. Alternatively, it could also be made of a plastic part. At its end face, the housing 104 has two housing parts 113 in the form of end plates 108, which are, for example, designed as connection plates 112 and each, for example, have at least one connecting element 116. The connecting elements 116 are associated with a mechanical interface of the battery pack 102, which is designed for the mechanical connection of the battery pack 102 to the electric bicycle 14.The connecting elements 116 are shown as recesses in the connection plate 112, into which a corresponding connecting element (not shown) of the electric bicycle 14 can engage. The end plates 108 are shown as being connected to the base body 110 of the housing 104 by means of a screw connection. However, other types of connection or a one-piece or single-unit design would also be conceivable.

[0025] Furthermore, the battery pack 102 has a charge level indicator 106. The charge level indicator 106 is connected to electronics (not shown) of the battery pack 102, which are located in the housing 104 of the battery pack 102.

[0026] The charge status indicator 106 comprises at least one display element 105, for example five display elements 105, which are for example designed as LEDs. Adjacent to the display elements 105, the charge status indicator 106 has an actuating element 107 for actuating the charge status indicator 106. The actuating element 107 is for example designed as a mechanical switch, particularly in the form of a snap disc. The actuating element 107 is for example arranged behind the display elements 105 along a longitudinal extension 111 of the battery pack 102. The charge status indicator 106 can be actuated by the user by pressing the actuating element 107.

[0027] Furthermore, the battery pack 102 includes an electrical interface 114 for electrically connecting the battery pack 102 to the electric bicycle 14. The electrical interface 114 is exemplified as a socket 115. The electrical interface 114 comprises, by way of example, four electrical contact elements, two of which are configured as power contacts and at least one of which is configured for exchanging information between the battery pack 102 and the electric bicycle 14.

[0028] The electronics of the battery pack 102 include a control unit with a monitoring system, for example a BMS, for monitoring the battery pack 102, in particular the battery cells. The battery cells are monitored with regard to their voltage by means of individual cell monitoring and their temperature by means of a temperature sensor (not shown). The electronics of the battery pack 102 are connected to the electronics or control unit of the electric bicycle 14 via the electrical interface 114.

[0029] The housing 104 of the battery pack 102, in particular the base body 110 of the battery pack 102, has a flat outer surface 120. The flat outer surface 120 extends essentially along the entire length or longitudinal extent 111 of the battery pack 102.

[0030] The charge status indicator 106 is exemplified as a charge status indicator sticker 125. The charge status indicator 106 has a flexible housing 122, exemplified as a plastic housing, wherein an adhesive film (not shown) is arranged on a side of the charge status indicator 106 facing the housing 104 of the battery pack 102 for a material-bonded connection. The charge status indicator 106 is exemplified as a flexible PCB and has a flexible connecting section that connects the actuating element 107 and the indicator elements 105 to an electrical interface (not shown), wherein the electrical interface is connected inside the battery pack 102 to the electronics of the battery pack.

[0031] The charge status indicator 106 has an outer section 124 and an inner section 126 (see Fig. 3) on. The outer section 124 is arranged on the outer surface 120 of the battery pack 102 and includes the display elements 105 and the actuating element 107.

[0032] The inner section 126 enters the inner space of the housing 104 of the battery pack 102 between the end plate 108 and the base body 110 and is electrically connected there to the electronics of the battery pack 102.

[0033] To protect the charge status indicator 106, in particular the outer section 124 of the charge status indicator 106, for example the indicator elements 105 and the actuating element 107, the battery pack 102 has two protective elements 128. The protective elements 128 are, for example, designed as ribs 130, in particular as straight ribs 130 running parallel to each other. The protective elements 128 extend, for example, substantially along the entire length of the battery pack 102, so that a length 109 of the protective elements 128 corresponds substantially to the length of the battery pack 102. The outer section 124 of the charge status indicator 106 is arranged substantially entirely between the two protective elements 128.

[0034] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a side view of the base body 110 of the housing 104 of the battery pack 102 with the charge status indicator. The protective elements 128 are, by way of example, formed integrally with the housing 104 of the battery pack 102, in particular with the base body 110 of the housing 104. Thus, the protective elements 128 are also made of a metal, for example aluminum, which ensures effective protection of the charge status indicator 106 against the application of force.

[0035] The base body 110 of the housing 104 has a substantially constant wall thickness 132, wherein the base body 110 has an increased material thickness 134 in the area of ​​the protective elements 128. By way of example, the material thickness 134 in the area of ​​the protective elements 128 is increased by more than 50%, preferably more than 100%, compared to the wall thickness 132.

[0036] In Fig.Figure 4 shows a section through the charge status indicator 106 and the base body 110 in an enlarged view.

[0037] The protective elements 128 have, for example, a distance 140 from each other that is greater than the width 142 of the charge status indicator 106. Furthermore, the protective elements 128 have a height 144 that is between 150% and 250% of the thickness 146 of the charge status indicator 106, particularly in the area of ​​the actuating element 107. Advantageously, this allows for a compact yet effective protective zone for the charge status indicator 106.

[0038] The protective elements 128 are shaped such that they form a base 150 which is arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the flat outer surface 120 of the housing 104. Advantageously, this allows the battery pack 102 to be placed on the side with the charge status indicator 106 without the indicator being activated or damaged. 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] DE 10 2022 210 058 A1

[0001]

Claims

[1] Battery pack, in particular replaceable battery pack, with a housing (104) for receiving electronics and at least one battery cell, with a charge status indicator (106) designed to indicate a charge status, wherein the charge status indicator (106) has at least one indicator element (105) and at least one actuating element (107) for actuating the charge status indicator (107), wherein the charge status indicator (106) is arranged on a flat outer surface (120) of a housing part (113) of the housing (104), characterized by , that the housing part (113) has at least two protective elements (128) for protecting the charge status indicator (106), which are arranged adjacent to the actuating element (107) and / or the display element (105) of the charge status indicator (106). [2] Battery pack according to claim 1, characterized by that the two protective elements (128) are formed integrally with the housing part (113). [3] Battery pack according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the housing part (113) in the area of ​​the protective elements (128) has a material thickness (134) that is increased by at least 50%. [4] Battery pack according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the housing part (113) is made of a metallic material. [5] Battery pack according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the two protective elements (120) have a distance (140) from each other which is greater than a width (142) of the charge status indicator (106). [6] Battery pack according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the two protective elements (128) are identical. [7] Battery pack according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the two protective elements (128) are designed in such a way that a standing surface is formed by the protective elements (128). [8] Battery pack according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the two protective elements (128) are designed as two parallel ribs (130). [9] Battery pack according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the two protective elements (128) have a length (109) which corresponds to a length of the battery pack (102). [10] Battery pack according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the two protective elements (128) have a height (144) which corresponds to a range between 150% and 250% of a thickness (146) of the charge level indicator (106).

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