Battery arrangement

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery arrangement, in particular of an electric bicycle, comprising a battery pack, a housing into which the battery pack can be received, and at least one tolerance compensation element which is arranged between the battery pack and the housing, wherein the battery pack comprises a cell holder in which at least one battery cell is arranged, wherein the tolerance compensation element is connected to the cell holder by friction and / or form-fitting means, and wherein the tolerance compensation element is designed to compensate for an axial and / or radial tolerance.

Description

State of the art

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery arrangement, in particular of an electric bicycle, and an electric bicycle.

[0002] Battery arrangements for electric bicycles are known, comprising a battery pack housed within a casing. The battery cells within the battery pack are mechanically protected and typically fixed within the casing. This is intended to prevent relative movement between the battery cells and the casing. In particular, the battery casing and mounting elements of the battery pack are designed to protect the battery cells from damage caused by potential drops of the battery arrangement. However, with known designs and materials, this level of protection is often not achievable over the entire lifespan of the battery arrangement. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] In contrast, the battery arrangement according to the invention with the features of claim 1 is characterized by the fact that a particularly good protection of a battery pack over a long period and a long service life can be provided by means of a simple and cost-effective construction. This is achieved according to the invention by a battery arrangement, in particular for an electric bicycle, comprising a battery pack, a housing, and at least one tolerance compensation element. The housing is designed such that the battery pack can be received inside the housing, in particular within a receiving space of the housing. The at least one tolerance compensation element is arranged between the battery pack and the housing. In addition, the battery pack comprises a cell holder in which at least one battery cell is arranged.The tolerance compensation element is connected to the cell holder by force-fit and / or form-fit and is designed to compensate for axial and / or radial tolerances, in particular between the battery pack and the housing.

[0004] Preferably, the battery pack, housing, and tolerance compensation element are designed to provide a backlash-free arrangement of the battery pack within the housing. Preferably, this backlash-free arrangement is achieved through appropriate geometry and elastic deformation of the tolerance compensation element.

[0005] In other words, a battery assembly is provided which has a tolerance compensation element between the battery pack and the housing, which is connected to the cell holder of the battery pack, and which provides radial and / or axial tolerance compensation between the battery pack and the housing.

[0006] This battery arrangement offers the advantage that a particularly robust and reliable mounting of the battery pack within the housing can be provided over a very long period using simple, few, and cost-effective components. The special properties of the tolerance compensation element—namely, its connection to the cell holder and its design to compensate for radial and / or axial tolerances—ensure reliable mounting of the battery packs within the housing, even over extended periods, thanks to a simple and cost-effective construction. This also allows for the mitigation of vibrations and shocks, such as those caused by drops of the battery arrangement, thus providing particularly reliable protection for the battery pack.

[0007] The dependent claims contain preferred further developments of the invention.

[0008] Preferably, the tolerance compensation element is elastically compliant and made of an age-resistant material. In particular, an age-resistant material is defined as one that exhibits no aging, especially thermally induced aging. This means that the age-resistant material shows no significant material changes over its service life, particularly with regard to its mechanical properties, such as elastic compliance. Specifically, an elastically deformable material is considered an elastically compliant material. This ensures a robust, tolerance-free mounting of the battery pack within the housing, particularly reliably, over a long service life.

[0009] Preferably, the tolerance compensation element is made of a metal. For example, the tolerance compensation element can be designed as a sheet metal part. In particular, the tolerance compensation element can be made of steel, preferably stainless steel, or aluminum, or an alternatively suitable metal alloy. Alternatively or additionally, preferably, the tolerance compensation element is made of a creep-resistant plastic, such as a glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic or a thermoset. A creep-resistant plastic is considered to be one that has a creep modulus of at least 1000 Pa, preferably at least 10000 Pa, and most preferably at least 100,000 Pa. This ensures that, with simple and cost-effective manufacturing, it is particularly reliable to prevent any aging-related stresses between the battery pack and the housing.

[0010] Preferably, the battery pack comprises a cell holder. The tolerance compensation element is arranged on an outer surface of the cell holder. The cell holder is specifically designed to hold at least one, and preferably several, battery cells relative to each other. In particular, the cell holder, and thus the entire battery pack, extends along a longitudinal direction. The tolerance compensation element is preferably arranged on a radial side surface of the cell holder with respect to the longitudinal direction. This allows the battery pack to be held transversely within the housing by the tolerance compensation element. Preferably, the battery pack can be inserted into the housing along its longitudinal direction. This ensures easy assembly of the battery arrangement and reliable and robust mounting of the battery pack within the housing.

[0011] The tolerance compensation element is preferably designed as a leaf spring. Specifically, a leaf spring is defined as an elongated sheet metal piece that is curved or bent. In particular, the leaf spring is convex, curving outwards from the battery pack. In other words, both ends of the leaf spring are located on the battery pack. Using a leaf spring as a tolerance compensation element allows for particularly simple and cost-effective manufacturing, as well as a robust design that enables tolerance compensation.

[0012] Preferably, the tolerance compensation element is designed as an O-ring. In particular, an O-ring is defined as a closed, ring-shaped element made of an elastically compliant material. Preferably, the O-ring has a circular cross-section, or alternatively, preferably, another cross-section, such as a square or rectangular cross-section. Using an O-ring allows for a particularly simple and cost-effective design. For example, a standardized component can be used as the O-ring.

[0013] Preferably, the battery pack has a mandrel, wherein the tolerance compensation element, which is preferably designed as an O-ring, extends around the circumference of the mandrel. In other words, the O-ring is pushed onto the mandrel and, in particular, attached to this mandrel by elastic deformation of the O-ring. The mandrel can be, in particular, a projecting section of the battery pack, especially of the cell holder. For example, the mandrel can have a retaining area for the tolerance compensation element, which may, for example, have a circular cross-section. Furthermore, the mandrel can, for example, have a mounting area over which the O-ring can be pushed, wherein the mounting area has at least a smaller cross-section, for example, a tapered design. This allows for particularly easy assembly of the battery assembly.

[0014] Preferably, the battery assembly comprises several tolerance compensation elements distributed around the circumference of the battery pack. This allows tolerance compensation between the housing and the battery pack to occur from multiple sides. In particular, this enables an elastically compliant mounting of the battery pack within the housing in various directions, thereby effectively damping and compensating for vibrations and shocks, in addition to tolerance compensation.

[0015] Preferably, at least two tolerance compensation elements are arranged on opposite sides of the battery pack. That is, at least two tolerance compensation elements are preferably arranged diametrically opposite each other. This allows for symmetrical mounting of the battery pack in the housing, making it particularly effective and reliable to compensate for tolerances, vibrations, and shocks from different directions.

[0016] Preferably, the tolerance compensation element is attached to the battery pack, in particular by means of a positive-locking and / or force-locking and / or material-locking connection. For example, the tolerance compensation element can be attached to the battery pack, preferably to the cell holder, by means of a clamping connection. Alternatively or additionally preferably, the tolerance compensation element can, for example, be screwed to the cell holder. This allows for a reliable and robust battery assembly design with simple and cost-effective installation.

[0017] Preferably, the battery pack comprises several battery cells arranged axially and / or radially next to each other with respect to a longitudinal direction. In particular, the battery cells can each be identical.

[0018] Preferably, the battery assembly comprises several tolerance compensation elements distributed along the longitudinal axis of the battery pack. This enables particularly reliable tolerance compensation and effective suppression of vibration and / or shock transmission to the battery pack. Furthermore, this allows the mechanical load to be distributed across various tolerance compensation elements, thus ensuring a robust mechanical mounting over a long service life.

[0019] Preferably, at least one of the tolerance compensation elements is arranged radially between adjacent battery cells. For example, the tolerance compensation element can be arranged on a perpendicular line connecting the battery axes of radially adjacent battery cells. This allows for a particularly space-saving arrangement of the tolerance compensation elements, as they can be positioned in the spaces between the cylindrical battery cells and the battery housing.

[0020] Furthermore, the invention leads to an electric bicycle comprising the described battery arrangement. In particular, the battery pack of the battery arrangement is designed as an electrical energy storage device for providing electrical energy to a drive motor of the electric bicycle. The battery arrangement is, for example, designed for mounting on or in a bicycle frame of the electric bicycle, in particular by making the housing of the battery arrangement attachable to or in the bicycle frame.

[0021] In a further alternative or additionally preferred embodiment, the battery arrangement comprises a battery pack, a housing into which the battery pack can be received, wherein the battery pack includes a cell holder, which is particularly configured to receive battery cells, and at least one spring element which is arranged on the cell holder. The spring element is elastically compliant and configured to generate a spring force between the housing and the cell holder. For example, the spring element can correspond to the tolerance compensation element, or alternatively, preferably, be configured separately and provided as an additional or alternative component to the tolerance compensation element.The spring element offers the advantage of providing a robust and reliably durable construction that is particularly simple and cost-effective to manufacture, optimally holding the battery pack within the housing. The spring element compensates for tolerances and also dampens mechanical vibrations and shocks transmitted between the housing and the battery pack. This, in turn, ensures a particularly high level of protection for the battery cells.

[0022] Preferably, the spring element is an integral part of the cell holder. In other words, the spring element and cell holder are formed together as a single, one-piece component. This allows for a simple and cost-effective design with few components, and therefore also a lightweight construction.

[0023] For example, cell holders and spring elements are made of plastic, for instance as an injection-molded component. This allows for simple and cost-effective manufacturing.

[0024] Preferably, the spring element comprises two spring sections. A first spring section is configured to exert a spring force on the housing, particularly directly through mechanical contact. A second spring section is configured to exert a spring force, particularly directly through mechanical contact, on the cell holder and / or on battery cells within the cell holder. That is, the spring element is preferably designed as a double spring, with each of the two spring sections exerting a separate spring force on the housing, the cell holder, and / or the battery cells. Particularly preferably, the two spring sections are designed such that they can apply the spring force essentially independently of each other. This enables a particularly robust and reliable mounting of the battery pack within the housing.

[0025] Preferably, the spring element extends substantially along a longitudinal direction of the battery pack, originating from a base body of the cell holder, particularly as an elongated extension. Preferably, the two spring sections are configured such that the spring element has at least two curved regions, which are curved in opposite directions. Preferably, the first spring section is arranged at a free or distal end of the spring element, with the second spring section being arranged between the first spring section and the base body of the cell holder. In particular, the second spring section is configured as a concavely curved region with respect to a radial direction extending from the battery pack towards the battery housing.

[0026] Alternatively, preferably, the second spring section is arranged on a free or distal part of the spring element, with the first spring section being arranged between the second spring section and the base body of the cell holder. In particular, in this case, the first spring section is designed as a convexly curved region with respect to the radial direction.

[0027] Preferably, the first spring section and the second spring section each have a predetermined length, which is essentially the same or different. Particularly preferably, the length of the first spring section and / or the second spring section is a multiple of the thickness of the spring element. This allows for a simple and cost-effective mechanical mounting of the battery pack within the housing of the battery assembly. Preferably, the lengths of the first and / or second spring section and / or the thickness of the spring element can be easily and flexibly designed to provide targeted stresses, deformations, and / or forces to the cell holder and battery pack.

[0028] In a further alternative or additionally preferred embodiment, the battery arrangement comprises a battery pack with a cell holder and a housing in which the battery pack can be received. The battery arrangement also includes a guide device comprising a first guide element and a second guide element. The guide device is configured to provide a support for the battery pack relative to the housing by means of a positive engagement of the first guide element with the second guide element.

[0029] In particular, the second guide element is designed as a guide rail. Preferably, the second guide element is guided within the second guide element.

[0030] Preferably, the guide device is designed in the form of a linear guide along a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of the battery pack.

[0031] Preferably, the first guide element is arranged on the cell holder, and in particular is an integral part of the cell holder. Preferably, the second guide element is arranged on the housing, and is an integral part of the housing.

[0032] The positive locking mechanism is particularly preferred in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0033] In other words, a battery arrangement is provided which includes a guide device which, by the engagement of the guide elements with each other, creates a defined, immovable hold of the battery pack relative to the housing.

[0034] The guide device thus enables a particularly robust and reliable mounting of the battery pack in the housing to be provided by means of a simple and cost-effective design.

[0035] The guide device preferably comprises two first guide elements and two second guide elements. The respective first and second guide elements are arranged on opposite sides of the battery pack. This means that the battery pack is guided in the housing on both opposite longitudinal sides by means of a linear guide. This provides a particularly robust and immobile mounting of the battery pack within the housing.

[0036] Preferably, the first guide element has a substantially cylindrical geometry. Preferably, the second guide element is designed as a groove. The first guide element is guided within the second guide element, with an undercut in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction to effect a positive locking connection in all directions in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0037] Another advantage of the guide device is that, under normal conditions, no load acts on the battery assembly components. This prevents material relaxation, resulting in a particularly long service life and reliable protection of the battery cells throughout their entire lifespan. Furthermore, the guide device allows for easy and reversible assembly and disassembly of the battery assembly components. Brief description of the drawings

[0038] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawing shows: Fig. 1. A simplified schematic view of an electric bicycle with a battery arrangement according to an example, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the battery arrangement of the electric bicycle Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a perspective exploded view of the battery arrangement of the Fig. 2, Fig. 4 a perspective exploded view of a detail of the battery arrangement of the Fig. 2, Fig. 5 a simplified schematic view of a battery arrangement according to a first embodiment of the invention, Fig. 6 a detail of the battery arrangement of the Fig. 5, Fig. 7 a simplified schematic view of a battery arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention, Fig. 8 an alternative view of the battery arrangement of the Fig. 7, Fig. 9 a simplified schematic view of a battery arrangement according to a third embodiment of the invention, Fig. 10 a simplified schematic sectional view of a battery arrangement according to a fourth embodiment, Fig. 11 a detailed view of the battery arrangement of the Fig. 10, Fig. 12 a detailed view of a battery arrangement according to a fifth embodiment, Fig. 13 a simplified schematic sectional view of a battery arrangement according to a sixth embodiment, and Fig. 14 a detailed view of the battery arrangement of the Fig. 13. Embodiments of the invention

[0039] Preferably, all identical components, elements and / or units in all figures are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0040] Fig. Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic view of an electric bicycle 100 with a battery arrangement 10 according to an example. Detailed views of the battery arrangement 10 of this example are shown in the Fig. 2 to 4 are shown.

[0041] The electric bicycle 100 comprises a drive unit 101 with a motor, which is in particular an electric motor. The motor can be powered by electrical energy stored in the battery arrangement 10.

[0042] The drive unit 101 is located in the area of ​​a bottom bracket of the electric bicycle 100, and is therefore designed as a mid-drive motor.

[0043] The motor torque generated by the motor provides motor assistance to the pedaling force generated by the rider of the electric bicycle 100. The rider's muscle power can be applied via a crank mechanism with cranks 104.

[0044] The battery assembly 10 can be arranged inside a bicycle frame 105 of the electric bicycle 100. Specifically, the battery assembly 10 can be accommodated inside a down tube of the bicycle frame 105.

[0045] The battery arrangement 10 is essentially prismatic and extends along a longitudinal direction 7 (compare Fig. 2) In particular, the battery arrangement 10 is essentially cuboid in shape.

[0046] The battery arrangement comprises a housing 2, and a battery pack 1, which is arranged inside the housing 2.

[0047] The housing 2 can preferably be made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, or alternatively of another metal. Alternatively, the housing 2 can also be made of plastic. Preferably, the housing 2 can be made of an extruded profile.

[0048] The axial end faces of the housing 2 are closed by end plates 14, which can, for example, be screwed to the housing 2.

[0049] An electrical interface 12 is located on a first end plate 14, which is configured for electrical connection with components of the electric bicycle 100 and / or with a charging device (not shown). Preferably, the electrical interface 12 can be designed as a socket, which is configured for connection with a plug (not shown).

[0050] A mechanical interface 13 is formed on the same first end plate 14, which is designed for the mechanical fastening of the battery assembly 10 to the bicycle frame 100. For example, the mechanical interface 13 can be designed with a further interface element of the bicycle frame 105 for positive interlocking in order to fix the battery assembly 10 to the bicycle frame 105.

[0051] Furthermore, the battery arrangement 10 comprises an input and / or output unit 11, which preferably includes a charge level indicator. Additionally, the input and / or output unit 11 may, for example, include a push button. The charge level indicator can, for example, visually display the current charge level of the battery arrangement 10 by means of LEDs when the push button is pressed.

[0052] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective exploded view of the battery arrangement 10 of the example.

[0053] The battery arrangement 10 further comprises a battery management system 15. The battery management system 15 preferably comprises a microcontroller and has a control unit for the battery arrangement 10, which is configured to control and / or regulate the battery pack 1. The battery management system 15 may include a printed circuit board.

[0054] The battery management system 15 is electrically connected to battery cells 6 of the battery arrangement 10 and to the electrical interface 12.

[0055] The battery arrangement 10 comprises a plurality of battery cells 6, preferably of identical design. In particular, the battery cells 6 are designed as cylindrical battery cells.

[0056] In a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction 7, several battery cells 6 are arranged radially next to each other. In the example shown, eight battery cells are arranged radially next to each other in one plane. These battery cells 6, arranged axially in the same plane, each form a cell stack.

[0057] The battery arrangement 10 comprises several cell stacks, in the example shown a total of five cell stacks. That is, six battery cells 6 are arranged in alignment with each other in the axial direction.

[0058] The battery assembly 10 further comprises a cell holder 4, which is configured to hold the battery cells 6 in a defined relative position to one another. In particular, the cell holder 4 has a plurality of individual cell receptacles, each configured to hold exactly one battery cell 6.

[0059] The cell holder 4 can, for example, be formed in one piece, or alternatively, as in the example shown, in multiple parts, with several holder parts 4a. In the example shown, the cell holder 4 has exactly one holder part 4a for each cell stack.

[0060] An intermediate plate 4b is arranged axially between adjacent holder parts 4a. The intermediate plates 4b are, for example, made of a flame-retardant material.

[0061] The cell holder 4 preferably has at least one retaining element 4c for each battery cell 6 (compare Fig. 4) The retaining elements 4c are designed for radial fixation and / or radial tolerance compensation of the battery cells 6 in their respective individual cell receptacles of the cell holder 4.

[0062] Furthermore, the battery arrangement 10 has several cell connectors 16, preferably per cell stack. The cell connectors 16 are preferably designed as sheet metal parts and configured for the electrical connection of the battery cells 6. In detail, the cell connectors 16 can be electrically connected to the terminals of the battery cells 6, preferably by means of metallurgical connections, such as soldered or welded joints.

[0063] The cell connectors 16 can also have electrical fuses, each of which can be designed as a fuse.

[0064] Preferably the cell connectors can have 16 single-cell fuses 16a, each of which forms an electrical fuse for exactly one single battery cell 6.

[0065] Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the cell connectors 16 may preferably have cell stack fuses 16b, which in particular form electrical fuses for each entire cell stack.

[0066] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a battery arrangement 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6 is a detail of the battery arrangement 10 of the Fig. 5 shown.

[0067] The first embodiment of the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shows, in contrast to the exemplary battery arrangement 10, the Fig. Figures 1 to 4 offer the advantage of improved mechanical support for the battery pack 1 within the housing 2. This is achieved by several tolerance compensation elements 3, each arranged between the battery pack 1 and the housing 2 (see Figure 1). Fig. 5).

[0068] Each tolerance compensation element 3 is elastically compliant and made of an age-resistant material. In the first embodiment, the tolerance compensation element 3 is formed as a leaf spring made of a metal, such as steel or aluminum, or an aluminum alloy.

[0069] The tolerance compensation elements 3 are arranged such that they are fastened by means of fastening areas 33, which are arranged at the respective ends of the elongated sheet-metal leaf springs (see Fig. 6), to which cell holders 4 are attached. Starting from the attachment areas 33 directly adjacent to the cell holder 4, the remainder of the tolerance compensation elements 3 is convex outwards in the direction of the housing 2.

[0070] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the tolerance compensation elements 3 are arranged radially in the recesses of the cell holder 4 between radially adjacent battery cells 6. This allows for a particularly space-saving geometry of the battery arrangement 10.

[0071] The battery arrangement 10 comprises several tolerance compensation elements 3. As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, several tolerance compensation elements 3 can be arranged side by side in the transverse direction on the same side of the battery pack 1. Preferably, additionally, on the (in Fig. 5 (not visible) opposite side, that is, symmetrically on the outside of the battery pack 1, tolerance compensation elements 3 are also arranged.

[0072] Additionally, several tolerance compensation elements 3 can be provided one after the other along the longitudinal direction 7.

[0073] The housing 2 is designed such that the battery pack 1, with its tolerance compensation elements 3, can be inserted into the interior of the housing 2 along the longitudinal direction 7. During insertion, the tolerance compensation elements 3 are elastically deformed by the housing 2 along the insertion direction 17, i.e., pre-tensioned. In the inserted state, the tolerance compensation elements 3 thus exert a permanent pre-tension force on the battery pack 1. This ensures a backlash-free arrangement of the battery pack 1 inside the housing 2. Furthermore, the tolerance compensation elements 3 dampen vibrations and shocks.

[0074] Because the tolerance compensation elements 3 are made of an age-resistant material, it can be ensured simply and reliably that the advantageous mounting of the battery pack within the housing 2 can be maintained essentially unchanged over the lifetime of the battery assembly 10. In particular, this ensures the protection of the battery cells 6 throughout their lifetime. This results in a particularly reliable battery assembly 10 with a long service life.

[0075] Fig. Figure 7 shows a simplified schematic view of a battery arrangement 10 according to a second embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 8 shows an alternative detailed view of the battery arrangement 10 of the second embodiment. The second embodiment essentially corresponds to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, with the difference of an alternative design of the tolerance compensation elements 3.

[0076] In the second embodiment, the tolerance compensation elements 3 are each designed as an O-ring. Each O-ring is made of a creep-resistant plastic, in particular a creep-resistant elastomer, such as NBR, preferably with a Shore hardness of 70.

[0077] Such O-rings can be designed as standard components, which makes it possible to manufacture the battery arrangement 10 in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.

[0078] For example, O-rings with a cord thickness of 2.5 mm can be used as tolerance compensation elements.

[0079] In the second embodiment, the cell holder 4 additionally has a mandrel 5 for each tolerance compensation element 3, to which the corresponding tolerance compensation element 3 is attached. Each mandrel 5 is designed as a cylindrical projecting element, which extends in particular parallel to the longitudinal direction 7 (see figure). Fig. 8).

[0080] The tolerance compensation elements 3 are attached to the cell holder 4 by being pushed onto the respective mandrel 5, and in particular by means of a force-fit connection, held on the respective mandrel 5.

[0081] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, several tolerance compensation elements 3 are arranged distributed over the battery pack 1 along the longitudinal direction 7 and transversely to the longitudinal direction 7.

[0082] In the second embodiment, the tolerance compensation elements 3 are arranged along the longitudinal direction 7 on end face planes 60, where the battery cells 6 abut each other in the axial direction.

[0083] Fig. Figure 9 shows a simplified schematic view of a battery arrangement 10 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The third embodiment corresponds essentially to the second embodiment of the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, with the difference of an alternative arrangement of the tolerance compensation elements 3. In the third embodiment, the tolerance compensation elements 3 are arranged exactly in the middle between the end face planes 60 of the battery cells 6 along the longitudinal direction 7.

[0084] Fig. Figure 10 shows a simplified schematic view of a battery arrangement 10 according to a fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment shows an alternative mounting of the battery pack 1 within the housing 2.

[0085] In the fourth embodiment, the battery arrangement 10 further comprises several spring elements 8, which provide backlash-free support for the battery pack 1 within the housing 2. The spring elements 2 are designed as integral components formed with the cell holder 4 of the battery pack 1. Several spring elements 8 are distributed along the entire length and circumference of the battery pack 1.

[0086] The spring elements 8 are designed to be elastically flexible and have an optimized geometry to enable a reliable and durable mounting of the battery pack 1.

[0087] Fig. Figure 11 shows a detailed view of the battery arrangement. Fig. 10. Exactly one of the spring elements 8 is shown.

[0088] The spring element 8 has two spring sections 81, 82. Furthermore, the spring element 8 is essentially designed as a finger projecting parallel to the longitudinal direction 7 from a base body of the cell holder 4.

[0089] The first spring section 81 is designed to exert a first spring force 81a on the housing 2. The second spring section 82 is also designed to exert a second spring force 82a on the battery cell 6.

[0090] The second spring section 82 is formed by a free end of the spring element 8, distal to the base body of the cell holder 4. The first spring section 81 is a subsection of the spring element 8 located between the second spring section 82 and the base body of the cell holder 4.

[0091] The spring element 8 is designed such that the first spring section 81 is formed by a convexly outwardly curved portion of the spring element. The second spring section 82 is furthermore formed by a radially inwardly curved free end of the spring element 8. The spring sections 81, 82 are designed such that, when inserted into the housing 2, each of the two spring sections 81, 82 is elastically deformed in order to generate the corresponding spring force 81a, 82a.

[0092] A first length 85, between the base body of the cell holder 4 and the contact point of the first spring section 81, is significantly larger than a second length 86, between the contact point of the first spring section 81 and the free end of the spring element 8. Preferably, the first length 85 is at least twice as large as the second length 86. This allows for simple and effective tolerance compensation, particularly regarding the position of the battery pack 1 within the housing 2, and also ensures a reliable provision of the desired spring forces 81a, 82a.

[0093] Furthermore, the spring element 8 has a substantially constant thickness 87 along its entire length. The second length 86 is a multiple, in particular at least three times, of the thickness 87. Furthermore, the spring element 8 can have a width in the transverse direction (in Fig. 8) orthogonal to the plane of the drawing, which preferably corresponds substantially to the thickness 87, or alternatively preferably is larger, for example at most twice or at most three times.

[0094] The spring element 8 with the two spring sections 81, 82 offers the advantage of a particularly effective clamping of the battery pack 1 within the housing 2. The special geometry of the spring element 8 allows for large contact areas between the spring element 8 and the housing 2 as well as the battery cell 6. This also enables good force distribution, resulting in a particularly robust and durable mounting.

[0095] Fig. Figure 12 shows a simplified schematic detail view of a battery arrangement 10 according to a fifth embodiment. The fifth embodiment corresponds essentially to the fourth embodiment of the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, with the difference of an alternative embodiment of the spring element 8. In detail, the spring element 8 in the fifth embodiment is curved in the opposite direction to the fourth embodiment. That is, the first spring section 81 is located at the distal end of the spring element 8 and is designed as a radially outwardly curved section of the spring element 8, extending from the second spring section 82. The second spring section 82 corresponds to a convexly inwardly curved section of the spring element 8, curving towards the battery cell. This allows for an alternative advantageous geometry and preload to be provided by means of the spring element 8.

[0096] Fig. Figure 13 shows a simplified schematic view of a battery arrangement 10 according to a sixth embodiment. Fig. 11 is a detail of the battery arrangement 10 of the Fig. 10 shown.

[0097] The battery arrangement 10 of the sixth embodiment comprises a battery pack 1 and a housing 2 into which the battery pack 1 can be inserted along the longitudinal direction 7. The battery pack 1 also includes a cell holder 4 within which a plurality of battery cells 6 can be accommodated.

[0098] Furthermore, the battery arrangement 10 of the sixth embodiment includes a guide device 9, which provides linear guidance for the battery pack 1 within the housing 2.

[0099] The guide device 9 comprises a first guide element 91 and a second guide element 92. The first guide element 91 is an integral part of the cell holder 4. The second guide element 92 is an integral part of the housing 2.

[0100] The first guide element 91 is designed as an essentially cylindrical pin, which is arranged on the outside of the cell holder 4 between two adjacent battery cells 6 with respect to the radial direction and projects radially outwards.

[0101] The second guide element 92 is designed as a groove, which has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the first guide element 91.

[0102] When assembling the battery arrangement 10, the first guide element 91 can be inserted precisely into the second guide element 92 when the battery pack 1 is inserted into the housing 2.

[0103] The two guide elements 91, 92 are designed such that they extend along a transverse direction 95 (cf. Fig. 14) partially undercut. This results in a positive fit through the guide device 9 in every direction when the first guide element 91 engages the second guide element 92 in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction 7. The positive fit thus precisely defines and holds the battery pack 1 movable relative to the housing 2 in every direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 7.

[0104] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 13, the battery arrangement 10 comprises two guide devices 9, which are arranged on opposite sides of the battery pack 1. This allows for a precisely defined support and guidance of the battery pack 1 on both sides. Thus, the guide devices 9, with their simple and cost-effective design that also allows for easy assembly, effectively prevent relative movement between the battery pack 1 and the housing 2.

Claims

[1] Battery arrangement, in particular of an electric bicycle (100), comprising: - a battery pack (1), - a housing (2) into which the battery pack (1) can be accommodated, and - at least one tolerance compensation element (3) which is arranged between the battery pack (1) and the housing (2), - wherein the battery pack (1) comprises a cell holder (4) in which at least one battery cell (6) is arranged, - wherein the tolerance compensation element (3) is connected to the cell holder (4) by force-fit and / or form-fit, and - wherein the tolerance compensation element (3) is designed to compensate for an axial and / or radial tolerance. [2] Battery arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the tolerance compensation element (3) is elastically compliant and made of an age-free material. [3] Battery arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tolerance compensation element (3) is formed from a metal and / or a creep-resistant plastic. [4] Battery arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tolerance compensation element (3) is arranged on an outside of the cell holder (4). [5] Battery arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tolerance compensation element (3) is designed as a leaf spring. [6] Battery arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tolerance compensation element (3) is designed as an O-ring. [7] Battery arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the battery pack (1) has a mandrel (5) and wherein the tolerance compensation element (3) extends around a circumference of the mandrel (5). [8] Battery arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, comprising several tolerance compensation elements (3) which are arranged distributed around the circumference of the battery pack (1). [9] Battery arrangement according to claim 8, wherein at least two tolerance compensation elements (3) are arranged on opposite sides of the battery pack (1). [10] Battery arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tolerance compensation element (3) is attached to the battery pack, in particular by means of a positive locking and / or force locking and / or material locking connection. [11] Battery arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery pack (1) comprises several battery cells (6) which are arranged axially and / or radially next to each other with respect to a longitudinal direction (7). [12] Battery arrangement according to claim 11, comprising several tolerance compensation elements (3) which are arranged distributed along the longitudinal direction (7) on the battery pack (1). [13] Battery arrangement according to claim 11 or 12, wherein at least one tolerance compensation element (3) is arranged radially between adjacent battery cells (6). [14] Electric bicycle comprising a battery arrangement (10) according to any of the preceding claims.

Images