Clamping element arrangement, electrical energy storage and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a clamping element arrangement with a clamping element (5) for an electrical energy storage device (1) which comprises a plurality of electrically interconnected individual cells (3) arranged in a housing (2), wherein a predetermined number of the individual cells (3) are grouped into at least one cell block (4) and the at least one cell block (4) is clamped in the direction of its longitudinal axis by means of the clamping element (5). According to the invention, the clamping element (5) is designed as a scissor clamping element (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a clamping element arrangement comprising a clamping element for an electrical energy storage device, which has a plurality of electrically interconnected individual cells arranged in a housing, wherein a predetermined number of the individual cells are grouped into at least one cell block and the at least one cell block is clamped in the direction of its longitudinal axis by means of the clamping element. The invention further relates to an electrical energy storage device and a vehicle.

[0002] A locking device is known from CN 222045456 U. The locking device comprises a base, a scissor clamp, and a drive element, wherein the scissor clamp has two clamping rods arranged crosswise. One intersection of the two clamping rods is hinged to the base, and the drive element acts between the two clamping rods, causing the two clamping rods to rotate in the plane of the base's width and to protrude from the base.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of providing a clamping element arrangement for an electrical energy storage device, an electrical energy storage device and a vehicle.

[0004] The object is solved according to the invention by a clamping element arrangement which has the features specified in claim 1, by an electrical energy storage device which has the features specified in claim 8, and by a vehicle which has the features specified in claim 10.

[0005] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] A clamping element arrangement comprises a clamping element for an electrical energy storage device, which has a plurality of electrically interconnected individual cells arranged in a housing, wherein a predetermined number of the individual cells are grouped into at least one cell block, and the at least one cell block is clamped in the direction of its longitudinal axis by means of the clamping element. According to the invention, the clamping element is designed as a scissor clamping element.

[0007] Using such a scissor clamping element, a collision- and stress-free joining of the cell block into the housing of the electrical energy storage device is possible, particularly in all tolerance positions. By spreading the scissor clamping element, a positive and force-fit connection can be achieved while simultaneously compensating for all existing positional tolerances of the cell block within the housing.

[0008] In one embodiment, a scissor mechanism of the scissor clamping element is designed to adjust a distance between two laterally parallel pressure plates to exert pressure on at least one cell block in order to clamp the cell block and thus create a form and force fit between the scissor clamping element, whereby positional tolerances with respect to the cell block are compensated.

[0009] In another embodiment, the scissor mechanism is designed to adjust the distance between the pressure plates by a rotary movement of a drive element in relation to a threaded sleeve, wherein by turning the drive element in one direction the distance between the pressure plates for exerting pressure on the cell block is increased and by turning the drive element in the opposite direction the distance between the pressure plates is decreased.

[0010] In one possible embodiment, the scissor mechanism has two parallel bearing elements, each with receptacles on its facing inner surfaces for the pivotable arrangement of a number of levers. Each lever comprises two lever elements pivotably connected at their ends, the free ends of which are rotatably mounted on one of the bearing elements. Two of the levers are pivotably mounted on one of the pressure plates at the connection point of their lever elements, and a recess for the drive element is located centrally on one bearing element. A threaded sleeve with an internal thread is located on an opposite bearing element, opposite the recess. The drive element can be screwed in and out of this sleeve to adjust the distance between the two pressure plates and thus clamp the individual cells with tolerance compensation.The scissor clamping element is relatively simple in design and functions purely mechanically, so it is not necessary to lay electrical cables to supply the scissor clamping element with electrical energy.

[0011] In one embodiment, the scissor clamping element is positioned between an end-mounted single cell of a cell block and a housing wall of the electrical energy storage device, or between two end-mounted single cells of two cell blocks arranged one behind the other along a longitudinal axis. This allows the scissor clamping element to be supported against the housing wall. If the scissor clamping element is positioned between two cell blocks, it can exert pressure in two directions, thus clamping the respective cell blocks.

[0012] One embodiment of the clamping element arrangement for an electrical energy storage device provides that the scissor clamping element is integrated into a partition element arranged along the longitudinal axis between two cell blocks arranged one behind the other. If the partition element, which is designed as a divider and is also referred to as a transverse bulkhead, is slidably arranged within the housing, the pressure exerted by the scissor clamping element can act on both cell blocks, while the partition element otherwise serves to support the scissor clamping element.

[0013] In another possible embodiment, the drive element is designed to be self-locking, so that it can be largely prevented that, for example due to vibrations generated during the operation of a vehicle in which an electrical energy storage device with such a scissor clamping element is installed, play arises and thus the pressure exerted on the cell block or cell blocks is reduced.

[0014] Furthermore, the invention relates to an electrical energy storage device with a housing in which a plurality of electrically interconnected individual cells are arranged, wherein a predetermined number of the individual cells are grouped into at least one cell block, and the at least one cell block is clamped in the direction of its longitudinal axis by means of a scissor clamping element of the clamping element arrangement. Thus, the individual cells of the respective cell block operatively connected to the scissor clamping element are positioned within the housing of the electrical energy storage device in a form-fit and force-fit manner, whereby positional tolerances within the cell block are compensated by means of the scissor clamping element.

[0015] In another embodiment, the individual cells are designed as either prismatic cells or pouch cells. Particularly in the case of pouch cells, optimized operation requires pressure application, which can be adjusted by appropriately setting the scissor clamping element, especially the distance between the pressure plates.

[0016] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with an electrical energy storage device, at least one of whose cell blocks is positioned in the housing in a form-fit and force-fit manner by means of a scissor clamping element.

[0017] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0018] This shows: Fig. 1 schematically an electrical energy storage device, Fig. 2 schematically a perspective view of a clamping element designed as a scissor clamping element, Fig. 3. Schematic view of a perspective exploded view of the scissor clamping element, Fig. 4 schematically a perspective semi-transparent view of the scissor clamping element in a starting position, Fig. 5 schematically a sectional view of a section of the scissor clamping element in the starting position, Fig. 6 schematically a perspective semi-transparent view of the scissor clamping element in a functional position, Fig. 7 schematically a sectional view of a section of the scissor clamping element in the functional position and Fig. Figure 8 schematically shows a perspective view of a separating element with an integrated scissor clamping element.

[0019] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 shows, in an exemplary and highly simplified manner, an electrical energy storage device 1 with a housing 2 in which a plurality of electrically interconnected individual cells 3 are arranged, wherein the individual cells 3 are designed as prismatic individual cells 3 or as so-called pouch cells.

[0021] The electrical energy storage device 1 is in particular a traction battery for an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle or a fuel cell-powered vehicle, wherein the electrical energy storage device 1 is usually arranged in a floor area of ​​the respective vehicle.

[0022] A predetermined number of individual cells 3 are grouped together to form a cell block 4, with the individual cells 3 being stacked one behind the other. Each cell block 4 is clamped together by means of a clamping element 5, whereby pressure is exerted in the axial direction, i.e., in the stacking direction, by means of the clamping element 5.

[0023] Typically, the joining process of the cell blocks 4 into the housing 2 of the electrical energy storage device 1 is subject to tolerances, so that a form-fit and force-fit positioning of the cell blocks 4 in the housing 2 is hardly possible or not possible at all, depending on the known production technology available.

[0024] By means of a clamping element 5 designed as a scissor clamping element 6, which is described below and shown in the following figures, a joining process of the cell block 4 or cell blocks 4 with existing tolerances is decoupled from the form and force closure of the cell block 4 or cell blocks 4 to the housing 2 of the electrical energy storage device 1 required for a function of the cell block 4 or cell blocks 4.

[0025] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a clamping element 5 designed as a scissor clamping element 6 for an electrical energy storage device 1 in a starting position and in Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an exploded view of the scissor clamping element 6.

[0026] The scissor clamping element 6 is based on an exclusively mechanical scissor mechanism, which includes two pressure plates 7, 8, two bearing elements 9, 10, four levers 11 each with two lever elements 11.1, 11.2, a drive element 12 in the form of a screw, a threaded sleeve 13 and a number of bearing bolts 14.

[0027] Receptacles A are formed on the inner surfaces of the respective pressure plates 7, 8, with two receptacles A being assigned to each bearing bolt 14 for rotatable mounting. Receptacles A for rotatable mounting of two further bearing bolts 14 are also formed on an inner surface of the respective bearing element 9, 10.

[0028] The bearing bolts 14, mounted in the receptacles A, are designed for pivoting the levers 11 on the pressure plates 7, 8 and the bearing elements 9, 10. In particular, the bearing bolts 14 extend with their longitudinal axes parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal axes of the pressure plates 7, 8 and the bearing elements 9, 10.

[0029] The respective lever 11 is formed by means of two lever elements 11.1, 11.2 arranged pivotably to each other, wherein a free end of the lever elements 11.1, which form upper lever elements 11.1, is pivotably held on a pressure plate 7, in particular an upper pressure plate 7, by means of the bearing bolts 14 mounted in the receptacles A.

[0030] A free end of the lever elements 11.2, in particular lower lever elements 11.2, is pivotably held by means of the bearing bolts 14 mounted in the receptacles A of the pressure plate 8, in particular a lower pressure plate 8.

[0031] In a connection area formed by means of a bearing bolt 14 between the two lever elements 11.1, 11.2, the respective lever 11 formed by means of the lever elements 11.1, 11.2 is pivotably arranged on the corresponding pressure plate 7, 8 by means of this bearing bolt 14, wherein two of the levers 11 are attached to one pressure plate 7 by means of their connection area and another two of the levers 11 are attached to the opposite pressure plate 8 by means of their connection area.

[0032] The bearing element 9 has a continuous recess A1 through which the drive element 12 in the form of the screw is passed, with the threaded sleeve 13 being arranged opposite the recess A1 of the bearing element 9 on the bearing element 10.

[0033] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a perspective view of an exploded view of the scissor clamping element.

[0034] Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective semi-transparent view of the scissor clamping element 6 in a starting position and in Fig. Figure 5 shows a sectional view of a section of the scissor clamping element 6 in the starting position.

[0035] In the starting position of the scissor clamping element 6, the respective lever 11, which is pivotably connected to a pressure plate 7, 8 and the two bearing elements 9, 10, is almost fully extended, so that the pressure plates 7, 8 are positioned relatively close to each other and the scissor clamping element 6 is compact in comparison.

[0036] The drive element 12 is in the form of a screw, as shown in Fig. 5 is shown in more detail, with its lower end screwed into the threaded sleeve 13.

[0037] The scissor clamping element 6 is positioned in an existing installation space before, simultaneously with, or after the cell blocks 4 are arranged in the housing 2 of the electrical energy storage device 1, such that the scissor clamping element 6 is positioned on an end-arranged individual cell 3, in particular between two cell blocks 4. The pressure plates 7, 8 are arranged with their longitudinal axes parallel to the longitudinal axes of the individual cells 3 and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the respective cell block 4, i.e., transverse to the stacking direction.

[0038] If the scissor clamping element 6 is positioned in the housing 2, in particular between two cell blocks 4, a screwdriver (not shown in detail), whose profile corresponds to a profile of a screw drive S of the screw as a drive element 12, is inserted into the screw drive S for positive-locking force transmission. If the screwdriver performs a rotary movement, a generated torque is introduced into the drive element 12.

[0039] The rotational movement, for example to the right, screws the screw as drive element 12 into the threaded sleeve 13, as in the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 is shown, so that the bearing element 9 moves in the direction of the further bearing element 10, in particular since a screw head of the screw rests on an outer surface of the bearing element 9, i.e. a diameter of the screw head is larger than a diameter of the recess A1.

[0040] The levers 11 are pivotally mounted by means of the bearing bolts 14 and are shaped such that when the drive element 12 is screwed into the threaded sleeve 13, the levers 11 pivot laterally, thereby pushing the two pressure plates 7, 8 laterally away, thus increasing the distance between the two pressure plates 7, 8. The scissor clamping element 6 spreads open, exerting pressure on the two cell blocks 4 between which the scissor clamping element 6 is arranged.

[0041] After the cell blocks 4 have been positioned in a form-fit and force-fit manner by means of the scissor clamping element 6, the scissor clamping element 6 remains in this position and at the set distance between the two pressure plates 7, 8 in the housing 2 of the electrical energy storage device 1.

[0042] In one possible embodiment of the scissor clamping element 6, the drive element 12, i.e., the screw, is self-locking, for example by means of a correspondingly shaped underside of the screw head, in particular by means of locking ribs. This creates resistance against rotation of the drive element 12, so that the distance between the two pressure plates 7, 8 remains constant, particularly over the lifetime of the electrical energy storage device 1.

[0043] Fig. Figure 6 schematically shows a perspective semi-transparent view of the scissor clamping element in a functional position and Fig. Figure 7 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a section of the scissor clamping element in the functional position.

[0044] Fig. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a separating element 15 with an integrated scissor clamping element 6.

[0045] In one configuration, a partition element 15, also referred to as a transverse bulkhead, is arranged between two cell blocks 4. By integrating the scissor clamping element 6 into such a partition element 15, no additional installation space is required for the scissor clamping element 6.

[0046] For example, when the shear clamping element 6 is spread open, i.e. when the distance between the two pressure plates 7, 8 is increased, the separating element 15 is moved so that the two cell blocks 4, between which the separating element 15 with the integrated shear clamping element 6 is arranged, are clamped, i.e. pressed together.

[0047] If only one cell block 4 is arranged in the housing 2, the scissor clamping element 6 can be arranged between the cell block 4 and a housing wall to clamp the cell block 4. Reference symbol list 1 electrical energy storage device 2 cases 3 single cells 4 cell block 5 clamping element 6 scissor clamping element 7, 8 Printing plate 9, 10 Bearing element 11 levers 11.1, 11.2 Lever element 12 Drive element 13 Threaded sleeve 14 bearing bolts 15 separating element A recording A1 recess S screw drive 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] CN 222045456 U

[0002]

Claims

[1] Clamping element arrangement with a clamping element (5) for an electrical energy storage device (1) which has a plurality of electrically interconnected individual cells (3) arranged in a housing (2), wherein a predetermined number of the individual cells (3) are combined to form at least one cell block (4) and the at least one cell block (4) is clamped in the direction of its longitudinal axis by means of the clamping element (5), characterized by , that the clamping element (5) is designed as a scissor clamping element (6). [2] Clamping element arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that a scissor mechanism of the scissor clamping element (6) is designed to adjust a distance between two laterally parallel pressure plates (7, 8) to exert pressure on at least one cell block (4). [3] Clamping element arrangement according to claim 2, characterized by, that the scissor mechanism is designed to adjust the distance between the pressure plates (7, 8) by a rotary movement of a drive element (12) in relation to a threaded sleeve (13). [4] Clamping element arrangement according to claim 3, characterized by , that - the scissor mechanism has two bearing elements (9, 10) arranged parallel to each other, each with inner surfaces formed as receptacles (A) for the pivotable arrangement of a number of levers (11), wherein - each lever (11) comprises two lever elements (11.1, 11.2) pivotably connected at their ends, the free end of which is rotatably arranged on one of the bearing elements (9, 10), - each pair of the levers (11) are pivotably arranged in the connection area of ​​their lever elements (11.1, 11.2) on one of the pressure plates (7, 8), - a recess (A1) for the passage of the drive element (12) is arranged centrally on a bearing element (9), wherein - on an opposing further bearing element (10), opposite the recess (A1) the threaded sleeve (13) with internal thread is arranged, into which the drive element (12) can be screwed in and out in order to adjust the distance between the two pressure plates (7, 8). [5] Clamping element arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the shear clamping element (6) is arranged between an end-arranged single cell (3) of a cell block (4) and a housing wall of the housing (2) of the electrical energy storage device (1) or between two end-arranged single cells (3) of two cell blocks (4) arranged one behind the other in the direction of a longitudinal axis. [6] Clamping element arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the shear clamping element (6) is integrated into a separating element (15) arranged in the direction of the longitudinal axis between two cell blocks (4) arranged one behind the other. [7] Clamping element arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the drive element (12) is designed to be self-locking. [8] Electrical energy storage device (1) with a housing (2) in which a plurality of electrically interconnected individual cells (3) are arranged, wherein a predetermined number of the individual cells (3) are combined to form at least one cell block (4) and the at least one cell block (4) is clamped in the direction of its longitudinal axis by means of a scissor clamping element (6) of the clamping element arrangement according to one of the preceding claims. [9] Electrical energy storage device (1) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the single cells (3) are formed as prismatic single cells (3) or pouch cells. [10] Vehicle with an electrical energy storage device (1) according to claim 8 or 9.

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