Bracket, bracket arrangement and battery module stack

Abstract

The invention shows a bracket for wall-mounting at least one module, preferably a battery module or a battery management module, having at least two connecting structures configured to insert and hold at least one module by means of a module-side connecting element. The at least two connecting structures are configured for guided movement between three respective positions. The three positions are a receiving position in which the module-side connecting element can be inserted through the connecting structure, an operating position configured to hold a module in a position enabling operation of the module, and a maintenance position configured to hold a module in a position. The receiving position is arranged between the operating position and the maintenance position, and the bracket further has latching structures corresponding to the upper of the operating position and the maintenance position and configured for use with a latching means.

Description

[0001] BRACKET, BRACKET ARRANGEMENT AND BATTERY MODULE STACK

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The invention relates to a bracket, a bracket arrangement and a battery module stack.

[0004] PROBLEM DEFINITION

[0005] With regard to climate change, there are efforts to replace fossil energy production with energy production from renewable energy sources. The most common renewable energy sources are wind and solar. In contrast to wind energy, the solar energy can also be converted into electricity by domestic and private photovoltaic installations. This electrical current is used in the generating household or fed into a public energy supply network. In order to allow the electrical current generated to be used even at times when the sun is not shining, it has been possible for years to store this electrical current in domestic storages, such as battery modules. Domestic storages often consist of a variable number of battery modules and a battery management module that monitors the status and charge of the battery modules.

[0006] Domestic storages are often placed on the floor. Several battery modules are stacked and the battery management module is placed on top. If there is a fault with one of the battery modules, all the modules on top have to be removed, which places a heavy load on the modules, some of which weigh 50 kg.

[0007] Another possibility is disclosed in CN 21 981 1621 U, which shows a wall bracket for battery modules, wherein the battery modules must also be removed from the wall with their full weight in the event of maintenance.

[0008] This poses the problem of being able to remove a lower battery module from a battery module stack with minimal effort.

[0009] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the main claim. The subject matters of the subsidiary claims form further embodiments according to the invention, and the subclaims disclose further embodiments according to the invention. The main claim discloses a bracket for wall-mounting at least one module, preferably a battery module or a battery management module. The bracket according to the invention has at least two connecting structures configured for inserting and holding at least one module by means of a module-side connecting element. The at least two connecting structures are configured for guided movement between three positions each.

[0010] The three positions are a receiving position in which the module-side connecting element can be inserted through the connecting structure, an operating position configured to hold a module in a position enabling operation of the module, and a maintenance position configured to hold a module in a position. The receiving position is arranged between the operating position and the maintenance position, and the bracket further has latching structures corresponding to the upper of the operating position or the maintenance position and configured for use with a latching means.

[0011] The bracket is suitable for mounting on a wall. This can be achieved using screws, for example. The screws are put through openings in the bracket, for example, and inserted into the wall. However, any other type of mounting on a wall is also possible. The distances between the mounting options for the wall can be adapted depending on the geographical requirements. For example, the spacing of the fastening possibilities can be adapted to common types of building construction, such as 16 or 24-inch wooden structures. Mounting the bracket to the wall is therefore easy and mechanically secure. To hold the weight of the modules securely, the bracket is preferably made of a metal, more preferably aluminum. Alternatively, a mechanically strong plastic can also be used.

[0012] The connecting structures can represent a receptacle. Such a receptacle can be a recess in the base profile of the bracket, so that a module-side connecting element protrudes from the wall side of the bracket in the mounted position. However, the connecting structure can also be designed to cover a module-side connecting element. It is important that the connecting structure is designed for the weight of a module to be held and enables guided movement between three positions, which are described below. The aim is to reduce the risk of a module coming loose unintentionally and injuring a worker who is busy moving the module. It is therefore an advantage of the bracket according to the invention that the risk of injury to a worker is reduced.

[0013] The three positions mentioned above are a receiving position, an operating position and a maintenance position. The receiving position is the position in which a module can initially be placed in the bracket. Viewed the other way around, the receiving position of the connecting structure is also the position in which a module can be removed from the bracket.

[0014] The operating position, which is below or above the receiving position, is the position in which the modules of a battery module stack are operated. In particular, the operating position is designed in such a manner that connections between the modules can be ensured. In the case of plug connectors on the modules, a connection of the plug connectors can be ensured. In the case of cable-connected modules, the operating position can be designed in such a manner that there is enough space between the installed modules to prevent the installed cables from being crushed or damaged in any other manner.

[0015] The maintenance position is the position that is opposite the operating position in relation to the receiving position. In this manner, it is possible to avoid mixing up the positions. Furthermore, this positioning allows a space between a module in the maintenance position and a module that is adjacent to the module to be serviced and is in the operating position to be large enough to either perform maintenance directly on the module or to move the module to be serviced to the receiving position in order to be able to remove the module to be serviced from the battery module stack.

[0016] The upper position, i.e. either the operating position or the maintenance position, is also provided with latching structures that can be used with a latching means to lock a module that is in the upper position in the upper position using the latching means. Preferably, the latching structure is a bore in the bracket, wherein a module in the upper position can then be locked in a form-fit manner in the upper position using a pin as a latching means. However, all latching structures and suitable latching means are conceivable that are suitable for securely locking a module in the upper position in a force-fit or form-fit manner. Preferably, at least two latching means are provided for each bracket. Furthermore, a captive mounting of the latching means to the bracket is provided, wherein a one-handed operation of the respective latching means between a position locking the module to the bracket and a released position, for example by simply pushing or turning, is preferred.

[0017] The bracket design offers the advantage that, for example, if the middle battery module in a battery module stack with one battery management module and three battery modules is to be serviced, it is not necessary to remove all the modules and place them on the floor. This prevents modules with plug connectors from being damaged or dirt from sticking to the plug connectors or the base or cover surface, which means that the plug connectors or the housing must be cleaned during reinstallation, as otherwise the distance between the plug connectors is too great for safe contact.

[0018] Furthermore, the physical load for a fitter or installer is significantly reduced, as modules only have to be moved a short distance between the operating position and the maintenance position.

[0019] According to one embodiment the bracket comprises more than one latching structure wherein the number of latching structures is preferably four, wherein the latching structures are distanced from each other in a height direction.

[0020] In this embodiment, different modules can be fixed in different heights, in which modules can be held in the upper position. When maintenance is necessary in a battery module stack built with brackets according to the invention, a battery management system which is usually the uppermost module can be fixed in the uppermost of the latching structures via latching means. A module being adjacent to the battery management system can then be fixed in the adjacent latching structure of its respective bracket via latching means. In other words, the highest module can be fixed in the highest latching structure, the second highest can afterwards be fixed in the second highest latching structure and so on.

[0021] This leads to multiple advantages. Firstly, modules fixed in different heights have more space in between. This way, it can be avoided, that certain protrusions of the modules like plugs or guides of sockets bump against each other, interlock or are damaged otherwise. Secondly, the different heights allow more pressure between the modules when the modules are in the bottom position. This is, because they can be lifted higher in an upper position. Tolerances of plugs and sockets on a top face or a bottom face of a module can be wider thus reducing manufacturing costs.

[0022] The number of latching structures can vary. There can be provided four latching structures in different heights. But it is also possible that there are two latching structures any number above.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the bracket comprises at least one receptacle at one of the edges, upper edge and lower edge, and at least one positioning part at the other of the edges, which corresponds to the at least one receptacle.

[0024] In order to be able to mount a plurality of brackets below or above one another and to allow defined distances between the brackets, the brackets are provided with at least one receptacle and at least one positioning part. The receptacle and the positioning part are designed to correspond to one another in shape and position, so that when two brackets are installed, the two brackets can be positioned in relation to one another by the receptacle of one bracket and the positioning part of the other bracket, defining the position and distance. The receptacle can accommodate the positioning part or enable precise positioning in any other manner.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the at least one receptacle comprises two receptacles and the at least one positioning part comprises two positioning parts. The distribution of two receptacles and two positioning parts along an upper edge and a lower edge improves the positionability of brackets to one another.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the at least one positioning part is provided with at least one first positioning means, wherein the at least one first positioning means is configured to position the positioning part with respect to the at least one receptacle.

[0027] The positioning means can, for example, protrude from the positioning part or be a bore through which, for example, a self-tapping screw can be connected to a receptacle of an adjacent bracket. According to one embodiment, the at least one receptacle has a number of second positioning means corresponding to the number of first positioning means of the at least one positioning part, which second positioning means are arranged corresponding to the position of the at least one first positioning means. The second positioning means of the receptacle are configured to be inserted into one of the at least one first positioning means of at least one receptacle of a bracket disposed thereabove.

[0028] In this embodiment, the positionability is improved even further. For this purpose, the second positioning means can be pins, for example, which are welded to the receptacle. These pins can then be inserted into the first positioning means, which are, for example, bores. It is also conceivable that the first positioning means are grooves. Other positioning means are also conceivable, for example an embossed lug in the sheet metal instead of pins, which are designed to engage in grooves. Similarly, first and second positioning means can be curvatures that correspond to one another, such that one curvature can be slid over the other curvature, wherein the position is defined.

[0029] One aspect of the invention is a mounting arrangement having at least two brackets according to one of the preceding embodiments. The brackets are arranged one above the other. The at least two brackets are positioned relative to one another by means of the second positioning means of the at least one receptacle of one bracket of the at least two brackets and the at least one first positioning means of the at least one positioning part of another bracket of the at least two brackets, which is adjacent to the one bracket.

[0030] In this aspect, the interaction of a plurality of individual brackets in a bracket arrangement is described. The individual brackets are arranged on top of one another and can either be mounted on a wall already arranged in relation to one another or can be successively mounted on the wall and positioned in relation to one another, as it were. Positioning is achieved in particular by positioning one bracket in relation to another bracket by aligning first positioning means and second positioning means with one another. To illustrate this, a mounting process for two brackets is described below. In the case of successive installation of the brackets on a wall, one bracket is already mounted on the wall. Another bracket is then aligned and positioned on the positioning means of the already mounted bracket using positioning means. Depending on the type of positioning means, it is sufficient to push the positioning means into one another or the positioning means are inserted into one another or secured with a screw or similar.

[0031] Further advantages of the individual brackets are also relevant and valid for the bracket arrangement.

[0032] One embodiment of the preceding aspect discloses a bracket arrangement according to the preceding embodiment, wherein at least one mounting structure is provided for a connection of adjacent brackets.

[0033] In this embodiment, a mounting structure is provided for connecting adjacent brackets. This connection provides an additional option for connecting and positioning adjacent brackets in addition to the positioning means of the receptacle or positioning part. On the one hand, the positionability of brackets has been improved even further. On the other hand, the connections improve the possibility of connecting brackets before wall installation. In particular, this pre-assembly option is improved as the structural integrity of two brackets pre-assembled by means of positioning means and connections is high even before they are mounted on the wall.

[0034] Another aspect of the invention discloses a battery module stack comprising a battery management module and at least one battery module. In this case, the battery management module and the at least one battery module are each mounted on a wall by means of a bracket according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the brackets are arranged in a bracket arrangement according to any of the preceding embodiments. Furthermore, the battery management module and the at least one battery module are inserted into the at least two connection openings via their respective at least two connecting elements. In this aspect, it is described how a battery module stack comprising a battery management module and at least one battery module can each be installed with one of the brackets in a bracket arrangement.

[0035] Advantages of the individual brackets and the bracket arrangement are also relevant and valid for the bracket arrangement.

[0036] One embodiment of the preceding aspect discloses a battery module stack according to a preceding embodiment, wherein the lowermost module may be placed on a base element in addition to being mounted via a bracket.

[0037] In addition to free-floating wall installation, there is also the option of installing a battery module stack close to the floor. In this case, the lowest module can be placed on a base element in addition to the wall bracket. The base element can absorb part of the weight of the battery module stack.

[0038] Another embodiment of the preceding aspect discloses a battery module stack according to a preceding embodiment, wherein in a maintenance situation, the battery management module can be positioned in the upmost latching position via latching means and the at least one battery module can be positioned in the adjacent latching position.

[0039] This embodiment of a battery module stack emphasizes the advantages of the bracket with which the battery module stack can be installed. In a maintenance situation it is possible to position the battery management module in the upmost latching structure via latching means. If another module needs to be positioned above the lower position, this module can be positioned in the second highest latching structure via latching means.

[0040] In the following, the invention is illustrated with the aid of the figures, wherein

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a bracket according to the invention,

[0042] Fig. 2 shows a bracket according to one embodiment of the invention,

[0043] Fig. 3 shows a bracket according to another embodiment of the invention

[0044] Fig. 3a shows a detailed view on latching structures of the bracket of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shows a battery module stack according to the invention.

[0045] The figures are explained in detail below.

[0046] Fig. 1 shows a bracket 100 according to the invention. The bracket 100 shown as an example in Fig. 1 is provided with structures for the wall mounting structure 102, which are exemplarily designed as bores through which the bracket 100 can be fastened to a wall with the aid of screws. Various reinforcements can also be provided.

[0047] The bracket 100 has connecting structures 104 into which a module with connecting elements can be inserted and subsequently held. In this example, four connecting structures 104 are provided, wherein two are arranged on each side and one above the other. A module can also be designed with four connecting elements, wherein two connecting elements are sufficient to hold the module securely. Each connecting structure 104 has three positions, which are a receiving position 104a, an operating position 104b and a maintenance position 104c. In this example, the maintenance position 104c is arranged above the receiving position 104a and the lowest of the positions, operating position 104b.

[0048] The bracket 100 further has two receptacles 106 with second positioning means 106a. In this exemplary representation, the second positioning means 106a are embodied by pins joined to the bracket 100 in the area of the receptacle 106. There are two second positioning means 106a on each receptacle 106 at the other edge of the bracket 100, which has positioning parts 108 corresponding to the receptacles 106 with first positioning means 108a, which are holes, for example. Two first positioning means 108a are provided here on each of the positioning parts 108.

[0049] Fig. 2 shows one embodiment of the bracket 100. This bracket 100 is additionally provided with a mounting structure 110 for connections 110a between brackets 100. In this exemplary representation, four mounting structures 110 are provided on each side of the bracket 100 in the form of holes into which the connection 110a can be inserted or into which it can be screwed. Furthermore, a latching structure 104d, here in the form of a hole, is provided, through which a latching means can be inserted, which engages in the connecting element of a module inserted and arranged on the bracket 100 at the upper position, here the maintenance position 104c, for latching.

[0050] Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of the bracket 100. In this embodiment, the latching structure 104d showing in Fig. 2 is replaced by the multiple latching structures 105. In Fig. 3a the latching structure 105 are shown in detail. It comprises latching structures 105a, 105b, 105c and 105d which are spaced in a height direction of the bracket 100. For example, latching structure 105a can be used for fixing an upmost module, for example a battery management module. Latching structure 105b which is placed lower than latching structure 105a can be used for fixing a second highest module.

[0051] Fig. 4 shows a battery module stack 200 according to the invention. The exemplary battery module stack 200 comprises a battery management module 202 and three battery modules 204, 206. The modules 202, 204, 206 are held by means of brackets 100, wherein a wall to which the brackets 100 are attached is not shown for clarity.

[0052] Some of the modules are arranged in different positions. The battery management module 202 is arranged in an upper position, in this exemplary case the maintenance position 104c in Fig. 1 , of the connecting structure 104. In this position, the battery management module 202 is secured by means of the connecting element and locking means 104e, in this case pins inserted into the connecting elements on both sides.

[0053] The battery module 204 is arranged in the receiving position 104a. The connecting element of the battery module 204 is therefore located in the center of the connecting structure 104. Due to the configuration of the connecting structure 104, it can now either be removed, or it can be moved upwards into the maintenance position 104c or downwards into the operating position 104b.

[0054] The battery modules 206 are both arranged in the operating position 104b at the respective brackets 100. The weight of the battery modules 206 rests exclusively on the respective bracket 100. LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0055] 100 bracket

[0056] 102 wall mounting structure

[0057] 104 connecting structure

[0058] 104a receiving position

[0059] 104b operating position

[0060] 104c maintenance position

[0061] 104d latching structure

[0062] 104e latching means

[0063] 105 latching structure

[0064] 105a-105d latching structures

[0065] 106 receptacle

[0066] 106a second positioning means

[0067] 108 positioning part

[0068] 108a first positioning means

[0069] 110 mounting structure

[0070] 110a connection

[0071] 200 battery module stack

[0072] 202 battery management module

[0073] 204 battery module

[0074] 206 battery modules

Claims

Claims1. A bracket (100) for wall-mounting at least one module (202, 204, 206), preferably a battery module or a battery management module, having at least two connecting structures (104) configured to insert and hold at least one module (202, 204, 206) by means of a module-side connecting element, wherein the at least two connecting structures (104) are configured for guided movement between three respective positions (104a, 104b, 104c), wherein the three positions are a receiving position (104a) in which the module-side connecting element can be inserted through the connecting structure, an operating position (104b) configured to hold a module (202, 204, 206) in a position enabling operation of the module (202, 204, 206), and a maintenance position (104c) configured to hold a module (202, 204, 206) in a position, wherein the receiving position (104a) is arranged between the operating position (104b) and the maintenance position (104c), and the bracket (100) further has latching structures (104d) corresponding to the upper of the operating position (104b) and the maintenance position (104c) and configured for use with a latching means (104e).

2. The bracket (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the bracket comprises more than one latching structure (105a, 105b, 105c, 105d), wherein the number of latching structures is preferably four, wherein the latching structures (105a, 105b, 105c, 105d) are distanced from each other in a height direction.

3. The bracket (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further having at least one receptacle (106) is provided at one of the edges, upper edge and lower edge, and at least one positioning part (108) is provided at the other of the edges, which corresponds to the at least one receptacle (106).

4. The bracket (100) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one receptacle (106) is two receptacles and the at least one positioning part (108) is two positioning parts.

5. The bracket (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the at least one positioning part (108) is provided with at least one first positioning means (108a), wherein the at least one first positioning means (108a) is configured to position the positioning part (108) with respect to the at least one receptacle (106) of a bracket (100) arranged thereabove.

6. The bracket (100) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one receptacle (106) has a number of second positioning means (106a) which corresponds to the number of first positioning means (108a) of the at least one positioning part (108) and which is arranged corresponding to the position of the at least one first positioning means (108a), and the second positioning means (106a) of the receptacle is configured to be inserted into one of the at least one first positioning means (108a) of at least one receptacle (106) of a bracket (100) arranged thereabove.

7. The bracket (100) according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the at least one receptacle (106) is provided with at least one second positioning means (106a), wherein the first positioning means (108a) is configured to position the receptacle with respect to a positioning part (106).

8. A mounting arrangement, having at least two brackets (100) according to claim 3, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the brackets (100) are arranged one above the other and the at least two brackets (100) are positioned relative to one another by means of the second positioning means (106a) of the at least one receptacle (106) of a first bracket (100) of the at least two brackets (100) and the at least one first positioning means (108a) of the at least one positioning part (108) of a second bracket (100) of the at least two brackets (100), which is adjacent to the first bracket (100).

9. The mounting arrangement according to claim 8, wherein at least one mounting structure (110a) is provided for connecting adjacent brackets (100).

10. A battery module stack (200), comprising a battery management module (202) and at least one battery module (204, 206), wherein the battery management module (202) and the at least one battery module (204, 206) are each mounted on a wall by means of a bracket (100) according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the brackets (100) are arranged in a bracket arrangement according to any of claims 8 to 9, and the battery management module (202) and the at least one battery module (204, 206) are inserted into the at least two connection openings (104) via their respective at least two connecting elements.11 . The battery module stack according to claim 10, wherein the lowest battery module is placed on a base element in addition to being mounted via a bracket.

12. Battery module stack according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein in a maintenance situation, the battery management module (202) can be positioned in the upmost latching position (105a) via latching means (104e) and the at least one battery module (204, 206) can be positioned in the adjacent latching position (105b).

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