Battery Connection Member Integrating Detection Terminal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing battery module connection methods for electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles become cumbersome as the number of unit cells increases, due to the complex connection of detection terminals with busbars, leading to potential cell degradation from non-uniform voltage and temperature characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A connection member is introduced that electrically connects lead terminals of adjacent electricity storage elements, incorporating a detection terminal portion for state detection, allowing for simplified connection operations by integrating the detection terminal with the connection member, which can be made of different materials and welded without alloy phase formation, and is insulated by a holding member for protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detection terminals are connected to busbars by bolting method, then detection function is achieved, but connecting operation becomes cumbersome as number of unit cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detection terminal connection with the busbar connection by integrating the detection terminal into the busbar structure. The detection terminal is formed as an integral part of the busbar, allowing simultaneous electrical connection and detection function without requiring separate bolting operations. This merging of functions directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining detection reliability while dramatically simplifying the connecting operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The busbar is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides electrical connection between unit cells and simultaneously houses the detection terminal for monitoring cell voltage and temperature. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate detection terminal connections, resolving the contradiction between achieving reliable detection and maintaining ease of operation as the number of cells increases.
2Measurement precision
If multiple detection terminals are connected separately, then state detection of each unit cell is achieved, but connecting operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The busbar is segmented into multiple sections, each with an integrated detection terminal for individual unit cell monitoring. This segmentation allows precise state detection of each cell while the integrated design prevents the complexity that would arise from separate connections. Each segment handles one cell's detection, maintaining measurement precision without increasing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If terminal connecting portions are made of different metals, then design flexibility is improved, but alloy phase formation occurs during welding
Solution Approach 1:
The busbar employs local quality by using different metal materials for different sections of the busbar where required. Each section is optimized for its specific function and connection requirements, but the welding process is controlled to prevent alloy phase formation at the joints. This allows design flexibility through material variety while maintaining welding quality and reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the connecting operation of detection terminals, enhances electrical connection reliability, and prevents electrolytic corrosion, while maintaining the module's performance by ensuring uniform voltage and temperature across cells.
Implementation Method 1
when one terminal connecting portion and the lead terminal are joined, for example, by welding
Data Source
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AI summary
A connection member (36) for electrically connecting lead terminals (12A, 12B) of electricity storage elements (11) adjacent in a lamination direction out of an electricity storage element group (10) formed by laminating a plurality of electricity storage elements (11) each including a positive-electrode and a negative-electrode lead terminals (12A 12B) projecting in an outward direction from one side edge is provided with a detection terminal portion (50) for detecting a state of the electricity storage element (11). Thus, the connection of the lead terminals (12A, 12B) and the connection of the detection terminal portion (50) are completed by connecting the connection member (36) between the lead terminals (12A, 12B) and an electricity storage module with a simplified connecting operation of the detection terminal portion (50) can be provided.