Patent Application
20230402669
This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of German Patent Application DE 10 2022 114 659.6, filed Jun. 10, 2022; the prior application is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The present invention relates to a temperature sensor arrangement, an arrangement of a circuit board with a temperature sensor arrangement, and an energy storage device, in particular an energy storage device for the automotive sector, using a temperature sensor arrangement and/or an arrangement of a circuit board with a temperature sensor arrangement.
A central point in the development of electrically powered means of transport, for example electric vehicles, is energy storage. This requires energy storage devices with a high-power density and energy density. Energy storage devices regularly consist of a plurality of individual energy storage cells (for example lithium-ion battery cells) that are electrically connected to each other. Energy storage devices usually require temperature management to ensure their operation in an optimized temperature range. The energy storage cells usually have a narrow operating temperature range (for example between +15° C. and +45° C.). The functional safety, service life and cycle stability of the energy storage cell and thus also the functional safety of the entire energy storage device depend significantly on the energy storage cell not leaving this range. If the temperature exceeds a critical level, a so called “thermal runaway” occurs. In the case of thermal runaway, an unstoppable chain reaction is set in motion. The temperature rises extremely within milliseconds and the energy stored in the energy storage cell is released suddenly. In this way, temperatures of over 1,000° C. can occur. The contents of the energy storage device become gaseous and a fire occurs that is difficult to extinguish by conventional means. The danger of a thermal runaway starts at a certain temperature (for example 60° C.) and becomes extremely critical at a further temperature threshold (for example 100° C.). As a result, energy storage devices, especially energy storage devices for electric vehicles, use an energy storage device management system that not only provides open loop or closed loop control of the charging and discharging behavior of the energy storage cells, but also takes measures with regard to temperature management and emergency management in the event of a thermal runaway. In order to ensure a targeted escape of gases in the event of a thermal runaway, the gas tightly sealed energy storage cells can have degassing openings. The degassing openings can, for example, be configured as predetermined breaking points which allow gases to escape from the interior of the energy storage cell to the surrounding environment above a certain internal pressure. The escaping gases may contain electrolytes that can react with water to form hydrofluoric acid. To reduce the danger to surrounding components and/or individuals, such gases must be discharged in a controlled and targeted manner.
For the electrical connection of the energy storage cells, energy storage devices have so called cell connectors that electrically connect two or more poles of two or more energy storage cells, depending on the circuit type. In a series circuit, for example, the anode of one energy storage cell is connected to the cathode of another energy storage cell. In order to be able to monitor and control the state of charge of each energy storage cell, each cell connector can be electrically connected to the open loop and/or closed loop control electronics of the energy storage device. This allows the cell voltage of each individual energy storage cell to be measured and the state of charge of each particular energy storage cell to be deduced via the cell voltage. Furthermore, sensors, for example temperature sensors for monitoring the surface temperature of the energy storage cells, can also be provided, which are connected to the open loop and/or closed loop control electronics. In previous solutions, the open loop and/or closed loop control electronics are located in an independent module.
Published, non-prosecuted German patent application DE 10 2007 063 178 A1 discloses a battery with a heat conducting plate for controlling the temperature of the battery. The battery contains a plurality of interconnected individual cells. The heat conducting plate has holes and/or incisions in the region of the poles of the individual cells, through which the poles of the individual cells protrude in or out. The heat conducting plate is arranged between the individual cells and contacting elements placed on the poles. Electrical cell connectors and/or a cell connector circuit board are provided as contacting elements for the electrical connection of the poles of the individual cells. Furthermore, elastic elements and/or contacting elements may be located on the upper side of the heat conducting plate. This sequence of these individual layers must be clamped to the individual cells via screws during the assembly process. The assembly is therefore time consuming.
Published, non-prosecuted German patent application DE 10 2009 046 385 A1 discloses a battery with a degassing system. The degassing system is located on the side opposite the poles of the battery cells. A base plate provided specially for this purpose is provided there, with passages for degassing openings and a collection basin for collecting the gases from the battery cells.
Published, non-prosecuted German patent application DE 10 2012 219 784 A1 discloses a battery module containing a gas channel, a printed circuit board and a battery module housing which accommodates a plurality of battery cells. The gas channel is formed by a U profile with through openings to the degassing openings of the battery cells and by a printed circuit board closing the U profile on the side facing away from the degassing openings. The printed circuit board thus forms a wall of the gas channel and can come into direct contact with the gas when gas escapes from a gas outlet opening of a battery cell. During assembly, the printed circuit board is attached directly to the busbars. The U profile is not directly connected to the busbars. The disadvantage of this arrangement is that escaping gas can destroy the unprotected circuit board. In this case, open loop and/or closed loop control of the battery module is no longer ensured. Furthermore, no active temperature control of the battery cell surface or of the cell connectors is provided.
European patent application EP 3 316 384 A1, corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 11,127,990, discloses a circuit board arrangement according to the preamble of the independent circuit board arrangement claim. A rigid circuit board for open loop and/or closed loop control electronics is provided, to the surface of which there are directly applied cell connectors for connecting the energy storage cells. Due to this direct connection of the cell connectors to the open loop and/or closed loop control electronics, a direct heat transfer from the electrical connections of the energy storage cells to the open loop and/or closed loop control electronics takes place. Such an arrangement leads to unavoidable measurement deviations in the voltage and temperature measurement. Furthermore, a C shaped flexible printed circuit board carrying a temperature sensor element is fixed to the rigid circuit board. The flexible printed circuit board extends through a slot shaped through opening in the rigid circuit board. The construction is complex and costly, both in terms of the production of the individual parts and in terms of final assembly.
The problem addressed by the present invention is that of providing a novel temperature sensor arrangement for a cell contacting system for an energy storage device which simplifies the assembly effort, and an arrangement of a circuit board or an energy storage device with a corresponding temperature sensor arrangement.
The above problem is solved by the entire teaching of the independent claims. Expedient embodiments of the invention are claimed in the dependent claims.
With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a temperature sensor configuration for a cell contacting system for contacting energy storage cells of an energy storage device. The temperature sensor configuration includes connections, at least one sensor element being connectable to a circuit board via the connections, a shaped housing element supporting the at least one sensor element, and a mechanical connector disposed on the shaped housing element and serving to fix the shaped housing element to the circuit board.
According to the invention, the temperature sensor arrangement contains a shaped housing element which is intended to support a sensor element, the shaped housing element has mechanical connection means which serve to fix the shaped housing element to a circuit board. The shaped housing element thus constitutes an adapter for adapting a sensor element to the circuit board (PCB or printed circuit). The circuit board carries the open loop and/or closed loop control electronics of the energy storage device. Temperature sensor arrangements provided for a cell contacting system can thus be attached and connected to the circuit board in a simple manner. The shaped housing element of the temperature sensor arrangement can be standardized with regard to its mechanical connection means, i.e. can have identical mechanical connection means on the shaped housing element for different sensor elements. In this way, a uniform connection geometry can be created between the circuit board and the temperature sensor arrangement for different sensor elements.
It is particularly advantageous if the mechanical connection means can be connected to the circuit board via a snap connection. During assembly, it is thus merely necessary to clip the temperature sensor arrangement in question onto the circuit board by means of the snap connection. The assembly effort can thus be considerably reduced compared to previous solutions.
Preferably, the shaped housing element can contain an elastically deflectable spring arm, with which the sensor element in the mounted state can be pressed against the upper side of the energy storage device or the energy storage cell. The spring arm of the shaped housing element thus serves to fix the temperature sensor element to the upper side of the energy storage device or the energy storage cell in the assembled state of the temperature sensor arrangement by generating a contact pressure. The adapter also assumes the function here of generating the contact pressure. The spring arm can also compensate for manufacturing tolerances during the assembly process. Furthermore, it is possible to compensate for thermal expansions or displacements of the components in relation to each other during operation.
It is advantageous if the shaped housing element contains a contact element made of a thermally conductive, elastic material, via which the sensor element can be pressed against the upper side of the energy storage device or the energy storage cell. The contact element serves to ensure a favorable heat transfer from the surface of the energy storage device or the energy storage cell to the sensor element. The elastic material can also compensate for manufacturing tolerances during assembly and/or thermal expansions or displacements of the components in relation to each other during operation.
According to an expedient configuration, the sensor element can be located on a preferably flexible sensor circuit board provided with electrical connections. Furthermore, the sensor circuit board can be at least partially enclosed by the shaped housing element or the spring arm. The fastening of the temperature sensor arrangement using a sensor circuit board is thus not to be carried out directly on the sensor circuit board, but rather advantageously via the shaped housing element or via the spring arm, whereby an advantageous decoupling of the fastening from the actual sensor element is achieved.
In an advantageous way, the sensor circuit board can be pushed into the shaped housing element or into the spring arm. This makes assembly much easier and the process can be easily automated.
Furthermore, the sensor element can be located in a chamber. In particular, on the side of the chamber facing away from the connections of the sensor element, there can be located a flexible contact element, which is in contact with the sensor element and projects beyond the housing element at its end facing away from the connections of the sensor element. This configuration is advantageous if the sensor element is not formed as a sensor circuit board.
Furthermore, the chamber can be open to the side of the connections of the sensor element. This facilitates assembly as part of an automated production line.
Advantageously, the shaped housing element may comprise a base, the side of which facing away from the sensor element serves as a mounting face, preferably as a contact surface to a support structure. The base also serves to support the mechanical connection means on one side of the base and, on the opposite side of the base, the region of the shaped housing element intended for accommodating the sensor element.
For example, at least one mechanical connection means, preferably configured as a detent arm, in particular at least two mechanical connection means, preferably configured as detent arms, for example provided with an undercut, can be provided on the base. Preferably, there is a step on each detent arm which serves as a contact point against the underside of the circuit board.
According to the present invention, the shaped housing element may be a plastics part, preferably an injection molded plastics part.
The present invention furthermore also relates to an arrangement containing a circuit board and a temperature sensor arrangement according to at least one of the independent claims, in which the shaped housing element is positioned on the side of the circuit board facing the energy storage device and the mechanical connection means pass through the circuit board.
The shaped housing element is expediently positioned on the side facing the energy storage device, the electrical connections passing through the circuit board.
Preferably, the mechanical connection means form a detent connection to the circuit board.
According to a further embodiment, the circuit board can have a through opening, preferably slot shaped, through which the sensor circuit board can be inserted into the shaped housing element when the temperature sensor arrangement is fixed to the circuit board, preferably from the side of the circuit board opposite the shaped housing element, through the circuit board, preferably when the shaped housing element is mounted on the circuit board. The handling or an automated assembly of the sensor circuit board, in particular of a flexible sensor circuit board, is thus considerably facilitated.
According to the invention, a support structure may further be provided which is connectable to the energy storage device or the energy storage cells, the support structure may comprise a first side which faces the energy storage device and which serves as a mounting side on the energy storage device, as well as a second side facing away from the energy storage device, the circuit board being fastened to the second side of the support structure. The support structure can thus be provided together with the circuit board and preferably including the temperature sensor arrangement as a ready-made or pre-assembled module and can be attached as a whole to the energy storage device or the energy storage cells. The support structure is preferably a molded plastics part.
The support structure can expediently contain at least one degassing channel integrated into the support structure for discharging gases escaping from the energy storage cells and at least one temperature control channel. The at least one degassing channel and the at least one temperature control channel thus form an integral part of the support structure and thus an integrated compact, scalable cell contacting system. As a result of the fact that both the at least one temperature control channel and the degassing channel are an integral part of the support structure, the assembly effort required to complete an energy storage device can be significantly reduced. In addition, the functional reliability of the energy storage device is increased and a reduction in the required installation space is achieved. The degassing channel enables a targeted removal of hot gases during a thermal runaway of the energy storage device. Furthermore, the support structure offers the possibility of being able to attach additional functional parts (such as a circuit board or printed circuit), which carry the open loop and closed loop control electronics of the energy storage device or the individual energy storage cells, to the rear side of the degassing channel. Compared to conventional embodiments, the number of parts can be reduced.
Advantageously, the at least one degassing channel and the at least one temperature control channel are each molded into the support structure. This means that the support structure is configured as a single component and can be produced in a single manufacturing step. In addition, a higher functional safety is achieved due to the one-piece configuration without connection points of the various channels.
The degassing channel can be configured to be open on the first side of the support structure. The degassing channel is thus formed as a recess in the support structure, the recess being open on one side, the upper side of the energy storage device or energy storage cells thereof facing the degassing channel in the assembled state. In the event of degassing, escaping gases can thus be collected and discharged in the degassing channel with a simple construction of the support structure and without additional components. In the region of the degassing channel, there are corresponding predetermined breaking points on the energy storage cells which ensure that, in the event of thermal runaway, gases escape specifically at these points and can be discharged via the degassing channel. The surface of the energy storage cells thus delimits the degassing channel on the side of the degassing channel opposite the support structure. The support structure thus does not require any openings that are locally assigned to the predetermined breaking points.
It is expedient that the support structure has a wall delimiting the degassing channel, the side of the wall opposite the degassing channel serving as a mounting base for further components. The aforementioned side of the wall can thus serve for the assembly of further components of the cell contacting system, for example for assembly of the circuit board with the sensor arrangements. The wall therefore fulfils a dual function. For example, the circuit board is protected from thermal and/or chemical influences by the wall.
Preferably, the wall extends between two temperature control channels.
In an advantageous embodiment, the wall has an offset forming a mounting recess. The other components of the cell contacting system can thus be mounted recessed in the mounting recess. They are thus protected. At the same time, the installation space is reduced and the mechanical stability of the support structure is increased.
It is expedient that the support structure, preferably in the region of the mounting recess, can have fastening and/or centring means and/or through openings and/or spacers for the circuit board. These serve to facilitate the assembly process, increase the safety of the assembled arrangement, or ensure a distance between the open loop and/or closed loop control electronics or the circuit board at the underside thereof towards the wall.
According to an advantageous embodiment, the inner side of the degassing channel has a protective layer, in particular protecting against heat and/or abrasive media and/or chemical influences (for example by acids). In addition, the underside of the corresponding temperature control channel can also have a protective layer.
The protective layer can be an applied coating (for example a liquid, curable coating, for example lacquers with the addition of ceramic particles, foamed and cured coating or for example a powder coating) or a layer placed on and/or bonded to the wall or the wall portion in question (for example a mica sheet, a ceramic fiber mat, a glass fiber mat or carbon mat or a cork sheet).
The at least one temperature control channel as well as temperature control lines connecting to the at least one temperature control channel are preferably sealed at all interfaces.
The wall extends expediently between two or at least two temperature control channels. The temperature control channels are preferably each located in the outer region of the support structure.
The support structure also makes it possible to have a third or a third and fourth temperature control channel between two edge temperature control channels. This allows additional temperature control of the circuit board arranged on the upper side of the support structure.
The support structure allows the cell connectors, the support structure, the circuit board and/or the temperature sensor arrangement to be connected to form a module that can be mounted collectively. The cell connectors serve to establish an electrical connection between the individual energy storage cells and are therefore fixed, for example welded, to their pole contacts. By connecting the cell connectors, the support structure, the circuit board and/or the temperature sensor arrangement to form a collectively mountable module, a ready-made or pre-assembled module can thus be created. By mounting the cell connectors on the energy storage cells, the support structure with the degassing channel, the temperature control channels, the circuit board and/or the temperature sensor arrangement can be mounted in a single operation. The cell contacting system can thus be advantageously kept in stock as a ready-made mounting module.
Furthermore, the at least one temperature control channel can have through openings arranged laterally to its longitudinal axis. These can serve to receive the cell connectors and/or over-molded temperature control structures of the cell connectors and/or to fix them there.
The fact that the support structure is formed as a shaped part, preferably as an injection-molded part or as an extruded part, means that the required geometries can be easily implemented.
Preferably, the support plate is made of plastic. Plastic offers a high corrosion resistance, thermal insulation capability, and also electrical insulation capability with low weight. In addition, an electrically conductive fluid can be used in the temperature control channels. Instead of plastic, aluminum or an aluminum alloy can also be used as the material for the support structure. Aluminum or an aluminum alloy offer the advantage of increased mechanical resistance.
For example, the support structure is a profile structure, preferably a hollow profile structure.
The support structure allows the circuit board to be positioned on the second side of the support structure and the temperature sensor arrangement to extend through a through opening in the support structure to the first side of the support structure, so that the temperature sensor element is located on the first side of the support structure. In this way, an advantageous mechanical decoupling and/or thermal decoupling of the circuit board from the energy storage device or energy storage cells thereof can be achieved. In addition, the support structure located between the circuit board and the energy storage device or energy storage cells protects the circuit board from thermal and/or chemical influences.
The connection of the support structure to the energy storage device or the energy storage cells can advantageously be established via the cell connectors of the energy storage cells. The cell connectors are fixed, preferably welded, to the corresponding pole contacts of the energy storage cells. Preferably, the cell connectors take the form of small plates.
The support structure can be connected to the cell connectors to form a module.
The cell connectors may be connected to the circuit board merely via electrical connection elements. These connection elements thus serve exclusively for the electrical contacting of the cell connectors to the circuit board. They preferably run on the second side of the support structure.
The present invention further relates to an energy storage device, in particular an energy storage device for a vehicle, containing a plurality of energy storage cells arranged in a row, in which a temperature sensor arrangement and/or an arrangement according to at least one of the independents claim is provided.
Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a temperature sensor arrangement, an arrangement of a circuit board with a temperature sensor arrangement, and an energy storage device, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly to
The energy storage cells 2a, 2b, 2z each have two pole contacts 22a, 22b (of which only one pole contact 22a can be seen in
The cell contacting system 1 further includes a support structure 13 as well as cell connectors 11a, 11b attached to the support structure 13, which serve to electrically contact and connect the individual energy storage cells 2a, 2b, 2z. Furthermore, open loop and/or closed loop control electronics 16 are positioned on the support structure 13 and are electrically connected to the cell connectors 11a, 11b via connection elements 15. The open loop and/or closed loop control electronics 16 include a circuit board 161a which is equipped with corresponding electronic components 162 and which is connected to the support structure 13.
Since the cell connectors 11a, 11b are connected to the cell contacting system 1, the complete cell contacting system 1 can be attached to the energy storage cells 2a, 2b, 2z of the energy storage device 3 via the cell connectors 11a, 11b. For this purpose, the cell connectors 11a, 11b can be welded to the pole contacts 22a, 22b, for example. The cell contacting system 1 can thus be kept in stock as an assembled module and can be mounted on the energy storage cells 2a, 2b, 2z as a unit in a single process step within an automated production line.
The cell contacting system 1 includes temperature control channels 131 and a degassing channel 132, each described in greater detail below, which are integrated into the support structure 13 in accordance with the invention. The temperature control channels 131 serve to conduct a gaseous or liquid fluid (not shown in the figures) through the energy storage device 3 in order to control the temperature of the latter. The degassing channel 132 serves to remove, in a controlled manner, gases released in the event of a so called “thermal runaway” of the energy storage device 3. A degassing opening 21 can be seen in
In the exemplary embodiment, fourteen energy storage cells 2a, 2b, 2z are shown, which are electrically connected to each other in a series circuit by the cell contacting system 1. For this purpose, the energy storage cells 2a, 2b, 2z are each arranged rotated relative to one another, so that the pole contact 22a of the anode of the energy storage cell 2a is opposite the pole contact 22b of the cathode of the adjacent energy storage cell 2b, or the pole contact 22b of the cathode of the energy storage cell 2b is opposite the pole contact 22a of the anode of the adjacent energy storage cell 2a. The pole contact 22b of the cathode of the first energy storage cell 2a is connected to the terminal cell connector 11b. The pole contact 22a of the anode of the first energy storage cell 2a is connected via the cell connector 11a to the pole contact 22b of the cathode of the adjacent, second energy storage cell 2b. The pole contact 22a of the anode of the second energy storage cell 2b is in turn connected to the pole contact 22b of the cathode of the third energy storage cell via a cell connector 11a, and so on. The pole contact 22a of the anode of the last energy storage cell 2z is connected to the cell connector 11b. The cell connectors 11b are intended to electrically connect the energy storage device 3 to an electrical consumer, not shown, for example the electric motor of an electric vehicle. The two cell connectors 11b thus form the energy storage device connections, i.e. the cathode and anode of the entire energy storage device 3.
In alternative embodiments of an energy storage device 3, a different number of energy storage cells can also be provided and/or the energy storage cells can be connected in parallel by the cell contacting system 1. For this purpose, the cell connectors 11a, 11b can, for example, connect the electrical connections 22a of the anodes of two or more energy storage cells or the electrical connections 22b of the cathodes of two or more energy storage cells. The energy storage cells can also be arranged in a row in the same orientation, i.e. not rotated, so that the electrical connections of the cathodes of the energy storage cells of the energy storage device 3 are arranged along a first line and the electrical connections of the anodes of the energy storage cells are arranged along a second line running parallel to the first line.
The degassing channel 132 is formed by the lateral temperature control channels 131, which are opposite each other, and by a wall 139, which runs between the temperature control channels 131. The degassing channel 132 is open on the first side 137 of the support structure 13 to the energy storage cells 2a, 2b, 2z. This allows gases to pass from the degassing openings 21 of the energy storage cells 2a, 2b, 2z into the degassing channel 132 in the assembled state of the cell contacting system 1 and to be discharged from there in a controlled manner. This increases the protection of vehicle occupants.
As can be seen from
The support structure 13 is provided with a protective layer 133 (see
The temperature control channels 131 are each formed by a hollow chamber. As can be seen in
Furthermore, the support structure 13 has a mounting recess 135 on the second side 138 opposite the degassing channel 132. This is formed by an offset of the wall 139. The mounting recess 135 serves to position the open loop and/or closed loop control electronics 16 in a particularly space saving manner. Fastening and/or centring means 136 can be provided at the mounting base of the mounting recess 139 for fastening and/or centring the circuit board of the open loop and/or closed loop control electronics 16. Spacers 136a may also be provided, which cause the underside of the open loop and/or closed loop control electronics 16 or circuit board 161a thereof to be spaced apart from the mounting base of the mounting recess 139. The mounting recess 135 allows a flat structure of the cell contacting system 1. The offset of the wall 139 forming the mounting recess 135 also serves to increase the mechanical stability of the support structure 13. The offset acts here as a bead, i.e. a channel shaped stiffening means, which increases the second moment of area of the support structure 13. The support structure 13 can thus better withstand, for example, an increase in pressure in the degassing channel 132 occurring during degassing of the energy storage cells 2a, 2b, 2z. Furthermore, the wall 139 has through openings 141 for temperature sensor arrangements 17a, 17b and/or for contacting a sensor circuit board 18a, 18b.
The circuit board 161a has, for example, holes via which the circuit board 161a is fitted on the fastening and/or centring means 136, which in the exemplary embodiment are in the form of “domes”. The ends of the domes can then be upset to form mushroom heads, thereby fastening the circuit board 161a to the support structure 13.
If required, more than two temperature control channels 131 may also be formed in the support structure 13. For example, as shown in
According to the embodiment shown in
Alternatively, the cell connectors can also be screwed or soldered to the energy storage cells.
Through openings 111, for example through holes, can be provided on the cell connectors 11a, 11b. These can serve as inspection openings. Furthermore, if required, measuring lines can also be attached, through these through openings 111, to threaded holes located beneath the through openings 111 on the pole contacts 22a, 22b. In this way, for example, the contacting of the cell connectors 11a, 11b to the pole contacts 22a, 22b can be checked.
Alternatively, the cell connectors 11a, 11b could also be connected, for example screwed, to the pole contacts 22a, 22b via the through openings 111 if required.
The temperature sensor arrangement 17a includes a flexible sensor circuit board 176a having a sensor element 171a integrated on the sensor circuit board 176a and a shaped housing element 172a for mounting on the circuit board 161a, 161b from
The shaped housing element 172a includes a guide channel 179a for the flexible sensor circuit board 176a and thus serves to position and hold the sensor element 171a. Furthermore, the shaped housing element 172a has a base 178a with connection means 175a and an elastically deflectable spring arm 177a. The connection means 175a are configured as a snap connection with two resilient detent arms. They are used to connect to the circuit board 161a from
The sensor circuit board 176a has electrical connections 174a which are electrically connected to the sensor element 171a via conductor tracks that are not shown.
In addition, an elastic, thermally conductive contact element 173a is provided on the underside of the temperature sensor arrangement 17a in the region of the sensor element 171a in order to avoid gap formation and to transfer the temperature of the energy storage cells to be detected to the sensor element 171a.
When mounting the temperature sensor arrangement 17a, the shaped housing element 172a can first be connected to the sensor circuit board 161a. The sensor circuit board 176a can then be inserted from the side opposite the shaped housing element 172a through the slot shaped recess 162a of the circuit board 161a into the guide channel 179a of the shaped housing element 172a. After the sensor circuit board 176a is positioned in the guide channel 179a, the electrical connections 174a of the sensor circuit board 176a can be connected to the circuit board 161a. This facilitates handling. In addition, the assembly can be automated as a result.
As can be seen from
The base 178a is provided to cover or close the through opening 141 of the support structure on the first side 137 thereof. A flow of gases through the through opening 141 is thus prevented or at least reduced.
The temperature sensor arrangement 17b contains a sensor element 171b and a shaped housing element 172b. The shaped housing element 172b includes a base 178b with connection means 175b and a step 178d, which have a corresponding structure and the same function as the base 178a, the connection means 175a and the step 178c of the temperature sensor arrangement 17a according to
In this embodiment, the shaped housing element 172b of the temperature sensor arrangement 17b has a chamber 176b for positioning the sensor element 171b. The chamber 176b is open on the side facing the circuit board 161a, 161b, 161c. This allows the sensor element 171b to be pushed into the chamber 176b.
The sensor element 171b may be a wired electronic component for through hole technology (THT) with two electrical connections 174b.
A contact element 173b, which at least partially encloses the sensor element 171a, is located on the side of the shaped housing element 172b facing away from the electrical connections 174b. The contact element 173b consists of an elastic, thermally conductive material. Further, the contact element 173b is partially enclosed by the chamber 176b and abuts a shoulder in the chamber 176b.
The temperature sensor arrangement 17b is mechanically connected to the circuit board 161b by snap connection via the connection means 175b.
To connect the electrical connections 174b, the circuit board 161b can have contact holes with contact rivets, for example. The electrical connections 174b can be inserted through these holes and soldered to the circuit board 162b from the side opposite the sensor element 171b.
The contact element 173b, which is concealed by the shaped housing element 172b in
The temperature sensor arrangement 17b may be mounted on the circuit board 161b as an assembled module.
By pressing the temperature sensor arrangements 17a, 17b, a good thermal contact is ensured. In addition, it is possible to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, thermal expansions or relative movements of the components.
One of the two temperature sensor arrangements 17a, 17b or a combination of both of them may be provided in the cell contacting system 1.
A circuit board can be a printed circuit board, i.e. a printed circuit for carrying electronic components.
According to
The additional circuit board 18a in
Sensor elements 181a, 181b are provided on the additional circuit board 18a and are electrically connected to the circuit board 161a via conductor tracks, not shown, and via the contacting means 182a, 181b. The sensor elements 181a, 181b can be SMD components, for example, which are soldered to the additional circuit board 18a at solder pads.
According to
As shown in
According to
According to
According to
The additional circuit board 18b has a different configuration in the region of the contacting means 182b as compared to the additional circuit board 18a.
The cell connectors 11a are intended to electrically connect a pole contact 22a of one energy storage cell, for example 2a, to a pole contact 22b of an adjacent energy storage cell, for example 2b. For this purpose, the cell connectors 11a have a main body 110 with a first contact face 112a and a second contact face 112b, which are each connected, for example welded, to a pole contact 22a, 22b.
The two cell connectors 11b are intended to provide, at the first energy storage cell 2a and the last energy storage cell 2z, a contacting means to an electrical consumer, not shown, for example an electric motor of an electric vehicle, or to an adjacent energy storage device. The cell connectors 11b have a main body 113 with a contact face 112a which is connected, for example welded, to the pole contact 22b of the cathode of the first energy storage cell 2a or the pole contact 22a of the anode of the last energy storage cell 2z. Furthermore, the main body 113 has a current tap 110d. The current taps 110d of the two cell connectors 11b thus form the connections of the anode and cathode of the energy storage device 3.
The main body 110, 113 of the cell connector 11a, 11b consists of an electrically conductive flat material with preferably a constant layer thickness, for example a sheet metal. The main body 110, 113 has a first side S1, S1′ and a second side S2, S2′ and is over-molded in each case in the region of the second side S2, S2′ in a partial region 110a with a temperature control structure 12 which increases the surface area of the cell connector 11a, 11b. The temperature control structure 12 has, for example, a plurality of temperature control ribs 124a running parallel to one another.
The temperature control structure 12 is preferably a thermally conductive, electrically insulating material, in particular plastic.
In the cell connector 11a, the temperature control structure 12 extends along the entire length L1 of the first side S1. In the cell connector 11b, the temperature control structure 12 extends only along the length L2 of the first side S1′ in the region of the contact face 112a.
A recess 114 may be provided between the contact faces 112a, 112b of the cell connector 11a. On the one hand, this recess shifts the flow of current and the resultant heat into the partial region 110a over-molded by the temperature control structure 12. On the other hand, the main body 110 thus has a higher elasticity. It is thus possible to better compensate for thermal expansions or movements of the adjacent energy storage cells 2a, 2b, 2z relative to each other.
Furthermore, the main bodies 110, 113 of the cell connectors 11a, 11b can have recesses 115, for example in the form of crescent shaped through openings. These also increase the elasticity of the main bodies 110, 113.
The contact element 121a of the temperature control structure 12 from
According to
The variant of
The offset 127a, 127b can be created, for example, by two folds of a plate shaped raw material, for example a metal sheet, as can be seen in
The main body 110 and the contact elements 121b, 121c can advantageously be made, for example cut or punched, from a common plate shaped blank.
Corresponding contact elements can also be provided for the terminal cell connectors 11b. The geometry of the contact element for a cell connector 11b can be easily adapted to the geometry of the cell connector 11b.
The cell connectors 11a, 11b can have an interface to a temperature control channel 131 and can be connected to the latter, for example welded or adhesively bonded, preferably in the region of the temperature control structure 12. For this purpose, the through openings 140 of the support structure 13 can be arranged laterally in the direction of the pole contacts and/or in the direction of the degassing channel and/or in the direction of the battery storage cells.
The temperature control structure 12 of the cell connectors can close the through openings 140 of the support structure 13. In addition, the temperature control structure 12 may insulate the base element 110, 113 and/or the contact element 121b, 121c with respect to a temperature control fluid located in the temperature control channel 131. Thus, for example, a fluid consisting of an electrically conductive fluid may be provided. The temperature control structure 12 may likewise insulate the base element 110, 113 and/or the contact element 121b, 121c with respect to the support structure 13. Alternatively, the support element in this variant could, for example, consist of a metal, for example aluminum or an aluminum alloy.
Alternatively, the embodiments of the cell connectors 11a, 11b can also be used without a temperature control channel 131. In this case, the ambient air can be used for temperature control, for example.
The following is a summary list of reference numerals and the corresponding structure used in the above description of the invention:
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2022 114 659.6 | Jun 2022 | DE | national |
