U.S. patent application number 15/312161 was filed with the patent office on 2017-05-18 for connection between two battery modules of a battery system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft. The applicant listed for this patent is BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT. Invention is credited to Thomas Hoefler, Tuncay Idikurt, Philip Kotter, Anas Mnif.
Application Number | 20170141376 15/312161 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53181254 |
Filed Date | 2017-05-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170141376 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kotter; Philip ; et
al. |
May 18, 2017 |
Connection Between Two Battery Modules of a Battery System
Abstract
The invention relates to a device for producing an electrically
conductive connection between two battery modules of an
electrically drivable motor vehicle, comprising at least one
clamping unit, which is composed of metal and can be clamped to a
connection pole of a battery cell of a battery module or can be
clamped to a cell connector that is arranged on the connection pole
and that connects the connection pole in an electrically conductive
manner to a connection pole of a further battery cell of the
battery module.
Inventors: |
Kotter; Philip; (Muenchen,
DE) ; Mnif; Anas; (Muenchen, DE) ; Idikurt;
Tuncay; (Muenchen, DE) ; Hoefler; Thomas;
(Groebenzell, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT |
Munchen |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft
Munchen
DE
|
Family ID: |
53181254 |
Appl. No.: |
15/312161 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
April 30, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2015/059481 |
371 Date: |
November 17, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 11/288 20130101;
H01M 2/206 20130101; Y02T 10/70 20130101; B60L 3/0046 20130101;
B60L 50/64 20190201; Y02E 60/10 20130101; H01M 2220/20 20130101;
H01R 13/112 20130101; B60L 58/21 20190201 |
International
Class: |
H01M 2/20 20060101
H01M002/20; H01R 13/11 20060101 H01R013/11; B60L 11/18 20060101
B60L011/18; H01R 11/28 20060101 H01R011/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 16, 2014 |
DE |
10 2014 209 273.6 |
Claims
1-18. (canceled)
19. An apparatus configured to produce an electrically conductive
connection between two battery modules of an electrically driveable
motor vehicle, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one
clamping unit composed of metal, wherein the at least one clamping
unit is configured to be fixedly clamped to a terminal pole of a
battery cell of a battery module or to a cell connector arranged on
the terminal pole that connects the terminal pole to a terminal
pole of a further battery cell of the battery module in an
electrically conductive fashion.
20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the clamping unit
comprises one of a U-shaped and a C-shaped form, wherein the
clamping unit has two clamping limbs and a web that connects the
two clamping limbs to one another, and wherein, when the clamping
unit is fixedly clamped to the terminal pole or to the cell
connector, respectively, at least one of the clamping limbs and the
web is elastically deformed such that a restoring force is
generated as a result of contact with the terminal pole or with the
cell connector, respectively.
21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 29, wherein at least one of
the two clamping limbs has at least two spring lamellae arranged to
run transversely with respect to the web, spaced apart from one
another and parallel to one another.
22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein at least one
spring lamella has at least two sub-lamellae arranged to run
transversely with respect to the web, spaced apart from one another
and parallel to one another.
23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein, on at least one
spring lamella, there is formed a bead that runs in a longitudinal
direction of the spring lamella.
24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein, on at least two
spring lamellae, there is formed in each case at least one bead,
wherein the spring lamellae differ from one another in terms of a
shaping of their respective beads.
25. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein at least one
coating, arranged electrically between the terminal pole and the
clamping unit, is configured to reduce the electrical transition
resistance between one of the terminal pole and the clamping unit,
between the terminal pole and the cell connector, and between the
cell connector and the clamping unit.
26. The apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein at least one
protective section is arranged on a side of the web of the clamping
unit that faces toward the terminal pole or toward the cell
connector, respectively, wherein the at least one protective
section is formed by a section of a cell contacting system, and
wherein the at least one protective section is at least partially
provided with shock protection ribs at least at an edge facing
toward a clamping limb.
27. The apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein at least one
contacting unit is connectable in an electrically conductive
fashion to the web of the clamping unit, and by which the clamping
unit is connectable in an electrically conductive fashion to a
flexible electrical conductor.
28. The apparatus as claimed in one of claim 21, wherein at least
one housing accommodates the clamping unit and is composed of an
electrically insulating material and has two elastically deformable
protective limbs which are arranged parallel to one another and to
the clamping limbs, wherein, on at least one protective limb, on a
side of the protective limb which faces toward the respective other
protective limb, there is arranged at least one protective rib
which runs parallel to the spring lamellae and which engages from
the outside between two mutually adjacently arranged spring
lamellae such that, when the clamping unit is not fixedly clamped
to the terminal pole or to the cell connector, respectively, the
spacing between the protective rib and the protective limb situated
opposite said protective rib is smaller than the spacing of the
spring lamellae to the clamping limb situated opposite said spring
lamellae, and wherein, when the clamping unit is fixedly clamped to
the terminal pole or to the cell connector, respectively, the
spacing between the protective rib and the protective limb situated
opposite said protective rib is equal to the spacing of the spring
lamellae to the clamping limb situated opposite said spring
lamellae.
29. The apparatus as claimed in claim 28, wherein at least two
protective ribs which run parallel to the spring lamellae are
arranged spaced apart from one another on the protective limb,
wherein ends of the protective ribs which are averted from the web
of the clamping unit are connected to one another by at least one
common connecting web.
30. The apparatus as claimed in claim 20, further comprising at
least one housing which accommodates the clamping unit and is
composed of an electrically insulating material and has two
protective limbs arranged parallel to one another and to the
clamping limbs, and has at least one protective section which runs
on that side of the web of the clamping unit which faces toward the
cell connector and parallel to the web of the clamping unit,
wherein at least one protective projection which runs parallel to
the protective limbs is arranged on that side of the protective
section which faces toward the cell connector.
31. A connecting device for producing an electrically conductive
connection between two battery modules of an electrically driveable
motor vehicle, wherein the connecting device has at least one
flexible electrical conductor and at least one apparatus, which is
connected in electrically conductive fashion to the flexible
electrical conductor, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one
clamping unit composed of metal, wherein the at least one clamping
unit is configured to be fixedly clamped to a terminal pole of a
battery cell of a battery module or to a cell connector arranged on
the terminal pole that connects the terminal pole to a terminal
pole of a further battery cell of the battery module in an
electrically conductive fashion.
32. An assembly for producing an electrically conductive connection
between two battery modules of an electrically driveable motor
vehicle, having at least one cell connector by way of which
terminal poles of two battery cells of a battery module are
connectable to one another in an electrically conductive fashion by
way of an apparatus, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one
clamping unit composed of metal, wherein the at least one clamping
unit is configured to be fixedly clamped to a terminal pole of a
battery cell of the battery module or to a cell connector arranged
on the terminal pole that connects the terminal pole to a terminal
pole of a further battery cell of the battery module in
electrically conductive fashion.
33. The assembly as claimed in claim 32, further comprising at
least one housing which accommodates the clamping unit and which is
composed of electrically insulating material and which has two
protective limbs arranged parallel to one another and to the
clamping limbs, wherein the protective limbs are connected to one
another by way of at least one protective rib which runs
transversely with respect to the protective limbs and which runs on
that side of the web of the clamping unit which faces toward the
cell connector, wherein the clamping limbs are of identical form
and each have spring lamellae, wherein, on the cell connector,
there is formed at least one recess which is open in the direction
of the web of the clamping unit and which is aligned with mutually
oppositely situated free spaces between in each case two mutually
adjacently arranged spring lamellae of the clamping limbs, wherein
the protective rib runs through the free spaces and through the
recess, and wherein the protective rib is configured such that it
forms, on that side of the housing which faces toward the cell
connector, a receptacle which is arranged within a receptacle
formed on that side of the clamping unit which faces toward the
cell connector.
34. The assembly as claimed in claim 32, wherein the cell connector
has at least one connecting section, which at least one connecting
section is of substantially M-shaped form in longitudinal section
and which at least one connecting section has two connecting blades
which run parallel to the clamping limbs and by way of which the
cell connector is connectable to the terminal pole, wherein at
least one clamping unit can be fixedly clamped to at least one
connecting blade.
35. The assembly as claimed in claim 34, wherein at least one
clamping unit can be fixedly clamped to each connecting blade,
wherein the clamping units are accommodated in a common housing of
the assembly, wherein each clamping unit is arranged between, in
each case, two protective limbs, which run parallel to the clamping
limbs of the clamping units and are arranged spaced apart from one
another, of the common housing, wherein all protective limbs of the
housing are connected to one another by way of a common web of the
common housing.
36. The assembly as claimed in one of claim 32, wherein at least
one clamping unit and the cell connector are configured such that
the clamping unit is connectable to the cell connector by way of a
clip-type connection.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of PCT International
Application No. PCT/EP2015/059481, filed Apr. 30, 2015, which
claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 from German Patent
Application No. 10 2014 209 273.6, filed May 16, 2014, the entire
disclosures of which are herein expressly incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to an apparatus, to a connecting
device and to an assembly for producing an electrically conductive
connection between two battery modules of a battery system, in
particular of an electrically driveable motor vehicle.
[0003] In electrically driveable motor vehicles, in particular
electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles, use is made of
battery systems having a multiplicity of electrically
interconnected secondary battery cells, in particular for supplying
electrical energy to electrical drive devices of the motor
vehicles. The secondary battery cells are normally, in order to
facilitate installation and uninstallation of a battery system,
combined to form battery modules which are electrically
interconnected.
[0004] For the electrical interconnection of battery modules, use
is conventionally made of detachable connections, such as for
example screw connections with cable eyelets or plug-type
connections, which are arranged at terminal poles of battery cells
of battery modules to be connected to one another. Both in the case
of screw connections and in the case of plug-type connections, the
terminal poles of the battery cells must be specially prepared for
the integration of the respective connecting technique into the
construction of a battery system, specifically in order to make it
possible either for torques of a threaded bolt during a screw
connection process to be accommodated or for a plug connector
housing or a plug connector blade to be connected to the terminal
poles.
[0005] It is an object of the invention for a space-saving
connecting technique, which is easy to realize, for the production
of an electrically conductive connection between two battery
modules of a battery system to be provided or to serve as a
separating device within a module.
[0006] The apparatus according to the invention for producing an
electrically conductive connection between two battery modules of a
battery system, in particular of an electrically driveable motor
vehicle, comprises at least one clamping unit composed of metal,
which at least one clamping unit can be fixedly clamped to a
terminal pole of a battery cell of a battery module, or which at
least one clamping unit can be fixedly clamped to a cell connector
which is arranged on the terminal pole and which connects the
terminal pole to a terminal pole of a further battery cell of the
battery module in electrically conductive fashion.
[0007] According to the invention, an electrically conductive
connection between two battery modules of a battery system can be
realized using at least one clamping unit, whereby at least one
conventional screw connection or plug-type connection can be
omitted, such that no modification of terminal poles is necessary
for the integration of these conventional connecting techniques.
This is associated with a considerably simplified realization of
the connecting technique according to the invention. Conventional
screw connections or plug-type connections require a relatively
large structural space, in particular in the case of high current
carrying capacities. In comparison with this, the connecting
technique according to the invention can be realized in a
considerably more space-saving manner. Also, in the case of the
connecting technique according to the invention, there is no need
for additional assembly space to be planned in, for example for the
manipulation of a conventional screw connection. Although more
space-saving connecting solutions are known from the prior art, the
electrical connections realized here are, owing to their relatively
small size, generally greatly limited in terms of their current
carrying capacity, or generate a considerable amount of heat during
operation owing to their transition resistance, which heat can lead
to a deterioration in cell power and to safety-critical states of
battery cells and to failure of the electrically conductive
connection.
[0008] The apparatus according to the invention may also comprise
two or more clamping units which can each be fixedly clamped to a
terminal pole of a battery cell of a battery module or to a cell
connector which is arranged on the terminal pole and which connects
the terminal pole to a terminal pole of a further battery cell of
the battery module in electrically conductive fashion.
[0009] The clamping unit may for example be formed at least
partially from copper.
[0010] With the use of the connecting technique according to the
invention, it is for example possible for an arrangement of a blade
on a cell contacting system for the electrically conductive
connection of battery modules to be omitted. Instead, it is
possible to realize direct electrical contacting with a terminal or
with a cell connector. In this way, less structural space is
required than in the case of corresponding conventional plug-type
connections or screw connections with high current carrying
capacities. Furthermore, by way of the clamping unit, a larger
transmission surface can be provided than in the case of
conventional plug-type connections or screw connections with high
current carrying capacities, whereby it is possible, even in a
relatively small structural space, for high electrical currents to
be transmitted without intense generation of heat. Furthermore, by
way of the clamping unit, it is possible for a larger number of
contact points to be provided, which in the calculation in
accordance with the constriction resistance is one of the two
design criteria for a plug-type contact aside from the clamping
force, than in the case of conventional plug-type connections or
screw connections with high current carrying capacities, whereby it
is possible, even in a relatively small structural space, for high
electrical currents to be transmitted without intense generation of
heat.
[0011] In one advantageous refinement, the clamping unit is of
U-shaped or C-shaped form, wherein the clamping unit has two
clamping limbs and a web which connects the clamping limbs to one
another, and wherein, when the clamping unit is fixedly clamped to
the terminal pole or to the cell connector, the clamping limbs
and/or the web are/is elastically deformed, so as to generate a
restoring force, as a result of contact with the terminal pole or
with the cell connector. Owing to the elastic deformation of the
clamping limbs and/or of the web, or the restoring force generated
as a result, a clamping force is generated which is sufficient to
be able to fix the clamping unit captively to a terminal pole or to
a cell connector. Owing to the U-shaped or C-shaped design of the
clamping unit, said clamping unit can be plugged onto a terminal
pole or a cell connector such that the clamping unit engages at
least partially around the terminal pole or the cell connector.
[0012] It is advantageously the case that at least one clamping
limb has at least two spring lamellae which are arranged so as to
run transversely with respect to the web, spaced apart from one
another and parallel to one another. In this way, the clamping limb
which is equipped with the spring lamellae can optimally adapt to
the respective shaping of a terminal pole or of a cell connector in
order to be able to provide as large as possible a contact surface
for the transmission of electrical current. A clamping limb may
also have more than two, for example 8, 9 or 10, spring lamellae.
It is also possible for both clamping limbs to have corresponding
spring lamellae.
[0013] It is preferably the case that at least one spring lamella
has at least two sub-lamellae which are arranged so as to run
transversely with respect to the web, spaced apart from one another
and parallel to one another. This permits an even more precise
adaptation of the contact surface between the clamping unit or the
clamping limbs thereof and a terminal pole or a cell connector. A
spring lamella may also have three or more sub-lamellae.
[0014] It is preferably the case that, on at least one spring
lamella, there is formed a bead which runs in a longitudinal
direction of the spring lamella. In this way, the normal force or
clamping force that can be applied by a spring lamella can be
varied, in particular increased, in order to improve a clamped seat
of the clamping unit on a terminal pole or on a cell connector. It
is also possible for a corresponding bead to be formed on two or
more, in particular all, of the spring lamellae.
[0015] It is advantageously the case that, on at least two spring
lamellae, there is formed in each case at least one bead, wherein
the spring lamellae differ from one another in terms of the shaping
of their respective beads. By way of this variation of the clamping
forces, the clamping forces that can be applied by way of
externally situated spring lamellae can be greater than the
clamping forces that can be applied by way of internally situated
spring lamellae. This permits a fine adjustment of the clamping
forces that can be generated by way of the clamping unit.
[0016] In a further advantageous refinement, the apparatus
comprises at least one coating, which can be arranged electrically
between the terminal pole and the clamping unit, for reducing the
electrical transition resistance between the terminal pole and the
clamping unit, between the terminal pole and the cell connector or
between the cell connector and the clamping unit. By way of the
coating which reduces a transition resistance, it is possible for a
transition resistance to be reduced in order to reduce heat
generation at a transition between the terminal pole and the
clamping unit, between the terminal pole and the cell connector or
between the cell connector and the clamping unit. It is also
possible for in each case one corresponding coating to be arranged
both between the terminal pole and the cell connector and between
the cell connector and the clamping unit.
[0017] A further advantageous refinement provides that the
apparatus has at least one protective section, which at least one
protective section is arranged on that side of the web of the
clamping unit which faces toward the terminal pole or toward the
cell connector, and which at least one protective section is formed
by a section of a cell contacting system, and which at least one
protective section is at least partially provided with shock
protection ribs at least at an edge facing toward a clamping limb.
In this way, it is possible to realize a required shock protection
means in a simple manner and using a conventionally provided
component of a battery system. Through the use of an existing
component of a battery system to realize a shock protection means,
it is not necessary to provide additional structural space for the
protective section. The protective section serves to permit
installation and uninstallation of the clamping unit without
electric shocks.
[0018] In a further advantageous refinement, the apparatus
comprises at least one contacting unit which is connectable in
electrically conductive fashion to the web of the clamping unit and
by means of which the clamping unit is connectable in electrically
conductive fashion to a flexible electrical conductor. The
contacting unit can be connected to the web of the clamping unit by
way of a welded connection or by way of a crimped connection. The
contacting unit may be of flat and thus space-saving form.
[0019] In a further advantageous refinement, the apparatus
comprises at least one housing which accommodates the clamping unit
and which is composed of electrically insulating material and which
has two elastically deformable protective limbs which are arranged
parallel to one another and to the clamping limbs, wherein, on at
least one protective limb, on a side of the protective limb which
faces toward the respective other protective limb, there is
arranged at least one protective rib which runs parallel to the
spring lamellae and which engages from the outside between two
mutually adjacently arranged spring lamellae in such a way that,
when the clamping unit is not fixedly clamped to the terminal pole
or to the cell connector, the spacing between the protective rib
and the protective limb situated opposite said protective rib is
smaller than the spacing of the spring lamellae to the clamping
limb situated opposite said spring lamellae, and in such a way
that, when the clamping unit is fixedly clamped to the terminal
pole or to the cell connector, the spacing between the protective
rib and the protective limb situated opposite said protective rib
is equal to the spacing of the spring lamellae to the clamping limb
situated opposite said spring lamellae. Since it is the case that,
when the clamping unit is not fixedly clamped to the terminal pole
or to the cell connector, the spacing between the protective rib,
which engages between two mutually adjacently arranged spring
lamellae, and the protective limb situated opposite said protective
rib is smaller than the spacing of the spring lamellae to the
clamping limb situated opposite said spring lamellae, it is the
case that, when the clamping unit is not fixedly clamped to the
terminal pole or to the cell connector, the protective rib forms a
shock protection means in a space-saving manner. When the clamping
unit is plugged onto a terminal pole or a cell connector, the
protective rib is forced outward, with elastic deformation of the
respective protective limb, such that a clamping limb of the
clamping unit can come into physical contact with the terminal pole
or with the cell connector. It is also possible for two or more
corresponding protective ribs to be arranged on a protective limb.
It is also possible for both protective limbs to be equipped with
corresponding protective ribs. As electrically insulating material,
use may be made, in particular, of plastic or a fiber composite
plastic. The protective ribs may engage between shock protection
ribs of a protective section, formed by a section of a cell
contacting system, of the apparatus, in order to further improve
the shock protection action.
[0020] It is advantageously the case that at least two protective
ribs which run parallel to the spring lamellae are arranged spaced
apart from one another on the protective limb, wherein those ends
of the protective ribs which are averted from the web of the
clamping unit are connected to one another by way of a common
connecting web. In this way, the protective ribs are connected to
one another to form a unit, which is associated with easier
manipulation of the protective ribs and easier handling of the
apparatus.
[0021] A further advantageous embodiment provides that the
apparatus has at least one housing which accommodates the clamping
unit and which is composed of electrically insulating material and
which has two protective limbs arranged parallel to one another and
to the clamping limbs and has at least one protective section which
runs on that side of the web of the clamping unit which faces
toward the cell connector and parallel to the web of the clamping
unit, wherein at least one protective projection which runs
parallel to the protective limbs is arranged on that side of the
protective section which faces toward the cell connector. The
protective projection renders the clamping unit substantially
inaccessible from the connecting side of the housing, in order to
realize a shock protection means in a space-saving manner. The
protective section may also have two or more protective projections
projecting in the longitudinal direction of the protective
projection in the direction of the cell connector. The protective
section of the housing may interact with a section of a cell
contacting system in order to improve the shock protection action.
As electrically insulating material, use may be made in particular
of plastic or of a fiber composite material.
[0022] The connecting device according to the invention for
producing an electrically conductive connection between two battery
modules of a battery system, in particular of an electrically
driveable motor vehicle, comprises at least one flexible electrical
conductor and at least one apparatus according to one of the
abovementioned refinements or any desired combination thereof,
which at least one apparatus is connected in electrically
conductive fashion to the flexible electrical conductor. The
advantages and embodiments mentioned above in conjunction with the
apparatus are correspondingly associated with the connecting
device.
[0023] Owing to the flexibility of the electrical conductor, by
contrast to the conventional use of rigid connections, tolerance
compensation is possible between the battery modules or battery
cells thereof that are to be electrically connected to one another.
The connecting device may also have two apparatuses which are
connected in electrically conductive fashion to one another by way
of a flexible electrical conductor.
[0024] The assembly according to the invention for producing an
electrically conductive connection between two battery modules of a
battery system, in particular of an electrically driveable motor
vehicle, comprises at least one cell connector by way of which
terminal poles of two battery cells of a battery module are
connectable to one another in electrically conductive fashion, and
at least one apparatus according to one of the abovementioned
refinements or any desired combination thereof. The advantages and
embodiments mentioned above in conjunction with the apparatus are
correspondingly associated with the assembly.
[0025] The clamping unit of the apparatus may in this case be
connected in electrically conductive fashion by way of the cell
connector to a terminal pole of a battery cell. The assembly may
also have two or more apparatuses. Furthermore, the assembly may
have a connecting device as mentioned above.
[0026] In an advantageous refinement, the assembly comprises at
least one housing which accommodates the clamping unit and which is
composed of electrically insulating material and which has two
protective limbs arranged parallel to one another and to the
clamping limbs, wherein the protective limbs are connected to one
another by way of at least one protective rib which runs
transversely with respect to the protective limbs and which runs on
that side of the web of the clamping unit which faces toward the
cell connector, [0027] wherein the clamping limbs are of identical
form and each have spring lamellae, wherein, on the cell connector,
there is formed at least one recess which is open in the direction
of the web of the clamping unit and which is aligned with mutually
oppositely situated free spaces between in each case two mutually
adjacently arranged spring lamellae of the clamping limbs, wherein
the protective rib runs through the free spaces and through the
recess, wherein the protective rib is designed such that it forms,
on that side of the housing which faces toward the cell connector,
a receptacle which is arranged within a receptacle formed on that
side of the clamping unit which faces toward the cell
connector.
[0028] By way of the protective rib or the receptacle, which is
delimited by the protective rib, on that side of the web of the
clamping unit which faces toward the cell connector, a shock
protection means conforming to IPXXB is formed in a space-saving
manner. The protective limbs may also be connected to one another
by way of two or more protective ribs, wherein the number must be
correspondingly adapted to free spaces between adjacent spring
lamellae and to receptacles on the cell connector. The protective
ribs may interact with a section of a cell contacting system of a
battery system in order to improve the shock protection action. As
electrically insulating material, use may be made in particular of
plastic or of a fiber composite material.
[0029] In a further advantageous refinement, the cell connector has
at least one connecting section, which at least one connecting
section is of substantially M-shaped form in longitudinal section
and which at least one connecting section has two connecting blades
which run parallel to the clamping limbs and by way of which the
cell connector is connectable to the terminal pole, wherein at
least one clamping unit can be fixedly clamped to at least one
connecting blade. The connecting blades may be designed to be
considerably narrower than a terminal pole of a battery cell. The
cell connector may, in order to produce its respective shaping, be
punched out of a metal sheet and deformed. The connecting blades
may be used both in the case of parallel-connected cells and in the
case of series-connected cells.
[0030] It is advantageously the case that at least one clamping
unit of the apparatus can be fixedly clamped to each connecting
blade, wherein the clamping units are accommodated in a common
housing of the assembly, wherein each clamping unit is arranged
between in each case two protective limbs, which run parallel to
the clamping limbs of the clamping units and are arranged spaced
apart from one another, of the housing, wherein all protective
limbs of the housing are connected to one another by way of a
common web of the housing. The clamping units arranged on the
connecting blades can be designed to be considerably smaller than a
clamping unit arranged directly on a terminal pole. The protective
limbs of the housing form a shock protection means, in particular
because the protective limbs which enclose a clamping unit between
them are arranged relatively close together. The housing is formed
from an electrically insulating material, in particular plastic or
fiber composite material.
[0031] A further advantageous refinement provides that at least one
clamping unit and the cell connector are designed such that the
clamping unit is connectable to the cell connector by way of a
clip-type connection. This provides reliable protection against
automatic release of the clamping unit from the cell connector.
Furthermore, the housing of the apparatus may be connected to a
cell contacting system of a battery system by way of a detent
mechanism.
[0032] Further details, features and advantages of the invention
will emerge from the following description and from the figures, in
which:
[0033] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of one or more preferred embodiments when considered in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention arranged on a
terminal pole of a battery cell,
[0035] FIG. 2 shows an end view of the apparatus shown in FIG.
1,
[0036] FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of a further exemplary
embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention arranged on a
terminal pole of a battery cell,
[0037] FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of a further exemplary
embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention arranged on a
terminal pole of a battery cell,
[0038] FIG. 5 shows a perspective detail view of a clamping unit of
a further exemplary embodiment of an apparatus according to the
invention,
[0039] FIG. 6 is a perspective illustration of a further exemplary
embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention,
[0040] FIG. 7 shows an end view of the apparatus shown in FIG.
6,
[0041] FIG. 8 shows an end view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6,
in a free state,
[0042] FIG. 9 shows an end view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6,
in a fixedly clamped state,
[0043] FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional illustration of a further
exemplary embodiment of an apparatus according to the
invention,
[0044] FIG. 11 is a perspective quarter-section illustration of an
exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the invention,
[0045] FIG. 12 is a sectional illustration of a further exemplary
embodiment of an assembly according to the invention,
[0046] FIG. 13 is a perspective, partially sectional illustration
of the assembly shown in FIG. 12,
[0047] FIG. 14 is a sectional illustration of a further exemplary
embodiment of an assembly according to the invention,
[0048] FIG. 15 is a perspective quarter-section illustration of the
assembly shown in FIG. 14,
[0049] FIG. 16 is a perspective illustration of a further exemplary
embodiment of an assembly according to the invention, and
[0050] FIG. 17 is a perspective detail illustration of the assembly
shown in FIG. 16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0051] In the figures, identical components are denoted by the same
reference designations.
[0052] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of an apparatus 3 for producing an electrically
conductive connection between two battery modules of a battery
system (not illustrated in any more detail) of an electrically
driveable motor vehicle according to the invention, said apparatus
being arranged on a terminal pole 1, which is formed from aluminum,
of a battery cell 2. The apparatus 3 comprises a clamping unit 4
composed of metal, which clamping unit is fixedly clamped to the
terminal pole 1 of the battery cell 2 of a battery module.
[0053] The clamping unit 4 is of U-shaped or C-shaped form, as can
be seen in particular from FIG. 2. The clamping unit 4 has two
clamping limbs 5 and 6 and has a web 7 which connects the clamping
limbs 5 and 6 to one another. When the clamping unit 4 is fixedly
clamped to the terminal pole 1, the clamping limbs 5 and 6 and/or
the web 7 are/is elastically deformed, with a restoring force being
generated, owing to physical contact with the terminal pole 1. The
clamping limbs 5 and 6 each have a multiplicity of spring lamellae
8 which are arranged so as to run transversely with respect to the
web 7, spaced apart from one another and parallel to one
another.
[0054] Between the terminal pole 1 and the clamping unit 4, there
may be arranged at least one coating (not illustrated in any more
detail) for reducing the electrical transition resistance between
the terminal pole 1 and the clamping unit 4. The coating may be
cohesively connected to the terminal pole 1 and/or to the clamping
unit 4. It is also possible for both that side of the clamping unit
4 which faces toward the terminal pole 1 and that side of the
terminal pole 1 which faces toward the clamping unit 4 to each be
at least partially provided with a corresponding coating.
[0055] FIG. 2 shows an end view of the apparatus 3 and clamping
unit 4 shown in FIG. 1. The clamping unit 4 is connected in
electrically conductive fashion, and physically, to the terminal
pole 1 in three contacting regions 9, 10 and 11. The coating may be
arranged in the contacting region 9, 10 and/or 11.
[0056] FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of a further exemplary
embodiment of an apparatus 12 according to the invention for
producing an electrically conductive connection between two battery
modules of a battery system (not illustrated in any more detail) of
an electrically driveable motor vehicle, said apparatus being
arranged on a terminal pole 1 of a battery cell 2. The apparatus 12
comprises a clamping unit 4 composed of metal which is fixedly
clamped to the terminal pole 1 of the battery cell 2 and which is
designed correspondingly to FIGS. 1 and 2. The apparatus 12
furthermore comprises a contacting unit 13 which is illustrated in
transparent form, which contacting unit is connected in
electrically conductive fashion to the web 7 of the clamping unit 4
and by way of which contacting unit the clamping unit 4 is
connected in electrically conductive fashion to a flexible
electrical conductor cable 14.
[0057] FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of a further exemplary
embodiment of an apparatus 94 according to the invention for
producing an electrically conductive connection between two battery
modules of a battery system (not illustrated in any more detail) of
an electrically driveable motor vehicle, said apparatus being
arranged on a terminal pole 1 of a battery cell 2. The apparatus 94
comprises a clamping unit 4 composed of metal which is fixedly
clamped to the terminal pole 1 of the battery cell 2 of a battery
module and which is designed correspondingly to FIGS. 1 to 3. The
apparatus 94 furthermore comprises a contacting unit 13 which is
illustrated in transparent form, which contacting unit is connected
in electrically conductive fashion to the web 7 of the clamping
unit 4 and by way of which contacting unit the clamping unit 4 is
connected in electrically conductive fashion to an electrical
conductor cable 14 and which contacting unit is designed
correspondingly to FIG. 3. Furthermore, the apparatus 94 comprises
a housing 15 which is illustrated in transparent form, which
housing surrounds the clamping unit 4 and the contacting unit
13.
[0058] FIG. 5 shows a perspective detail view of a clamping unit 4
of a further exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 98 according to
the invention. On each spring lamella 8 there is formed a bead 16
which runs in a longitudinal direction of the respective spring
lamella 8, wherein the spring lamellae 8 differ from one another in
terms of the shaping of their respective beads 16 such that a
greater clamping force can be generated by way of the outer spring
lamellae 8 shown on the left and on the right than by way of
central spring lamellae 8. The beads 16 extend into the region of
the web 7 of the clamping unit 4.
[0059] FIG. 6 is a perspective illustration of a further exemplary
embodiment of an apparatus 17 according to the invention for
producing an electrically conductive connection between two battery
modules of a battery system (not illustrated in any more detail) of
an electrically driveable motor vehicle. The apparatus 17 comprises
a clamping unit 4 composed of metal, which clamping unit can be
fixedly clamped to the terminal pole 1, shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, of
the battery cell 2 of a battery module, and which clamping unit is
designed correspondingly to FIGS. 1 to 4. Furthermore, the
apparatus 17 comprises a housing 18 which accommodates the clamping
unit 4, which is of U-shaped or C-shaped form and which is composed
of electrically insulating material, which housing has two
elastically deformable protective limbs 19 and 20, which are
arranged parallel to one another and to the clamping limbs 5 and 6,
and a web 22, which connects the protective limbs 19 and 20 to one
another. On each protective limb 19 and 20, on a side of the
protective limb 19 or 20 which faces toward the respective other
protective limb 20 or 19, there are arranged multiple protective
ribs 21 which run parallel to the spring lamellae 8 and which
engage in each case from the outside between two mutually
adjacently arranged spring lamellae 8 in such a way that, when the
clamping unit 4 is not fixedly clamped to the terminal pole 1, the
spacing between the protective ribs 21 and the protective limb 20
or 19 situated opposite said protective ribs is smaller than the
spacing of the spring lamellae 8 to the clamping limb 5 or 6
situated opposite said spring lamellae, as shown in particular in
FIGS. 7 and 8, and in such a way that, when the clamping unit 4 is
fixedly clamped to the terminal pole 1, the spacing between the
protective ribs 21 and the protective limb 20 or 19 situated
opposite said protective ribs is equal to the spacing of the spring
lamellae 8 to the clamping limb 5 or 6 situated opposite said
spring lamellae, as shown in FIG. 9.
[0060] FIG. 7 shows an end view of the apparatus 17 shown in FIG.
6. It is possible to see how the protective ribs 21 engage between
the spring lamellae 8. It can also be seen that, when the clamping
unit 4 is not fixedly clamped to the terminal pole 1, the spacing
between the protective ribs 21, which are arranged on a protective
limb 19 or 20, and the protective limb 20 or 19 situated opposite
said protective ribs is smaller than the spacing of the spring
lamellae 8, which are arranged on a clamping limb 5 or 6, to the
clamping limb 6 or 5 situated opposite said spring lamellae.
[0061] FIG. 8 shows an end view of the apparatus 17 shown in FIG. 6
in a free state, in which the clamping unit 4 has not been mounted
on or fixedly clamped to the terminal pole 1. The apparatus 17 can
be moved in the direction of the arrow 23 in order to mount the
clamping unit 4 onto the terminal pole 1.
[0062] FIG. 9 shows an end view of the apparatus 17 shown in FIG. 6
in a state in which it has been fixedly clamped to the terminal
pole 1. Owing to the physical contact that occurs here between the
protective ribs 21 and the terminal pole 1, the protective ribs 21
arranged on the opposite protective limbs 19 and 20 have been
forced apart, with the protective limbs 19 and 20 and/or the web 22
being elastically deformed and with a restoring force being
generated.
[0063] FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional illustration of a further
exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 24 according to the invention
for producing an electrically conductive connection between two
battery modules of a battery system (not illustrated in any more
detail) of an electrically driveable motor vehicle. The apparatus
24 comprises a clamping unit 4 composed of metal, which clamping
unit is fixedly clamped to the terminal pole 1 of the battery cell
2 of a battery module and is designed correspondingly to FIGS. 1 to
4 and 6 to 9. Furthermore, the apparatus 24 comprises a housing 25,
which housing is of U-shaped or C-shaped form, accommodates the
clamping unit 4, is composed of electrically insulating material
and has two elastically deformable protective limbs 26 and 27,
which are arranged parallel to one another and to the clamping
limbs 5 and 6, and a web 28 which connects the protective limbs 26
and 27 to one another. On each of the protective limbs 26 and 27,
on a side of the protective limb 26 or 27 which faces toward the
respective other protective limb 27 or 26, there are arranged
multiple protective ribs 29 which run parallel to the spring
lamellae 8 and which engage in each case from the outside between
two mutually adjacently arranged spring lamellae 8 in such a way
that, when the clamping unit 4 is not fixedly clamped to the
terminal pole 1, the spacing between the protective ribs 29 and the
protective limb 27 or 26 situated opposite said protective ribs is
smaller than the spacing of the spring lamellae 8 to the clamping
limb 5 or 6 situated opposite said spring lamellae, as shown in
FIG. 10 in the case of the protective limb 27 illustrated on the
right, and in such a way that, when the clamping unit 4 is fixedly
clamped to the terminal pole 1, the spacing between the protective
ribs 29 and the protective limb 27 or 26 situated opposite said
protective ribs is equal to the spacing of the spring lamellae 8 to
the clamping limb 5 or 6 situated opposite said spring lamellae, as
shown in FIG. 10 in the case of the protective limb 26 illustrated
on the left. Owing to the physical contact of the protective ribs
29 with the terminal pole 1, the protective ribs 29 arranged on the
protective limb 26 have been displaced, with the protective limb 26
and/or the web 28 being elastically deformed and with a restoring
force being generated. Those ends of the protective ribs 29 which
are averted from the web 28 are connected to one another in each
case by way of a common connecting web 30 or 31.
[0064] FIG. 11 is a perspective quarter-section illustration of an
exemplary embodiment of an assembly 32 according to the invention
for producing an electrically conductive connection between two
battery modules of a battery system 33 of an electrically driveable
motor vehicle. The assembly 32 comprises a cell connector 34, by
way of which terminal poles 1 of two battery cells 2 of a battery
module are connected to one another in electrically conductive
fashion. Furthermore, the assembly 32 comprises an apparatus 35 for
producing an electrically conductive connection between two battery
modules of the battery system 33.
[0065] The apparatus 35 comprises a clamping unit 36 composed of
metal, which clamping unit is fixedly clamped to the terminal pole
1 of the battery cell 2 of the battery module and the design of
which clamping unit substantially corresponds to the design of the
clamping unit 4 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 6 to 10.
[0066] The cell connector 34 comprises two connecting sections 37
and 38 which are connected to one another and which are each of
substantially M-shaped form in longitudinal section and which have
in each case two connecting blades 39 and 40 which run parallel to
the clamping limbs 5 and 6, wherein the cell connector 34 is
connected by way of the connecting sections 37 and 38 to the
terminal poles 1. The clamping unit 36 and the cell connector 34
are designed such that the clamping unit 36 is connected to the
cell connector 34 by way of a clip-type connection. For this
purpose, the clamping limbs 5 and 6 are, in a region adjoining the
web 7, formed so as to be arched outward, with the connecting
blades 40 being designed so as to be arched outward complementarily
thereto.
[0067] Between the terminal pole 1 and the cell connector 34 and/or
between the cell connector 34 and the clamping unit 36, there may
be arranged at least one coating (not illustrated in any more
detail) for reducing the electrical transition resistance between
the terminal pole 1 and the cell connector 34 and/or between the
cell connector 34 and the clamping unit 36. The coating may be
cohesively connected to the terminal pole 1 and/or to the cell
connector 34, and/or may be cohesively connected to the cell
connector 34 and/or to the clamping unit 36, respectively.
[0068] The assembly 32 furthermore comprises a housing 41 which
accommodates the clamping unit 36 and which is composed of
electrically insulating material and which has two elastically
deformable protective limbs 42 and 43 which are arranged parallel
to one another and to the clamping limbs 5 and 6. On each
protective limb 42 and 43, on a side of the protective limb 42 or
43 which faces toward the respective other protective limb 43 or
42, there are arranged multiple protective ribs 44 which run
parallel to the spring lamellae 8 and which engage in each case
from the outside between two mutually adjacently arranged spring
lamellae 8 in such a way that, when the clamping unit 36 is not
fixedly clamped to the terminal pole 1, the spacing between the
protective ribs 44 and the protective limb 43 or 42 situated
opposite said protective ribs is smaller than the spacing of the
spring lamellae 8 to the clamping limb 5 or 6 situated opposite
said spring lamellae, and in such a way that, when the clamping
unit 36 is fixedly clamped to the terminal pole 1, the spacing
between the protective ribs 44 and the protective limb 43 or 42
situated opposite said protective ribs is equal to the spacing of
the spring lamellae 8 to the clamping limb 5 or 6 situated opposite
said spring lamellae. The lower ends of the protective ribs 44 are
connected to one another by way of a common connecting web 45.
[0069] The apparatus 35 furthermore comprises a protective section
46, which protective section is arranged on that side of the web 7
of the clamping unit 36 which faces toward the terminal pole 1 or
the cell connector 34, which protective section is formed by a
section of a cell contacting system 95, and which protective
section is equipped, on each edge facing toward a protective limb
42 or 43, with shock protection ribs 47. The protective ribs 44
engage between the shock protection ribs 47.
[0070] FIG. 12 shows a sectional illustration of a further
exemplary embodiment of an assembly 48 according to the invention
for producing an electrically conductive connection between two
battery modules of a battery system 33 of an electrically driveable
motor vehicle. The assembly 48 comprises a cell connector 49, by
way of which terminal poles 1 of two battery cells 2 of a battery
module are connected to one another in electrically conductive
fashion. Furthermore, the assembly 48 comprises an apparatus 50 for
producing an electrically conductive connection between two battery
modules of the battery system 33.
[0071] The apparatus 50 comprises a clamping unit 51 composed of
metal, which clamping unit is fixedly clamped to the cell connector
49 and the design of which clamping unit substantially corresponds
to the design of the clamping unit 4 or 36 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4
and 6 to 11.
[0072] The cell connector 49 comprises a connecting section 52
which is of substantially M-shaped form in longitudinal section and
which has two connecting blades 53 and 54 which run parallel to the
clamping limbs 5 and 6, wherein the cell connector 49 is connected
by way of the connecting section 52 to the terminal pole 1.
[0073] Between the terminal pole 1 and the cell connector 49 and/or
between the cell connector 49 and the clamping unit 51, there may
be arranged at least one coating (not illustrated in any more
detail) for reducing the electrical transition resistance between
the terminal pole 1 and the cell connector 49 and/or between the
cell connector 49 and the clamping unit 51. The coating may be
cohesively connected to the terminal pole 1 and/or to the cell
connector 49, and/or may be cohesively connected to the cell
connector 49 and/or to the clamping unit 51, respectively.
[0074] The apparatus 50 furthermore comprises a housing 55 which
accommodates the clamping unit 51 and which is composed of
electrically insulating material and which has two protective limbs
56 and 57, the latter being arranged parallel to one another and to
the clamping limbs 5 and 6, and which has a protective section 58,
the latter running on that side of the web 7 of the clamping unit
51 which faces toward the cell connector 49 and parallel to the web
7 of the clamping unit 51. On that side of the protective section
58 which faces toward the cell connector 49, there are arranged two
protective projections 59 and 60 which run parallel to the
protective limbs 56 and 57 and which extend as far as the
connecting section 52 and which render the clamping unit 51
substantially inaccessible. The protective limbs 56 and 57 are
connected to one another by way of a web 96.
[0075] FIG. 13 is a perspective, partially sectional illustration
of the assembly 48 shown in FIG. 12. The housing 55 of the
apparatus 50 interacts with a protective section 61 of a cell
contacting system 62 of the battery system 33 in order to improve
the shock protection action.
[0076] FIG. 14 is a sectional illustration of a further exemplary
embodiment of an assembly 63 according to the invention for
producing an electrically conductive connection between two battery
modules of a battery system 33 of an electrically driveable motor
vehicle. The assembly 63 comprises a cell connector 49 by way of
which terminal poles 1 of two battery cells 2 of a battery module
are connected to one another in electrically conductive fashion.
Furthermore, the assembly 63 comprises an apparatus 64 for
producing an electrically conductive connection between two battery
modules of the battery system 33.
[0077] The apparatus 64 comprises a clamping unit 65 composed of
metal, which clamping unit is fixedly clamped to the cell connector
49 and the design of which clamping unit substantially corresponds
to the design of the clamping unit 4, 36 or 51 shown in FIGS. 1 to
4 and 6 to 13. Each spring lamella 8 of a clamping limb 5 or 6 has
three sub-lamellae 74 which are arranged so as to run transversely
with respect to the web 7, spaced apart from one another and
parallel to one another.
[0078] The cell connector 49 comprises a connecting section 52
which is of substantially M-shaped form in longitudinal section and
which has two connecting blades 53 and 54 which run parallel to the
clamping limbs 5 and 6, wherein the cell connector 49 is connected
to the terminal pole 1 by way of the connecting section 52.
[0079] Between the terminal pole 1 and the cell connector 49 and/or
between the cell connector 49 and the clamping unit 65, there may
be arranged at least one coating (not illustrated in any more
detail) for reducing the electrical transition resistance between
the terminal pole 1 and the cell connector 49, and/or between the
cell connector 49 and the clamping unit 65, respectively. The
coating may be cohesively connected to the terminal pole 1 and/or
to the cell connector 49, and/or may be cohesively connected to the
cell connector 49 and/or to the clamping unit 65, respectively.
[0080] The apparatus 64 furthermore comprises a housing 66 which
accommodates the clamping unit 65 and which is composed of
electrically insulating material, which housing has two protective
limbs 67 and 68, which are arranged parallel to one another and to
the clamping limbs 5 and 6, and a web 97 which connects the
protective limbs 67 and 68 to one another. The protective limbs 67
and 68 are connected to one another by way of multiple protective
ribs 69 which run transversely with respect to the protective limbs
67 and 68, which protective ribs run on that side of the web 7 of
the clamping unit 65 which faces toward the cell connector 49. The
clamping limbs 5 and 6 are of identical form and each have multiple
spring lamellae 6. On the cell connector 49 there are formed
recesses 70 which are open in the direction of the web 7 of the
clamping unit 65 and which are in each case aligned with mutually
oppositely situated free spaces 71 between in each case two
mutually adjacently arranged spring lamellae 8 of the clamping
limbs 5 and 6, wherein each protective rib 69 runs through two free
spaces 71 and through one recess 70, as shown in FIG. 15. The
protective ribs 69 are designed such that they form, on that side
of the housing 66 which faces toward the cell connector 49, a
receptacle 72 which is arranged within a receptacle 73 formed on
that side of the clamping unit 65 which faces toward the cell
connector 49.
[0081] FIG. 15 is a perspective, quarter-section illustration of
the assembly 63 shown in FIG. 14. The apparatus 64 interacts with a
protective section 75 of a cell contacting system 62 of the battery
system 33 in order to improve the shock protection action, wherein
the protective section 75 has multiple ribs 76 which run parallel
to the protective ribs 69.
[0082] FIG. 16 is a perspective illustration of a further exemplary
embodiment of an assembly 77 according to the invention for
producing an electrically conductive connection between two battery
modules of a battery system 33 of an electrically driveable motor
vehicle. The assembly 77 comprises a cell connector 49 by way of
which terminal poles 1 of two battery cells 2 of a battery module
are connected to one another in electrically conductive fashion.
The assembly 77 furthermore comprises an apparatus 78 for producing
an electrically conductive connection between two battery modules
of the battery system 33.
[0083] The apparatus 78 comprises two clamping units 79 and 80
composed of metal, which clamping units can be fixedly clamped to
the cell connector 49 and are of identical form, and the respective
design of which clamping units substantially corresponds to the
design of the clamping unit 4, 36, 51 or 65 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4
and 6 to 15, wherein the clamping units 79 and 80 each have a
considerably narrower web 7 than the clamping units 4, 36, 51 and
65 described above.
[0084] The cell connector 49 comprises two connecting sections 52
and 81 which are of substantially M-shaped form in longitudinal
section and which have in each case two connecting blades 53 and
54, and 82 and 83, respectively, which connecting blades run
parallel to the clamping limbs 5 and 6, wherein the cell connector
49 is connected by way of the connecting sections 52 and 81 to the
terminal poles 1. In each case one clamping unit 79 and 80
respectively can be fixedly clamped to the connecting blades 53 and
54.
[0085] Between a terminal pole 1 and the cell connector 49 and/or
between the cell connector 49 and at least one clamping unit 79 or
80, there may be arranged at least one coating (not illustrated in
any more detail) for reducing the electrical transition resistance
between the terminal pole 1 and the cell connector 49, and/or
between the cell connector 49 and the clamping unit 79 or 80,
respectively. The coating may be cohesively connected to the
terminal pole 1 and/or to the cell connector 49, and/or may be
cohesively connected to the cell connector 49 and/or to the
clamping unit 79 or 80, respectively.
[0086] A clamping unit 79 or 80 of the apparatus 78 can be fixedly
clamped to each connecting blade 53 or 54 respectively. The
clamping units 79 and 80 are accommodated in a common housing 84 of
the assembly 77. Each clamping unit 79 or 80 is arranged between in
each case two protective limbs 85 and 86, or 87 and 88,
respectively, of the housing 84, which protective limbs are
arranged so as to run parallel to the clamping limbs 5 and 6 of the
clamping units 79 and 80 and spaced apart from one another, wherein
all of the protective limbs 85, 86, 87 and 88 of the housing 84 are
connected to one another by way of two common webs 89 of the
housing 84. At that side of the webs 7 of the clamping units 79 and
80 which is averted from the cell connector 49, the clamping units
79 and 80 are connected to a contacting unit 90, by way of which
the clamping units 79 and 80 can be connected in electrically
conductive fashion to a flexible electrical conductor (not shown).
The apparatus 78 comprises a protective section 92 which is formed
by a section of a cell contacting system 91 and which can interact
with the housing 84 in order to improve the shock protection
action. For this purpose, the protective section 92 comprises
longitudinal ribs 93 which run parallel to the protective limbs 85,
86, 87 and 88.
[0087] FIG. 17 is a perspective detail illustration of the assembly
77 shown in FIG. 16. For the sake of clarity, only the clamping
units 79 and 80 and the cell connector 49 are illustrated, wherein
the clamping units 79 and 80 are fixedly clamped to the connecting
blades 53 and 54.
LIST OF REFERENCE DESIGNATIONS
[0088] 1 Terminal pole [0089] 2 Battery cell [0090] 3 Apparatus
[0091] 4 Clamping unit [0092] 5 Clamping limb [0093] 6 Clamping
limb [0094] 7 Web [0095] 8 Spring lamella [0096] 9 Contacting
region [0097] 10 Contacting region [0098] 11 Contacting region
[0099] 12 Apparatus [0100] 13 Contacting unit [0101] 14 Electrical
conductor [0102] 15 Housing [0103] 16 Bead [0104] 17 Apparatus
[0105] 18 Housing [0106] 19 Protective limb [0107] 20 Protective
limb [0108] 21 Protective rib [0109] 22 Web [0110] 23 Arrow [0111]
24 Apparatus [0112] 25 Housing [0113] 26 Protective limb [0114] 27
Protective limb [0115] 28 Web [0116] 29 Protective rib [0117] 30
Connecting web [0118] 31 Connecting web [0119] 32 Assembly [0120]
33 Battery system [0121] 34 Cell connector [0122] 35 Apparatus
[0123] 36 Clamping unit [0124] 37 Connecting section [0125] 38
Connecting section [0126] 39 Connecting blade [0127] 40 Connecting
blade [0128] 41 Housing [0129] 42 Protective limb [0130] 43
Protective limb [0131] 44 Protective rib [0132] 45 Connecting web
[0133] 46 Protective section [0134] 47 Shock protection rib [0135]
48 Assembly [0136] 49 Cell connector [0137] 50 Apparatus [0138] 51
Clamping unit [0139] 52 Connecting section [0140] 53 Connecting
blade [0141] 54 Connecting blade [0142] 55 Housing [0143] 56
Protective limb [0144] 57 Protective limb [0145] 58 Protective
section [0146] 59 Protective projection [0147] 60 Protective
projection [0148] 61 Protective section [0149] 62 Cell contacting
system [0150] 63 Assembly [0151] 64 Apparatus [0152] 65 Clamping
unit [0153] 66 Housing [0154] 67 Protective limb [0155] 68
Protective limb [0156] 69 Protective rib [0157] 70 Recess [0158] 71
Free space [0159] 72 Receptacle [0160] 73 Receptacle [0161] 74
Sub-lamella [0162] 75 Protective section [0163] 76 Rib [0164] 77
Assembly [0165] 78 Apparatus [0166] 79 Clamping unit [0167] 80
Clamping unit [0168] 81 Connecting section [0169] 82 Connecting
blade [0170] 83 Connecting blade [0171] 84 Housing [0172] 85
Protective limb [0173] 86 Protective limb [0174] 87 Protective limb
[0175] 88 Protective limb [0176] 89 Web [0177] 90 Contacting unit
[0178] 91 Cell contacting system [0179] 92 Protective section
[0180] 93 Longitudinal rib [0181] 94 Apparatus [0182] 95 Cell
contacting system [0183] 96 Web [0184] 97 Web [0185] 98
Apparatus
[0186] The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to
illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since
modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit
and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the
art, the invention should be construed to include everything within
the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *