DE102022111856A1 - Method for contacting battery cells in a vehicle battery assembly, and vehicle battery assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for electrically contacting battery cells (4) in a vehicle battery arrangement (1), comprising introducing a plurality of battery cells (4) into receptacles (3) of a cell holder (2), such that one cell contact (5 ) each of the battery cells (4) is exposed on an application side (6) of the cell holder (2), with a continuous bead (7) made of an adhesive after the battery cells (4) have been inserted into the receptacles (3) of the cell holder (2). , electrically conductive material on the application side 86) is applied to the composite of cell holder (2) and battery cells (4) in such a way that the bead (7) successively runs over the exposed cell contacts (5), and a corresponding vehicle battery arrangement.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a method for contacting battery cells in a vehicle battery arrangement, and a vehicle battery arrangement.

State of the art

Vehicles that have an electric motor as the primary or even sole drive for locomotion, so-called electric vehicles, are enjoying increasing popularity, particularly due to their essentially zero-point emission operation, primarily for ecological reasons, but also increasingly for economic reasons and reasons of driving dynamics. To drive the main electric drive, electric vehicles include a correspondingly large vehicle battery, which is usually composed of a large number of individual battery cells connected in parallel. The battery cells can be divided into battery modules within the vehicle battery. Vehicle batteries can have a plurality of such battery modules, which are arranged in a battery housing stacked approximately in a stacking direction.

For this purpose, the battery cells are usually held by at least one cell holder in order to ensure that the individual battery cells are in a predetermined, fixed position relative to one another. For this purpose, the cell holder has a plurality of receptacles arranged next to one another. These cell holders are often made of plastic. Plastic cell holders usually have a complex geometry because they have to hold a large number of battery cells.

To electrically contact the individual battery cells, busbars, also referred to as “busbars”, “busbars” or “busbars”, are provided, which contact the cell contacts of the same polarity or, synonymously, polarity of the individual cells, and thus form a high-voltage arrangement. In conventional vehicle batteries, the busbars are made of a metal sheet and/or a metal wire. In many cases, busbars made of aluminum or copper or an alloy of the above are used, which can be attached at least at one point to the cell holder or to a battery cover arranged above the assembly of cell holder and battery cells accommodated therein.

Alternatively, this teaches: DE 10 2020 100 204 A1 , a bus conductor consisting of a conductive injection molded plastic or a low-melting metal alloy as elongated areas sprayed onto a battery cover. The cover created in this way can then be detachably fastened over the horizontal top of a rechargeable battery so that the sprayed-on busbar comes into electrically conductive contact with the cell contacts.

The cell contacts are conventionally connected to the busbar by welding the busbar to the cell contacts of the individual battery cells. Both ultrasound and laser systems can be used here. Their use is energy-intensive and costly. In addition, any welding process can cause damage to the seal located in the head of the battery cells between the poles of the battery cells. In particular, with laser pulse welding processes in which the laser pulses are shorter than the minimum time period required for heat conduction, such damage can occur at certain points in the connection area.

Due to the different material pairings of busbar and cell contact, a melt-mixing cohesive connection of the two joining partners, in which both joining partners melt together and form a common structure according to welding in the true sense, is generally not possible. Rather, there is simply a “stapling” due to asymmetrical melting of the two joining partners or even just one-sided melting of only one of the joining partners in the sense of a soldered connection. This negatively affects the (tensile) strength of the connection between busbar and cell contact, and thus also the service life of the battery arrangement.

It is also considered a particular challenge to balance the tolerance chains in every direction. In particular, it can happen that the individual battery cells and therefore their cell contacts are kept at different height levels with respect to a height direction of the vehicle battery. This offset in the height direction must be compensated for by elastically bending the busbar, so that additional stresses are present at the connection point between the busbar and the cell contact, in the cell contacts and in the busbar. Furthermore, it can happen that individual battery cells shift from their position in the vertical direction but also transversely to it during operation, or that cylindrical battery cells even experience a certain rotation about their longitudinal axis. This also leads to additional stresses in the aforementioned areas, especially at the connection points.

Presentation of the invention

Based on the known prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for electrically contacting battery cells in a vehicle battery arrangement and an improved vehicle battery arrangement.

The object is achieved by a method for electrically contacting battery cells in a vehicle battery arrangement with the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments result from the subclaims, the description and the figures.

Accordingly, a method for electrically contacting battery cells in a vehicle battery arrangement is proposed, comprising introducing a plurality of battery cells into receptacles of a cell holder, such that one cell contact of each of the battery cells is exposed on an application side of the cell holder.

The method further provides that after the battery cells have been inserted into the receptacles of the cell holder, a continuous bead made of an adhesive, electrically conductive material is applied to the assembly side of the cell holder and battery cells on the application side in such a way that the bead successively over the exposed cell contacts runs. The caterpillar preferably runs over each of the exposed cell contacts.

“Adhesive” or “adhesive material” is understood here to mean that the adhesive material to the joining partner, here at least the material of the cell contacts, preferably the material of the cell contacts and the material of the cell holder, on the application side, on a contact surface or adhesion surface Has adhesion effect. In other words, the adhesive material adheres directly to the material of the joining partner(s) due to adhesion. Adhesion describes the effect of attractive forces at the interface between the material of the bead and that of the joining partner to which the bead is applied. The adhesive material therefore has permanent adhesive properties with respect to at least the surface of the cell contacts that is wetted by the caterpillar material. Due to its adhesive properties, it adheres itself to the surface of the cell contact of the battery cells and preferably also to the cell holder.

A “bead” is a linear application of material with a specified cross-section, i.e. a specified height and width. In terms of its appearance or shape, the bead essentially corresponds to an adhesive bead or sealant bead known to those skilled in the art.

The interconnected cell contacts are selected in terms of circuitry so that the desired interconnection of the battery cells is achieved. For example, either all positive poles or all negative poles of the battery cells can be connected to one another by means of the caterpillar, for example in order to achieve a parallel connection of the battery cells connected to one another. However, a positive pole of a first battery cell can also be alternately connected to a negative pole of an adjacent battery cell, for example in order to achieve a series connection of the battery cells.

Accordingly, it is possible to electrically contact the cell contacts without having to weld a busbar to them. Due to the above-described adhesive properties of the bead, at least during application, the bead adheres directly and flatly to the cell contacts, so that secure electrical contacting of the cell contacts can be achieved.

The bead made of adhesive, electrically conductive material represents or forms the busbar. Accordingly, the provision of a separate busbar can also be dispensed with.

If the bead also adheres adhesively to the application side of the cell holder, particularly good attachment of the bead can also be achieved. In particular, the connection points between the caterpillar and cell contacts then experience essentially no movements relative to one another in comparison to conventional arrangements in which the bus conductors and the battery cells can experience relative movements to one another, for example due to vibrations or shocks. Because both are held on or in the cell holder and move with the cell holder.

Furthermore, the method is particularly cost-effective compared to conventional methods in which a welding process and/or a melting process is used.

The cell contacts of the battery contacts that are electrically contacted via a bead are preferably cell contacts of the same polarity. The caterpillar connects cell contacts of the same polarity, such as the negative poles or negative pole cell contacts of the battery cells with each other, or the positive poles or positive pole cell contacts of the battery cells with each other. In other words, the caterpillar is a busbar that connects the battery cells in parallel.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the material of the bead has a first viscosity during application and, after a hardening phase and/or drying phase, a second viscosity which is higher than the first viscosity. This means that the bead can be applied to the previously assembled assembly of cell holders and battery cells in a particularly simple manner. After the caterpillar material has hardened and/or dried, the caterpillar can then have increased dimensional stability, so that particularly good dimensional and positional stability can be achieved during operation of the vehicle arrangement.

The first viscosity at 20° C. can preferably be at least 10,000 mPas, particularly preferably at least 15,000 mPas, and most preferably at least 30,000 mPas. The second viscosity is preferably at least 30,000 mPas, particularly preferably 50,000 mPas and very particularly preferably at least 100,000 mPas. The values refer to a viscosity determined at a temperature of 20 ° C using a Brookfield RVD rotary viscometer at 20 revolutions / minute and a spindle type "Spindle 6".

Furthermore, after a hardening phase and/or drying phase, the material of the bead can lose its wetting, i.e. adhesion-producing properties on its free surface, which is in contact with air after application, in the sense of hardening and/or drying adhesives or silicones.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous if, according to a further embodiment, the material of the bead is pasty at least during the application step, the material of the bead preferably being permanently pasty.

The term “pasty” or, synonymously, “comprising pasty properties” means that a material is no longer flowable but is spread-resistant. As a result, a tolerance compensation between the cell contacts and between the cell contacts and the application side of the cell holder can be compensated for in a particularly advantageous manner. In other words, pasty material has the property of being essentially dimensionally stable after application to a surface without the influence of external forces other than gravity and, in particular, without melting.

Preferably, the pasty material additionally has viscoelastic properties during application and/or after a hardening and/or drying phase.

A paste can be understood as a solid-fluid mixture (suspension) with a high solids content.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the material of the bead has rubber-elastic properties and/or viscoelastic properties at least after a hardening phase and/or drying phase. As a result, shape and position tolerances or offsets and twists between the caterpillar and the cell contacts and the cell holders that occur and change during operation can be particularly well compensated for or balanced out, without causing damage to the physical connection between the caterpillar and a cell contact or other components connected to the caterpillar, such as a high-voltage pickup, which contacts or represents a battery contact of the vehicle battery arrangement.

The term “rubber elasticity” or, synonymously, “entropy elasticity” refers to the characteristic property of polymers of returning to the entropically more favorable coil state after deformation, which is based on the stretching of entire macromolecules or molecular segments. It is based on a reversible entropy change in the macromolecules of the material matrix, which consist of long chains of identical building blocks.

“Viscoelasticity” is the time-, temperature- and frequency-dependent elasticity of polymer melts or solids (plastics). Viscoelasticity is characterized by partly elastic and partly viscous behavior. After the external force is removed, the material relaxes only incompletely; the remaining energy is dissipated in the form of flow processes (retardation).

According to a further preferred embodiment, the bead or the material of the bead comprises an elastomer and/or a thermoplastic elastomer, preferably a silicone material and/or a rubber material and/or an acrylic material.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the material of the bead contains a base material, preferably a base material comprising a plastic, and an electrically conductive filler introduced into the base material, the filler preferably graphite, carbon, metal, preferably silver, gold, copper, nickel, and/or aluminum, and/or a metal alloy, preferably a metal alloy comprising silver, gold, copper, nickel, and/or aluminum, and/or carbon black, wherein the filler is preferably in the form of particles and/or fibers.

According to a further preferred embodiment, a first bead is applied for contacting a cell contact of the first polarity of each of the battery cells and a second bead is further applied for contacting the cell contact of the other polarity of each of the battery cells. Both poles of the battery cells can thus be contacted in the advantageous manner described above.

Alternatively or additionally, a bead can be applied in such a way that a cell contact of the first polarity of a battery cell or a group from the plurality of battery cells is alternately contacted and then a cell contact of the other polarity of a further battery cell or a further group from the plurality of battery cells is contacted. In other words, a serial connection of battery cells along the course of the caterpillar, or a serial connection of groups of battery cells connected in parallel can be provided.

Depending on the requirements, the course of the caterpillar can be essentially linear along a row of battery cells, or with curvatures, for example sinusoidal or serpentine.

The above task is further solved by a vehicle battery arrangement with the features of claim 8. Advantageous further developments result from the subclaims, the present description and the attached figures.

The description regarding the vehicle arrangement, in particular its features, is also considered a description regarding the method, and vice versa.

Accordingly, a vehicle battery arrangement is proposed, comprising a cell holder with a plurality of receptacles for accommodating at least one battery cell and a plurality of battery cells held in the receptacles, the battery cells being held in the receptacles in such a way that one cell contact, preferably one cell contact first, same polarity, each of the battery cells is exposed on one application side of the cell holder.

The vehicle battery arrangement is characterized in that a continuous bead made of an adhesive, electrically conductive material is applied to the resulting composite of cell holder and battery cells on the application side after the battery cells have been inserted into the receptacles of the cell holder, with the bead successively over the exposed ones cell contacts. The caterpillar preferably runs over each of the exposed cell contacts.

In other words, the caterpillar runs over the application side of the cell holder and successively runs over the cell contacts.

By providing the caterpillar as described above, the advantages and effects described with regard to the method can also be achieved in an analogous manner by the vehicle arrangement.

The cell contacts electrically contacted by the caterpillar are preferably cell contacts of the same polarity. The caterpillar therefore runs either only over positive pole cell contacts or over negative pole cell contacts.

Preferably, the receptacles are arranged next to one another and/or connected to one another in at least one line-up direction, preferably in two line-up directions arranged orthogonally to one another. Therefore, the battery cells held in the receptacles are then arranged next to each other accordingly. The recordings are therefore preferably arranged next to one another in one plane.

The receptacles of the cell holder are preferably designed to accommodate at least one, preferably exactly one, cylindrical battery cell, prismatic battery cell or pouch battery cell.

In particular, in the event that the battery cells held in the cell holder have both cell contacts (the positive pole cell contact and the negative pole cell contact) on their side facing the application side, hence on the application side, according to a further preferred embodiment, the receptacles of the cell holder can be on the Application side, at least in the area of the caterpillar path, include a cover for covering at least a part of the battery cell held in the receptacle, preferably at least one further battery contact, which is polarized opposite to the battery contact that is electrically contacted by the caterpillar.

The cover preferably extends on the application side above a base body of the battery cell held in the receptacle in the direction of the bead path to the cell contact that is electrically contacted by the bead. Regardless of the arrangement of the cell contacts, the cover can prevent the bead from jumping in height perpendicular to the application side of the composite of cell holder and battery cells held therein during application direction of the caterpillar path. Rather, the cover can bring the caterpillar closer to the height level of the surface of the cell contact. Furthermore, the cover can have a hold-down function or can be designed as a hold-down element. In other words, the cover can be used to form a stop for the battery cell, preferably a base body of the battery cell, which provides a positive lock against displacement of the battery cell in the receptacle beyond the cover. In other words, the cover can be designed as an undercut towards the application side.

It has also proven to be advantageous if the cell holder optionally comprises, on the application side, a recess extending in the direction of the bead path, preferably a groove, for receiving the bead. On the one hand, the caterpillar can be protected from detachment due to shock exerted on the caterpillar due to improper assembly or improper maintenance. In addition, the bead can be present at a height level on or in the cell holder that essentially corresponds to the height level of the cell contact to be contacted.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the cell holder on the application side comprises a ramp section which is preferably arranged adjacent to a cell contact and is oriented in the direction of the bead path, which preferably has a successive change in height between a base height of the cell holder perpendicular to a plane defined by the application side and a plane defined by the base height of the Cell holder has different heights of the cell contact perpendicular to the plane defined by the application side. Through the ramp section, if the bead runs at least partially at a height level that is different from the height level of the surface of the cell contact to be contacted, the bead can be brought from this different height level to the height level of the cell contact.

According to a further preferred embodiment, a first bead for contacting a cell contact of the first polarity of each of the battery cells is applied to the composite of cell holder and battery cells and a second bead is applied for contacting the cell contact of the second polarity of each of the battery cells. This is particularly advantageous if the cell contacts of both polarities of the battery cells are arranged on the application side. For example, in the case of cylindrical battery cells, a positive pole can be arranged in a central area relative to their longitudinal axis, and the negative pole can be arranged in a peripheral area of the cylindrical battery cell. Then the first bead for electrically contacting the positive pole cell contact of the battery cells runs over the central area of the battery cells, and the second bead for electrically contacting the negative pole cell contact of the battery cells runs over the peripheral area of the battery cells.

Alternatively or additionally, a bead can be applied in such a way that a cell contact of the first polarity of a battery cell or a group from the plurality of battery cells is alternately contacted and then a cell contact of the other polarity of a further battery cell or a further group from the plurality of battery cells is contacted. In other words, a serial connection of battery cells along the course of the caterpillar, or a serial connection of groups of battery cells each connected in parallel can be provided.

Depending on the requirements, the course of the caterpillar can be essentially linear along a row of battery cells, or with curvatures, for example sinusoidal or serpentine.

The cell holder is preferably made of an electrically non-conductive plastic, preferably formed in one piece.

Short description of the characters

• 1 schematisch eine Schnittansicht durch eine Fahrzeugbatterieanordnung mit einem Sammelleiter in Form einer Raupe aus adhäsivem, elektrisch leitfähigem Material;
• 2 schematisch eine Draufsicht der Fahrzeugbatterieanordnung aus 1;
• 3 schematisch eine Draufsicht einer Fahrzeugbatterieanordnung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;
• 4 schematisch eine Draufsicht eines Detailbereichs einer Fahrzeugbatterieanordnung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;
• 5 schematisch eine Schnittansicht durch die Fahrzeugbatterieanordnung aus 4;
• 6 schematisch eine Schnittansicht durch eine Fahrzeugbatterieanordnung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;
• 7 schematisch eine Schnittansicht durch eine Fahrzeugbatterieanordnung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;
• 8 schematisch eine Schnittansicht durch eine Fahrzeugbatterieanordnung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;
• 9 schematisch eine Schnittansicht der Fahrzeugbatterieanordnung während deren Fertigung;
• 10 schematisch eine Draufsicht eines Detailbereichs einer Fahrzeugbatterieanordnung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;
• 11 schematisch eine Draufsicht eines Detailbereichs einer Fahrzeugbatterieanordnung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform; und
• 12 schematisch eine Draufsicht eines Detailbereichs einer Fahrzeugbatterieanordnung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform.

Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures. Show:

• 1 schematically a sectional view through a vehicle battery arrangement with a bus conductor in the form of a bead made of adhesive, electrically conductive material;
• 2 schematically a top view of the vehicle battery arrangement 1 ;
• 3 schematically a top view of a vehicle battery arrangement according to a further embodiment;
• 4 schematically a top view of a detail area of a vehicle battery arrangement according to a further embodiment;
• 5 schematically a sectional view through the vehicle battery arrangement 4 ;
• 6 schematically a sectional view through a vehicle battery arrangement according to a further embodiment;
• 7 schematically a sectional view through a vehicle battery arrangement according to a further embodiment;
• 8th schematically a sectional view through a vehicle battery arrangement according to a further embodiment;
• 9 schematically a sectional view of the vehicle battery assembly during its production;
• 10 schematically a top view of a detail area of a vehicle battery arrangement according to a further embodiment;
• 11 schematically a top view of a detail area of a vehicle battery arrangement according to a further embodiment; and
• 12 schematically a top view of a detail area of a vehicle battery arrangement according to a further embodiment.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

Preferred exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. The same, similar or identical elements in the different figures are given identical reference numbers, and a repeated description of these elements is partly omitted in order to avoid redundancies.

In 1 a schematic sectional view is shown through a vehicle battery arrangement 1 with a bus conductor in the form of a bead 7 made of adhesive, electrically conductive material. The vehicle battery arrangement 1 comprises a cell holder 2 with a plurality of receptacles 3 for each accommodating a battery cell 4, and a plurality of battery cells 4 held in the receptacles 3, the battery cells 4 being held in the receptacles 3 in such a way that one cell contact 5 each the battery cells 4 are exposed on an application side 6 of the cell holder 2.

During assembly, the battery cells 4 were first inserted into the receptacles 3 of the cell holder 2, so that a composite of the cell holder 2 and the battery cells 4 accommodated therein was created. A bead 7 made of an adhesive, electrically conductive material was applied to this composite on the application side 6 after the battery cells 4 were inserted into the receptacles 3 of the cell holder 2 on the composite of cell holder 2 and battery cells 4, with the bead 7 over the cell holder 2 runs and successively runs over each of the exposed cell contacts 5 of the same polarity. In the present case, the cell contacts 5 that are electrically contacted by the caterpillar 7 each represent the positive pole of the battery cells 4.

By applying the bead 7 to the composite of cell holder 2 and battery cells 4, an adhesive connection is created on the application side 6 between the bead 7 and the surface of the cell holder 2 and the surface of the cell contacts 5, so that the bead 7 is permanently connected to the composite is connected and the cell contacts 5 are permanently contacted. In other words, the bead 7 forms an essentially linear adhesive course, with the bead 7 adhering alternately to the cell holder 7 and one of the plurality of battery contacts 5.

The receptacles 3 of the cell holder 2 include a cover 10 on the application side 6 for covering at least part of the battery cell 4 held in the receptacle 3. On the one hand, the cover 10 forms an undercut in the direction of the longitudinal axis 11 of the battery cells 4, which as Stop for the battery cells 4 in the direction of their longitudinal axis 11 and thus for positioning the battery cells 4 relative to the age 2 in a height direction 12 of the vehicle battery arrangement 1 that is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 11.

The caterpillar 7 represents a busbar which electrically contacts the battery cells 4 at the cell contacts 5 of the same polarity.

The vehicle battery arrangement 1 further comprises a further cell holder 8 and, opposite the application side 6, a temperature control device 9 for temperature control of the battery cells 4.

2 shows schematically a top view of the vehicle battery arrangement 1 1 to the application on page 6. For better understanding, the cylindrical area of the receptacles 3 is shown by dashed lines in the sense of a hidden edge in a technical drawing.

How out 2 As can be seen, the covers 10 essentially cover the battery cells 4, they only leave an opening open for receiving the battery contact 5 in the cell holder 2, the shape of which essentially corresponds to the shape of the battery contact 5 and has only slightly larger dimensions.

The recordings 3 and therefore the battery cells 4 held therein are in a plane perpendicular to the height direction 12 (see 1 ) arranged in a regular pattern. Each row of battery cells 4 of this pattern is adhesively connected to a bead 7 and electrically contacted by it. The plurality of essentially parallel caterpillars 7 can optionally be brought together in an electrically contacting manner by a collecting unit (not shown here), for example a connecting part to a battery contact (not shown) of the vehicle battery arrangement 1.

As can be seen, one end extends 13 of the in 2 The caterpillars 7 shown on the left and right extend beyond the battery contact 5 and end on the cell holder 2. This means that the end 13 can be mechanically and adhesively connected to the age 2. Alternatively, the end 13 'of the middle bead 7 is designed such that it ends on the battery contact 5.

3 shows schematically a top view of a vehicle battery arrangement 1 according to a further embodiment, which is essentially the vehicle battery arrangement 1 2 corresponds. It differs from the latter in that instead of the plurality of beads 7 in the present case for contacting the cell contacts 5 of positive polarity of all battery cells 4, a common bead 7 was applied to the composite of cell holder 2 and battery cells 4 after its assembly. The bead 7 therefore runs in a rectangular wave shape over the cell holder 2 and adheres alternately to one of the cell contacts 5 and to the cell holder 2, forming a substantially continuous adhesive connection to the composite of cell holder 2 and battery cells 4. In the present case, the bead 7 ends in a high-voltage Contact 14, in this case optionally made of copper.

Out of 4 is a schematic top view of a detailed area of a vehicle battery arrangement 1 according to a further embodiment, which is essentially that from the 1 until 3 corresponds. In this embodiment, the battery cells 4 not only have the cell contact 5 designed as a positive pole on the application side 6, but also the cell contact 15 designed as a negative pole. As shown 4 To see, the cell contact 5 is arranged centrally with respect to the longitudinal axis 10 of the battery cells 4. The cell contact 15 extends in the circumferential direction in the area of the outer circumference of the cylindrical battery cells 4.

In addition to the first bead 7 for contacting the positive pole cell contacts 5 of the battery cells 4, a second bead 7 'for contacting the negative pole cell contacts 15 of the battery cells 4 is applied to the composite of cell holder 2 and battery cells 4.

In order to prevent the caterpillar 7 from coming into electrically conductive contact with the cell contacts 15, the covers 10 are designed to cover the further battery contact 15. According to this optional embodiment, the covers 10 extend on the application side 6 above the cylindrical base body of the battery cell 4 held in the receptacle 3 in the direction of the caterpillar path to the battery contact 5 electrically contacted by the caterpillar 7. The covers 10 therefore point the shape of themselves in the direction The webs 16 extending along the course of the caterpillars.

5 shows schematically a sectional view through the vehicle battery arrangement 1 4 through the in 4 shown section line AA. Based on this illustration, the advantageous ability of tolerance compensation by the caterpillar 7 and with reference to the reference numbers 17 to 21 is described. Due to manufacturing tolerances, it can happen that the top of the cell holder 2 and the top of the cell contacts 5 as well as the cell contacts 5 of the respective battery cells 4 are at different height levels in the height direction 12 relative to one another. In 5 the height level of the top of the cell holder 2, on which the caterpillar 7 runs, is indicated by the reference number 17. Furthermore, the height level of the top of the cell contact 5 is in 5 Battery cell 4 shown below with the reference number 18 and the height level of the top of the cell contact 5 in 5 Battery cell 4 shown above is indicated by reference number 20. The offsets in the height direction between the height level 17 of the cell holder 2 and the respective height level 18, 20 of the cell contacts 5 are illustrated by the reference numbers 19 and 21. The offset between height levels 18 and 20 corresponds to the difference between these values (not shown).

Due to the offsets 19, 21 described above and due to vibrations, tensions can occur on the adhesive connecting surfaces between the caterpillar 7 and the cell holder 2 as well as between the caterpillar 7 and the cell contacts 5, and also tensions in the caterpillar 7. In order to prevent damage due to these tensions, for example a tearing of the bead 7 from a cell contact 5, the bead 7 according to this optional embodiment has permanently rubber-elastic properties. Alternatively, it can also have permanently viscoelastic properties and/or permanently pasty properties. However, it is not limited to these optional training courses.

• Der Zellhalter 2 gemäß dieser Ausführungsform umfasst auf der Applikationsseite 6 angrenzend zum Zellkontakt 15 der Batteriezellen 5 angeordnet und sich in Richtung des Raupenverlaufs erstreckend Rampenabschnitte 22, welche eine sukzessive Höhenänderung zwischen der Grundhöhe des Zellhalters (entsprechend Höhenniveau 17, vergleiche 5) senkrecht zur einer durch die Applikationsseite 6 definierten Ebene, mithin senkrecht zu erhöhen Richtung und einer von der Grundhöhe des Zellhalters 2 verschiedenen Höhe des Zellkontaktes 15 senkrecht zur durch die Applikationsseite 6 definierten Ebene bereitstellt. Dadurch können Sprünge in Höhenverlauf der Raupe 7' entlang deren Raupenverlaufs vermieden werden.

6 shows schematically a sectional view through a vehicle battery arrangement 1 according to a further embodiment. This essentially corresponds to the vehicle battery arrangement 1 according to 4 . The view can be viewed accordingly as indicated by the in 4 indicated cutting line BB runs, but with the following differences to the version according to 4 :

• The cell holder 2 according to this embodiment comprises arranged on the application side 6 adjacent to the cell contact 15 of the battery cells 5 and in the direction of the caterpillar path extending ramp sections 22, which ensure a successive change in height between the basic height of the cell holder (corresponding to height level 17, cf 5 ) perpendicular to a plane defined by the application side 6, therefore vertically to increase direction and a height of the cell contact 15 different from the base height of the cell holder 2 perpendicular to the plane defined by the application side 6. As a result, jumps in the height of the caterpillar 7 'along the course of the caterpillar can be avoided.

According to this optional embodiment, each ramp section 22 extends in the direction of the track of the caterpillar 7 'over a predetermined distance 23 and, viewed relative to the application side 6 of the cell holder 2, has a predetermined inclination angle 24.

• Der Zellhalter 2 umfasst an der Applikationsseite 6 eine sich in Richtung des Raupenverlaufs erstreckende Aussparung, vorliegend in Form einer Nut 25, die zur Aufnahme der Raupe 7' ausgebildet ist. Der Boden der Nut 25 ist dabei im Wesentlichen auf dem Höhenniveau des weiteren Zellkontakts 15 angeordnet.

7 shows schematically a sectional view through a vehicle battery arrangement 1 according to a further embodiment. This essentially corresponds to the vehicle battery arrangement 1 according to 4 . The view can be viewed accordingly as indicated by the in 4 indicated cutting line running CC, but with the following differences:

• The cell holder 2 comprises on the application side 6 a recess extending in the direction of the caterpillar path, in the present case in the form of a groove 25, which is designed to accommodate the caterpillar 7 '. The bottom of the groove 25 is essentially arranged at the height level of the further cell contact 15.

• Der Zellhalter2 erstreckt sich in Höhenrichtung 12 über das Höhenniveau des Zellkontakts 5 hinaus, und umfasst ferner eine Aussparung in Form einer Nut 25, die sich entlang des Raupenverlauft der Raupe 7 im Zellhalter2 erstreckt. Dadurch ist die Raupe 7 in der Nut 25 aufgenommen und wird analog zu 7 beschrieben im Wesentlichen auf dem Höhenniveau des Zellkontakts 5 an diesen herangeführt.

8th shows schematically a sectional view through a vehicle battery arrangement 1 according to a further embodiment. This essentially corresponds to the vehicle battery arrangement 1 according to 1 , but with the following differences:

• The cell holder 2 extends in the height direction 12 beyond the height level of the cell contact 5, and further comprises a recess in the form of a groove 25 which extends along the bead of the bead 7 in the cell holder2. As a result, the bead 7 is accommodated in the groove 25 and becomes analogous to 7 described essentially at the height level of the cell contact 5.

9 shows schematically the vehicle battery arrangement 1 according to 1 during their production. The composite of cell holder 2 and battery cells 4 has already been produced by inserting the battery cells 4 into the receptacles 3 of the cell holder 2. This is followed by the step of applying the bead 7, as described in 9 is shown. The bead 7 is successively applied to the composite by means of a robot arm 26 in the form of a continuous line application with a predetermined cross-sectional area along an application direction 27.

Due to the adhesive properties of the material of the bead 7 during application, the bead 7 forms an adhesive connection to these surfaces based on wetting the surfaces of the cell contacts 5 and the surfaces of the cell holder 2.

The material of the bead 7 has a first viscosity during application to the composite and, after a hardening phase and/or drying phase, has a second viscosity that is higher than the first viscosity. In the present case, the material of the bead 7 is pasty, at least during application, and is therefore essentially dimensionally stable and spread-resistant without the influence of external forces other than gravity, without flowing.

The material of the caterpillar 7 has rubber-elastic properties and/or viscoelastic properties after the hardening phase and/or drying phase.

According to this optional embodiment, the bead 7 comprises as a base material a silicone material, presently in the form of a fluorosilicone, with a range of use in the dry state in operation up to 200 ° C and a Shore A hardness of approximately 75. Alternatively or additionally, the bead 7 can also be an acrylic material include, for example, a polymer comprising an acrylate compound or an acrylate.

A combination of at least one silicone material and at least one acrylic material has proven to be particularly advantageous in tests.

An electrically conductive filler, in this case made of graphite, was added to the base material before application. Alternatively or additionally, the filler can also be carbon, metal, preferably silver, gold, copper, nickel, and/or aluminum, and/or a metal alloy, preferably a metal alloy comprising silver, gold, copper, nickel, and/or aluminum, and/or or soot. The filler is preferably in the form of particles and/or fibers. The electrical conductivity of the bead 7 can be achieved by the conductive filler.

Out of 10 is a schematic top view of a detailed area of a vehicle battery arrangement 1 according to a further embodiment, which is essentially that from the 1 until 4 corresponds. In contrast to the Embodiments according to 2 until 4 the caterpillar 7 extends in such a way that along the caterpillar 7 it initially has an in 10 On the left, the first group of battery cells 4 arranged from top to bottom are electrically contacted at their first cell contact 5 arranged in the circumferential area, here the positive pole, and after a deflection one in 10 On the right, the second group of battery cells 4 arranged from top to bottom are electrically contacted at their second cell contact 15 arranged around the circumference, here the negative pole. Accordingly, the battery cells 4 of the first group are electrically contacted in parallel by the caterpillar 7, and the battery cells 4 of the second group are electrically contacted in parallel by the caterpillar 7. The first group and the second group are serially contacted by the caterpillar.

11 shows schematically a top view of a detail area of a vehicle battery arrangement 1 according to a further embodiment, which is essentially that of 4 corresponds. In contrast to the embodiment in 4 Here a caterpillar alternately contacts a first cell contact 5 and a second cell contact 15, so that the battery cells 4. It can also be analogous to 4 a further bead 7 ', but not shown here, can be provided, which contacts the other cell contact 5, 15 of the battery cells 4 that is not contacted by the bead 7.

12 shows schematically a top view of a detail area of a vehicle battery arrangement 1 according to a further embodiment, which is essentially that of 11 corresponds. Here the battery cells are arranged hexagonally in the cell holder. In other words, adjacent rows of battery cells 4 are arranged offset from one another. The covers 10 cover half of the receptacles 3 of each battery cell 4. The bead 7 is applied to the cell holder 2 in such a way that it alternately contacts a first cell contact 4 and a second cell contact 15.

To the extent applicable, all individual features shown in the exemplary embodiments can be combined and/or exchanged with one another without departing from the scope of the invention.

Reference symbol list

1

Vehicle battery arrangement

2

Cell holder

3

Recording

4

Battery cell

5

Cell contact

6

Application page

7

Caterpillar

8th

Another cell holder

9

Temperature control device

10

cover

11

Longitudinal axis

12

Altitude direction

13

End

14

High voltage contact

15

Further cell contact

16

web

17

Altitude level

18

Altitude level

19

offset

20

Altitude level

21

offset

22

Ramp section

23

Route

24

Pitch angle

25

Nut

26

Robot arm

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102020100204 A1 [0005]

Claims (12)

Method for electrically contacting battery cells (4) in a vehicle battery arrangement (1), comprising introducing a plurality of battery cells (4) into receptacles (3) of a cell holder (2), such that a cell contact (5) of each of the battery cells ( 4) is exposed on an application side (6) of the cell holder (2), characterized in that after the battery cells (4) have been inserted into the receptacles (3) of the cell holder (2), a continuous bead (7) made of an adhesive, electrical conductive material on the application side (6) is applied to the composite of cell holder (2) and battery cells (4) in such a way that the bead (7) successively runs over the exposed cell contacts (5). Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the material of the bead (7) has a first viscosity during application and after a hardening phase and/or drying phase has a second viscosity which is higher than the first viscosity. Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the material of the bead (7) is pasty at least during application, the material of the bead preferably being permanently pasty. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material of the caterpillar (7) has rubber-elastic properties and/or viscoelastic properties at least after a hardening phase and/or drying phase. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the caterpillar (7) comprises an elastomer and/or a thermoplastic elastomer, preferably a silicone material and/or a rubber material, and/or an acrylic material. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material of the caterpillar (7) contains a base material, preferably a base material comprising a plastic, and an electrically conductive filler introduced into the base material, the filler preferably being graphite, carbon, metal, preferably Silver, gold, copper, nickel, and/or aluminum, and/or a metal alloy, preferably a metal alloy comprising silver, gold, copper, nickel, and/or aluminum, and/or carbon black, wherein the filler is preferably in the form of particles and/or fibers is formed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first bead (7) for contacting a cell contact (5) of the first polarity of each of the battery cells (4) is applied to the composite of cell holder (2) and battery cells (4) and a second Bead (7') is applied for contacting the cell contact (15) of a different polarity of each of the battery cells (4), and/or that the bead (7) is applied in such a way that a cell contact (5) of the first polarity of a battery cell (4) alternates. or a group from the plurality of battery cells (4) is contacted and a cell contact (15) of a different polarity of a further battery cell (4) or a further group from the plurality of battery cells (4) is contacted. Vehicle battery arrangement (1), comprising a cell holder (2) with a plurality of receptacles (3) for accommodating at least one battery cell (4), and a plurality of battery cells (4) held in the receptacles (3), the battery cells ( 4) are held in the receptacles (3) in such a way that a cell contact (5) of each of the battery cells (4) is exposed on an application side (6) of the cell holder (2), characterized in that a bead (7) made of a adhesive, electrically conductive material on the application side (6) is applied to the composite of cell holder (2) and battery cells (4) after the battery cells (4) have been inserted into the receptacles (3) of the cell holder (2), the bead ( 7) successively runs over the exposed cell contacts (5). Vehicle battery arrangement (1) according to Claim 8 , characterized in that the receptacles (3) of the cell holder (2) on the application side (6) at least in the area of the caterpillar path (7) have a cover (10) for covering at least part of the battery cell (10) held in the receptacle (3). 4), preferably at least one further cell contact (15), which is polarized opposite to the cell contact (5) which is electrically contacted by the bead (7), the cover (10) preferably being on the application side (6) above a base body of the Battery cell (2) held in the receptacle (3) extends in the direction of the caterpillar path to the battery contact (5) which is electrically contacted by the caterpillar (7). Vehicle battery arrangement (1) according to Claim 8 or 9 , characterized in that the cell holder (2) on the application side (6) comprises a recess extending in the direction of the bead path, preferably a groove (25), for receiving the bead (7). Vehicle battery arrangement (1) according to one of Claims 8 until 10 , thereby identified is characterized in that the cell holder (2) on the application side (6) comprises a ramp section (22) which is preferably arranged adjacent to a cell contact (2) and is oriented in the direction of the caterpillar path, which preferably has a successive change in height between a base height of the cell holder (2) perpendicularly to a plane defined by the application side (6) and a height of the cell contact (15) which is different from the base height of the cell holder (2) perpendicular to the plane defined by the application side (6). Vehicle battery arrangement (1) according to one of Claims 8 until 11 , characterized in that a first bead (7) for contacting a cell contact (5) of the first polarity of each of the battery cells (4) is applied to the composite of cell holder (2) and battery cells (4) and a second bead (7 ') for Contacting the cell contact (15) of the second polarity of each of the battery cells (4) is applied, or that the bead (7) is applied in such a way that a cell contact (5) of the first polarity of a battery cell (4) or a group of the plurality of battery cells alternately (4) is contacted and a cell contact (15) of a different polarity of a further battery cell (4) or a further group from the plurality of battery cells (4) is contacted.

Images