WO2017222375A1 - Battery cell stack, battery comprising a battery cell stack, and method for assembling a battery cell stack - Google Patents

Battery cell stack, battery comprising a battery cell stack, and method for assembling a battery cell stack Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017222375A1
WO2017222375A1 PCT/NL2017/050413 NL2017050413W WO2017222375A1 WO 2017222375 A1 WO2017222375 A1 WO 2017222375A1 NL 2017050413 W NL2017050413 W NL 2017050413W WO 2017222375 A1 WO2017222375 A1 WO 2017222375A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
stack
clamp bars
battery cell
clamp
battery
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NL2017/050413
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Marc Bertram VAN DER RAAIJ
Original Assignee
Est-Floattech B.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Est-Floattech B.V. filed Critical Est-Floattech B.V.
Publication of WO2017222375A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017222375A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/04—Construction or manufacture in general
    • H01M10/0481—Compression means other than compression means for stacks of electrodes and separators
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/50—Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
    • H01M50/502—Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteries; Interconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/204—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
    • H01M50/207—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape
    • H01M50/209—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape adapted for prismatic or rectangular cells
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/271—Lids or covers for the racks or secondary casings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2220/00—Batteries for particular applications
    • H01M2220/20—Batteries in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
    • Y02P70/50—Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product

Definitions

  • Battery cell stack battery comprising a battery cell stack, and method for assembling a battery cell stack
  • the present invention relates to a battery cell stack and a battery, in particular a secondary battery, comprising a battery cell stack, and a method for assembling a battery cell stack.
  • Secondary batteries comprising a battery cell stack are known.
  • the battery cell stack comprises a stack of individual secondary battery cells, each battery cell having a positive tab and a negative tab.
  • the positive tabs and negative tabs of the individual battery cells are electrically connected in series or in parallel, in particular by means of electrical connection elements.
  • the electrical connection between the tabs of the individual cells influences the performance of the battery cell stack, and thus the battery, both during charging of the battery as well as during discharging of the battery when using the battery as a power source.
  • the battery cell stack comprises a stack of battery cells in a series circuit, at least one stack of clamp bars arranged adjacent the stack of battery cells, and a clamping mechanism acting on the at least one stack of clamp bars at opposite ends of the at least one stack of clamp bars for clamping the clamp bars the one against the other.
  • the stack of battery cells are electrically connected in a series circuit.
  • Each battery cell is provided with a positive tab and a negative tab that protrude outward from an edge of the battery cell.
  • the at least one stack of clamp bars is arranged adjacent the stack of battery cells beside the edges of the battery cells from which the positive tabs and the negative tabs protrude.
  • the tabs of neighbouring battery cells are in direct contact. Electrical connection elements for connecting the tabs are omitted such that the transition resistance between the tabs is reduced. This has a positive influence on the performance of the battery cell stack, and thus the battery, both during charging of the battery as well as during discharging of the battery when using the battery as a power source. Furthermore, since the clamping mechanism acts on the at least one stack of clamp bars at opposite ends of the at least one stack of clamp bars for clamping the clamp bars against each other, the clamp bars of the at least one stack of clamp bars apply the same clamping force on each pair of tabs that are clamped between the clamp bars of the at least one stack of clamp bars.
  • the at least one stack of clamp bars arranged adjacent the stack of battery cells.
  • the positive tab and the negative tab of each battery cell protrude outward from an edge of the battery cell, and the at least one stack of clamp bars is arranged beside the edge from which the positive tab and the negative tab protrude.
  • the stacking direction of the at least one stack of clamp bars is the same as the stacking direction of the battery cells.
  • the clamping bars are electrically insulating. That is, the clamp bars have clamping faces on opposite sides of the clamp bars, wherein the clamping faces are mutually electrically insulated. More preferably, the clamp bars are made of electrically insulating material. Only electrically insulating clamp bars are required for interconnecting the battery cells by clamping tabs the one against the other between a pair of clamp bars.
  • the at least one stack of clamping bars is arranged adjacent the stack of battery cells, beside the edges of the battery cells from which the positive and negative tabs protrude, the battery cells are not subject to the clamping force exerted on the at least one stack of clamp bars.
  • the at least one stack of battery cells is preferably at least one stack of at least three battery cells, and the at least one stack of clamp bars is preferably at least one stack of at least three clamp bars.
  • Three battery cells is the lowest number of stacked battery cells that provides a plurality of pairs of neighbouring battery cells to be electrically connected in a series circuit.
  • the present invention is particularly advantageous for electrically connecting in a series circuit a stack of battery cells providing a plurality of pairs of neighbouring battery cells.
  • a stack of three clamp bars allows for connecting the battery cells of a stack of three battery cells in case the positive and negative tabs protrude from the same edge of the battery cells.
  • the stack of battery cells and the stack of clamp bars are preferably of substantially the same height.
  • the clamped parts of the tabs extend in parallel planes perpendicular to the stacking direction of the stack of battery cells, and the clamping mechanism is configured to exert a clamping force on the stack of clamp bars perpendicular to the planes.
  • the clamping mechanism comprises at least one spring member arranged at at least one end of the at least one stack of clamp bars. Having a spring member arranged at at least one end of the at least one stack of clamp bars allows for compensating for change of material properties of the components of the clamping mechanism as a result of temperature differences or as a result of being under load for a long period of time, which change of material properties may result in an undesired change of the clamping force by means of which the tabs are clamped against each other. This has the advantage that a desired clamping force can be maintained over time.
  • the at least one spring member includes a leaf spring member.
  • the at least one spring member includes a coil spring or cantilever spring.
  • each two clamp bars having a positive tab and negative tab clamped there between are mutually coupled in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the at least one stack of clamp bars by at least one coupling arrangement.
  • the at least one coupling arrangement includes at least one rod extending through the stacked clamp bars.
  • the at least one coupling arrangement includes at least two parallel arranged rods extending through the stacked clamp bars.
  • the at least one rod extending through the stacked clamp bars extends between opposite ends of the at least one stack of clamp bars and is connected at the opposite ends of the at least one stack of clamp bars to a frame on which the clamp bars are arranged.
  • at least two parallel arranged rods extend through the stacked clamp bars between opposite ends of the at least one stack of clamp bars and are each connected at the opposite ends of the stack of clamp bars to the frame.
  • the at least one rod extends through the stacked clamp bars beside the part of the tabs clamped between the clamp bars.
  • the at least one rod extends through the stacked clamp bars of the at least one stack of clamp bars, without extending through the tabs. This has the advantage that there is no alignment of holes in the clamp bars and holes in the tabs required for allowing the at least one rod to be extended through the clamp bars and the tabs.
  • the battery cell stack comprises a first stack of clamp bars and a second stack of clamp bars, wherein of each battery cell one of the positive tab and the negative tab is clamped between two neighbouring clamp bars of the first stack of clamp bars and the other one of the positive tab and the negative tab is clamped between two neighbouring clamp bars of the second stack of clamp bars.
  • the clamp bars of the first stack of clamp bars are offset in the stacking direction relative to the clamp bars of the second stack of clamp bars along at least part of the first stack of clamp bars and the second stack of clamp bars. .
  • This allows the positive tab of a first one of two neighbouring battery cells and the negative tab of the second one of the two neighbouring battery cells to be clamped the one against the other at a location in between the two neighbouring battery cells.
  • the offset is by half the height of one clamp bar measured in the stacking direction. This feature allows for the distance between a battery cell and the location where the positive tab is clamped between two clamp bars to be about the same as the distance between the battery cell and the location where the negative tab is clamped between two clamp bars.
  • clamp bars of the first stack of clamp bars and the clamp bars of the second stack of clamp bars are arranged end-to-end.
  • the end-to-end arranged clamp bars have at their meeting ends complementing rebated edge regions.
  • at least one rod extends through the complementing rebated edge regions of the stacked clamp bars.
  • each battery cell is arranged between two separation sheets, which separation sheets are at the end thereof that is near the positive tab and negative tab of the battery cell coupled to a frame on which the clamp bars are arranged, and which sheets are at the opposite end thereof coupled to at least one spacer element arranged between the sheets, wherein the at least one spacer element is arranged such that it supports the battery cell along the edge thereof opposite the positive tab and negative tab.
  • At least one separation sheet extends at the end thereof that is near the positive tab and negative tab of the battery cell in at least one slot that is arranged in at least one clamp bar, and is coupled to the at least one clamp bar via a rod extending in the slot and through a hole in the separation sheet.
  • the rod extends between opposite ends of the at least one stack of clamp bars, and extends through the stacked clamp bars and through the hole of each of the separation sheets that extend in one of the slots in one of the clamp bars, and is connected at the opposite ends of the at least one stack of clamp bars to the frame on which the clamp bars are arranged.
  • At least one of the opposing clamping faces of neighbouring clamp bars between which the positive tab and negative tab of neighbouring battery cells are clamped is provided with a conductive element that is at one end thereof in conductive contact with one of the positive tab and negative tab and that is at another end thereof configured as an electrical connector.
  • the conductive element allows for connecting to the tabs a battery management system that for instance by measuring electrical quantities at each pair of clamped tabs via a respective conductive element can monitor the state of each individual battery cell.
  • the battery cells are flat and rectangular, and preferably have along one edge thereof the positive tab and the negative tab.
  • the battery cells are of the pouch type.
  • the present invention further relates to a battery, comprising a battery cell stack according to the invention as described herein above, a container having a closed bottom and an open top, and a lid for closing the open top of the container.
  • the at least one stack of clamp bars and the clamping mechanism are arranged near the open top of the container and the ends of the battery cells opposite the positive and negative tabs extend towards the bottom of the container.
  • the at least one stack of clamp bars and the clamping mechanism are arranged on a frame, the battery cell stack is coupled to the container near the open top thereof via the frame, and the battery cell stack is coupled to the container near the bottom thereof via a layer of cured resin in which the ends of the battery cells opposite the positive and negative tabs are submerged.
  • the present invention further relates to a method for assembling a battery cell stack, in particular a battery cell stack according to the invention as described herein above, comprising the steps of:
  • a stack of battery cells while making a stack of battery cells arranging at least one stack of clamp bars adjacent the stack of battery cells, wherein each time after a subsequent battery cell is stacked on a preceding battery cell, the positive tab of one of the preceding and subsequent battery cells and the negative tab of the other one of the preceding and subsequent battery cells are arranged on top of each other on a preceding clamp bar of the at least one stack of clamp bars, and a subsequent clamp bar is arranged on top of the positive tab and the negative tab such that the positive tab and the negative tab are arranged in between the preceding clamp bar and the subsequent clamp bar.
  • Figure 1 shows a battery according to the invention in perspective view
  • Figure 2 shows the battery of figure 1 in perspective view with parts taken away in order to show the battery cell stack inside the battery;
  • Figure 3 shows the battery cell stack of figure 2 in perspective view
  • Figure 4 shows the battery cell stack of figure 2 in exploded view
  • Figures 5 to 13 show steps of an embodiment of the method for assembling the battery cell stack of figure 2.
  • FIGS 1 and 2 show a battery 1.
  • the battery 1 has a container 3 having a bottom wall 5 and four side walls 7 extending from the bottom wall 5. The edges of the side walls 7 opposite to the bottom wall 5 together from the circumferential edge 9 of an opening 11 of the container 3.
  • the container 3 thus has a closed bottom 3a and an open top 3b.
  • the open top 3b is closed by a lid 13.
  • the lid 13 has a circumferential flange 15 that is arranged on a circumferential flange 17 of the circumferential edge 9 of the opening 11.
  • the lid 13 and the container 3 are coupled by means of fasteners 19 that fasten the flange 17 of the container 3 to the flange 15 of the lid 13.
  • a seal 19 is arranged between flange 15 and flange 17.
  • a battery cell stack 21 In the container 3 is arranged a battery cell stack 21. In the container 3 is also arranged a circuit board assembly 23 that is part of a battery management system for the battery cell stack 21. Arranged on the lid 13 are two main connectors, a positive main connector 25 and a negative main connector 27.
  • the positive main connector 25 is electrically connected inside the container 3 to a positive terminal 29 of the battery cell stack 21 via a positive lead (not shown).
  • the negative main connector 27 is electrically connected inside the container 3 to a negative terminal 31 of the battery cell stack 21 via a negative lead (not shown).
  • the positive main connector 25 and a negative main connector 27 are configured for electrically connecting the battery cell stack 21 to electrical components of an electrical system.
  • the battery management connectors 33, 35 Arranged on the lid 13 are two battery management connectors 33, 35 that are electrically connected inside the container 3 to the circuit board assembly 23.
  • the battery management connectors 33, 35 are configured for electrically connecting the battery cell stack 21 to components of a battery management subsystem of the electrical system to which the battery cell stack 21 is connected via the main connectors 25, 27.
  • the battery cell stack 21 is shown with the lid 17, the container 3 and the circuit board assembly 23 removed.
  • the battery cell stack 21 is at its upper end 21a provided with a frame 37 that has two flanged frame elements 39, 41.
  • the flanged frame elements 39, 41 are supported by the side walls 7 of the container and are more in particular arranged on the flange 17 of the circumferential edge 9 of the container 3.
  • the lower end 21b of the battery cell stack is arranged in the container 3 and is located near the bottom wall 5 of the container 3.
  • the battery cell stack 21 is coupled to the container 3 near the bottom wall 5 thereof via a layer 43 of cured resin in which the lower end 21b of the battery cell stack 21 is submerged.
  • FIG 3 is shown that when the circuit board assembly 23 of the battery management system is removed, battery management terminals 45 are revealed that electrically connect the battery cells of the battery cell stack 21 to the circuit board assembly 23 of the battery management system, as will be explained in more detail herein below under reference to figures 5 to 13.
  • FIG 4 an exploded view is shown of the battery cell stack 21 that is shown in figure 3.
  • the battery cell stack 21 is shown having fourteen battery cells 47.
  • the battery cells 47 are flat and have a substantially rectangular front face 47a and rear face 47b.
  • Each battery cell 47 has a positive tab 49 and the negative tab 51 that protrude outward from the same edge 48 of the battery cell 47.
  • the battery cells 47 are stacked such that of each pair of neighbouring battery cells 47 the front face or rear face of one of the pair of battery cells 47 faces the front face or rear face of the other one of the pair of neighbouring battery cells 47.
  • Each battery cell 47 is arranged between two separation sheets 53.
  • the battery cells 47 are oriented in the stack of battery cells 47 such that for each pair of neighbouring battery cells 47, the positive tab 49 of one of the pair of battery cells 47 neighbours the negative tab 51 of the other one of the pair of battery cells 47.
  • the positive tab 49 of one of the pair of battery cells 47 neighbours the negative tab 51 of the other one of the pair of battery cells 47.
  • each stack 61, 63 of clamp bars Arranged adjacent the stack 59 of battery cells 47, there are two stacks 61, 63 of clamp bars that are stacked in the same stacking direction A as the battery cells 47.
  • Each stack 61, 63 of clamp bars comprises first and second end clamp bars 67a, 67b and intermediate clamp bars 65.
  • the end clamp bars 67a, 67b are shared clamp bars that constitute the ends of both stacks 61, 63.
  • each stack of clamping bars has its own end clamp bars.
  • the first stack 61 of clamp bars is associated with the first row 55 of tabs 49, 51.
  • the second stack 63 of clamp bars is associated with the second row 57 of tabs 49, 51.
  • the battery cells 47 of the stack 59 of battery cells 47 are electrically connected in accordance with a series circuit. Of each pair of neighbouring battery cells 47 of the stack 59 of battery cells the positive tab 49 of a preceding one of the pair of battery cells in the series circuit and the negative tab 51 of the subsequent one of the pair of battery cells in the series circuit are clamped the one against the other between a pair of neighbouring clamp bars of either the first stack of clamp bars or the second stack of clamp bars.
  • the positive tab 49 of the final battery cell 47 at the first end 59a of the stack 59 of battery cells 47 is clamped between the final intermediate clamp bar 65a of the first stack 61 of clamp bars 65 at the first end 61a of the first stack 61 of clamp bars and the first end clamp bar 67a.
  • the final intermediate clamp bar 65a of the first stack 61 of clamp bars has a recess 69 wherein a part of the positive terminal 29 is arranged, such that the positive tab 49 of the final battery cell 47 at the first end 59a of the stack 59 of battery cells 47 is clamped against the part of the positive terminal 29 that is arranged in the recess 69.
  • the positive tab 49 of the final battery cell 47 at the first end 59a of the stack 59 of battery cells 47 is thus electrically connected to the positive terminal 29.
  • the negative tab 51 of the final battery cell 47 at the second end 59b of the stack 59 of battery cells 47 is clamped between the final intermediate clamp bar 65b of the first stack 61 of clamp bars 65 at the second end 59b of the first stack 59 of clamp bars and the second end clamp bar 67b.
  • the final intermediate clamp bar 65b of the first stack 61 of clamp bars has a recess (not shown) wherein a part of the negative terminal 31 is arranged, such that the negative tab 51 of the final battery cell 47 at the second end 59b of the stack 59 of battery cells 47 is clamped against the part of the negative terminal 31 that is arranged in the recess.
  • the negative tab 51 of the final battery cell 47 at the second end 59b of the stack 59 of battery cells 47 is thus electrically connected to the negative terminal 31.
  • each of the intermediate clamp bars 65, the first end clamp bar 67a, and the second end clamp bar 67a, 67b has a clamping face 73 that is provided with a conductive element 75, such that one of the opposing clamping faces of neighbouring clamp barsis provided with the conductive element 75.
  • the conductive element 75 is at one end thereof in conductive contact with a tab that is clamped between the neighbouring clamp bars, while the other end of the conductive element 75 embodies one of the battery management terminals 45 and is configured as an electrical connector.
  • the frame 37 comprises the flanged frame elements 39, 41 that extend parallel to the intermediate clamp bars 65 and to the end clamp bars 67a, 67b.
  • the frame 37 further comprises two frame elements 83, 85 that extend perpendicular to the flanged frame elements 39, 41 and along opposite sides of the combined stacks 61, 63 of clamp bars.
  • the frame elements 83, 85 have on their sides facing the ends of the clamp bars 65, 67 a C-shaped cross section. The ends of the clamp bars 65, 67 are received between the legs of the C-shaped cross section.
  • the first leaf spring element 79 is arranged between the first flanged frame element 39 and the first end clamp bar 67a.
  • the second leaf spring element 81 is arranged between the second flanged frame element 41 and the second end clamp bar 67b that is arranged on the final intermediate clamp bars 65 of the first stack 61 and second stack 63 of clamp bars.
  • the first leaf spring element 79 and the second leaf spring element 81 are oriented such that the spring elements can be compressed in the stacking direction of the first and second stack 61, 63 of clamp bars.
  • Both leaf springs 79, 81 have two spring parts, a first spring part located between the rods 87 and 89, and a second spring part located between the rods 89 and 91.
  • the intermediate clamp bars 65, the first end clamp bar 67a, the second end clamp bar 67b, and the flanged frame elements 39, 41 have holes 77 arranged therein through which holes 77 rods 87, 89, and 91 extend.
  • the rods 87, 89, 91 are coupled at the ends thereof to the flanged frame elements 39, 41, by means of a pull arrangement that allows to pull the flanged frame elements 39, 41 toward each other, wherein the rods 87, 89, 91 serve as tie -rods.
  • the pull arrangement is embodied by bolts 93 that engage a threaded axial hole in the rods 87, 89, 91.
  • the bolts 93 extend through holes 77 in an end plate 95.
  • the heads of the bolts 93 contact the end plate 95.
  • the end plates 95 are pushed against the flanged frame elements 39, 41, such that the flanged frame element 39 is pulled towards the flanged frame element 41.
  • the first leaf spring element 79 and the second leaf spring element 81 are compressed.
  • the clamp bars 65, 67 arranged between the first leaf spring element 79 and the second leaf spring element 81 are clamped the one against the other by means of the compression force that results from compressing the first leaf spring element 79 and the second leaf spring element 81.
  • Each pair of positive tab 49 and negative tab 51 that is arranged between two neighbouring clamp bars is thus clamped the one against the other the influence of the compression force that results from compressing the first leaf spring element 79 and the second leaf spring element 81.
  • the rods 87, 89, 91 do not only serve as tie -rods. By extending through the holes 77 of the clamp bars 65, the rods 87, 89, 91 couple neighbouring clamp bars 65 in each stack 61, 63 of clamp bars, such that relative movement between neighbouring clamp bars 65 in each stack 61, 63 of clamp bars in a direction perpendicular to the direction of stacking is prevented.
  • each battery cell 47 is arranged between two separation sheets 53.
  • the separation sheets 53 are at the end 53a thereof that is near the positive tab 49 and negative tab 51 of the battery cell 47 coupled to the frame 37 on which the clamp bars 65 are arranged.
  • the separation sheets 53 that are arranged between two battery cells 47 are provided with tabs 97.
  • Each tab 97 is provided with a hole 77 and extends in a slot 99 provided in a respective clamp bar 65 or in a slot 101 provided in the clamping face of a respective clamp bar 65, such that the hole 77 of the tab 97 aligns with the hole 77 in the clamp bar 65.
  • One of the rods 87, 91 extends through the hole 77 of the tabs 97, such that the separation sheets 53 provided with the tabs 97 are coupled to the clamp bars 65 and to the frame 37 via the rods 87, 91.
  • Each pair of separation sheets 53 on opposite sides of a battery cell 47 are coupled to each other at the end 53b opposite to the clamp bars 65 and are spaced apart by means of at least one spacer element 103 arranged between the separation sheets 53.
  • the spacer element is arranged such that it supports the battery cell 47 along the edge 47c thereof opposite the positive tab 49 and negative tab 51.
  • all separation sheets 53 and spacer elements 103 have holes 105 arranged therein through which threaded rods 107, 109, and 111 extend.
  • the threaded rods 107, 109, 111 couple the separation sheets 53 and the spacer elements 103.
  • Nuts 113 are arranged on the ends of the threaded rods 107, 109, 111.
  • Treaded rods 117, 119 are arranged through holes 121 in the separation sheets 53 and the spacer elements 115 for coupling the separation sheets 53 and the spacer elements 115.
  • Nuts 125 are arranged on the ends of the threaded rods 117, 119.
  • the first flanged frame element 39 is shown having mounted thereon the three rods 87, 89, and 91, that extend perpendicular to the first flanged frame element 39 and parallel to each other. As shown after mounting the three rods 87, 89, and 91, the first leaf spring element 79 is slid over three rods 87, 89, and 91.
  • first end clamp bar 67 is slid over three rods 87, 89, and 91.
  • first end clamp bar 67 has a recess in its clamping face 73 in which recess one end 75a of the conductive element 75 is arranged.
  • the first battery cell 47 is arranged on the first separation sheet 53 with its front face (not shown) contacting the separation sheet 53 and its rear face 47b facing away from the separation sheet 53.
  • the positive tab 49 and negative tab 51 of the first battery cell 47 are arranged on the first end clamp bar 67, such that the contact faces of the tabs 49, 51 are contact with the clamping face 73 of the end clamp bar 67.
  • the contact face of the positive tab 49 is thus in contact with the conductive element 75.
  • the first end clamp bar 67 is made of an electrically insulating material such that arranging the positive tab 49 and negative tab 51 of the first battery cell 47 on the first end clamp bar 67 does not result in short circuiting the first battery cell 47.
  • the battery cell 47 is arranged relative to the first end clamp bar 67 such, that the first end clamp bar 67 is arranged adjacent the battery cell 47.
  • the first end clamp bar 67 is arranged beside the edge 48 from which the positive tab 49 and the negative tab 51 protrude.
  • a second separation sheet 153 is arranged on the rear face 47a of the first battery 47, wherein the tabs 197 of the separation sheet 153 are slid over the rods 87 and 91. Furthermore, spacer elements 103, 115 are arranged between the separation sheets 53, 153.
  • FIG 10 is shown that subsequently the first intermediate clamp bar 65 of the first stack 61 of clamp bars, is slid over the rods 87 and 89.
  • the first intermediate clamp bar 65 has arranged thereon the positive terminal 29.
  • the part 29a of the positive terminal 29 arranged in the recess of the first intermediate clamp bar 65 is faced toward the contact face of the positive tab 49, such that the positive terminal 29 is brought in electrical contact with the positive tab 49.
  • both ends of the first intermediate clamp bar 65 have a rebated edge part.
  • the rebated edge parts have arranged therein the holes 77, such that the rods 87, 89 extend through the rebated edge parts.
  • the rebated edge part 125 through which the rod 87 extends embodies the slot 101 for a tab 97 of the subsequent separation sheet 53.
  • the rebated edge part 127 through which the rod 89 extends is complementary to a rebated edge part of the first intermediate clamp bar 65 of the second stack 63 of clamp bars, as will be explained under reference to figure 13.
  • a temperature sensor 129 is arranged on the rear face 47b of the first battery 47 that is accessible through an opening 131 in the separation sheet 53.
  • a second battery 147 is arranged on the second separation sheet 153 with its rear face (not shown) contacting the second separation sheet 153 and the temperature sensor 129, and with its front face 147a facing away from the separation sheet 153.
  • the negative tab 151 of the second battery 147 is arranged on the first intermediate clamp bar 65, such that the contact face of the negative tab 151 is in contact with the clamping face 173 of the first intermediate clamp bar 65.
  • the positive tab 149 of the second battery cell 147 is arranged above the negative tab 51 of the first battery 47, such that the contact faces of the negative tab 51 and positive tab 149 are facing each other.
  • the second battery cell 147 is arranged relative to the first intermediate clamp bar 65 such, that the first intermediate clamp bar 65 is arranged adjacent the battery cell 147.
  • the first intermediate clamp bar 65 is arranged beside the edge 148 of the second battery cell 147 from which the positive tab 149 and the negative tab 151 protrude.
  • the tabs 197 of a third separation sheet 253, and the first intermediate clamp bar 165 of the second stack 63 of clamp bars are slid over the rods 87, 89 and 91.
  • one tab 197 of the third separation sheet 253 is arranged in the slot 99 in the intermediate clamp bar 165, such that the hole in the tab 197 aligns with the hole 77 in the intermediate clamp bar 165.
  • the third separation sheet 253 is arranged on the front face 47a of the first battery 47. Furthermore, spacer elements 103, 115 are arranged between the separation sheets 53, 153.
  • the first intermediate clamp bar 165 of the second stack 63 of clamp bars has arranged in a recess of its clamping face that faces the positive tab 49 of the second battery 47, one end of the conductive element 175.
  • the first clamp bar 165 of the second stack 63 of clamp bars is provided with four rebated edge parts, two at each end thereof.
  • the first rebated edge part 135 through which the rod 89 extends is complementary to and in contact with the rebated edge part 127 of the first clamp bar 65 of the first stack 61 of clamp bars.
  • the intermediate clamp bars 65, 165 are made of an electrically insulating material such that allowing the first clamp bar 65 of the first stack 61 of clamp bars and the first clamp bar 165 of the second stack 63 of clamp bars to contact does not result in short circuiting the second battery cell 147.
  • the second rebated edge part 137 through which the rod 89 extends is complementary to a rebated edge part of the second clamp bar of the first stack 61 of clamp bars that is slit over the rods 87 and 89 in a later step during assembly of the battery cell stack 21.
  • the third rebated edge part 139 through which the rod 91 extends embodies a slot 101 in which the tab 97 of the second separation sheet 53 extends.
  • the fourth rebated edge part 141 through which the rod 91 extends embodies a slot 101 in which the tab of a fourth separation sheet will extend in a later step during assembly of the battery cell stack 21.
  • the first intermediate clamp bar 65 of the first stack 61 of clamp bars and the first intermediate clamp bar 165 of the second stack 63 of clamp bars are offset in the stacking direction, in particular offset by half the height of one clamp bar 165 measured in the stacking direction.
  • the negative tab of the last battery cell is brought into contact with the part of the negative terminal 31 that is arranged in the recess of the final intermediate clamp bar 65b of the first stack of clamp bars, and the positive tab of the last battery cell is brought into contact with the negative tab of the one but last battery cell by sliding the second end clamp bar 67b over the rods 87, 89, and 91.
  • the second leaf spring element 81 is slid over the rods 87, 89, and 91, after which the second flanged frame element 41 is coupled to the ends of the rods 87, 89, and 91, by means of bolts that are screwed in threaded axial holes 143 of the rods 87, 89, 91.
  • the bolds are tightened thereby pulling the flanged frame elements 39, 41 towards each other and compressing the leaf spring elements 79, 81, such that the positive tabs and negative tabs of the battery cells that are arranged the one in contact with the other between neighbouring clamp bars of either the first stack 61 of clamp bars or the second stack 63 of clamp bars, that are clamped the one against the other under influence of the compression force that results from compressing the leaf spring elements 79 and 81.
  • the first end clamp bar 67, the second end clamp bar 71, and the intermediate clamp bars 65 are all made of an electrically insulating material. As shown in figures 5 to 13, the rods 87, 89, and 91 do not extend through the positive and negative tabs.
  • a single stack of clamp bars may be used wherein the clamp bars of the first stack and the clamp bars of the second stack are replaced with clamp bars that extends along the whole upper edge 48 of the battery cells 47 from which the tabs protrude.
  • the positive tab and negative tab protrude from the same edge of the battery cells.
  • the positive tab and negative tab protrude from different, for instance opposite edges of the battery cells.
  • one of the stacks of clamp bars is arranged adjacent one of the edges from which one of the tabs protrudes, while the other one of the stacks of clamp bars is arranged adjacent the other one of the edges from which the other one of the tabs protrudes.

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  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
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  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Connection Of Batteries Or Terminals (AREA)
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Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery cell stack and a battery, in particular a secondary battery, comprising a battery cell stack, and a method for assembling a battery cell stack. The battery cell stack according to the present invention comprises a stack of battery cells in a series circuit, at least one stack of clamp bars arranged adjacent the stack of battery cells, and a clamping mechanism acting on the at least one stack of clamp bars at opposite ends of the at least one stack of clamp bars for clamping the clamp bars the one against the other. The stack of battery cells are electrically connected in a series circuit. Each battery cell is provided with a positive tab and a negative tab that protrude outward from an edge of the battery cell. The at least one stack of clamp bars is arranged adjacent the stack of battery cells beside the edges of the battery cells from which the positive tabs and the negative tabs protrude. Of each pair of neighbouring battery cells of the stack of battery cells the positive tab of a preceding one of the pair of battery cells in the series circuit and the negative tab of the subsequent one of the pair of battery cells in the series circuit are clamped the one against the other between neighbouring clamp bars of the at least one stack of clamp bars.

Description

Battery cell stack, battery comprising a battery cell stack, and method for assembling a battery cell stack
The present invention relates to a battery cell stack and a battery, in particular a secondary battery, comprising a battery cell stack, and a method for assembling a battery cell stack.
Secondary batteries comprising a battery cell stack are known. In such batteries the battery cell stack comprises a stack of individual secondary battery cells, each battery cell having a positive tab and a negative tab. The positive tabs and negative tabs of the individual battery cells are electrically connected in series or in parallel, in particular by means of electrical connection elements. The electrical connection between the tabs of the individual cells influences the performance of the battery cell stack, and thus the battery, both during charging of the battery as well as during discharging of the battery when using the battery as a power source. The battery cell stack according to the present invention comprises a stack of battery cells in a series circuit, at least one stack of clamp bars arranged adjacent the stack of battery cells, and a clamping mechanism acting on the at least one stack of clamp bars at opposite ends of the at least one stack of clamp bars for clamping the clamp bars the one against the other. The stack of battery cells are electrically connected in a series circuit. Each battery cell is provided with a positive tab and a negative tab that protrude outward from an edge of the battery cell. The at least one stack of clamp bars is arranged adjacent the stack of battery cells beside the edges of the battery cells from which the positive tabs and the negative tabs protrude. Of each pair of neighbouring battery cells of the stack of battery cells the positive tab of a preceding one of the pair of battery cells in the series circuit and the negative tab of the subsequent one of the pair of battery cells in the series circuit are clamped the one against the other between neighbouring clamp bars of the at least one stack of clamp bars.
In the battery cell stack according to the invention, the tabs of neighbouring battery cells, in particular secondary battery cells, are in direct contact. Electrical connection elements for connecting the tabs are omitted such that the transition resistance between the tabs is reduced. This has a positive influence on the performance of the battery cell stack, and thus the battery, both during charging of the battery as well as during discharging of the battery when using the battery as a power source. Furthermore, since the clamping mechanism acts on the at least one stack of clamp bars at opposite ends of the at least one stack of clamp bars for clamping the clamp bars against each other, the clamp bars of the at least one stack of clamp bars apply the same clamping force on each pair of tabs that are clamped between the clamp bars of the at least one stack of clamp bars. This contributes to the aim of having as equal as possible connection characteristics for each electrical connection between tabs of the individual battery cells. Having as equal as possible connection characteristics for each electrical connection between tabs of the individual battery cells has a positive influence on the performance of the battery cell stack, and thus the battery, both during charging of the battery as well as during discharging of the battery when using the battery as a power source. According to the present invention, the at least one stack of clamp bars arranged adjacent the stack of battery cells. In particular, the positive tab and the negative tab of each battery cell protrude outward from an edge of the battery cell, and the at least one stack of clamp bars is arranged beside the edge from which the positive tab and the negative tab protrude. This allows for a particularly easy assembly process, as explained in the description to the figures under reference to figures 5 to 13. Preferably, the stacking direction of the at least one stack of clamp bars is the same as the stacking direction of the battery cells. This allows for stacking of the clamp bars while stacking the battery cells during assembly of the battery stack. Preferably, the clamping bars are electrically insulating. That is, the clamp bars have clamping faces on opposite sides of the clamp bars, wherein the clamping faces are mutually electrically insulated. More preferably, the clamp bars are made of electrically insulating material. Only electrically insulating clamp bars are required for interconnecting the battery cells by clamping tabs the one against the other between a pair of clamp bars. By only requiring electrically insulating clamp bars, assembly is simplified relative to a battery stack wherein both electrically insulating clamp bars and electrically conductive clamp bars are required for making the proper connections between battery cells. In particular is avoided that by mistake an electrically conductive clamp bar is arranged on a preceding clamp bar in stead of a electrically insulating clamp bar, which could lead to a short circuit.
Furthermore, because the at least one stack of clamping bars is arranged adjacent the stack of battery cells, beside the edges of the battery cells from which the positive and negative tabs protrude, the battery cells are not subject to the clamping force exerted on the at least one stack of clamp bars. In particular, of each battery cell only the positive tab and the negative tab are clamped between neighbouring clamp bars. This is advantageous in that the battery cell does not have to be constructed to withstand the clamping force, and in that the clamping force is not influenced by the material properties of the battery cell. In the battery cell stack according to the invention, the at least one stack of battery cells is preferably at least one stack of at least three battery cells, and the at least one stack of clamp bars is preferably at least one stack of at least three clamp bars. Three battery cells is the lowest number of stacked battery cells that provides a plurality of pairs of neighbouring battery cells to be electrically connected in a series circuit. The present invention is particularly advantageous for electrically connecting in a series circuit a stack of battery cells providing a plurality of pairs of neighbouring battery cells. A stack of three clamp bars allows for connecting the battery cells of a stack of three battery cells in case the positive and negative tabs protrude from the same edge of the battery cells.
In the battery cell stack according to the invention, the stack of battery cells and the stack of clamp bars are preferably of substantially the same height.
In a preferred embodiment of the battery cell stack according to the invention the clamped parts of the tabs extend in parallel planes perpendicular to the stacking direction of the stack of battery cells, and the clamping mechanism is configured to exert a clamping force on the stack of clamp bars perpendicular to the planes.
In an advantageous embodiment of the battery cell stack according to the invention the clamping mechanism comprises at least one spring member arranged at at least one end of the at least one stack of clamp bars. Having a spring member arranged at at least one end of the at least one stack of clamp bars allows for compensating for change of material properties of the components of the clamping mechanism as a result of temperature differences or as a result of being under load for a long period of time, which change of material properties may result in an undesired change of the clamping force by means of which the tabs are clamped against each other. This has the advantage that a desired clamping force can be maintained over time. In a preferred embodiment thereof the at least one spring member includes a leaf spring member. Alternatively, the at least one spring member includes a coil spring or cantilever spring. In an advantageous embodiment of the battery cell stack according to the invention each two clamp bars having a positive tab and negative tab clamped there between are mutually coupled in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the at least one stack of clamp bars by at least one coupling arrangement. In a preferred embodiment thereof the at least one coupling arrangement includes at least one rod extending through the stacked clamp bars. Preferably, the at least one coupling arrangement includes at least two parallel arranged rods extending through the stacked clamp bars. In an advantageous embodiment thereof the at least one rod extending through the stacked clamp bars extends between opposite ends of the at least one stack of clamp bars and is connected at the opposite ends of the at least one stack of clamp bars to a frame on which the clamp bars are arranged. Preferably, at least two parallel arranged rods extend through the stacked clamp bars between opposite ends of the at least one stack of clamp bars and are each connected at the opposite ends of the stack of clamp bars to the frame. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one rod extends through the stacked clamp bars beside the part of the tabs clamped between the clamp bars. Thus the at least one rod extends through the stacked clamp bars of the at least one stack of clamp bars, without extending through the tabs. This has the advantage that there is no alignment of holes in the clamp bars and holes in the tabs required for allowing the at least one rod to be extended through the clamp bars and the tabs.
In a further advantageous embodiment of the battery cell stack according to the invention as described herein above, the battery cell stack comprises a first stack of clamp bars and a second stack of clamp bars, wherein of each battery cell one of the positive tab and the negative tab is clamped between two neighbouring clamp bars of the first stack of clamp bars and the other one of the positive tab and the negative tab is clamped between two neighbouring clamp bars of the second stack of clamp bars. These features allow for a particular advantageous assembly of the battery cell stack according to the invention as explained in the description to the figures under reference to figures 5 to 13. In a preferred embodiment thereof the first stack of clamp bars and the second stack of clamp bars extend in the same plane.
In an advantageous embodiment the clamp bars of the first stack of clamp bars are offset in the stacking direction relative to the clamp bars of the second stack of clamp bars along at least part of the first stack of clamp bars and the second stack of clamp bars. . This allows the positive tab of a first one of two neighbouring battery cells and the negative tab of the second one of the two neighbouring battery cells to be clamped the one against the other at a location in between the two neighbouring battery cells. This limits the deformation of at least one of the two tabs, which deformation is needed to be able to bring the tabs of neighbouring battery cells in direct contact. Preferably, the offset is by half the height of one clamp bar measured in the stacking direction.This feature allows for the distance between a battery cell and the location where the positive tab is clamped between two clamp bars to be about the same as the distance between the battery cell and the location where the negative tab is clamped between two clamp bars.
In a further advantageous embodiment the clamp bars of the first stack of clamp bars and the clamp bars of the second stack of clamp bars are arranged end-to-end. In a preferred embodiment thereof the end-to-end arranged clamp bars have at their meeting ends complementing rebated edge regions. In a particular advantageous embodiment thereof in combination with the feature of having at least one rod extending through the at least one stack of clamp bars, at least one rod extends through the complementing rebated edge regions of the stacked clamp bars. In a further advantageous embodiment of the battery cell stack according to the invention each battery cell is arranged between two separation sheets, which separation sheets are at the end thereof that is near the positive tab and negative tab of the battery cell coupled to a frame on which the clamp bars are arranged, and which sheets are at the opposite end thereof coupled to at least one spacer element arranged between the sheets, wherein the at least one spacer element is arranged such that it supports the battery cell along the edge thereof opposite the positive tab and negative tab. This feature allows for the stack of battery cells to hang from the frame without the clamped tabs bearing the weight of the battery cells. In a preferred embodiment thereof, at least one separation sheet extends at the end thereof that is near the positive tab and negative tab of the battery cell in at least one slot that is arranged in at least one clamp bar, and is coupled to the at least one clamp bar via a rod extending in the slot and through a hole in the separation sheet. Advantageously, the rod extends between opposite ends of the at least one stack of clamp bars, and extends through the stacked clamp bars and through the hole of each of the separation sheets that extend in one of the slots in one of the clamp bars, and is connected at the opposite ends of the at least one stack of clamp bars to the frame on which the clamp bars are arranged.
In a further advantageous embodiment of the battery cell stack according to the invention at least one of the opposing clamping faces of neighbouring clamp bars between which the positive tab and negative tab of neighbouring battery cells are clamped is provided with a conductive element that is at one end thereof in conductive contact with one of the positive tab and negative tab and that is at another end thereof configured as an electrical connector. The conductive element allows for connecting to the tabs a battery management system that for instance by measuring electrical quantities at each pair of clamped tabs via a respective conductive element can monitor the state of each individual battery cell. In a preferred embodiment of the battery cell stack according to the invention the battery cells are flat and rectangular, and preferably have along one edge thereof the positive tab and the negative tab. In particular, the battery cells are of the pouch type.
The present invention further relates to a battery, comprising a battery cell stack according to the invention as described herein above, a container having a closed bottom and an open top, and a lid for closing the open top of the container. The at least one stack of clamp bars and the clamping mechanism are arranged near the open top of the container and the ends of the battery cells opposite the positive and negative tabs extend towards the bottom of the container.
In a preferred embodiment thereof, the at least one stack of clamp bars and the clamping mechanism are arranged on a frame, the battery cell stack is coupled to the container near the open top thereof via the frame, and the battery cell stack is coupled to the container near the bottom thereof via a layer of cured resin in which the ends of the battery cells opposite the positive and negative tabs are submerged. The present invention further relates to a method for assembling a battery cell stack, in particular a battery cell stack according to the invention as described herein above, comprising the steps of:
- making a stack of battery cells each battery cell being provided with a positive tab and a negative tab that protrude outward from an edge of the battery cell;
- arranging at least one stack of clamp bars adjacent the stack of battery cells beside the edges of the battery cells from which the positive tabs and the negative tabs protrude;
- arranging of each pair of neighbouring battery cells the positive tab of one of the pair of battery cells and the negative tab of the other one of the pair of battery cells in between neighbouring clamp bars in accordance with a series circuit;
- applying a clamping force on the at least one stack of clamp bars at opposite ends of the at least one stack of clamp bars for clamping the clamp bars against each other, thereby clamping the positive tabs and negative tabs that are arranged between neighbouring clamp bars against each other. In a preferred embodiment, while making a stack of battery cells arranging at least one stack of clamp bars adjacent the stack of battery cells, wherein each time after a subsequent battery cell is stacked on a preceding battery cell, the positive tab of one of the preceding and subsequent battery cells and the negative tab of the other one of the preceding and subsequent battery cells are arranged on top of each other on a preceding clamp bar of the at least one stack of clamp bars, and a subsequent clamp bar is arranged on top of the positive tab and the negative tab such that the positive tab and the negative tab are arranged in between the preceding clamp bar and the subsequent clamp bar.
The present invention is further elucidated in the following description with reference to the accompanying schematic figures, in which:
Figure 1 shows a battery according to the invention in perspective view; Figure 2 shows the battery of figure 1 in perspective view with parts taken away in order to show the battery cell stack inside the battery;
Figure 3 shows the battery cell stack of figure 2 in perspective view;
Figure 4 shows the battery cell stack of figure 2 in exploded view;
Figures 5 to 13 show steps of an embodiment of the method for assembling the battery cell stack of figure 2.
Figures 1 and 2 show a battery 1. The battery 1 has a container 3 having a bottom wall 5 and four side walls 7 extending from the bottom wall 5. The edges of the side walls 7 opposite to the bottom wall 5 together from the circumferential edge 9 of an opening 11 of the container 3. The container 3 thus has a closed bottom 3a and an open top 3b. The open top 3b is closed by a lid 13. The lid 13 has a circumferential flange 15 that is arranged on a circumferential flange 17 of the circumferential edge 9 of the opening 11. The lid 13 and the container 3 are coupled by means of fasteners 19 that fasten the flange 17 of the container 3 to the flange 15 of the lid 13. A seal 19 is arranged between flange 15 and flange 17.
In the container 3 is arranged a battery cell stack 21. In the container 3 is also arranged a circuit board assembly 23 that is part of a battery management system for the battery cell stack 21. Arranged on the lid 13 are two main connectors, a positive main connector 25 and a negative main connector 27. The positive main connector 25 is electrically connected inside the container 3 to a positive terminal 29 of the battery cell stack 21 via a positive lead (not shown). The negative main connector 27 is electrically connected inside the container 3 to a negative terminal 31 of the battery cell stack 21 via a negative lead (not shown). The positive main connector 25 and a negative main connector 27 are configured for electrically connecting the battery cell stack 21 to electrical components of an electrical system. Arranged on the lid 13 are two battery management connectors 33, 35 that are electrically connected inside the container 3 to the circuit board assembly 23. The battery management connectors 33, 35 are configured for electrically connecting the battery cell stack 21 to components of a battery management subsystem of the electrical system to which the battery cell stack 21 is connected via the main connectors 25, 27.
In figure 3 the battery cell stack 21 is shown with the lid 17, the container 3 and the circuit board assembly 23 removed. In figure 3 is show that the battery cell stack 21 is at its upper end 21a provided with a frame 37 that has two flanged frame elements 39, 41. In figure 2 is shown that the flanged frame elements 39, 41 are supported by the side walls 7 of the container and are more in particular arranged on the flange 17 of the circumferential edge 9 of the container 3. The lower end 21b of the battery cell stack is arranged in the container 3 and is located near the bottom wall 5 of the container 3. As shown in figure 2, the battery cell stack 21 is coupled to the container 3 near the bottom wall 5 thereof via a layer 43 of cured resin in which the lower end 21b of the battery cell stack 21 is submerged.
In figure 3 is shown that when the circuit board assembly 23 of the battery management system is removed, battery management terminals 45 are revealed that electrically connect the battery cells of the battery cell stack 21 to the circuit board assembly 23 of the battery management system, as will be explained in more detail herein below under reference to figures 5 to 13.
In figure 4 an exploded view is shown of the battery cell stack 21 that is shown in figure 3. In figures 3 and 4 the battery cell stack 21 is shown having fourteen battery cells 47. The battery cells 47 are flat and have a substantially rectangular front face 47a and rear face 47b. Each battery cell 47 has a positive tab 49 and the negative tab 51 that protrude outward from the same edge 48 of the battery cell 47. The battery cells 47 are stacked such that of each pair of neighbouring battery cells 47 the front face or rear face of one of the pair of battery cells 47 faces the front face or rear face of the other one of the pair of neighbouring battery cells 47. Each battery cell 47 is arranged between two separation sheets 53. The battery cells 47 are oriented in the stack of battery cells 47 such that for each pair of neighbouring battery cells 47, the positive tab 49 of one of the pair of battery cells 47 neighbours the negative tab 51 of the other one of the pair of battery cells 47. As shown in figure 4, as a result, there are two rows 55, 57 of tabs 47, which rows 55, 57 extend parallel to each other in the stacking direction A, wherein each row 55, 57 has alternatingly positive tabs 49 and negative tabs 51.
Arranged adjacent the stack 59 of battery cells 47, there are two stacks 61, 63 of clamp bars that are stacked in the same stacking direction A as the battery cells 47. Each stack 61, 63 of clamp bars comprises first and second end clamp bars 67a, 67b and intermediate clamp bars 65. In the shown embodiment, the end clamp bars 67a, 67b are shared clamp bars that constitute the ends of both stacks 61, 63. Alternatively, each stack of clamping bars has its own end clamp bars.
The first stack 61 of clamp bars is associated with the first row 55 of tabs 49, 51. The second stack 63 of clamp bars is associated with the second row 57 of tabs 49, 51. The battery cells 47 of the stack 59 of battery cells 47 are electrically connected in accordance with a series circuit. Of each pair of neighbouring battery cells 47 of the stack 59 of battery cells the positive tab 49 of a preceding one of the pair of battery cells in the series circuit and the negative tab 51 of the subsequent one of the pair of battery cells in the series circuit are clamped the one against the other between a pair of neighbouring clamp bars of either the first stack of clamp bars or the second stack of clamp bars.
The positive tab 49 of the final battery cell 47 at the first end 59a of the stack 59 of battery cells 47 is clamped between the final intermediate clamp bar 65a of the first stack 61 of clamp bars 65 at the first end 61a of the first stack 61 of clamp bars and the first end clamp bar 67a. The final intermediate clamp bar 65a of the first stack 61 of clamp bars has a recess 69 wherein a part of the positive terminal 29 is arranged, such that the positive tab 49 of the final battery cell 47 at the first end 59a of the stack 59 of battery cells 47 is clamped against the part of the positive terminal 29 that is arranged in the recess 69. The positive tab 49 of the final battery cell 47 at the first end 59a of the stack 59 of battery cells 47 is thus electrically connected to the positive terminal 29.
The negative tab 51 of the final battery cell 47 at the second end 59b of the stack 59 of battery cells 47 is clamped between the final intermediate clamp bar 65b of the first stack 61 of clamp bars 65 at the second end 59b of the first stack 59 of clamp bars and the second end clamp bar 67b. The final intermediate clamp bar 65b of the first stack 61 of clamp bars has a recess (not shown) wherein a part of the negative terminal 31 is arranged, such that the negative tab 51 of the final battery cell 47 at the second end 59b of the stack 59 of battery cells 47 is clamped against the part of the negative terminal 31 that is arranged in the recess. The negative tab 51 of the final battery cell 47 at the second end 59b of the stack 59 of battery cells 47 is thus electrically connected to the negative terminal 31.
Between each two neighbouring clamping bars of the second stack 63 of clamp bars the positive tab 49 the preceding one of two neighbouring battery cells 47 in the series circuit and a negative tab 51 of the subsequent one of the two neighbouring battery cells 47 are clamped the one against the other.
As shown in figure 4, each of the intermediate clamp bars 65, the first end clamp bar 67a, and the second end clamp bar 67a, 67b has a clamping face 73 that is provided with a conductive element 75, such that one of the opposing clamping faces of neighbouring clamp barsis provided with the conductive element 75. The conductive element 75 is at one end thereof in conductive contact with a tab that is clamped between the neighbouring clamp bars, while the other end of the conductive element 75 embodies one of the battery management terminals 45 and is configured as an electrical connector.
Together with a first leaf spring element 79 and a second leaf spring element 81 , the intermediate clamp bars 65, the first end clamp bar 67a and a second end clamp bar 67b are arranged on the frame 37. The frame 37 comprises the flanged frame elements 39, 41 that extend parallel to the intermediate clamp bars 65 and to the end clamp bars 67a, 67b. The frame 37 further comprises two frame elements 83, 85 that extend perpendicular to the flanged frame elements 39, 41 and along opposite sides of the combined stacks 61, 63 of clamp bars. The frame elements 83, 85 have on their sides facing the ends of the clamp bars 65, 67 a C-shaped cross section. The ends of the clamp bars 65, 67 are received between the legs of the C-shaped cross section.
The first leaf spring element 79 is arranged between the first flanged frame element 39 and the first end clamp bar 67a. The second leaf spring element 81 is arranged between the second flanged frame element 41 and the second end clamp bar 67b that is arranged on the final intermediate clamp bars 65 of the first stack 61 and second stack 63 of clamp bars. The first leaf spring element 79 and the second leaf spring element 81 are oriented such that the spring elements can be compressed in the stacking direction of the first and second stack 61, 63 of clamp bars. Both leaf springs 79, 81 have two spring parts, a first spring part located between the rods 87 and 89, and a second spring part located between the rods 89 and 91.
The intermediate clamp bars 65, the first end clamp bar 67a, the second end clamp bar 67b, and the flanged frame elements 39, 41 have holes 77 arranged therein through which holes 77 rods 87, 89, and 91 extend. The rods 87, 89, 91 are coupled at the ends thereof to the flanged frame elements 39, 41, by means of a pull arrangement that allows to pull the flanged frame elements 39, 41 toward each other, wherein the rods 87, 89, 91 serve as tie -rods. Here the pull arrangement is embodied by bolts 93 that engage a threaded axial hole in the rods 87, 89, 91. The bolts 93 extend through holes 77 in an end plate 95. The heads of the bolts 93 contact the end plate 95. By screwing the bolts 93 into the threaded holes in the rods 87, 89, 91, the end plates 95 are pushed against the flanged frame elements 39, 41, such that the flanged frame element 39 is pulled towards the flanged frame element 41. By pulling the flanged frame element 39 towards the flanged frame element 41, the first leaf spring element 79 and the second leaf spring element 81 are compressed. The clamp bars 65, 67 arranged between the first leaf spring element 79 and the second leaf spring element 81 are clamped the one against the other by means of the compression force that results from compressing the first leaf spring element 79 and the second leaf spring element 81. Each pair of positive tab 49 and negative tab 51 that is arranged between two neighbouring clamp bars is thus clamped the one against the other the influence of the compression force that results from compressing the first leaf spring element 79 and the second leaf spring element 81.
The rods 87, 89, 91 do not only serve as tie -rods. By extending through the holes 77 of the clamp bars 65, the rods 87, 89, 91 couple neighbouring clamp bars 65 in each stack 61, 63 of clamp bars, such that relative movement between neighbouring clamp bars 65 in each stack 61, 63 of clamp bars in a direction perpendicular to the direction of stacking is prevented.
As shown in figure 4, each battery cell 47 is arranged between two separation sheets 53. The separation sheets 53 are at the end 53a thereof that is near the positive tab 49 and negative tab 51 of the battery cell 47 coupled to the frame 37 on which the clamp bars 65 are arranged. In particular the separation sheets 53 that are arranged between two battery cells 47 are provided with tabs 97. Each tab 97 is provided with a hole 77 and extends in a slot 99 provided in a respective clamp bar 65 or in a slot 101 provided in the clamping face of a respective clamp bar 65, such that the hole 77 of the tab 97 aligns with the hole 77 in the clamp bar 65. One of the rods 87, 91 extends through the hole 77 of the tabs 97, such that the separation sheets 53 provided with the tabs 97 are coupled to the clamp bars 65 and to the frame 37 via the rods 87, 91. Each pair of separation sheets 53 on opposite sides of a battery cell 47 are coupled to each other at the end 53b opposite to the clamp bars 65 and are spaced apart by means of at least one spacer element 103 arranged between the separation sheets 53. The spacer element is arranged such that it supports the battery cell 47 along the edge 47c thereof opposite the positive tab 49 and negative tab 51. In the embodiment shown in figure 4 all separation sheets 53 and spacer elements 103 have holes 105 arranged therein through which threaded rods 107, 109, and 111 extend. The threaded rods 107, 109, 111 couple the separation sheets 53 and the spacer elements 103. Nuts 113 are arranged on the ends of the threaded rods 107, 109, 111. As shown in figure 4, there are also spacer elements 115 arranged between the separation sheets 53 at the end 53a of the separation sheets 53. Treaded rods 117, 119 are arranged through holes 121 in the separation sheets 53 and the spacer elements 115 for coupling the separation sheets 53 and the spacer elements 115. Nuts 125 are arranged on the ends of the threaded rods 117, 119.
In figures 5 to 13, steps of an embodiment of the method for assembling the battery cell stack 21 are shown.
In figure 5 the first flanged frame element 39 is shown having mounted thereon the three rods 87, 89, and 91, that extend perpendicular to the first flanged frame element 39 and parallel to each other. As shown after mounting the three rods 87, 89, and 91, the first leaf spring element 79 is slid over three rods 87, 89, and 91.
In figure 6 is shown that subsequently the first end clamp bar 67 is slid over three rods 87, 89, and 91. As shown the first end clamp bar 67 has a recess in its clamping face 73 in which recess one end 75a of the conductive element 75 is arranged.
In figure 7 is shown that the first separation sheet 53 is arranged adjacent the first end clamp bar 67.
In figure 8 is shown that the first battery cell 47 is arranged on the first separation sheet 53 with its front face (not shown) contacting the separation sheet 53 and its rear face 47b facing away from the separation sheet 53. The positive tab 49 and negative tab 51 of the first battery cell 47 are arranged on the first end clamp bar 67, such that the contact faces of the tabs 49, 51 are contact with the clamping face 73 of the end clamp bar 67. The contact face of the positive tab 49 is thus in contact with the conductive element 75. The first end clamp bar 67 is made of an electrically insulating material such that arranging the positive tab 49 and negative tab 51 of the first battery cell 47 on the first end clamp bar 67 does not result in short circuiting the first battery cell 47. As shown, the battery cell 47 is arranged relative to the first end clamp bar 67 such, that the first end clamp bar 67 is arranged adjacent the battery cell 47. In particular, the first end clamp bar 67 is arranged beside the edge 48 from which the positive tab 49 and the negative tab 51 protrude.
In figure 9 is shown that subsequently, a second separation sheet 153 is arranged on the rear face 47a of the first battery 47, wherein the tabs 197 of the separation sheet 153 are slid over the rods 87 and 91. Furthermore, spacer elements 103, 115 are arranged between the separation sheets 53, 153.
In figure 10 is shown that subsequently the first intermediate clamp bar 65 of the first stack 61 of clamp bars, is slid over the rods 87 and 89. The first intermediate clamp bar 65 has arranged thereon the positive terminal 29. The part 29a of the positive terminal 29 arranged in the recess of the first intermediate clamp bar 65 is faced toward the contact face of the positive tab 49, such that the positive terminal 29 is brought in electrical contact with the positive tab 49. As shown both ends of the first intermediate clamp bar 65 have a rebated edge part. The rebated edge parts have arranged therein the holes 77, such that the rods 87, 89 extend through the rebated edge parts. The rebated edge part 125 through which the rod 87 extends embodies the slot 101 for a tab 97 of the subsequent separation sheet 53. The rebated edge part 127 through which the rod 89 extends is complementary to a rebated edge part of the first intermediate clamp bar 65 of the second stack 63 of clamp bars, as will be explained under reference to figure 13.
In figure 11 is shown that a temperature sensor 129 is arranged on the rear face 47b of the first battery 47 that is accessible through an opening 131 in the separation sheet 53.
In figure 12 is shown that a second battery 147 is arranged on the second separation sheet 153 with its rear face (not shown) contacting the second separation sheet 153 and the temperature sensor 129, and with its front face 147a facing away from the separation sheet 153. The negative tab 151 of the second battery 147 is arranged on the first intermediate clamp bar 65, such that the contact face of the negative tab 151 is in contact with the clamping face 173 of the first intermediate clamp bar 65. The positive tab 149 of the second battery cell 147 is arranged above the negative tab 51 of the first battery 47, such that the contact faces of the negative tab 51 and positive tab 149 are facing each other. As shown, the second battery cell 147 is arranged relative to the first intermediate clamp bar 65 such, that the first intermediate clamp bar 65 is arranged adjacent the battery cell 147. In particular, the first intermediate clamp bar 65 is arranged beside the edge 148 of the second battery cell 147 from which the positive tab 149 and the negative tab 151 protrude. In figure 13 is shown that subsequently, the tabs 197 of a third separation sheet 253, and the first intermediate clamp bar 165 of the second stack 63 of clamp bars are slid over the rods 87, 89 and 91. Before sliding the third separation sheet 253 and the first intermediate clamp bar 165 of the second stack 63 of clamp bars over the rods 87, 89 and 91, one tab 197 of the third separation sheet 253 is arranged in the slot 99 in the intermediate clamp bar 165, such that the hole in the tab 197 aligns with the hole 77 in the intermediate clamp bar 165. The third separation sheet 253 is arranged on the front face 47a of the first battery 47. Furthermore, spacer elements 103, 115 are arranged between the separation sheets 53, 153. The first intermediate clamp bar 165 of the second stack 63 of clamp bars has arranged in a recess of its clamping face that faces the positive tab 49 of the second battery 47, one end of the conductive element 175. As shown in the detail of figure 13, after sliding the first intermediate clamp bar 165 of the second stack 63 of clamp bars over the rods 89 and 91, the contact faces of the negative tab 51 of the first battery 47 and of the positive tab 49 of the second battery 147 are brought in direct contact, thereby providing an electrical connection between the first battery 47 and the second battery 147. In particular, while sliding the first clamp bar 165 of the second stack 63 of clamp bars over the rods 89 and 91 , the positive tab 149 of the second battery 147 is deformed such that the positive tab 149 of the second battery 147 is brought in contact with the negative tab 51 of the first battery 47. As shown in figure 13, the first clamp bar 165 of the second stack 63 of clamp bars is provided with four rebated edge parts, two at each end thereof. The first rebated edge part 135 through which the rod 89 extends is complementary to and in contact with the rebated edge part 127 of the first clamp bar 65 of the first stack 61 of clamp bars. The intermediate clamp bars 65, 165 are made of an electrically insulating material such that allowing the first clamp bar 65 of the first stack 61 of clamp bars and the first clamp bar 165 of the second stack 63 of clamp bars to contact does not result in short circuiting the second battery cell 147. The second rebated edge part 137 through which the rod 89 extends is complementary to a rebated edge part of the second clamp bar of the first stack 61 of clamp bars that is slit over the rods 87 and 89 in a later step during assembly of the battery cell stack 21. The third rebated edge part 139 through which the rod 91 extends embodies a slot 101 in which the tab 97 of the second separation sheet 53 extends. The fourth rebated edge part 141 through which the rod 91 extends embodies a slot 101 in which the tab of a fourth separation sheet will extend in a later step during assembly of the battery cell stack 21.
As shown in figure 13, the first intermediate clamp bar 65 of the first stack 61 of clamp bars and the first intermediate clamp bar 165 of the second stack 63 of clamp bars are offset in the stacking direction, in particular offset by half the height of one clamp bar 165 measured in the stacking direction.
For further assembling the battery cell stack 21 the steps as explained under reference to figures 8 to 13 are repeated for each two subsequent battery cells, wherein in the steps as explained under reference to figures 9 and 10 in stead of a clamp bar having arranged thereon a positive terminal, a clamp bar is slid over rods 87 and 89 that is a mirror image of clamp bar 165 that is shown in figure 13. Before the last battery cell of battery cells is arranged on the stack, the final intermediate clamp bar 65b of the first stack of clamp bars is slid over rods 87, 89, that has a recess wherein a part of the negative terminal 31 is arranged. After arranging the last battery cell of the stack 59 of battery cells on the stack, the negative tab of the last battery cell is brought into contact with the part of the negative terminal 31 that is arranged in the recess of the final intermediate clamp bar 65b of the first stack of clamp bars, and the positive tab of the last battery cell is brought into contact with the negative tab of the one but last battery cell by sliding the second end clamp bar 67b over the rods 87, 89, and 91. Subsequently, the second leaf spring element 81 is slid over the rods 87, 89, and 91, after which the second flanged frame element 41 is coupled to the ends of the rods 87, 89, and 91, by means of bolts that are screwed in threaded axial holes 143 of the rods 87, 89, 91. Subsequently, the bolds are tightened thereby pulling the flanged frame elements 39, 41 towards each other and compressing the leaf spring elements 79, 81, such that the positive tabs and negative tabs of the battery cells that are arranged the one in contact with the other between neighbouring clamp bars of either the first stack 61 of clamp bars or the second stack 63 of clamp bars, that are clamped the one against the other under influence of the compression force that results from compressing the leaf spring elements 79 and 81.
The first end clamp bar 67, the second end clamp bar 71, and the intermediate clamp bars 65 are all made of an electrically insulating material. As shown in figures 5 to 13, the rods 87, 89, and 91 do not extend through the positive and negative tabs.
In stead of two stacks of clamp bars wherein the clamp bars of the first stack and the clamp bars of the second stack are arranged end-to -end, a single stack of clamp bars may be used wherein the clamp bars of the first stack and the clamp bars of the second stack are replaced with clamp bars that extends along the whole upper edge 48 of the battery cells 47 from which the tabs protrude.
In the embodiment of the battery cell stack shown in figures 1 to 13, the positive tab and negative tab protrude from the same edge of the battery cells. Alternatively, the positive tab and negative tab protrude from different, for instance opposite edges of the battery cells. In that case one of the stacks of clamp bars is arranged adjacent one of the edges from which one of the tabs protrudes, while the other one of the stacks of clamp bars is arranged adjacent the other one of the edges from which the other one of the tabs protrudes.
Although the principles of the invention have been set forth above with reference to specific embodiments, it must be understood that this description is given solely by way of example and not as limitation to the scope of protection, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims
1. Battery cell stack, comprising
- a stack of battery cells electrically connected in a series circuit, each battery cell being provided with a positive tab and a negative tab that protrude outward from an edge of the battery cell;
- at least one stack of clamp bars arranged adjacent the stack of battery cells beside the edges of the battery cells from which the positive tabs and the negative tabs protrude;
- a clamping mechanism acting on the at least one stack of clamp bars at opposite ends of the at least one stack of clamp bars for clamping the clamp bars the one against the other;
wherein
- of each pair of neighbouring battery cells of the stack of battery cells the positive tab of a preceding one of the pair of battery cells in the series circuit and the negative tab of the subsequent one of the pair of battery cells in the series circuit are clamped the one against the other between neighbouring clamp bars of the at least one stack of clamp bars.
2. Battery cell stack according to claim 1,
wherein
- of each battery cell only the positive tab and the negative tab are clamped between neighbouring clamp bars.
3. Battery cell stack according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein
- the stacking direction of the stack of clamp bars is the same as the stacking direction of the battery cells.
4. Battery cell stack according to any of claims 1 to 3,
wherein
- the clamp bars are electrically insulating, wherein preferably the clamping bars are made of electrically insulating material.
5. Battery cell stack according to any of claims 1 to 4,
wherein
- the clamped parts of the tabs extend in parallel planes perpendicular to the stacking direction of the stack of battery cells; and - the clamping mechanism is configured to exert a clamping force on the stack of clamp bars perpendicular to the planes.
6. Battery cell stack according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein
the clamping mechanism comprises:
- at least one spring member arranged at at least one end of the at least one stack of clamp bars.
7. Battery cell stack according to claim 6, wherein
the at least one spring member includes:
- a leaf spring member.
8. Battery cell stack according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein each two clamp bars having a positive tab and negative tab clamped there between are mutually coupled in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the at least one stack of clamp bars by at least one coupling arrangement.
9. Battery cell stack according to claim 8, wherein
the at least one coupling arrangement includes:
- at least one rod extending through the stacked clamp bars.
10. Battery cell stack according to claim 9, wherein
the at least one coupling arrangement includes:
- at least two parallel arranged rods extending through the stacked clamp bars.
11. Battery cell stack according to 9 or 10, wherein
- the at least one rod extending through the stacked clamp bars extends between opposite ends of the at least one stack of clamp bars and is connected at the opposite ends of the at least one stack of clamp bars to a frame on which the clamp bars are arranged.
12. Battery cell stack according to claim 11, wherein
- at least two parallel arranged rods extend through the stacked clamp bars between opposite ends of the at least one stack of clamp bars and are each connected at the opposite ends of the stack of clamp bars to the frame.
13. Battery cell stack according to claim 11 or 12, wherein
- the at least one rod extend through the stacked clamp bars beside the part of the tabs clamped between the clamp bars.
14. Battery cell stack according to any of claims 1 to 13, comprising:
- a first stack of clamp bars and a second stack of clamp bars, wherein of each battery cell one of the positive tab and the negative tab is clamped between two neighbouring clamp bars of the first stack of clamp bars and the other one of the positive tab and the negative tab is clamped between two neighbouring clamp bars of the second stack of clamp bars.
15. Battery cell stack according to claim 14, wherein
- the first stack of clamp bars and the second stack of clamp bars extend in the same plane.
16. Battery cell stack according to claim 14 or 15, wherein
- along at least part of the first stack of clamp bars and the second stack of clamp bars, the clamp bars of the first stack of clamp bars are offset in the stacking direction relative to the clamp bars of the second stack of clamp bars, preferably offset by half the height of one clamp bar measured in the stacking direction.
17. Battery cell stack according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein
- the clamp bars of the first stack of clamp bars and the clamp bars of the second stack of clamp bars are arranged end-to-end.
18. Battery cell stack according to claim 17, wherein
- the end-to-end arranged clamp bars have at their meeting ends complementing rebated edge regions.
19. Battery cell stack according to claim 18 and any of claims 9 to 12, wherein
- at least one rod extends through the complementing rebated edge regions of the stacked clamp bars.
20. Battery cell stack according to any of claims 1 to 19,
wherein
- each battery cell is arranged between two separation sheets, which separation sheets are at the end thereof that is near the positive tab and negative tab of the battery cell coupled to a frame on which the clamp bars are arranged, and which sheets are at the opposite end thereof coupled to at least one spacer element arranged between the sheets, wherein the at least one spacer element is arranged such that it supports the battery cell along the edge thereof opposite the positive tab and negative tab.
21. Battery cell stack according to claim 20,
wherein
- each separation sheet extends at the end thereof that is near the positive tab and negative tab of the battery cell in at least one slot that is arranged in at least one clamp bar, and is coupled to the at least one clamp bar via a rod extending in the slot and through a hole in the separation sheet.
22. Battery cell stack according to claim 21,
wherein the rod:
- extends between opposite ends of the at least one stack of clamp bars;
- extends through the stacked clamp bars and through the hole in each of the separation sheets; and
- is connected at the opposite ends of the at least one stack of clamp bars to the frame on which the clamp bars are arranged.
23. Battery cell stack according to any of claims 1 to 22,
wherein
- at least one of the opposing clamping faces of neighbouring clamp bars between which the positive tab and negative tab of neighbouring battery cells are clamped is provided with a conductive element that is at one end thereof in conductive contact with one of the positive tab and negative tab and that is at another end thereof configured as an electrical connector.
24. Battery cell stack according to any of claims 1 to 23,
wherein
- the battery cells are flat and rectangular, and preferably have protruding from one edge thereof the positive tab and the negative tab.
25. Battery,
comprising:
- a battery cell stack according to any of claims 1 to 24; and
- a container having a closed bottom and an open top; and
- a lid for closing the open top of the container;
wherein - the at least one stack of clamp bars and the clamping mechanism are arranged near the open top of the container and the ends of the battery cells opposite the positive and negative tabs extend towards the bottom of the container.
26. Battery according to claim 25,
wherein
- the at least one stack of clamp bars and the clamping mechanism are arranged on a frame;
- the battery cell stack is coupled to the container near the open top thereof via the frame;
- the battery cell stack is coupled to the container near the bottom thereof via a layer of cured resin in which the ends of the battery cells opposite the positive and negative tabs are submerged.
27. Method for assembling a battery cell stack, comprising the steps of:
- making a stack of battery cells each battery cell being provided with a positive tab and a negative tab that protrude outward from an edge of the battery cell;
- arranging at least one stack of clamp bars adjacent the stack of battery cells beside the edges of the battery cells from which the positive tabs and the negative tabs protrude;
- arranging of each pair of neighbouring battery cells the positive tab of one of the pair of battery cells and the negative tab of the other one of the pair of battery cells in between neighbouring clamp bars of the at least one stack of clamp bars in accordance with a series circuit;
- applying a clamping force on the at least one stack of clamp bars at opposite ends of the at least one stack of clamp bars for clamping the clamp bars against each other, thereby clamping the positive tabs and negative tabs that are arranged between neighbouring clamp bars against each other.
28. Method for assembling a battery cell stack according to claim 27, wherein
while making a stack of battery cells arranging at least one stack of clamp bars adjacent the stack of battery cells, wherein each time after a subsequent battery cell is stacked on a preceding battery cell, the positive tab of one of the preceding and subsequent battery cells and the negative tab of the other one of the preceding and subsequent battery cells are arranged the one on top of the other on a preceding clamp bar of the at least one stack of clamp bars, and a subsequent clamp bar is arranged on top of the positive tab and the negative tab such that the positive tab and the negative tab are arranged in between the preceding clamp bar and the subsequent clamp bar.
PCT/NL2017/050413 2016-06-20 2017-06-20 Battery cell stack, battery comprising a battery cell stack, and method for assembling a battery cell stack WO2017222375A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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NL2017013 2016-06-20
NL2017013A NL2017013B1 (en) 2016-06-20 2016-06-20 Battery cell stack, battery comprising a battery cell stack, and method for assembling a battery cell stack

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