Battery module and method for manufacturing a battery module

Abstract

A battery (500) includes at least two battery modules (100; 200; 300) held together by at least one connecting element (10; 50). Proposed features include: - a first battery module (100; 200) having a housing with at least one first edge-side recess (101, 102; 201) on its outer side; - a second battery module (100; 300) having a housing with at least one second edge-side recess (101, 102; 302) on its outer side; - the at least one connecting element (10; 50) holding the battery modules together including a first end (11; 51) and a second end (12; 52) and an intervening portion (13; 53) connecting the two ends. - The first end (11; 51) is configured as a retainer and preferably forms-fits into the first edge side recess (101, 102; 201) of the first battery module; and - the second end (12; 52) is configured as a retainer and preferably forms-fits into the second edge side recess (101, 102; 302) of the second battery module; and - an opening member for opening the connecting element, especially the intervening portion (13; 53) connecting the two ends, is inserted into the intervening portion (13; 53) of the connecting element (10; 50).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery comprising at least two battery modules and a method for manufacturing this type of battery. Background Technology

[0002] A battery is a storage device for electrical energy, consisting of multiple electrochemical energy storage cells. Larger batteries are mostly composed of battery modules, which may include either a single energy storage cell or multiple interconnected energy storage cells. The number of energy storage cells included in a battery module is related to the required current and voltage. For applications in electric vehicles or for large static energy storage devices, very high current and high voltage are typically required.

[0003] In this application, each electrochemical energy storage cell includes at least one positive electrode and at least one negative electrode, which are separated from each other by a membrane. Within the electrochemical energy storage cell, an electrochemical, energy-providing reaction occurs, consisting of two electrically coupled but spatially separated partial reactions. A partial reaction occurs at the negative electrode at a relatively lower redox potential. Another partial reaction occurs at the positive electrode at a relatively higher redox potential. During discharge, electrons are released at the negative electrode through an oxidation process, causing an electron flow through an external load to the positive electrode, where a corresponding amount of electrons is absorbed. That is, a reduction reaction occurs at the positive electrode. Simultaneously, for charge balance purposes, an ion flow corresponding to the electrode reactions appears within the electrochemical energy storage cell. This ion flow traverses the membrane and is ensured by an electrolyte that guides the ions.

[0004] In a secondary (rechargeable) electrochemical energy storage cell, this discharge reaction is reversible, meaning there is a possibility of reversing the conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy that occurs during discharge.

[0005] The electrochemical energy storage cell commonly used in battery modules is the lithium-ion cell. A lithium-ion cell consists of electrodes that can reversibly absorb and release lithium ions, and an electrolyte containing lithium ions.

[0006] In electrochemical energy storage cells, including lithium-ion cells, different structural forms are known. Besides prismatic shapes, button cells and cylindrical cells are also very common. Not only button cells but also cylindrical cells have a circular base surface. The difference between cylindrical and button cells is that button cells have a height smaller than their diameter, while cylindrical cells have a height larger than their diameter. Prismatic or cylindrical cells are frequently used in battery modules of the types described above. Using cylindrical cells is advantageous for cooling energy storage cells because the cooling medium can circulate in the space between adjacent cylindrical cells.

[0007] Battery modules typically have a cubic housing with a rectangular top and bottom side and four rectangular sidewalls. When assembling battery modules into a battery, it is generally stipulated that the modules be aligned side-by-side to allow for interconnection. However, the correct positioning and orientation of individual battery modules, as well as their alignment and fine-tuning, are usually done manually and are relatively complex and labor-intensive during assembly.

[0008] Battery components that are mechanically connected to each other by form-fitting plug connectors are known from DE 102011075044 A1.

[0009] Coupling-type connecting elements are known from KR 20170051817 A. These connecting elements engage with edge recesses or similar locations of battery modules arranged side-by-side. Each connecting element is secured with two screws.

[0010] A connecting element configured for connecting a battery assembly is known from US 2002 / 0093246 A1. Summary of the Invention

[0011] In contrast, the objective of this invention is to simplify and improve the assembly and bonding of individual battery modules into batteries. Specifically, the assembly of battery modules should be implemented in a way that enables simple and practical operation, and ideally avoids unintentional misassembly.

[0012] This objective is achieved by a battery having the features described below, particularly a preferred embodiment of the battery described below, and by a method for manufacturing such a battery having the features described below, particularly a preferred embodiment of the method. The subject matter of the dependent claims is the preferred design of the battery and the method.

[0013] The battery according to the invention comprises at least two battery modules held together by at least one connecting element. The distinguishing feature of the battery according to the invention is always the following:

[0014] a. The first battery module of the battery has a housing, and the housing has at least one first edge side recess on its outer side.

[0015] b. The second battery module of the battery has a housing, and the housing has at least one second edge side recess on its outer side.

[0016] c. At least one connecting element holding the battery modules together includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediary portion connecting the two ends.

[0017] d. The first end is configured as a retainer and preferably fits into the first edge side recess of the first battery module.

[0018] e. The second end is configured as a retainer and preferably shaped to fit into the second edge side recess of the second battery module.

[0019] By assembling two side-by-side battery modules using one or more connecting elements that engage with corresponding edge recesses on the outer side of the battery module housing and connect the battery modules to each other, it is possible to assemble the batteries in a very simple, accurate, and error-free manner. Furthermore, this method provides battery modules that are precisely adjusted and reliably interconnected within the battery, allowing for the subsequent removal or addition of other battery modules without any problems.

[0020] In the battery according to the invention, connecting elements engage with two side-by-side recesses on the outer sides of the housings of adjacent battery modules, thereby connecting the battery modules to each other. Here, the ends of the connecting elements and the corresponding recesses on the outer sides of the housings of the battery modules engage with each other like a key and a lock. Preferably, the ends of the connecting elements and the recesses on the outer sides of the housings of the side-by-side battery modules are designed to be opposite in direction.

[0021] In this way, two, and preferably more, battery modules can be assembled together. For example, 10 or more, especially 20 or more, such as 25 battery modules, can be stably assembled into a battery in this manner.

[0022] As described at the beginning, the battery module of the battery according to the present invention may include a single energy storage cell or a plurality of interconnected energy storage cells. Preferably, the energy storage cell is a lithium-ion cell.

[0023] Preferably, multiple connecting elements can be provided on each side of the battery module, for example, two connecting elements distributed along the length of that side of the battery module. This allows for a particularly stable connection between the battery modules.

[0024] The outer side of the battery module housing is preferably constructed to be flat, and more preferably has only a notch that does not hinder the handling of the battery module, and especially its retention.

[0025] In a particularly preferred manner, the battery according to the invention is distinguished by the following additional features a. and b.:

[0026] a. The outer sides of the battery module housing with edge recesses are aligned parallel to each other and directly adjacent to each other.

[0027] b. The first edge side recess includes at least one side recess that interacts with the first end configured as a retainer.

[0028] c. The second edge side recess includes at least one side recess that interacts with the second end configured as a retainer.

[0029] d. There are respectively a shape fit between the first battery module and at least one connecting element and between the second battery module and at least one connecting element, which is perpendicular to the outer side of the housing constructed parallel to each other.

[0030] Here, features a to d described above are preferably implemented in combination with each other.

[0031] In the battery according to the invention, the alignment and mechanical parallel connection of the battery module are optimally achieved through a system in which an edge side recess on the outer side of the battery module housing interacts with a connecting element that is correspondingly engaged in the recess.

[0032] The side recesses, in a particularly advantageous manner, allow for a form-fit between the battery module and its corresponding ends. This is especially beneficial when the connecting elements are designed in the opposite direction, thus preventing the connecting elements from slipping out of the edge side recesses of the battery module in the lateral direction. The connecting elements are inserted into the edge side recesses of the battery module and secure the battery modules together.

[0033] In a particularly preferred design of the battery according to the invention, the connecting element is characterized by at least one of the following features:

[0034] a. The sizes of the first end and the second end of the connecting element are different from each other.

[0035] b. The shapes of the first end and the second end of the connecting element (10; 50) are different from each other.

[0036] By employing different designs at both ends of the connecting element, the element can only be inserted into the correspondingly different recesses designed in the opposite direction on the outside of the housings of side-by-side battery modules, in one orientation. This avoids incorrect assembly and fitting of the battery modules. Because the connecting element can only pass through when the two recesses on the outside of the housings of adjacent battery modules are directly side-by-side, it ensures that the battery modules are correctly aligned with each other. For example, this prevents unintentional reverse connection.

[0037] In a particularly preferred manner, the battery according to the invention is distinguished by the following additional features:

[0038] a. The first and / or second ends of the connecting element have a dovetail-shaped cross-section.

[0039] b. The connecting elements are respectively connected to the first and second battery modules via dovetail joints.

[0040] The dovetail joint is a particularly effective form for rigidly and shape-fittingly connecting connecting elements and battery modules.

[0041] In principle, other shapes for the ends of the connecting elements, as well as other shapes in the reverse direction at the recesses on the outside of the battery module housing, are also possible, for example, in the form of side recesses.

[0042] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the battery according to the invention stands out in terms of the design of the connecting elements by the following additional features:

[0043] a. The first and / or second ends of the connecting element are each formed by a surrounding bridging portion.

[0044] The corresponding surrounding bridging portion is preferably implemented not only in the first end of the connecting element but also in the second end of the connecting element.

[0045] In a design of a connecting element having a bridging portion for constructing the ends, a very stable implementation of the connecting element can be achieved. On the other hand, a particular advantage of designing the ends as bridging portions is that a central empty space is thus realized in each end of the connecting element, which provides a particular advantage for other preferred designs of the invention described below.

[0046] Furthermore, in a preferred design, the first and / or second ends of the connecting element may have a recess for inserting an operating device. Using an operating device, such as a hand tool like a screwdriver, the connecting element can be partially pried out by engaging with the recess after battery assembly, and then removed again.

[0047] The blank space can be implemented in a particularly advantageous manner by means of the following additional features:

[0048] a. The first and / or second ends of the connecting element are respectively formed by a bridging portion having an upper side and a lower side, and the void portion is an arched void portion on the lower side of the bridging portion.

[0049] By providing an arched opening on the underside of the bridging portion at the end of the connecting element, insertion feasibility is provided in a particularly simple manner, so that the connecting element can be removed again if necessary after assembly.

[0050] In a particularly preferred design of the battery according to the invention, at least one of the following additional features is provided regarding the connecting element:

[0051] a. Insert a spreading member into the intermediary portion of the connecting element to spread the connecting element, especially the intermediary portion connecting the two ends.

[0052] b. The intermediary portion of the connecting element has a gap in the longitudinal direction of the connecting element.

[0053] Preferably, features a. and b. described above are achieved together. This is achieved by inserting an opening member that opens the intervening portion along the gap. Preferably, this gap penetrates the intervening portion along its entire length, thus preferably, the gap leads into a central void at the end, preferably formed by a circumferential bridging portion at the end.

[0054] By inserting the opening member and thus opening the connecting element, the connecting element is subsequently secured in a particularly stable and reliable manner after it is inserted into the recess of the battery module, thereby enabling the assembled battery modules to achieve exceptional stability in their positions relative to each other. Through the opening, the connecting element is held in its position with exceptional reliability and can no longer fall out.

[0055] Particularly advantageously, the opening element used to open the connecting element is a screw, especially a self-tapping countersunk screw, which, after the connecting element is inserted, can be screwed into the intercalation portion of the connecting element by means of a threaded attachment correspondingly provided in the intercalation portion. A particular advantage of the countersunk screw is that, in order to eliminate the opening of the connecting element and thus remove it again, the countersunk screw can undoubtedly be removed again as needed using the assistance of a simple screwdriver. An alternative to the opening element is, for example, a tapered pin that can be inserted accordingly.

[0056] In particular, in conjunction with the expandability of the connecting elements, the battery according to the invention is preferably distinguished by at least one of the following additional features in terms of the corresponding design of the recess in the battery module:

[0057] a. The first edge recess of the first battery module and / or the second edge recess of the second battery module each have a sidewall and a bottom.

[0058] b. The bottom of the first edge side recess and / or the second edge side recess includes a raised portion spaced apart from the sidewall.

[0059] c. The raised portion is configured to preferably engage in a form-fitting manner with the first end and / or the second end of the connecting element.

[0060] Particularly preferably, features a to c described above are implemented in combination.

[0061] Preferably, not only the recess of the first battery module but also the recess of the adjacent second battery module are provided with raised portions spaced apart from the sidewalls and configured to preferably be shaped fit into their respective ends.

[0062] This particularly advantageous design is based on the fact that the opening of the aforementioned connecting element is preferably accompanied by the shortening of the connecting element, because the opening tightens the end of the connecting element. Since the connecting elements are respectively shaped to fit the first and second battery modules, the battery modules are also tightened as a result. In this design of the battery module, the side-by-side battery modules are to some extent tightened together by the opening of the connecting elements, thereby improving the stability of the assembled battery modules.

[0063] Particularly advantageously, the connecting elements can be made of plastic. A particular advantage of plastic is that the required stability and bending strength for the connecting elements can be guaranteed without problems. Furthermore, plastic is readily available at a very reasonable cost and is easy to handle. Additionally, plastic is lightweight, meaning that connecting elements made of plastic do not significantly affect the overall weight of the resulting battery.

[0064] Furthermore, plastic has the advantage of providing the necessary flexibility for connecting elements, for example, in terms of opening. Additionally, self-tapping countersunk screws can be inserted into connecting elements made of plastic without any problems, because the plastic material is soft enough.

[0065] Different, commonly used types of plastics are suitable as plastics for connecting elements. For example, polycarbonate can be used. Polycarbonate / acetonitrile butadiene styrene (PC / ABS) is particularly suitable because this mixture of polycarbonate and acetonitrile butadiene styrene combines excellent material processability on the one hand and outstanding mechanical properties on the other.

[0066] Of particular advantage, the corresponding connecting elements can be injection molded from plastic. As a very common manufacturing method, injection molding achieves the desired connecting element shape in a very cost-effective and compatible manner. Furthermore, such injection molded parts can undoubtedly be mass-produced.

[0067] Of particular advantage, the battery module casing can also be made of plastic. The advantages of using plastic as a material for the battery module casing are its light weight, excellent processability, flexible design possibilities, and electrical insulating properties.

[0068] Furthermore, the present invention includes the connecting element for connecting a battery module as described above, and a battery module having an edge-side recess with at least one end designed in the opposite direction for engaging the corresponding connecting element, as described above. Preferred features and related advantages of the connecting element and battery module are described above.

[0069] Finally, the present invention also includes a method for manufacturing a battery comprising at least two battery modules. This method is characterized by the following steps:

[0070] a. A first battery module is provided, the first battery module having a housing, the housing having at least one first edge side recess on the outer side of the housing.

[0071] b. A second battery module is provided, the second battery module having a housing, the housing having at least one second edge-side recess on its outer side.

[0072] c. Provide at least one connecting element having a first end and a second end and an intermediary portion connecting the two ends.

[0073] d. The first and second battery modules are aligned such that the outer sides of the housings of the battery modules with edge side recesses are aligned parallel to each other, and the first edge side recesses of the first battery module and the second edge side recesses of the second battery module are arranged side by side.

[0074] e. The connecting element is inserted into the side-by-side edge recesses of the first and second battery modules such that the first end of the connecting element engages in the first edge recess of the first battery module, and the second end of the connecting element engages in the second edge recess of the second battery module.

[0075] In a particularly preferred manner, the method is further distinguished by the following additional steps:

[0076] a. After inserting the connecting element into the side recesses of the battery module, insert the opening member into the middle part of the connecting element to open the connecting element.

[0077] Regarding other features of the method, particularly the design of the connecting elements and the corresponding recesses of the battery module, refer to the embodiments described above and the advantages associated therewith.

[0078] By means of the method according to the invention, two or more battery modules can be reliably, stably and correctly assembled into a battery in a particularly simple manner.

[0079] In particular, by using specially designed different shapes and / or sizes of the ends of the connecting elements, it is ensured that the battery module cannot be reversed. This situation can only be avoided by using the connecting elements in the correct position.

[0080] In summary, the method according to the invention achieves correct alignment and mechanical parallel connection during battery module assembly, as well as automatic fine-tuning, eliminating the need for subsequent manual alignment of the battery modules. Furthermore, the pliability of the preferably configured connecting elements and the resulting tension of the side-by-side battery modules ensures the assembled battery modules are taut and, consequently, exhibit particularly good stability.

[0081] Another particular advantage of the method according to the invention is that the one or more connecting elements can be subsequently removed again, making it possible to replace a single battery module or, if necessary, all battery modules.

[0082] Depending on the size of the battery module to be assembled or the size of the battery, the dimensions of the connecting element and the corresponding recess in the outer shell of the battery module can also be adjusted. For battery modules typically having dimensions of, for example, 255*170*195 (length*width*height, each in mm) or 329*80*226 (length*width*height, each in mm), a connecting element with a length of approximately 1 to 5 cm, preferably between 2 and 3 cm, and a width of, for example, between 0.5 and 1.5 cm can be provided. Here, in the intervening portion, the width of the connecting element is preferably between 8 and 10 mm, and at the end of the end, the width is preferably between 12 and 15 mm. As explained, it is particularly advantageous here that the two ends of the connecting element differ from each other in their size and / or shape. For example, one end may have a width between 12 and 13 mm, and the opposite end of the other end may have a width of, for example, between 14 and 15 mm. The corresponding recesses on the outer side of the battery module housing are designed to be opposite in principle, wherein a certain gap can be set in the dimensions to simplify the insertion of connecting elements into the recesses.

[0083] Other features and advantages of the invention are derived from the embodiments described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Here, individual features may be implemented individually or in combination with each other. Attached Figure Description

[0084] In the diagram:

[0085] Figure 1 An isometric oblique view, viewed from above, of a first preferred embodiment of the connecting element according to the invention;

[0086] Figure 2 Showing a look Figure 1 Top view of the connecting elements in the diagram;

[0087] Figure 3 Showing a view from below Figure 1 An isometric tilted view of the connecting elements in the diagram;

[0088] Figure 4 A partial, oblique top view of the battery module housing, showing the connecting elements according to the invention installed;

[0089] Figure 5 An oblique top view is shown, taken from above, of three battery modules assembled into a battery using connecting elements according to the invention.

[0090] Figure 6 A top view is shown looking at two side-by-side recesses on the outer sides of the housings of two adjacent battery modules; and

[0091] Figure 7 A top view is shown looking at two side-by-side recesses on the outside of the housings of two adjacent battery modules, in which connecting elements according to the invention are inserted. Detailed Implementation

[0092] Figure 1 A first embodiment of the connecting element 10 is shown, which is configured to connect two side-by-side battery modules for constructing a battery according to the invention. The connecting element 10 includes a first end 11, a second end 12, and an intervening portion 13 located therebetween. Ends 11 and 12 have dovetail-shaped cross-sections, wherein the first end 11 is slightly larger than the second end 12 in width at its end. The first end 11 and the second end 12 are respectively formed by surrounding bridging portions 21 and 22, wherein the bridging portions 21 and 22 define centrally centered voids 23 and 24 in ends 11 and 12, respectively.

[0093] The intervening portion 13 has a central, tapered recess 25 with an extended portion having internal threads. The recess 25 is configured for inserting a self-tapping countersunk screw (not shown). For this purpose, (in accordance with...) Figure 1(Regardless of the specific implementation) the notch may also include internal threads if necessary. In addition, a center gap 26 is provided in the longitudinal direction of the intervening portion 13, which facilitates the opening of the connecting element 10 in width when a countersunk screw or similar opening is inserted.

[0094] Figure 2 Shown in top view Figure 1 The connecting element 10 is shown in the figure. It can be seen that the width of this dovetail-shaped end 11 is greater than that of the opposite end 12. This different design of ends 11 and 12 ensures the correct positioning of the battery module during assembly, because the correspondingly reversed design of the recess in the outer side of the battery module housing achieves only one orientation of the battery module, as the connecting element 10 can only pass through when the battery module is correctly positioned.

[0095] Figure 3 Shown at an angle from above. Figure 1 The connecting element 10 is located in the battery module housing. Arched openings 27 and 28 are provided on the lower side visible at the bridging portions 21 and 22 forming ends 11 and 12, respectively. After battery assembly, with the connecting element 10 inserted, an operating device, such as a screwdriver, can be attached to these openings. Using this operating device, the connecting element 10 can be pried out to some extent from the corresponding recess in the battery module housing to loosen the connection.

[0096] Figure 4 The upper side of the battery module 100 is shown in partial view. The battery module has two edge-side recesses 101 and 102 on opposite sides of the housing at the upper side of the battery module 100. The recesses 101 and 102 are designed in the opposite direction to the ends of the connecting elements 10, so that the ends of the two connecting elements 10 (only one connecting element 10 is shown here) can engage in the edge-side recesses 101 and 102, thereby forming a shape-fitting retainer for connecting the side-by-side battery modules 100.

[0097] exist Figure 4 The image also shows a countersunk screw 30 and its head, which is screwed into the tapered recess 25 of the intercalation portion 13 of the connecting element 10. By countersunk the screw 30 into the connecting element 10, the sides forming the outer edge of the intercalation portion 13 are pressed apart or, more precisely, opened up, so that the connecting element 10 is anchored particularly firmly and stably in the corresponding recess on the outer side of the housing of the battery module 10, thereby achieving a particularly stable connection of the side-by-side battery modules 100.

[0098] Figure 5Three battery modules 100 arranged side by side are shown, held together by means of connecting elements 100 according to the invention. Two connecting elements 10 are provided on each longitudinal side of the battery modules 100. Here, the outer casings of the battery modules are parallel to each other and directly abutting each other, wherein the two connecting elements 10 configured to connect two battery modules 100 to each other are engaged in corresponding recesses 101 and 102 on the outer casings of the battery modules 100. The battery modules 100 connected or held together at this time form a battery 500 according to the invention.

[0099] Figure 6 A top view is shown of the edge side recess in the outer side of the housing of two battery modules 200 and 300 arranged side by side. Figure 7 Battery modules 200 and 300 with inserted connecting elements 10 are shown. The protrusions of the edge recesses 201 and 302 are particularly notable for the presence of raised portions 203 and 304, respectively, which in their shape mate with bridging portions 21 and 22 that form the ends 11 and 12 of the connecting elements 10 and define the central cavities within the ends 11 and 12, respectively. Thus, raised portions 203 and 304 can engage into the corresponding cavities of the connecting elements 10. When the lateral sides of the intervening portion 13 of the connecting element 10 are pressed apart by inserting a spreader, particularly a screw, into the intervening portion 13, thereby shortening the connecting element 10, the raised portions 203 and 304 form anchoring portions for the ends 11 and 12 of the connecting element 10. This shortening of the connecting element 10 further pulls the modules 200 and 300 towards each other. This results in further stability and optimal alignment of the side-by-side battery modules 200 and 300.

[0100] The height of the raised portions 203 and 304 in the recesses 201 and 302 is preferably matched with the height of the connecting element 10, so that in the assembled state, the upper side of the connecting element 10 is almost on the same plane as the upper side of the raised portions 203 and 304.

Claims

1. A battery (500) comprising at least two battery modules (100; 200; 300) held together by at least one connecting element (10; 50), wherein, The battery is characterized in that: a. The first battery module (100; 200) has a housing, the housing having at least one first edge side recess (101, 102) on the outer side of the housing; 201）， b. The second battery module (100; 300) has a housing having at least one second edge-side recess (101, 102; 302) on the outer side of the housing. c. At least one connecting element (10; 50) holding the battery modules together includes a first end (11; 51) and a second end (12; 52) and an intermediary portion (13; 53) connecting the two ends. d. The first end portion (11; 51) is configured as a retainer and is form-fitted into the first edge-side recess (101, 102; 201) of the first battery module. e. The second end portion (12; 52) is configured as a retainer and forms a form-fitting engagement with the second edge-side recess (101, 102; 302) of the second battery module. f. Insert an opening member for opening the connecting element into the intercalary portion (13; 53) of the connecting element (10; 50). The opening of the intervening portion causes the connecting element to shorten, thereby allowing the battery modules to be pre-tightened to each other through the connecting element.

2. The battery according to claim 1, wherein an opening member for opening the intervening portion (13; 53) connecting the two ends is inserted into the intervening portion (13; 53) of the connecting element (10; 50).

3. The battery according to claim 2, wherein the battery has at least one of the following additional features: a. The outer sides of the housings of the battery modules (100; 200; 300), having edge-side recesses (101, 102; 201, 302), are aligned parallel to each other and directly adjacent to each other. b. The first edge-side recess (101, 102; 201) includes at least one side recess that interacts with the first end portion (11; 51) configured as a retainer. c. The second edge side recess (101, 102; 302) includes at least one side recess that interacts with the second end portion (12; 52) configured as a retainer. d. There is a shape fit between the first battery module (100; 200) and the at least one connecting element (10; 50) and between the second battery module (100; 300) and the at least one connecting element (10; 50), which is perpendicular to the outer side of the housing constructed parallel to each other.

4. The battery according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the battery has at least one of the following additional features: a. The sizes of the first end (11; 51) and the second end (12; 52) of the connecting element (10; 50) are different from each other. b. The shape of the first end (11; 51) of the connecting element (10; 50) and the shape of the second end (12; 52) of the connecting element are different from each other.

5. The battery according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the battery has the following additional features: a. The first end (11; 51) and / or the second end (12; 52) of the connecting element (10; 50) has a dovetail-shaped cross-section. b. The connecting elements (10; 50) are connected to the first battery module and the second battery module (100; 200; 300) respectively via dovetail joints.

6. The battery according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the battery has the following additional features: a. A bridging portion (21, 22, 54, 55) is formed around the first end (11, 51) and / or the second end (12, 52) of the connecting element (10; 50).

7. The battery according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the battery has the following additional features: a. The first end (11) and / or the second end (12) of the connecting element (10) have a gap (27, 28) for inserting the operating device.

8. The battery according to claim 7, wherein the battery has the following additional features: a. The first end (11) and / or the second end (12) of the connecting element (10) are each formed with a bridging portion (21, 22) having an upper side and a lower side, and the empty portion is an arched empty portion (27, 28) on the lower side of the bridging portion.

9. The battery according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the battery has the following additional features: a. The intervening portion (13; 53) of the connecting element (10; 50) has a gap (26; 57) in the longitudinal direction of the connecting element.

10. The battery according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the battery has the following additional features: a. The opening element is a screw. b. The opening element is a tapered pin.

11. The battery according to claim 10, wherein, The opening element is a self-tapping countersunk screw (30).

12. The battery according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the battery has at least one of the following additional features: a. The first edge side recess (201) of the first battery module (200) and / or the second edge side recess (302) of the second battery module (300) each have a sidewall and a bottom. b. The bottom of the first edge side recess (201) and / or the second edge side recess (302) includes raised portions (203, 304) spaced apart from the sidewall. c. The raised portion (203, 304) is configured to engage in a form-fitting manner with the first end (51) and / or the second end (52) of the connecting element (50).

13. The battery according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the battery has at least one of the following additional features: a. The connecting elements (10; 50) are made of plastic. b. The connecting elements (10; 50) are injection molded parts.

14. A method for manufacturing a battery (500) comprising at least two battery modules (100; 200; 300), the method comprising the following steps: a. Provide a first battery module (100; 200), the first battery module having a housing, the housing having at least one first edge side recess (101, 102; 201) on the outer side of the housing. b. Provide a second battery module (100; 300) having a housing having at least one second edge-side recess (101, 102; 302) on the outer side of the housing. c. Provide at least one connecting element (10; 50), said at least one connecting element having a first end (11; 51) and a second end (12; 52) and an intermediary portion (13; 53) connecting said two ends. d. Align the first battery module (100; 200) and the second battery module (100; 300) such that the outer sides of the housings of the battery modules with edge side recesses are aligned parallel to each other, and the first edge side recesses of the first battery module and the second edge side recesses of the second battery module are arranged side by side. e. The connecting element is inserted into the side-by-side edge recesses of the first battery module and the second battery module such that a first end of the connecting element engages in a first edge recess of the first battery module, and a second end of the connecting element engages in a second edge recess of the second battery module. f. After inserting the connecting element (10; 50) into the side-by-side edge recesses (101, 102; 201, 302) of the battery module (100; 200; 300), the opening member (30) is inserted into the intercalary portion (13; 53) of the connecting element to open the connecting element. in, The opening of the intervening portion causes the connecting element to shorten, thereby allowing the battery modules to be pre-tightened to each other through the connecting element.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the method has the following additional features: a. The battery module (100; 200; 300) and / or the connecting element (10; 50) provided in the method have at least one of the features described in claims 2 to 13.

Images