Battery cell assembly and battery cell for an electric vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery cell assembly (16, 18, 20) for a battery unit (10) of an electric vehicle. The battery cell assembly (16, 18, 20) comprises a plurality of battery cells (22). The battery cells (22) are arranged in two rows (30, 32). All battery cells (22) are electrically connected in series. Furthermore, an electromagnetic compensation conductor (42) is provided, which is arranged such that the electromagnetic compensation conductor (42) bypasses at least a first subgroup of battery cells (22). Alternatively or additionally, at least one inter-row electrical connector (44) is provided, which electrically connects one of the poles (28) of one of the battery cells (22) of a first row (30, 32) to one of the poles (28) of one of the battery cells (22) of a second row (30, 32), and the connection direction of the inter-row connector (44) is inclined with respect to the arrangement direction (30a, 32a). Furthermore, a battery unit (10) for an electric vehicle is provided, which comprises at least one battery cell assembly (16, 18, 20).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery cell assembly for a battery unit of an electric vehicle.

[0002] Further, the present disclosure aims at a battery unit for an electric vehicle comprising at least one such battery cell assembly. BACKGROUND

[0003] When propelling an electric vehicle using such a battery cell assembly and battery unit, i.e. if the battery is a traction battery, it is required that a large current is provided by the battery cell assembly.

[0004] These currents generate a magnetic field around the battery cell assembly which is generally not desired. This is especially true in or near the passenger compartment. SUMMARY

[0005] Hence, the problem to be solved by the present disclosure at least comprises reducing such a magnetic field.

[0006] The subject matter of the present disclosure at least partly solves or mitigates this problem.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a battery cell assembly for a battery unit of an electric vehicle is provided. The battery cell assembly comprises a plurality of battery cells. Each battery cell has a battery cell body which is delimited by end surfaces on which two poles of the respective battery cell are located. The battery cells are arranged in two rows having parallel arrangement directions, and all battery cells are oriented such that all end surfaces are oriented towards the same side and such that all battery cell widths extending between the poles of the respective battery cell are oriented substantially perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the respective row. Further, all battery cells are electrically connected in series. In a first alternative, an electromagnetic compensation conductor is arranged adjacent to the end surfaces such that the electromagnetic compensation conductor bypasses at least a first subgroup of battery cells. In a second alternative, at least one inter-row electrical connector is provided which electrically connects one of the poles of one of the battery cells of a first row of the two rows to one of the poles of one of the battery cells of a second row of the two rows. The connection direction of the inter-row connector is oblique with respect to the arrangement direction. It is to be understood that the first alternative and the second alternative are not mutually exclusive. In other words, the first alternative and the second alternative can be combined.

[0008] Herein, it is to be understood that the arrangement of the battery cells always refers to their mechanical arrangement. The same applies to the orientation. Further, the designation of this subgroup as the "first" subgroup is merely for ease of explanation and does not imply the actual number of subgroups.

[0009] The fact that the connection direction is oblique means that it is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the arrangement direction. Such a connection direction can also be designated as diagonal connection, even though it does not have to be exactly diagonal.

[0010] In a configuration according to the first alternative, the current flows through the electromagnetic compensation conductor and through the series connected battery cells. However, at least in some areas, the current in the electromagnetic compensation conductor flows in an opposite direction compared to the series connected battery cells. Thus, the electromagnetic compensation conductor has a counteracting effect on the magnetic field generated by the series connected battery cells. In other words, the size of the magnetic field around the battery cell assembly is reduced by the electromagnetic compensation conductor.

[0011] In the second alternative, the inter-row connectors with the oblique connection direction enable a situation in which the battery cells can be connected in series, thereby avoiding conductor loops with a large area. A reference for evaluating the size of such conductor loops is the size of the battery cell assembly. In other words, due to the inter-row connectors with the oblique connection direction, the battery cells can be connected in series and the current flowing through the loop only generates conductor loops with a relatively small area. It is known that the area of a conductor loop has a direct influence on the size of the magnetic field. Thus, the size of the magnetic field is also reduced in this alternative. Furthermore, the oblique connection direction provides the possibility to generate small-area conductor loops with opposite current directions. Thus, from a magnetic point of view, the series connected conductor loops cancel each other out or at least provide a further reduction of the magnetic field around the battery cell assembly.

[0012] It is worth noting that none of the above alternatives affect the performance of the battery cell assembly. This means that the magnetic field around the battery cell assembly is reduced, but the performance is not weakened.

[0013] In one example, the rows of battery cells can have the same length. This is advantageous from a packaging point of view. In other words, such a battery cell assembly can effectively use the space provided for its installation.

[0014] In one example, the electromagnetic compensation conductor can be formed by a so-called bus bar. Such a conductor design is simple and reliable in operation.

[0015] The battery cell assembly of the present disclosure can be used to power one phase of a traction motor. To power a two-phase traction motor, twice the battery cell assembly of the present disclosure can be used. To power a three-phase traction motor, three times the battery cell assembly of the present disclosure can be used, and so on.

[0016] In one example, the electromagnetic compensation conductor bypasses all battery cells. This can be the case if the battery cell assembly is viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the end surfaces of the battery cells. In such a configuration, the electromagnetic compensation conductor provides a relatively high counteracting or cancelling effect.

[0017] In one example, the electromagnetic compensation conductor follows a current path through the center of the cell row. This path through the center of the cell row can also be referred to as the path of the average net current through all the cells. If the electromagnetic compensation conductor follows this path, the current through the electromagnetic compensation conductor is mapped onto the current flowing through the cells. As a result, a high performance compensation effect is created.

[0018] In one example, the direction of the current of the electromagnetic compensation conductor is opposite to the direction of the average net current flowing through the series connected cells. Notably, the direction of the current of the electromagnetic compensation conductor can be chosen by the way the electromagnetic compensation conductor is connected to the positive and negative poles of the cell assembly or the battery cell comprising the cell assembly. The opposite direction also leads to a reliable compensation effect.

[0019] In one example, the cell assembly can comprise at least one pair of cells arranged next to each other in the same row. A first inter-row electrical connector can be connected to one of the poles of one cell forming the pair, and a second inter-row electrical connector can be connected to an adjacent one of the poles of the other cell forming the pair, the first and second inter-row electrical connectors crossing each other. The above-mentioned poles can be positive or negative. It is to be understood that the first and second inter-row electrical connectors cross each other but are not electrically connected. This configuration further facilitates the formation of the series connection of the cells, wherein only small area conductor loops with ideally opposite signed current directions are generated, so that the magnetic fields generated by the conductor loops cancel each other out or at least partially compensate each other.

[0020] In one example, the cell assembly comprises at least one second subgroup of adjacent cells arranged in the same row. At least one of the poles of the second subgroup arranged at one end thereof along the arrangement direction is electrically connected to an inter-row connector. This configuration facilitates the generation of small area conductor loops when connecting the cells in series. As mentioned before, the designation of this subgroup as a “second” subgroup is merely for ease of explanation. This does not imply a number of subgroups. Furthermore, the second subgroup is typically independent of the first subgroup. However, the first and second subgroup can overlap.

[0021] In one example, two of the poles of the second subgroup arranged at opposite ends thereof along the arrangement direction are electrically connected to respective inter-row connectors. This configuration further facilitates the generation of small area conductor loops when connecting the cells in series. Furthermore, following this arrangement, the conductor loops can be arranged such that the resulting magnetic fields have opposite directions.

[0022] In one example, the second subgroup comprises an even number of cells. The second subgroup comprises, for example, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 cells. Thus, the generation of small area conductor loops and magnetic fields with opposite directions is further facilitated.

[0023] In one example, the battery cell assembly comprises at least one third subgroup of at least three adjacent battery cells arranged in the same row. An inter-row electrical connector connects two poles of the third subgroup arranged at their respective ends along the arrangement direction, while bypassing the remaining battery cells of the third subgroup. Again, the subgroup is designated as a “third” subgroup for ease of explanation. As previously explained, the number of subgroups is not implied. The inter-row connector can bypass or skip one battery cell of the third subgroup, which fact makes it possible to generate small-area conductor loops when connecting the battery cells in series. As previously explained, the third subgroup is typically independent of the first and second subgroups. However, the third subgroup can at least partly overlap with the first and / or second subgroup.

[0024] In one example, the inter-row connector is oriented substantially parallel to the arrangement direction. It should be understood that the battery cells to be connected with the inter-row connector are oriented such that poles of opposite polarity are connected. Thus, the inter-row connector covers the shortest distance between the poles of the battery cells to be connected therewith. This is efficient from several perspectives. First, the material used for the inter-row connector is used efficiently. Second, the inter-row connector occupies a relatively small space.

[0025] In one example, the third subgroup comprises three battery cells. Thus, small-area conductor loops can be generated.

[0026] In one example, each battery cell comprises a battery cell level control unit. Thus, individual battery cells can be controlled at battery cell level. Battery cell level properties and circumstances, such as aging or thermal conditions, can be taken into account. This allows efficient control of the battery cells and the battery cell assembly. Such battery cells can be referred to as smart battery cells.

[0027] In one example, the battery cell level control unit comprises at least one of a battery cell level inverter and a battery cell level DC-DC converter. If a battery cell level inverter is used, there is also alternating current (AC) in the battery cell assembly that causes generation of magnetic fields.

[0028] It is worth noting that the battery cell level control unit can be connected to an individual battery cell or a group of battery cells.

[0029] According to a second aspect, a battery unit for an electric vehicle is provided. The battery unit comprises at least one battery cell assembly according to the present disclosure, wherein the first electrically conductive ends of the battery cells connected in series are electrically connected to a first connection terminal of the battery unit, and the second electrically conductive ends of the battery cells connected in series are electrically connected to a second connection terminal of the battery unit. As already explained before, such a battery unit can be used as an energy source to propel an electric vehicle. Due to the properties of the battery cell assembly as explained above, the magnetic field magnitude around the battery unit is low.

[0030] In one example, the battery cell includes at least two battery cell components according to this disclosure. A first conductive terminal of a cell in a first battery cell component is electrically connected to a first connection terminal of the battery cell, and a second conductive terminal of the first battery cell component is electrically connected to a second connection terminal of the battery cell. A first conductive terminal of a cell in a second battery cell component is electrically connected to a third connection terminal of the battery cell, and a second conductive terminal of the second battery cell component is electrically connected to a fourth connection terminal of the battery cell. Such a battery cell can, for example, be used to power a two-phase motor, wherein one phase of the motor is connected to the first and second connection terminals of the battery cell, and the second phase of the motor is connected to the third and fourth connection terminals of the battery cell.

[0031] Of course, the battery cell may also include three battery components according to this disclosure, and the three battery components are connected to a three-phase motor.

[0032] If the battery cell includes a battery cell-level control unit with a battery cell-level inverter, the motor can be directly connected to the connection terminals of the battery cell.

[0033] If the battery cell does not include a battery cell-level inverter, the connection terminals of the battery cell can be connected to the inverter unit. The motor used to propel the vehicle can also be connected to the inverter unit.

[0034] It is worth noting that the examples above can be combined with each other, regardless of the aspects involved. Attached Figure Description

[0035] These and other aspects of this disclosure will become apparent and clarified with reference to the examples described below.

[0036] Examples of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 A battery cell according to this disclosure, including a battery element assembly according to a first example, is shown.

[0038] Figure 2 A battery cell according to this disclosure, including a battery element assembly according to a second example, is shown.

[0039] Figure 3 A battery cell according to this disclosure, including a battery element assembly according to a third example, is shown.

[0040] Figure 4 The present disclosure shows a battery cell including a battery component according to the fourth example, and

[0041] Figure 5 Shown in Figures 1 to 4Examples of battery cells used in the battery cell assemblies of the battery unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The figures are merely schematic and are only intended for the explanation of the examples of the disclosure. Identical or equivalent elements have in principle the same reference signs.

[0043] Figure 1 A battery unit 10 for an electric vehicle is shown.

[0044] The battery unit 10 is configured for powering a three-phase electric machine. It comprises a first connection terminal 12a, a second connection terminal 14a, a third connection terminal 12b, a fourth connection terminal 14b, a fifth connection terminal 12c and a sixth connection terminal 14c. In the present example, the first, third and fifth connection terminals 12a, 12b, 12c are positive connection terminals and the second, fourth and sixth connection terminals 14a, 14b, 14c are negative connection terminals.

[0045] The connection terminals 12a, 14a are configured to be electrically connected to a first phase of the electric machine.

[0046] The connection terminals 12b, 14b are configured to be electrically connected to a second phase of the electric machine.

[0047] The connection terminals 12c, 14c are configured to be electrically connected to a third phase of the electric machine.

[0048] The battery unit 10 comprises three battery cell assemblies 16, 18, 20.

[0049] Each battery cell assembly 16, 18, 20 comprises a plurality of battery cells, which are generally indicated by reference sign 22 for all battery cell assemblies.

[0050] In the example shown in the figures, each battery cell assembly 16, 18, 20 comprises a total of 16 battery cells 22, but this is merely illustrative.

[0051] Each battery cell has a battery cell body 24, which is delimited by an end surface 26, on which two poles 28, i.e. a positive pole and a negative pole, are located. The positive pole is marked with “+” and the negative pole is marked with “-” in the figures.

[0052] It is worth noting that, for better visibility, only some of the battery cells 22, battery cell bodies 24, end surfaces 26 and poles 28 are indicated by reference signs.

[0053] The battery cells 22 of each battery cell assembly 16, 18, 20 are arranged in two rows 30, 32 having a parallel alignment direction 30a, 32a.

[0054] Furthermore, all of the cell elements 22 in each cell element assembly 16, 18, 20 are oriented such that all of the end surfaces 26 face the same side and such that all of the cell element width directions 34 extending between the poles 28 of the individual cell elements 22 are oriented substantially perpendicular to the arrangement direction 30a, 32a of the respective row 30, 32.

[0055] Furthermore, all of the cell elements 22 of one cell element assembly 16, 18, 20 are electrically connected in series. The first electrically conductive ends of the series-connected cell elements 22 of the cell element assembly 16 are electrically connected with the first connection terminal 12a and the second electrically conductive ends of these cell elements 22 are electrically connected with the second connection terminal 14a of the battery unit 10. The first electrically conductive ends of the series-connected cell elements 22 of the cell element assembly 18 are electrically connected with the third connection terminal 12b and the second electrically conductive ends of these cell elements 22 are electrically connected with the fourth connection terminal 14b of the battery unit 10. The first electrically conductive ends of the series-connected cell elements 22 of the cell element assembly 20 are electrically connected with the fifth connection terminal 12c and the second electrically conductive ends of these cell elements 22 are electrically connected with the sixth connection terminal 14c of the battery unit 10.

[0056] To this end, first type connectors 36 are used to electrically connect the poles 28 of adjacent cell elements 22. For better visibility, only some of the first type connectors 36 are provided with reference numerals in the figures.

[0057] The first type connectors 36 extend substantially parallel to the arrangement direction 30a, 32a.

[0058] The cell elements 22 located at the first ends of the rows 30, 32 adjacent to the connection terminals 12a, 12b, 12c, 14a, 14b, 14c of the battery unit 10 are electrically connected to the respective connection terminals 12a, 12b, 12c, 14a, 14b, 14c by second type connectors 38, respectively.

[0059] At the second ends of the rows 30, 32 opposite to the connection terminals 12a, 12b, 12c, 14a, 14b, 14c, the poles 28 of adjacent cell elements 22, i.e. the last cell element 22 in the row 30 and the last cell element 22 in the row 32, are connected by third type connectors 40. This connector can also be referred to as an end of row connector.

[0060] Thus, in the example of Fig. 1, the current flows through the rows 30, 32 of each cell element assembly 16, 18, 20 in a zigzag pattern. Figure 1

[0061] This current can generate an undesired magnetic field.

[0062] ​To reduce the size of such magnetic fields or to completely compensate the magnetic fields, each battery cell assembly 16, 18, 20 comprises an electromagnetic compensation conductor 42 which is arranged adjacent to the end surface 26 such that the electromagnetic compensation conductor 42 passes by all battery cells 22 of the respective battery cell assembly.

[0063] It is noted that the electromagnetic compensation conductor 42 can also pass by only the battery cells 22 of the first subgroup G1, i.e. not by all battery cells. In this case a compensation effect is provided as well.

[0064] The electromagnetic compensation conductor 42 follows a current path through the center of the respective battery cell row 30, 32.

[0065] It is noted that the electromagnetic compensation conductor 42 is not connected to any of the poles 28. Further, it is noted that the electromagnetic compensation conductor 42 is indicated by a dashed line only for illustration purposes. Of course, the electromagnetic compensation conductor 42 is a continuous piece.

[0066] The direction of the current through the electromagnetic compensation conductor 42 is opposite to the direction of the averaged net current through the series connected battery cells 22.

[0067] Hence, the current through the electromagnetic compensation conductor 42 generates a magnetic field which is oriented such that it at least partially compensates the magnetic field generated by the electrical series connection of the battery cells 22.

[0068] Each battery assembly 16, 18, 20 is configured to supply one of a plurality of phases of an electric machine.

[0069] In this context, a battery cell 22 can comprise a battery cell level control unit 22a with a battery cell level inverter 22b (see Fig. 2). In this case, an alternating current (AC) can be provided at the connection terminals 12a, 12b, 12c, 14a, 14b, 14c and the electric machine can be directly electrically connected therewith. It is noted that in this case the poles 28 marked with "+" are not strictly positive poles and the poles 28 marked with "-" are not strictly negative poles. Figure 5 ). In this case, an alternating current (AC) can be provided at the connection terminals 12a, 12b, 12c, 14a, 14b, 14c and the electric machine can be directly electrically connected therewith. It is noted that in this case the poles 28 marked with "+" are not strictly positive poles and the poles 28 marked with "-" are not strictly negative poles.

[0070] Alternatively, a battery cell 22 does not comprise such a battery cell level control unit. In this case, the connection terminals 12a, 12b, 12c, 14a, 14b, 14c can be connected to respective input terminals of an inverter unit and an output terminal of the inverter unit can be connected to the electric machine.

[0071] Figure 2 A battery unit 10 is shown which comprises three battery cell assemblies 16, 18, 20 according to a second example.

[0072] In the following, only the differences with respect to the example of Figure 1

[0073] In addition to the first type connectors 36, the second type connectors 38 and the third type connectors 40 described above, the example of Figure 2 uses several electric inter-row connectors 44, which can also be referred to as fourth type connectors.

[0074] For better visibility, only some of the electric inter-row connectors 44 are provided with reference numerals.

[0075] Each electric inter-row connector 44 electrically connects one of the poles 28 of one of the battery cells 22 of the row 30 to one of the poles 28 of one of the battery cells 22 of the row 32.

[0076] The connection directions 44a, 44b of the electric inter-row connectors 44 are inclined with respect to the arrangement directions 30a, 32a. This means that the connection directions are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the arrangement directions 30a, 32a.

[0077] Furthermore, in the example of Figure 2 in each row 30, 32 pairs P of battery cells 22 can be found which are arranged next to each other.

[0078] In these pairs P, one electric inter-row connector 44 is connected to one of the poles 28 of one of the battery cells 22 forming the pair P and another electric inter-row connector 44 is connected to the adjacent one of the poles 28 of the other battery cell 22 forming the pair P. These electric inter-row connectors 44 cross each other.

[0079] The pairs P of battery cells 22 are connected to each other via the first type connectors 36.

[0080] It is noted that the electric inter-row connectors 44 crossing each other are not electrically connected.

[0081] The pairs P of battery cells 22 can also be designated as second subgroups G2 in the present example, wherein along the respective arrangement direction 30a, 32a, two poles 28 of the second subgroup G2 which are arranged opposite each other along the arrangement direction 30a, 32a are electrically connected to a respective electric inter-row connector 44.

[0082] In the present example, the second subgroup G2 comprises an even number of battery cells 22.

[0083] According to the example of Figure 2 ​The configuration of the battery cell assemblies 16, 18, 20 has the effect that, in comparison with battery cell assemblies 16, 18, 20 of a general size, small current loops are generated. Moreover, these current loops have an opposite orientation.

[0084] To illustrate the effect, Figure 2 Two exemplary current loops LI and L2 are shown in

[0085] Figure 3 A battery cell 10 is shown which comprises three battery cell assemblies 16, 18, 20 according to a third example. The third example is Figure 2 a variation of the second example shown.

[0086] In the following, only the differences with respect to the Figure 1 and Figure 2 example will be explained.

[0087] The first difference with respect to the example shown in Figure 2 is that instead of a pair of battery cells 22 of a row 30, 32, a second subgroup G2 of four battery cells 22 is formed, and that the inter-row electrical connectors 44 are connected to the poles 28 arranged at the respective end of the subgroup in the respective arrangement direction.

[0088] A further difference lies in the use of electromagnetic compensation conductors 42.

[0089] In the example shown in Figure 3 the electromagnetic compensation conductors 42 cross between the rows at the same position at which the inter-row electrical connectors 44 are located.

[0090] Thus, in the example shown in Figure 3 small current loops LI, L2 are also generated.

[0091] In addition, potential residual electromagnetic fields are additionally compensated by the electromagnetic compensation conductors 42.

[0092] It is noted that, of course, the electromagnetic compensation conductors 42 can also be arranged in the example shown in Figure 3 in the same way as shown in Figure 2 .

[0093] Figure 4 A battery cell 10 is shown which comprises three battery cell assemblies 16, 18, 20 according to a fourth example.

[0094] In the following, only the differences with respect to the previous examples will be explained. The battery cell assemblies 16, 18, 20 according to the fourth example result from the battery cell assemblies 16, 18, 20 according to Figure 3 the third example shown in .

[0095] Again, a second subgroup G2 of four battery cells 22 of a row 30, 32 is formed.

[0096] The connection of these subgroups via the inter-row electrical connectors 44 is realized as in the example shown. Figure 3

[0097] However, contrary to the example of Figure 3 , within this second subgroup G2 of four battery cells 22, two third subgroups G3 of three battery cells 22 are formed, wherein the battery cells 22 of such third subgroup G3 are arranged next to each other in the same row 30, 32.

[0098] With respect to the example of Figure 3 , the two first type connectors 36 are replaced by a respective inter-row electrical connector 46 connecting the two poles 28 arranged at a respective end of the third subgroup G3 along the arrangement direction 30a, 32a while bypassing the remaining battery cells 22 of the third subgroup G3.

[0099] In other words, the inter-row electrical connector 46 always skips one battery cell 22.

[0100] The inter-row electrical connector 46 is oriented substantially parallel to the respective arrangement direction 30a, 32a. Notably, in the example of Figure 4 , the inter-row electrical connector 46 is only represented in a bent state for illustration of the bypass. In fact, the inter-row electrical connector 46 is substantially straight.

[0101] Notably, for better visibility, only a few second subgroups G2, third subgroups G3 and inter-row connectors 46 are provided with reference numerals.

[0102] Furthermore, in the example of Figure 4 , also an electromagnetic compensation conductor 42 is used. The electromagnetic compensation conductor 42 corresponds to one of the examples of Figure 3 .

[0103] Those skilled in the art will, upon reading the disclosure, appreciate and understand other modifications to the disclosed examples, which are within the scope of the claimed disclosure. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the word "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can fulfill the functions of several means or steps recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0104] List of reference signs

[0105] 10 battery cell

[0106] 12a first connection terminal​

[0107] 12b third connection terminal

[0108] 12c fifth connection terminal

[0109] 14a second connection terminal

[0110] 14b fourth connection terminal

[0111] 14c sixth connection terminal

[0112] 16 battery cell assembly

[0113] 18 battery cell assembly

[0114] 20 battery cell assembly

[0115] 22 battery cell

[0116] 22a battery cell level control unit

[0117] 22b battery cell level inverter

[0118] 24 battery cell body

[0119] 26 end surface

[0120] 28 pole

[0121] 30 row

[0122] 30a arrangement direction of row 30

[0123] 32 row

[0124] 32a arrangement direction of row 32

[0125] 34 battery cell width direction

[0126] 36 first type connector

[0127] 38 second type connector

[0128] 40 third type connector

[0129] 42 electromagnetic counter conductor

[0130] 44 inter-row electrical connector

[0131] 44a connection direction

[0132] 44b connection direction

[0133] 46 inter-row electrical connector

[0134] P pair

[0135] G1 first sub-group

[0136] G2 second sub-group

[0137] G3 third sub-group

Claims

1. A battery cell assembly (16, 18, 20) for a battery unit (10) of an electric vehicle, the battery cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells (22), each battery cell (20) having a cell body (24) delimited by end surfaces (26) on which two poles (28) of the respective battery cell (22) are located, the battery cells (22) being arranged in two rows (30, 32) having parallel arrangement directions (30a, 32a), and all battery cells (22) being oriented such that all end surfaces (26) face the same side and such that all cell width directions (34) extending between the poles (28) of the individual battery cells (22) are substantially perpendicular to the arrangement directions (30a, 32a) of the respective row (30, 32), all battery cells (22) being electrically connected in series, and - an electromagnetic counter conductor (42) is arranged adjacent to the end surfaces (26) such that the electromagnetic counter conductor (42) bypasses at least a first subgroup (Gl) of the battery cells (22), and - at least one inter-row electrical connector (44) electrically connects one of the poles (28) of one of the battery cells (22) of a first one (30, 32) of the two rows (30, 32) to one of the poles (28) of one of the battery cells (22) of a second one (30, 32) of the two rows (30, 32), the connection direction (44a, 44b) of the inter-row connector (44) being oblique with respect to the arrangement directions (30a, 32a). The electromagnetic counter conductor (42) bypasses all of the battery cells (22).

2. The battery cell assembly (16, 18, 20) of claim 1, wherein, The electromagnetic counter conductor (42) follows a current path through the center of the battery cell rows (30, 32).

3. The battery cell assembly (16, 18, 20) of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The current direction of the electromagnetic counter conductor (42) is opposite to the direction of the average net current flowing through the battery cells (22) connected in series.

4. The battery cell assembly (16, 18, 20) of claim 3, wherein, A first inter-row electrical connector (44) is connected to one of the poles (28) of one of the battery cells forming the pair (P), and a second inter-row electrical connector (44) is connected to an adjacent one of the poles (28) of the other battery cell (22) forming the pair (P), the first and the second inter-row electrical connectors (44) crossing each other.

5. The battery cell assembly (16, 18, 20) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one pair (P) of battery cells (22) arranged next to each other within the same row (30, 32), wherein, 6. The battery cell assembly (16, 18, 20) of claim 1, comprising at least one second subgroup (G2) of adjacent battery cells (22) arranged in the same row (30, 32), wherein at least one of the poles (28) of the second subgroup (G2) arranged at its end along the arrangement direction (30a, 32a) is electrically connected to the inter-row connector (44). Two of the poles (28) of the second subgroup (G2) arranged at its opposite end along the arrangement direction (30a, 32a) are electrically connected to respective inter-row connectors (44).

7. The battery cell assembly (16, 18, 20) of claim 6, wherein, The second subgroup (G2) comprises an even number of battery cells (22).

8. The battery cell assembly (16, 18, 20) of claim 6 or 7, wherein, ​ 9. The battery cell assembly (16, 18, 20) of claim 1, comprising at least one third subgroup (G3) of at least three adjacent battery cells (22) arranged in the same row (30, 32), wherein an inter-row electrical connector (46) connects two poles (28) of the third subgroup (G3) arranged at their respective end portions along the arrangement direction (30a, 32a) while bypassing the remaining battery cells (22) of the third subgroup (G3).

10. The battery cell assembly (16, 18, 20) of claim 9, wherein, The inter-row connector (46) is oriented substantially parallel to the arrangement direction (30a, 32a).

11. The battery cell assembly (16, 18, 20) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The third subgroup (G3) comprises three battery cells (22).

12. The battery cell assembly (16, 18, 20) of claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each battery cell (22) comprises a battery cell level control unit (22a).

13. The battery cell assembly (16, 18, 20) of claim 12, wherein, The battery cell level control unit (22a) comprises at least one of a battery cell level inverter (22b) and a battery cell level DC-DC converter.

14. A battery unit (10) for an electric vehicle, comprising at least one battery module (16, 18, 20) according to the preceding claim, wherein, A first electrically conductive end of the series connected battery cells (22) is electrically connected to the first connection terminal (12a) of the battery cell (10) and a second electrically conductive end of the series connected battery cells (22) is electrically connected to the second connection terminal (14a) of the battery cell (10).

15. The battery cell (10) according to claim 14, comprising at least two battery cell assemblies (16, 18, 20) according to claims 1 to 13, wherein, A first electrically conductive end of the battery cells (22) of the first battery cell assembly (16, 18, 20) is electrically connected to the first connection terminal (12a) of the battery cell (10) and a second electrically conductive end of the first battery cell assembly (16, 18, 20) is electrically connected to the second connection terminal (14a) of the battery cell (10), and A first electrically conductive end of the battery cells (22) of the second battery cell assembly (16, 18, 20) is electrically connected to the third connection terminal (12b) of the battery cell (10) and a second electrically conductive end of the second battery cell assembly (16, 18, 20) is electrically connected to the fourth connection terminal (14b) of the battery cell (10).

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