Cell block for a motor vehicle battery with a matrix element formed in one cell pole of the cell block

Abstract

Cell block for a motor vehicle battery (11a), comprising at least one battery cell (12a; 12b) which has at least one cell terminal (13a, 14a; 13b, 14b; 13c), and comprising at least one cell connector (15a; 15b; 15c) joined to the at least one cell terminal (13a, 14a; 13b, 14b; 13c) by forming a connection to the at least one battery cell (12a, 12b), characterized by at least one matrix element (16a, 17a; 16b, 17b; 16c) formed integrally with the at least one cell terminal (13a, 14a; 13b, 14b; 13c), which, when the at least one cell connector (15a; 15b; 15c) is joined to the at least one cell terminal (13a, 14a; 13b, 14b; 13c), 14a; 13b, 14b; 13c) served as a matrix.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cell block for a motor vehicle battery with a matrix element formed in a cell pole of the cell block.

[0002] From DE 10 2010 031 457 A1, a cell block for a motor vehicle battery is already known, comprising at least one battery cell which has at least one cell pole, and at least one cell connector joined to the at least one cell pole by forming to provide an electrical connection to the at least one battery cell.

[0003] The invention is based in particular on the objective of providing an advantageously simple and quick assembly of the cell block. This is achieved by an embodiment according to the invention as described in claim 1. Further developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0004] The invention relates to a cell block for a motor vehicle battery, comprising at least one battery cell which has at least one cell pole, and at least one cell connector joined to the at least one cell pole by forming to provide an electrical connection to the at least one battery cell.

[0005] It is proposed that the cell block has at least one matrix element formed at least partially integrally with the at least one cell pole, which serves as a matrix when joining the at least one cell connector to the at least one cell pole. Preferably, the at least one cell connector is joined to the at least one cell pole by clinching, in particular by means of Toxen. This allows for particularly advantageous assembly. In particular, a connection between the at least one cell connector and the at least one cell pole can be carried out reliably and quickly. Furthermore, since the joining plane can be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cell block, installation space can be advantageously saved. Preferably, the design according to the invention allows for advantageous, space-saving joining between the at least one cell connector and the at least one cell pole by forming.Without the embodiment according to the invention, joining by forming, such as clinch joining or punch riveting, cannot be used due to the space constraints requiring the overlap area of ​​the at least one cell connector and the at least one cell pole to be positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cell block, as there is no access for the necessary tool base or die. This allows for particularly advantageously simple and quick assembly of the cell block. The phrase "the at least one cell connector is joined to the at least one cell pole by forming" means, in particular, that the at least one cell connector and the at least one cell pole are connected by forming the at least one cell pole and / or, preferably, the at least one cell connector.Various forming processes are conceivable and would appear sensible to a specialist. However, these should primarily refer to joining by clinching or TOXing, and / or joining by self-piercing riveting, such as with hollow or solid rivets. These are particularly tolerance-insensitive and process-reliable joining methods, as the overlapping cell connectors and cell poles are pressed together perpendicular to the surface with high force between a tool upper part, especially a punch, and a tool lower part, especially a die. Surface damage, contamination, or geometric distortions of the joining partners are irrelevant. Furthermore, no heat is introduced, thus preventing damage to the thermally sensitive battery cells.Furthermore, in this context, a matrix element shall be understood to mean, in particular, an element that serves as a matrix, at least in the joining of the at least one cell connector and the at least one cell pole by forming. Preferably, it shall be understood to mean, in particular, an element that forms a firmly integrated matrix for a forming process, especially for joining the at least one cell connector and the at least one cell pole by forming. A matrix shall be understood to mean, in particular, a tool counterpart of a tool, especially a punch, for a forming process, especially for clinching or punch riveting.The term "one-piece" is to be understood in particular as being joined by at least a material bond, for example by a welding process, an adhesive bonding process, an injection molding process, and / or another process that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously formed in one piece, such as by being manufactured from a single casting and / or by being manufactured using a single- or multi-component injection molding process, and advantageously from a single blank. The term "intended" is to be understood in particular as being specifically designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function is to be understood in particular as the object fulfilling and / or performing this specific function in at least one application and / or operating condition.

[0006] Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one cell terminal has at least one terminal plate with which the at least one matrix element is integrally formed. Preferably, the at least one matrix element and the at least one terminal plate are formed from a single component. This allows, in particular, a space-saving arrangement of the at least one matrix element. The number of components can be kept to a minimum. Preferably, this enables advantageously simple and quick assembly. In this context, a terminal plate is understood to be, in particular, an external electrical contact of a cell terminal of a battery cell. Preferably, it is understood to be, in particular, an external contact plate, which serves as a contact for an electrical contact of the battery cell.

[0007] Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one terminal plate of the at least one cell pole projects at least partially over a base body of the at least one battery cell to align a forming tool. This ensures reliable correct positioning of the forming tool. In particular, it allows the forming tool, and thus also a punch of the forming tool, to be tactilely aligned, ensuring that the dies of the at least one die element are precisely engaged, even though they are obscured by the at least one cell connector. Preferably, the cell connectors are also at least partially aligned with the at least one terminal plate via the forming tool.Various forming tools, which appear useful to a specialist and are intended for joining at least two components by means of forming, are conceivable; however, a Tox tool is to be understood as being particularly important.

[0008] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the figures. The figures illustrate three exemplary embodiments of the invention. The figures, the description of the figures, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0009] This shows: Fig. 1 A schematic representation of a motor vehicle with a motor vehicle battery, which has a cell block according to the invention in a joined state, in a schematic representation, Fig. 2 a battery cell of the cell block according to the invention with two cell poles and a base body in a schematic exploded view, Fig. 3 the battery cell of the cell block according to the invention with the two cell poles and a base body in a schematic representation, Fig. 4 the battery cell of the cell block according to the invention with the two cell poles and a base body in a schematic sectional view along the section line IV-IV, Fig. 5 the cell block according to the invention with several battery cells and with several cell connectors, and a forming tool in a partial exploded view, Fig. 6 the cell block according to the invention with the battery cells and with the cell connectors in an unassembled state, and the forming tool in a schematic sectional view along the section line VI-VI, Fig. 7 the cell block according to the invention with the battery cells and with the cell connectors in a joined state, and the forming tool in a schematic sectional view along the section line VI-VI, Fig. 8 a partial section VIII of the cell block according to the invention with a battery cell and with a cell connector in a joined state, and the forming tool in a schematic sectional view, Fig. 9 the forming tool in a schematic representation, Fig. 10 a battery cell of an alternative cell block according to the invention with two cell poles and a base body in a schematic exploded view, Fig. 11 the battery cell of the alternative cell block according to the invention with the two cell poles and a base body in a schematic sectional view, Fig. 12 the alternative cell block according to the invention with several battery cells and with several cell connectors in a joined state in a schematic representation, Fig. 13 the alternative cell block according to the invention with the battery cells and with the cell connectors in a joined state in a schematic sectional view along the section line XIII-XIII, Fig. 14 a partial section XIV of the alternative cell block according to the invention with a battery cell and with a cell connector in a joined state in a schematic sectional view, Fig. 15 a cell pole and a cell connector of another alternative cell block in an unjoined state of a schematic representation and Fig. 16 the cell pole and the cell connector of the further alternative cell block in an unjoined state of a schematic representation.

[0010] The Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle comprises a powertrain with an electric motor 22a and an internal combustion engine 23a, both of which are intended to drive drive wheels 24a. Furthermore, the motor vehicle has a motor vehicle battery 11a. The motor vehicle battery 11a is designed as a high-voltage motor vehicle battery, such as for hybrid, plug-in, or electric vehicles. However, in principle, other configurations and / or applications that would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable, such as for stationary applications, for example, for power supply and / or energy storage. The motor vehicle battery 11a comprises a cell block 10a. However, it would also be conceivable for the motor vehicle battery 11a to comprise several cell blocks 10a. The cell block 10a comprises a plurality of battery cells 12a. The battery cells 12a are intended for storing and delivering electrical power.The battery cells 12a of cell block 10a are stacked. Cell block 10a has a stacking direction along which the battery cells 12a are arranged one behind the other. The battery cells 12a are each formed from hard-case cells.

[0011] The battery cells 12a each comprise a metallic housing 25a in which an electrode stack 26a of the battery cell 12a is received. The housing 25a has a rectangular shape. In principle, however, another shape for the housing 25a that would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable, such as round or prismatic. The housing 25a is formed by a cell cup. The housing 25a and the electrode stack 26a of the battery cells 12a define a base body 21a of the battery cells 12a. Furthermore, the battery cell 12a has two external cell terminals 13a, 14a. The cell terminals 13a, 14a each have a terminal plate 18a, 19a, which forms an electrical contact. The terminal plates 18a, 19a are each made of copper or aluminum. Furthermore, the terminal plates 18a, 19a are nickel-plated for protection against corrosion.The terminal plates 18a, 19a of cell poles 13a, 14a are each connected to the electrode stack 26a of battery cell 12a via a collector 27a, 28a, which in each case contacts one of the electrode tabs 29a, 30a of the electrode stack 26a of battery cell 12a. The terminal plates 18a, 19a of cell poles 13a, 14a are each connected to the respective collector 27a, 28a via a pin of the collector 27a, 28a, which engages in a recess of the corresponding terminal plate 18a, 19a. The terminal plates 18a, 19a, with which the electrochemically active material is contacted externally, are arranged in a slightly raised form on the top of battery cell 12a on a cover 31a of battery cell 12a. The cover 31a serves to close the housing 25a and is welded into it. The pins of the collectors 27a, 28a protrude through the cover 31a to make contact with the terminal plates 18a, 19a.Seals 38a, 39a, 40a, 41a are arranged between terminal plates 18a, 19a and the cover 31a, and between collectors 27a, 28a and the cover 31a. To crimp the seals 38a, 39a, 40a, 41a, the terminal plates 18a, 19a are welded to the pins located on the collectors 27a, 28a (. Fig. 2, Fig. 4) This ensures that the cell poles 13a, 14a are electrically insulated and guided through the housing 25a.

[0012] Furthermore, the cell block 10a comprises several cell connectors 15a joined to the cell terminals 13a, 14a of the battery cells 12a by forming. The cell connectors 15a are provided for an electrical connection of the battery cells 12a. The cell connectors 15a are made of copper or aluminum sheet. Furthermore, the cell connectors 15a are nickel-plated for corrosion protection. The cell connectors 15a of the cell block 10a are arranged in a common carrier made of plastic, a cell connector board (not shown). The cell connectors 15a are each provided for an electrical connection of two adjacent cell terminals 13a, 14a. The cell connectors 15a are each provided for an electrical connection of two adjacent terminal plates 18a, 19a of two adjacent battery cells 12a. The terminal plates 18a, 19a are connected to the cell connectors 15a by means of toxing or by means of clinching.However, another type of connection, which would appear sensible to an expert, would also be conceivable. The battery cells 12a of the cell block 10a are electrically connected in series via the cell connectors 15a.

[0013] Furthermore, cell block 10a has several matrix elements 16a, 17a formed integrally with cell poles 13a, 14a. The matrix elements 16a, 17a are each formed integrally with the terminal plates 18a, 19a of cell poles 13a, 14a ( Fig. 3) Each of the terminal plates 18a, 19a is formed integrally with a matrix element 16a, 17a. The matrix elements 16a, 17a each serve as a matrix when the cell connectors 15a are joined to their respective cell poles 13a, 14a. The matrices are therefore formed within the terminal plates 18a, 19a themselves. The matrix elements 16a, 17a each have a recess 32a, 33a, which serves as a matrix. The recesses 32a, 33a of the matrix elements 16a, 17a each have an undercut. Various designs of the undercut that would appear useful to a person skilled in the art are conceivable, such as a cone with a downwardly increasing diameter or a constricting collar or step at the upper edge of the recess 32a, 33a. The recesses 32a, 33a are spaced apart from the sensitive seals of the pole feedthroughs.This allows the joining forces introduced vertically by a punch 34a of a forming tool 20a to be kept away from the sensitive seals of the pole feedthroughs. During joining, the die elements 16a, 17a are supported directly on the stable cover 31a in the vertical direction. The joining force is introduced directly into the cover 31a via the correspondingly widened upper seal 38a, 40a and kept away from the sensitive pole feedthrough. The terminal plates 18a, 19a are therefore widened and additionally provided with the conical recesses 32a, 33a required for joining. To increase the corrosion resistance of the connection between the cell connectors 15a and the matrix elements 16a, 17a or the terminal plates 18a, 19a, the cell connectors 15a and the terminal plates 18a, 19a are each preferably provided with a suitable coating, such as nickel plating or tin plating.

[0014] The cell connectors 15a are joined to the terminal plates 18a, 19a using a forming tool 20a. The forming tool 20a is formed by a Tox tool. The forming tool 20a has a blanking plate 35a and a punch 34a guided therein. The blanking plate 35a of the forming tool 20a is provided with several tongues 36a which tactually align with terminal plates 18a, 19a. The blanking plate 35a of the forming tool 20a has four downwardly chamfered tongues 36a which tactually align with the side walls of the terminal plates 18a, 19a, so that the punch 34a of the forming tool 20a is positioned exactly above the center of the recess 32a, 33a serving as a die. Fig. 9) The terminal plates 18a, 19a of the cell poles 13a, 14a each project towards an alignment of the forming tool 20a over the base body 21a of the respective battery cell 12a. Fig. Figure 5 shows the cell block 10a during a joining process. The cell connectors 15a are placed on the terminal plates 18a, 19a and then held in position by the forming tool 20a ( Fig. 6) Subsequently, the cell connector 15a is joined by the punch 34a. The punch 34a is pressed in the direction of the recess 32a, 33a of the underlying matrix element 16a, 17a, so that the cell connector 15a deforms into the recess 32a, 33a, creating a positive fit between the respective matrix element 16a, 17a and the respective cell connector 15a. Fig. 8, Fig. 9).

[0015] In the Fig. Figures 10 to 16 show two further embodiments of the invention. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, with regard to identical components, features and functions, reference is made to the description of the other embodiments, in particular the Fig. 1 to 9, reference can be made. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the embodiment of the Fig. 1 to 9 by the letters b and c in the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiments of the Fig. 10 to 16 replaced. With regard to identically designated components, especially with regard to components with the same reference numerals, reference can generally also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the other embodiments, in particular the Fig. 1 to 9, are referred to.

[0016] Fig. Figure 10 shows a battery cell 12b of an alternative cell block 10b according to the invention. The cell block 10b comprises a plurality of battery cells 12b. Each battery cell 12b comprises a metallic housing 25b in which an electrode stack 26b of the battery cell 12b is received. Furthermore, the battery cell 12b has two external cell terminals 13b, 14b. The cell terminals 13b, 14b each have a terminal plate 18b, 19b, which forms an electrical contact. A first terminal plate 18b of a first cell terminal 13b is connected to the electrode stack 26b of the battery cell 12b via a collector 27b, which contacts one of the electrode tabs 29b of the electrode stack 26b of the battery cell 12b. The first terminal plate 18b is connected to the collector 27b via a pin of the collector 27b, which engages in a recess of the corresponding terminal plate 18b.The pin of the collector 27b projects through a cover 31b of the battery cell 12b to contact the first terminal plate 18b. Seals 38b and 39b are arranged between the terminal plate 18b and the cover 31b, and between the collector 27b and the cover 31b. To compress the seals 38b and 39b, the terminal plate 18b is welded to the pin located on the collector 27b ( . Fig. 11) This ensures that the cell terminals 13b and 14b are electrically insulated and pass through the housing 25b. The second terminal plate 19b of the second cell terminal 14b, which forms the positive terminal, rests directly on the cover 31b of the battery cell 12b. The second terminal plate 19b is welded to the cover 31b. The cover 31b, in turn, is connected to the electrode stack 26b via a welded-on collector 28b. The battery cell 12b is a polar cell. Therefore, a sealed feedthrough through the cover 31b is not required for the second cell terminal 14b.

[0017] Furthermore, cell block 10b comprises several cell connectors 15b joined to the cell terminals 13b, 14b of the battery cells 12b by forming. The terminal plates 18b, 19b are connected to the cell connectors 15b by means of crimping or clinching ( Fig. 12). Furthermore, cell block 10b has several matrix elements 16b, 17b formed integrally with the cell poles 13b, 14b. The matrix elements 16b, 17b are each formed integrally with the terminal plates 18b, 19b of the cell poles 13b, 14b ( Fig. 13, Fig. 14) The terminal plates 18b, 19b are therefore each provided with a countersink 32b, 33b forming a matrix. The thickness of the second terminal plate 19b is adapted to compensate for the height of the seal omitted compared to the first terminal plate 18a.

[0018] Fig. Figure 15 shows a cell pole 13c and a cell connector 15c of another alternative cell block during a joining process. The die element 16c is formed integrally with the cell pole 13c. The cell connector 15c and the cell pole 13c are joined by forming. The cell connector 15c and the cell pole 13c are connected via a punch rivet 37c by means of punch riveting ( Fig. 15, Fig. 16). Reference symbol list 10 cell block 11. Motor vehicle battery 12 battery cells 13 cell pole 14 cell poles 15 cell connectors 16 matrix element 17 Matrix element 18 Terminal plate 19 Terminal plate 20 forming tools 21 Basic shapes 22 Electric motor 23 Internal combustion engine 24 drive wheel 25 cases 26 electrode stacks 27 Collector 28 Collector 29 electrode flags 30 electrode flags 31 lids 32 reduction 33% reduction 34 stamps 35 Hold-down plate 36 Tongue 37 punch rivets 38 Seal 39 Seal 40 Seal 41 Seal

Claims

[1] Cell block for a motor vehicle battery (11a), comprising at least one battery cell (12a; 12b) which has at least one cell terminal (13a, 14a; 13b, 14b; 13c), and comprising at least one cell connector (15a; 15b; 15c) joined to the at least one cell terminal (13a, 14a; 13b, 14b; 13c) by forming an electrical connection of the at least one battery cell (12a, 12b), characterized by at least one matrix element (16a, 17a; 16b, 17b; 16c) formed in one piece with the at least one cell pole (13a, 14a; 13b, 14b; 13c), which served as a matrix when joining the at least one cell connector (15a; 15b; 15c) with the at least one cell pole (13a, 14a; 13b, 14b; 13c). [2] Cell block according to claim 1, characterized by , that the at least one cell pole (13a, 14a; 13b, 14b) has at least one terminal plate (18a, 19a; 18b, 19b) with which the at least one matrix element (16a, 17a; 16b, 17b) is formed in one piece. [3] Cell block according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by which at least one terminal plate (18a, 19a; 18b, 19b) of the at least one cell pole (13a, 14a; 13b, 14b) extends at least partially over a base body (21a; 21b) of the at least one battery cell (12a; 12b) to align a forming tool (20a).

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