Battery cell arrangement in a structural element for battery cells of a motor vehicle, method for manufacturing such a battery cell arrangement and structural element

Abstract

Battery cell arrangement in a structural element (4) for battery cells (2) of a motor vehicle, wherein the battery cells (2) have a prismatic basic shape and the structural element (4) is designed as an elongated, meandering profile with a plurality of side walls (6) and connecting walls (8, 10) connecting adjacent side walls (6), wherein the battery cells (2) are at least partially arranged in the structural element (4) such that two side walls (6) of the structural element (4) are arranged to directly enclose a battery cell (2), characterized in that the battery cells (2) have cell poles arranged laterally on opposite sides and recesses (32) for the cell poles are formed on longitudinal sides of the structural element (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a battery cell arrangement in a structural element for battery cells of a motor vehicle, a method for manufacturing such a battery cell arrangement and a structural element for a battery cell arrangement in a motor vehicle.

[0002] From DE 10 2012 223 566 A1, a method and a device for forming battery cells are known. According to the method, in which at least two battery cells are pressed together and charged and discharged for forming, at least a section of an elastically deformable compensating element is arranged between the battery cells before pressing and pressed against the battery cells during pressing.

[0003] A wave-fin battery module is known from DE 10 2012 218 819 A1. The battery module comprises two or more battery cells and a continuous wave fin arranged between the battery cells. The wave fin is generally constructed as a single piece, thus requiring fewer parts to form the battery module. The wave fin is made of a highly thermally conductive material to facilitate the dissipation of heat generated by the battery cells during operation. The wave-fin battery module is intended to provide battery modules with improved thermal efficiency and reduced packaging complexity.

[0004] DE 10 2016 201 199 A1 discloses a method for insulating a battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells with at least one foldable insulating element, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: a) forming a receiving pocket from the insulating element to receive at least one battery cell, b) closing the receiving pocket by means of fastening sections arranged laterally on the insulating element, whereby the battery cell is surrounded by the insulating element on at least five sides, thereby isolating the individual battery cell from an adjacent battery cell.

[0005] From JP 2020 - 030970 A, battery modules are known that each consist of a large number of battery cells and include heat exchangers. Intermediate cell sections are intended to improve the thermal contact between the battery cells.

[0006] From DE 10 2015 100 408 A1, a serpentine-shaped cooling element for a traction battery assembly is known. The traction battery assembly comprises a battery arrangement with a plurality of stacked cells and a serpentine-shaped heat exchanger. The heat exchanger defines passages for coolant flowing through it. The heat exchanger is further nested with the cells in such a way that opposite sides of each cell are in contact with the heat exchanger.

[0007] In practice, battery cells in vehicle traction batteries are arranged in such a way as to minimize or prevent damage to the traction batteries in the event of an accident. To this end, battery cells in traction batteries located in the vehicle floor are often protected by designing a sill as a deformation element to dissipate the energy of a crash through deformation. It is also common practice to increase the load-bearing capacity of the battery tray or housing by increasing the wall thickness of the battery housing and / or the cell casings.

[0008] From JP 2006-019062 A, a battery cell arrangement is known in which a zigzag-shaped structure is arranged as an intermediate layer between two adjacent and interconnected battery cells to achieve optimized cooling of the battery cells. The battery cells are cylindrical cells, each with only a small contact area with the structure. The publication provides no information on the stiffness of the structure.

[0009] From JP 2015-191771 A, a battery cell arrangement is known which comprises a flexible structure made of an electrically insulating resin, arranged in a serpentine pattern between adjacent battery cells. Spacers are arranged between the structure and the battery cells.

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of providing a battery cell arrangement in a structural element for battery cells of a motor vehicle, a method for manufacturing such a battery cell arrangement and a structural element with which a compact battery cell arrangement can be realized that enables increased crash safety - especially with high volumetric energy storage density.

[0011] The problem is solved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. Further practical embodiments and advantages of the invention are described in connection with the dependent claims.

[0012] In a battery cell arrangement according to the invention within a structural element for battery cells of a motor vehicle, the battery cells have a prismatic basic shape, and the structural element is designed as an elongated, meandering profile. The elongated, meandering profile has a plurality of side walls and connecting walls that link adjacent side walls. The battery cells are arranged at least partially within the structural element such that two side walls of the structural element directly enclose each battery cell. The term elongated, meandering profile refers to a meandering profile whose spatial extent in the direction in which the side walls are arranged side by side (i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the profile or structural element) is greater than the spatial extent of the profile along the side walls (i.e., in the lateral direction of the profile or structural element).(structural element). A directly enclosing arrangement means that two side walls abut two different sides of a battery cell, particularly opposite sides. For this purpose, two adjacent side walls of the meandering profile can be arranged, in particular, facing each other in a planar fashion and preferably parallel to each other. A meandering profile is then obtained, in particular, by arranging the connecting walls alternately on the upper and lower sides between the side walls in a direction orthogonal to the width and length of the profile (i.e., in the vertical direction of the profile or structural element). The battery cells can, for example, be clamped between the side walls of the meandering profile.

[0013] In the arrangement according to the invention, the battery cells have cell poles arranged laterally on opposite sides, and recesses for the cell poles are formed on the longitudinal sides of the structural element. If, for example, the battery cells have an elongated shape with a polygonal base, as described above, the cell poles are arranged on the opposite polygonal bases. Elongated battery cells can, in particular, be arranged in the structural element in an orientation along its width, such that the cell poles located on the bases of the battery cells are positioned on the longitudinal sides opposite each other in the width of the structural element. In this case, recesses on the longitudinal sides of the structural element facilitate easy and reliable contact of the cell poles with cell connectors of a traction battery because the cell poles are easily accessible.

[0014] The invention is based on the idea of ​​arranging the battery cells at least partially within the meanders of the structural element, which is designed as an elongated, meandering profile. "At least partially arranged within the structural element" means that at least a section of the battery cells arranged within the structural element can protrude from it. Battery cells with a prismatic base shape often have an elongated form, for example, the shape of a rod or a column with a polygonal, particularly rectangular, base. When battery cells of this shape are arranged within the meanders of a structural element designed as a profile according to the invention, the battery cells can be arranged, in particular, in an orientation along the width direction of the structural element.If, in this case, the length of the elongated battery cells is at most equal to the width of the structural element, the battery cells can be arranged completely within the structural element – ​​and thus protected. If the length of the battery cells is greater than the width of the structural element, the battery cells will, in the intended arrangement, partially protrude from the structural element.

[0015] The arrangement according to the invention holds the battery cells in the structural element, and the structural element is supported by the battery cells. This results in the two advantageous effects explained below.

[0016] A primary advantage is that the meandering profile and the structural element's support from the battery cells increase the load-bearing capacity of the battery tray or housing of a traction battery, in which the battery cells and the structural element are arranged. This increase in load-bearing capacity is possible even with a thin-walled profile due to its high area moment of inertia. Overall, this makes it possible to incorporate deformation elements into the sill of a vehicle, enabling particularly effective dissipation of crash energy in the event of an accident. A corresponding increase in the load-bearing capacity of the battery housing with the structural element can be achieved, in particular, without increasing the wall thickness of the battery tray or housing.This in turn provides a large volume in the traction battery for the battery cells, and the traction battery has a high volumetric energy storage density with high load-bearing capacity.

[0017] A second advantageous effect is that the structural element and the battery cells arranged within it can absorb forces and dissipate energy in a crash. This minimizes damage to a traction battery in which the battery cell arrangement is integrated into the structural element. In the event of a crash, forces acting on a traction battery can be deflected and / or distributed over a large volume by means of the structural element. The battery cells serve, in particular, as supports to prevent buckling and bulging of the structural element. Additionally or alternatively, in the event of a crash involving a motor vehicle in which the battery cell arrangement according to the invention is provided, the structural element can deform plastically and thereby dissipate crash energy. If the battery cells are clamped within the structural element, it is also possible for the battery cells to shift during a crash.This allows additional crash energy to be dissipated and at the same time prevents deformation-related damage to the battery cells.

[0018] An additional advantageous effect of the arrangement according to the invention is achieved by the fact that, with the help of the meandering profile, thermally induced damage to further battery cells can be limited in the event of structural damage to one or more battery cells, because in particular the side walls of the structural element represent a thermal barrier and thus overheating of structurally intact battery cells ("thermal propagation") is delayed.

[0019] In a practical embodiment, the structural element is rigidly connected to at least one element of a battery housing that at least partially encloses the battery cells. In particular, the structural element is connected to a battery housing cover on its upper side and / or to a battery housing base on its lower side. The connection can then be formed, for example, between one or more of the connecting walls and the element(s) of the battery housing. If the structural element is rigidly connected to at least one element of the battery housing, it is not necessary to connect the battery cells themselves to the battery housing, especially if the battery cells are clamped in the arrangement. This allows the battery cells to be easily removed from the arrangement and replaced as needed.The connection between the structural element and the element(s) of the battery housing can be positive-locking, force-locking, and / or material-locking, with a material-locking connection being preferred, in particular by bonding, preferably using a structural adhesive. This allows for the formation of a shear-resistant composite, which is particularly crash-resistant in the event of an accident involving a motor vehicle with the arrangement according to the invention.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment of the battery cell arrangement according to the invention in the structural element, a gap filler can be arranged at least partially between the battery cells and the connecting walls. A gap filler is a means for filling any gaps adjacent to a battery cell, in particular a means for filling any existing gaps between a battery cell and a connecting wall adjoining a battery cell. It is sufficient if the gap filler extends over a portion of the surface of a battery cell adjacent to a gap, thus partially filling the gap. For example, a gap filler can partially fill a gap between a battery cell and a connecting wall adjoining it. It is not necessary for all gaps to be filled with a gap filler.Rather, a gap filler can be formed in only some of the spaces between the battery cells and their respective connecting walls. If the battery cell arrangement according to the invention incorporates the gap filler(s) in the structural element and is inserted into a battery housing, the gap filler can compensate for any play of the battery cells and / or the structural element within the battery housing, thus ensuring a secure fit. For this purpose, the gap filler can be made of a deformable material, such as rubber or foam. Additionally or alternatively, a gap filler can be arranged on a side of a battery cell where no connecting wall is present. This further improves the secure fit of the battery cells.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, at least one through-opening for emergency venting of battery cells can be formed, at least partially, in the connecting walls. "At least partially" means that the through-opening can be formed in only a subset of the connecting walls. Preferably, the through-openings are provided in one or more connecting walls located on the underside of the structural element in the vertical direction. These through-openings ensure that gases, which may escape from the battery cells, for example, in the event of an accident involving a motor vehicle in which the battery cell assembly is integrated into the structural element, can then escape from the structural element, even though the battery cells are enclosed by the side walls.

[0022] In another suitable embodiment, the height Hs of the side walls of the structural element is at least as great as the height Hb of the battery cells and / or the width Bs of the structural element is at least as great as the length Lb of the battery cells. If the height Hs of the side walls in the vertical direction of the structural element is at least as great as the height Hb of the battery cells in a direction parallel to the vertical direction of the structural element (the vertical direction of the battery cells), the battery cells can be enclosed along their entire height Hb by two side walls of the structural element and are thus protected. In other words, the battery cells can be fully inserted into the meanders of the structural element along their vertical direction.If the width Bs of the structural element is at least as large as the length Lb of the battery cells in the longitudinal direction of the battery cells, the battery cells are enclosed along the entire length Lb by two side walls and a connecting wall of the structural element and are thus also protected in this direction.

[0023] In practice, at least two structural elements can be arranged parallel to each other and at least slightly spaced apart within a battery housing. The structural elements, with the battery cells arranged therein, are spaced apart from each other, particularly in the lateral direction of the structural elements. The distance between the structural elements and / or the battery cells arranged therein is, for example, less than 20% of the width of the structural elements, preferably less than 10%, and particularly preferably less than 5% of the width of the structural elements. In an accident involving a motor vehicle with this battery cell arrangement—especially in a side-impact collision—one of the two structural elements can be deformed in such a way that the deformed structural element partially penetrates the area of ​​the space between the two structural elements. In this case, if one of the two structural elements is deformed, the other structural element can remain undamaged.Additionally or alternatively, in the event of an accident, all or some of the battery cells can be displaced into the space between the two structural elements, thereby dissipating energy. Both the displaced battery cells and the battery cells in the other structural element can remain undamaged. If the structural elements are arranged in parallel, one or more longitudinal beams can also be incorporated into the battery housing to separate one or more parallel structural elements from one or more other structural elements and to provide the battery housing with additional longitudinal stiffening. Such longitudinal beams preferably extend over the entire length of the battery housing, from a front wall to a rear wall.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, the side walls can have cell interlayers on at least one surface oriented towards an adjacent side wall. These cell interlayers can be planar. Similar to gap fillers, the cell interlayers can reduce movement between the battery cells in their intended arrangement. Additionally or alternatively, they can also serve as a thermal barrier.

[0025] In practice, the structural element can be made of solid materials to increase its load-bearing capacity. One-piece structural elements are preferred. It is particularly advantageous if the material is plastically deformable. For example, the structural element can be made of aluminum, steel, or a composite material, especially a fiber-reinforced composite. Manufacturing it as a metal sheet with a thickness of 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm, and particularly with a thickness between 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm, is especially preferred.

[0026] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a battery cell arrangement in a structural element for battery cells of a motor vehicle. The battery cells have a prismatic basic shape, and the structural element is designed as an elongated, meandering profile with a plurality of side walls and connecting walls that join adjacent side walls. In the method, a plurality of battery cells are inserted into the structural element such that, after insertion, two side walls of the structural element directly enclose each battery cell. The insertion of the battery cells into the structural element can be achieved, for example, by relative movement of the battery cells to the structural element in the vertical direction and / or in the horizontal direction of the structural element.Additionally, the structural element can be elastically stretched lengthwise before the battery cells are inserted and / or plastically compressed lengthwise after the battery cells are inserted. Elastic stretching temporarily increases the gaps between two adjacent side walls of the structural element to accommodate the battery cells. Plastic compression reduces the distance between two adjacent side walls, so that two side walls of the structural element are pressed against each battery cell. Both elastic stretching and plastic compression allow the battery cells to be directly enclosed by the side walls and, in particular, clamped into place.

[0027] In practice, the procedure may involve at least one of the following procedural steps: a) A large number of battery cells are pre-positioned and simultaneously inserted laterally into the structural element, b) the structural element is firmly connected to at least one element of a battery housing, c) The battery cells are arranged within a battery housing without play in their vertical direction using gap fillers, d) A large number of battery cells are clamped together to form a cell stack by arranging end plates and connecting the end plates by means of at least one tension band.

[0028] In connection with the technical effects of the process steps, reference is made to the advantages mentioned in relation to the battery cell arrangement. By connecting a large number of battery cells with the end plates and at least one tension band, the battery cells can be tensioned, thus creating a manageable unit called a stack. This tensioning helps to counteract cell swelling simply and efficiently.

[0029] The invention also relates to a structural element for a battery cell assembly with a dimensionally stable base body, which is designed as an elongated, meandering profile with a plurality of side walls and connecting walls that join adjacent side walls, wherein at least one recess is formed at least partially on the end faces of the side walls and / or at least one through-opening is formed at least partially on the connecting walls. Reference is also made to the advantages mentioned in relation to the battery cell assembly in connection with the effects of the features of the structural element for a battery cell assembly.

[0030] Further practical embodiments of the invention are described below in connection with the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 an overview of a plurality of battery cells (left), an overview of a structural element according to the invention (center) and an overview of the battery cell arrangement according to the invention (right), each in an isometric view from an oblique angle above, Fig. 2. A schematic representation of the insertion of a plurality of battery cells into a structural element, in a sectional view along the longitudinal axis of the structural element. Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the battery cells and the structural element made of Fig. 2, inserted into a battery housing, in a sectional view along the longitudinal axis of the structural element, Fig. 4 a schematic overview of the battery cell arrangement Fig. 3, in a top view of the battery cell housing without the battery housing cover, Fig. 5 a representation of a section of a structural element according to the invention in a view from an oblique front and Fig. 6 a representation of a section of the structural element from Fig. 5 in a view from a slightly elevated angle.

[0031] The Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. Figure 3 shows an exemplary arrangement of battery cells 2 in a structural element 4 for battery cells 2 of a motor vehicle. The battery cells 2 have a prismatic basic shape, in particular an elongated shape with a rectangular base. The rectangular base is defined by the length Lb shown (see Figure 3). Fig. 1) and the width Bb (see Fig. 2) of battery cells 2. The height of battery cells 2 is in Fig. 2 marked with HB.

[0032] As especially in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As can be clearly seen, the structural element 4 is designed as an elongated, meandering profile 4 with a multitude of side walls 6 and connecting walls 8, 10 connecting adjacent side walls 6.

[0033] The inner length of a meander is in Fig. 2 is marked with Lm. In this embodiment, it corresponds to the width Bb of battery cells 2.

[0034] For arranging the battery cells 2 in the structural element 4, the battery cells 2 are in an initial state, for example in a row as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the battery cells 2 are pre-positioned. They are divided into two groups in alternating order, with the battery cells 2 of each group being inserted simultaneously into the structural element 4. For example, the first group comprises the first, third, fifth, etc., battery cell 2, and the second group comprises, for example, the second, fourth, sixth, etc., battery cell 2. As shown in Figure 1, the battery cells 2 are pre-positioned. Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the battery cells 2 are inserted into the structural element 4 according to the arrows. The battery cells 2 of the first group are inserted into the structural element 4 from above, in the upward direction, until they are in contact with the connecting walls 8 located on the underside of the side walls 6. The battery cells 2 of the second group are inserted into the structural element 4 from below, along the upward direction, until they are in contact with the connecting walls 10 located on the upper side of the side walls 6.

[0035] Alternatively (not shown), the battery cells 2 can also be inserted from two opposite sides in a lateral direction and horizontally, if the structural element 4 and the battery cells 2 are arranged rotated by 90 degrees.

[0036] It is also possible, but not shown, to insert all the battery cells 2 simultaneously or one after the other from one side, if they are precisely pre-positioned and / or insertion aids (not shown) are arranged in the area of ​​the impact edges of the structural element 4, which ensure that the spaces of the structural element 4 are reliably hit when inserting the battery cells 2.

[0037] The insertion according to the representation from Fig. 2 is preferred, in particular if the structural element 4 can still be elastically expanded for inserting the battery cells 2 or in the Fig. The structural element 4 is manufactured in the form shown in Figure 2. Preferably, the structural element 4 is designed such that the side walls 6, when inserted, conform to the corresponding side walls of the battery cells 2, so that a dense packing of structural element 4 and battery cells 2 is formed.

[0038] In Fig. Figure 2 shows two adjacent side walls 6 of the meandering structural element 4 arranged facing each other, with the side walls 6 alternately inclined. Fig. 3 are the side walls 6 of the structural element 4 made of Fig. The side walls 6 are shown arranged parallel to each other. The reason for this difference is explained below. In the initial state, i.e., before the battery cells 2 are arranged in the structural element 4, the side walls 6 are arranged parallel to each other. To insert the battery cells 2 into the structural element 4, a tensile force acting longitudinally along the structural element 4 is applied to the two longitudinal ends of the meandering profile 2, causing the meandering profile 2 to stretch elastically. This stretches the side walls 6 into the Fig. The battery cells 2 are placed in the position shown in Figure 2 with an oblique inclination. The battery cells 2 are inserted into the elastically stretched structural element 4. The widened gap between each pair of adjacent side walls 6 makes inserting the battery cells 2 particularly easy. After the battery cells 2 are inserted, the tensile force for elastically stretching the structural element 4 is removed, so that the side walls 6 return to their original parallel arrangement. As a result, the battery cells 2 are arranged in the structural element 4 such that two side walls 6 of the structural element 4 directly enclose each battery cell 2. Accordingly, two adjacent side walls 6 lie flat against two opposite sides of each battery cell 2 and clamp it securely.

[0039] The height Hs of the side walls 6 of the structural element 4 is slightly greater than the height Hb of the battery cells 2, so that, in the intended arrangement, the battery cells 2 are projected beyond the side walls 6 along their entire height Hb. This ensures a secure arrangement. Additionally or alternatively, after the battery cells 2 have been inserted, the structural element 4 can be compressed longitudinally, further strengthening the clamping fixation of the battery cells 2 within the structural element 4 through plastic deformation of the meandering profile 4.

[0040] Fig. Figure 3 shows the arrangement of the battery cells 2 in the structural element 4, which is inserted into a battery cell housing 12 with a bottom battery housing base 14 and a top battery housing cover 16. The structural element 4 is rigidly connected to the bottom battery housing base 14 and to the top battery housing cover 16. The connection between the structural element 4 and the bottom battery housing base 14 is achieved by bonding the connecting walls 8, located on the underside of the side walls 6, using lower adhesive layers 18, which are positioned between the structural element 4 and the bottom battery housing base 14. The connection between the structural element 4 and the battery housing cover 16 is achieved analogously by bonding the connecting walls 10, located on the top side walls 6, using upper adhesive layers 20.

[0041] At the in Fig. In the arrangement shown in Figure 3, gap fillers 22 and 24 are arranged on the structural element 4 to arrange the battery cells 2 without play in their vertical direction within the battery housing 12. Gapfillers 22 are arranged both between the battery cells 2 and the connecting walls 8 and 10, and gap fillers 24 are arranged between the battery cells 2 and the battery housing 12, in particular between the battery housing base 14 and / or the battery housing cover 16.

[0042] The side walls 6 show in the Fig. 3 Battery cell arrangement shown on a surface oriented towards an adjacent side wall 6 optional, planar cell interlayers 26 by means of which the positional security of the battery cells 2 in the structural element 4 can be further increased and by means of which forces between the battery cells 2 and the structural element 4 can be transmitted.

[0043] The battery cell arrangement in the structural element 4 can further be stabilized and combined into a unit called a cell stack by arranging a series of battery cells 2 (not shown) with an end plate on the two outer battery cells 2 and by enclosing and tensioning the battery cell arrangement by means of a tension band or several tension bands to counteract swelling. The tension band is preferably oriented parallel to the battery housing base 14 and the battery housing cover 16 such that it spans all battery cells 2.

[0044] In Fig. 4 is the battery cell arrangement made up of Fig. Figure 3 shows the battery cell housing 12 in an overview view from above, without the battery housing cover 16, during a side impact with a pole 28 or other intrusion body. The battery cell arrangement in the battery cell housing 12 comprises four cell stacks arranged parallel to each other in the width direction of the battery cell housing 12, each stack containing a structural element 4 and a plurality of battery cells 2 arranged therein. As can be seen, a longitudinal beam 36 is provided centrally between each pair of cell stacks in the battery cell housing 12, extending over the entire length of the battery cell housing 12.

[0045] The width Bs of the structural element 4 is equal to or slightly greater than the length Lb of the battery cells 2. Thus, the battery cells 2 are completely enclosed within the structural elements 4 in their longitudinal direction and do not protrude from them. The outer structural elements 4 are spaced a apart from their adjacent structural elements 4 at a distance a, which is approximately 10% of the width of the structural elements 4. Due to the side impact with the cylindrical body 28, the battery cell housing 12 and the outer structural element 4, located on the crash side, are plastically deformed in the area of ​​impact (deformation of the structural element 4 not shown). This plastic deformation dissipates crash energy. Furthermore, some of the battery cells 2 inserted into the structural element 4 located on the crash side are partially displaced from the structural element 4 in the direction of impact of the cylindrical body 28.During the partial ejection, additional crash energy is dissipated. The partial ejection of the battery cells 2 from the structural element 4 also means that the battery cells 2 themselves are not damaged, or only minimally damaged. This is because the battery cells 2 are pushed into the free space at a distance a between the spaced structural elements 4 without significant deformation.

[0046] In Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows detailed representations of a section of the structural element 4 according to the invention. The [element] shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig.The structural element 4 shown in Figure 6 is in a state corresponding to the initial state before the insertion of battery cells (not shown) as described above. The side walls 6 of the structural element 4 are arranged parallel to each other, and the connecting walls 8, 10 connect the side walls 6 alternately on their undersides and topsides. The structural element 4 has recesses 32 on its longitudinal sides 30, i.e., on the sides opposite each other in the width direction. The recesses 32 are formed and shaped on the longitudinal sides 30 such that cell poles of battery cells 2, arranged on opposite base surfaces to be inserted into the structural element 4, are positioned in the area of ​​the recesses 32. This ensures that the cell poles are easily accessible and reliably decoupled from the structural element 4.The structural element 4 further comprises through-openings 34 in the connecting walls 8 that join the side walls 6 on their underside, for emergency venting of battery cells 2 arranged in the structural element 4. If the battery cells 2 arranged in the structural element 4 thermally overheat and vent, the gases can be released through the through-openings 34 into the battery cell housing 12 and drawn off or discharged from it.

[0047] The features of the invention disclosed in the present description, the drawings, and the claims can be essential for realizing the invention in its various embodiments, both individually and in any combination. The invention can be varied within the scope of the claims and taking into account the knowledge of the person skilled in the art.

[0048] It is specifically noted that, above, the terms length and longitudinal direction refer to the greatest extent of the respective element, in particular the battery cells 2 and the structural elements 4. This assignment is not mandatory; that is, the terminology should not restrict the shape and arrangement of the structural elements 4 and the battery cells 2 in a motor vehicle (not shown). In particular, no association with the vehicle's longitudinal or transverse direction should be inferred from the use of these terms. Reference symbol list 2 battery cells 4 Structural element, meandering profile 6 side wall 8 bottom connecting wall 10 upper connecting wall 12 battery cell casings 14 Battery housing base 16 Battery housing covers 18 lower adhesive layer 20 upper adhesive layer 22 Gap fillers 24 Gap fillers 26 intercellular layer 28. Pile, cylindrical body 30 long sides 32 Exclusion 34 Passage opening 36 longitudinal beams

Claims

[1] Battery cell arrangement in a structural element (4) for battery cells (2) of a motor vehicle, wherein the battery cells (2) have a prismatic basic shape and the structural element (4) is designed as an elongated, meandering profile with a plurality of side walls (6) and connecting walls (8, 10) connecting adjacent side walls (6), wherein the battery cells (2) are at least partially arranged in the structural element (4) such that two side walls (6) of the structural element (4) are arranged to directly enclose a battery cell (2), characterized by , that the battery cells (2) have cell poles arranged laterally on opposite sides and recesses (32) for the cell poles are formed on the longitudinal sides of the structural element (4). [2] Battery cell arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized by, that the structural element (4) is firmly connected to at least one element of a battery cell housing (12) which at least partially encloses the battery cells (2). [3] Battery cell arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least partially a gap filler (22, 24) is arranged between the battery cells (2) and the connecting walls (8, 10). [4] Battery cell arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least a through-opening (34) for emergency degassing of battery cells (2) is formed at least partially on the connecting walls (8, 10). [5] Battery cell arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the height Hs of the side walls (6) of the structural element (4) is at least as large as the height Hb of the battery cells (2) and / or the width Bs of the structural element (4) is at least as large as the length Lb of the battery cells (2). [6] Battery cell arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least two structural elements (4) are arranged parallel and at least slightly spaced apart from each other in a battery cell housing (12). [7] Method for manufacturing a battery cell arrangement in a structural element (4) for battery cells (2) of a motor vehicle, wherein the battery cells (2) have a prismatic basic shape and the battery cells (2) have cell poles arranged laterally on opposite sides, and wherein the structural element (4) is designed as an elongated, meandering profile with a plurality of side walls (6) and connecting walls (8, 10) connecting adjacent side walls (6), and wherein recesses (32) for the cell poles are formed on the longitudinal sides of the structural element (4), according to which a plurality of battery cells (2) are inserted into the structural element (4) such that, after insertion, two side walls (6) of the structural element (4) are arranged to directly enclose a battery cell (2). [8] Method according to the preceding claim, characterized bythat at least one of the following procedural steps is carried out: a) A large number of battery cells (2) are pre-positioned and simultaneously inserted laterally into the structural element (4), b) the structural element (4) is firmly connected to at least one element of a battery cell housing (12), c) the battery cells (2) are arranged without play in their vertical direction within a battery cell housing (12) by means of gap fillers (22, 24), d) A plurality of battery cells (2) are clamped to form a cell stack by arranging end plates and connecting the end plates by means of at least one tension band. [9] Structural element (4) for a battery cell arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6 with a dimensionally stable base body which is designed as an elongated, meandering profile with a plurality of side walls (6) and connecting walls (8, 10) connecting adjacent side walls (6), wherein at least one recess is formed at least partially on the end faces of the side walls (6). [10] Structural element (4) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that at least one through-opening (34) is formed at least partially on the connecting walls (8, 10).

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