Battery, as well as modular system and method for manufacturing a battery and motor vehicle with a battery

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery (B), a modular system, a method for manufacturing the battery (B), and a motor vehicle comprising the battery (B). The battery (B) has at least two spatially parallel first cell arrays (A1), wherein each first cell array (A1) comprises first battery cells (Z1) which are arranged spatially in two or more first battery cell rows (BZ1) extending along a first extension direction (y) of the battery (B) and are contacted both in parallel and in series with each other.Furthermore, the battery (B) comprises at least two spatially parallel second cell arrays (A2) arranged with the same current direction as the first cell arrays (A1), each second cell array (A2) having second battery cells (Z2) arranged spatially in two or more second battery cell rows (BZ2) extending along the first extension direction (y) and connected to each other in both parallel and series. For all first cell arrays (A1), two successive first cell arrays (A1) are spaced apart from each other along a second extension direction (x) of the battery (B) by one of the second cell arrays (A2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery, in particular for a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a modular system for manufacturing different variants of such a battery. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the battery using a modular system. Finally, the invention relates to a motor vehicle that incorporates such a battery.

[0002] Particularly in the construction of batteries for motor vehicles, there is a need to create a battery that has a particularly high energy density relative to its installation volume and can be manufactured very simply and with minimal effort. To this end, WO 2021 198 027 A1 proposes a modular system for a traction battery, comprising several battery modules, each containing a large number of battery cells that can be interconnected to provide different variants of the traction battery. This system includes two types of battery cells with different energy contents, from which a scaling module consisting of one sub-module and a large module consisting of three interconnected sub-modules are derived.A traction battery for a motor vehicle, comprising two or more battery modules, each with one or more battery cells, is known from WO 2019 206 976 A1, wherein the battery modules are assembled to form the traction battery.

[0003] However, with these conventional batteries, a cell contacting system is particularly complex, and the batteries can only be adapted to different boundary conditions regarding packaging, desired performance, etc., to a limited extent.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to create a battery that is particularly easy and cost-effective to scale to different requirements with regard to its electrical performance and available installation space, and which also offers a particularly high electrical safety potential.

[0005] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further possible embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description, and the figures. Features, advantages, and possible embodiments set forth in the description for one of the subject matter of the independent claims are to be regarded, at least analogously, across categories and embodiments as features, advantages, and possible embodiments of the respective subject matter of the other independent claims, as well as of any possible combination of the subject matter of the independent claims, optionally in conjunction with one or more of the dependent claims.

[0006] According to the invention, a battery, a modular system, and a method for manufacturing the battery or different battery variants are proposed. Furthermore, a motor vehicle is proposed that incorporates the battery as a component. In particular, the battery or the respective battery variant is configured as a traction battery for the motor vehicle, meaning that the motor vehicle can be a purely electric or hybrid-electric vehicle.

[0007] For the simplest possible description, a Cartesian coordinate system with longitudinal direction x, transverse direction y, and vertical direction z is defined for the battery, and a Cartesian coordinate system with longitudinal direction u, transverse direction v, and vertical direction w is defined for the vehicle. The vehicle's coordinate system corresponds, for example, to the standard coordinate system used in automotive engineering according to DIN 70 000. It is assumed that the longitudinal directions x and u, the transverse directions y and v, and the vertical directions z and w coincide, thus defining the battery's installation position within the vehicle.

[0008] The battery comprises at least two spatially parallel first cell arrays, each first cell array comprising first battery cells – in particular in the form of cylindrical cells – which are spatially arranged in two or more rows of first battery cells, each extending along a first extension direction (y) of the battery, and are electrically connected to each other both in parallel and in series. Furthermore, the battery comprises at least two spatially parallel second cell arrays, which are arranged with the same current direction as the first cell arrays (A1). For example, a first cell array terminal of each first cell array and a corresponding first cell array terminal of each second cell array are located on a common side of the battery, so that the electric current flows through the cell arrays in the same direction during operation of the battery.Each second cell array comprises second battery cells, which are spatially arranged in two or more second cell rows extending along the first dimension (y) and are connected to each other both in parallel and in series. The first and second battery cells are identical; they are therefore identical components. The first and second cell arrays are arranged such that along a second dimension (x) of the battery, two successive first cell arrays are spaced apart by one of the second cell arrays. In other words, the first cell arrays extending in the transverse direction (y) of the battery and the second cell arrays also extending in the transverse direction (y) are arranged alternately along the longitudinal direction (x) of the battery.

[0009] Thanks to this arrangement of the battery cells or cell arrays, a particularly advantageous packaging solution is achieved, as the battery cells can be packed very densely without compromising electrical safety. The described arrangement of the cell arrays results in a voltage potential between adjacent battery cells in the longitudinal direction (x), which is advantageously very low. This allows for a particularly small air and creepage distance between the battery cells, which is beneficial for the packaging. The space gained in this way can then be used for other purposes, such as accommodating more battery cells or housing other battery components, like parts of a battery temperature control system.The necessary clearance for air and creepage distances falls within the same battery installation space as the temperature control system (for example, its coolant channels for cooling the battery cells). Consequently, the battery according to the invention offers a space synergy that allows the battery cells to be packed more closely and densely. In most conventional electrical energy storage concepts, the temperature control system and the air and creepage distances between cell arrays each occupy separate installation spaces. Furthermore, a cell contacting system, by means of which the battery cells of the cell arrays are electrically contacted or interconnected, can be designed with a particularly simple geometry.

[0010] The modular system, which enables the production of different battery variants, features various versions of a predefined battery installation space. Each battery installation space variant has variant-specific dimensions along two directions (u, v). The available installation space is defined, for example, by a pre-developed battery housing or the installation space of a pre-developed vehicle powertrain. Using the modular system, a battery variant is produced that fits within the installation space and achieves the maximum possible energy density relative to the available space. For this purpose, the modular system uses a single variant of battery cells, as the first and second battery cells (as already explained in connection with the battery) are identical components.

[0011] The modular system is used in the process for manufacturing different battery variants. A parallel connection factor (p) is specified based on the dimensions of the selected battery configuration along the first dimension (u). This factor characterizes how many parallel-connected battery cells each cell array should have in each column. Furthermore, the number of cell arrays to be used in the battery variant is specified based on the u-dimension of the selected battery configuration. Based on the available space along the second dimension (v), the number of battery cells to be used in each battery cell row is specified. The cell arrays are then manufactured by spatially arranging the battery cells into battery cell rows, positioning the battery cell rows, and then connecting the battery cells in series and parallel.The cell arrays are then positioned relative to each other such that, along the second extension direction (x) of the battery, two consecutive first cell arrays are spaced apart by one of the second cell arrays. A first series connection and a second series connection are then established, with the first series connection linking the first cell arrays in series and the second series connection linking the second cell arrays in series. Thus, the battery has a first positive terminal and a first negative terminal of the first series connection, as well as a second positive terminal and a second negative terminal of the second series connection. The first positive terminal and the second negative terminal are electrically connected, so that the battery is formed by the cell arrays connected in series in this way.Alternatively, it is conceivable that the first series connection forms a first partial battery and the second series connection forms a second partial battery, which are electrically independent of each other.

[0012] One of the key concepts of the invention is that, given the available installation space, the battery or battery variants can be manufactured in a scaled manner according to requirements. The electrical voltage of the battery correlates with the installation space width (v), which is defined in particular by the width of the vehicle, while the electrical current of the battery correlates with the installation space length (u), which is defined in particular by the length of the vehicle. The amount of energy in the installation space is obtained by multiplying the number of parallel-connected battery cells by the number of series-connected battery cells (each per cell array) and by the number of cell arrays. The number of cell arrays also influences the voltage level.

[0013] In another possible embodiment, the battery has a temperature control element that, along the second extension direction (x), is in direct contact with the first battery cells of an outermost row of the first battery cells of the respective first cell array, and also directly with the second battery cells of an outermost row of the second battery cells of the respective second cell array. The cell arrays in question are thus spaced apart from each other along the second extension direction (x) by the temperature control element, which is sufficiently thick along the second extension direction (x) that each of the first battery cells is separated from each of the second battery cells by at least a predetermined safety distance.In this way, the installation space required to ensure electrical safety between the first and second battery cells (air and creepage distance to prevent an arc flash at a given voltage difference between the battery cells in question) is used particularly efficiently. The safety distance is determined based on the required air and creepage distance between two directly adjacent battery cells in such a way that an unwanted short circuit, especially an arc flash, is avoided at a given voltage difference between said battery cells. Such an arc flash can occur in conventional batteries, for example, if—due to manufacturing defects (dust, etc.)—it is not properly sealed.between the battery cells or strings), due to thermal runaway or an accident, leading to an undesirable reduction of the design-provided air and creepage distance and consequently, for example, to a short circuit between the battery cells in question.

[0014] According to another possible embodiment of the battery, each cell array has a cell contacting system. Each cell column, which is connected in the first direction (y) to a second cell column, has a cell contacting plate. The cell contacting plate connects the first poles of the cells in the first cell column that are of the same polarity (e.g., negative poles). Furthermore, the same cell contacting plate connects the second poles of the cells in the second cell column that are of opposite polarity (e.g., positive poles). In this way, the batteries are connected in parallel. Additionally, the first poles of the first cell column and the second poles of the second cell column are connected to each other by means of the same cell contacting plate. Thus, the battery cells are connected in parallel.Battery cell arrays are connected in series. Due to the positional arrangement of the battery cells described above – whose respective positive and negative terminals are located on a common cell shoulder, regardless of the specific cell shape – the geometry of the respective cell contact plate is particularly simple. Specifically, the cell contact plate is a stamped or stamped-bent part. Furthermore, the cell contact system and battery sensors for measuring voltage and / or temperature can be provided as a single assembly. In any case, the particularly simple and compact cell contact system advantageously results in a very small installation space requirement in the XY plane of the battery.Mechanical loads acting on the battery in the Z direction are introduced into the battery cell and into foamed cell spaces due to the large area fraction in the XY plane, without using a load path via the cell contacting system.

[0015] In a possible further development, it is envisaged that the cell contact plates are designed as identical parts. This particularly addresses the need for a very simple cell contact system.

[0016] In this context, another possible embodiment of the modular system provides for different variants of the cell contact plate. Each variant of the cell contact plate has a different number of contact elements for contacting the battery cells within a battery cell gap. In such a case, the method for manufacturing the different battery variants involves specifying a cell contact plate variant corresponding to the parallel connection factor (p) based on the extent of the selected battery compartment variant along the first direction of extension (u). The battery cells are then contacted with each other using the cell contact plates designed according to this cell contact plate variant.

[0017] Further features of the invention may become apparent from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features shown below in the description of the figures and / or in the figures themselves, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0018] The drawing shows in Fig. 1 a schematic view of a battery having multiple first cell arrays and multiple second cell arrays, and Fig. 2 A top view of a section of the battery showing one of the first and one of the second cell arrays.

[0019] The following section provides an exemplary description of a battery B, a method and a modular system for manufacturing different battery variants, and a motor vehicle (not shown) incorporating battery B. For this purpose, identical and functionally equivalent elements in the figures are marked with the same reference symbol. Fig. Figure 1 is not to be understood solely as a circuit diagram; rather, it is in Fig. Figure 1 shows a spatial arrangement of sub-batteries consisting of battery cells Z1, Z2 and cell arrays A1, A2, which will be described in more detail below, at least schematically. For clarity, only a few of the battery cells Z1, Z2 are labeled with the corresponding reference numeral in the figures.

[0020] Battery B, when installed as intended, forms an integral part of the motor vehicle and is used here, in whole or in part, as a traction battery for the vehicle's electric powertrain. Therefore, the vehicle is a hybrid or purely electric vehicle. Battery B on board the vehicle can also be used to provide and / or store energy for other electrical consumers in the vehicle.

[0021] Out of Fig. Figure 1 shows that battery B has two or more first cell arrays A1 and two or more second cell arrays. The cell arrays A1 and A2 extend along a first extension direction y of battery B, where the first extension direction y is a transverse direction y of battery B. In this example, the cell arrays A1 and A2 are oriented with respect to a longitudinal direction u of the vehicle – see the coordinate systems in the lower left corner of the image. Fig. 1 - installed transversely. The respective first cell array A1 comprises first battery cells Z1, which are spatially arranged in two or more first battery cell rows BZ1, each extending along the first extension direction y of the battery B, and are contacted with each other both in parallel and in series by means of a first cell contacting system ZKS1. The respective second cell array A2 comprises first battery cells Z2, which are spatially arranged in two or more second battery cell rows BZ2, each extending along the first extension direction y of the battery B, and are contacted with each other both in parallel and in series by means of a second cell contacting system ZKS2. It is in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. It can be seen that the first cell arrays A1 and the second cell arrays A2 are arranged in pairs or double arrays, with each double array comprising a first cell array A1 and a second cell array A2. The cell arrays A1 and A2 of each double array are arranged with the same current direction and parallel to each other. Along a second extension direction of the battery B, here the longitudinal direction x of the battery B, the double arrays are arranged such that for all first cell arrays A1, along the second extension direction x of the battery B, two consecutive first cell arrays A1 are spaced apart from each other by one of the second cell arrays A2.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows that battery B in this example has eight cell arrays A1, A2, arranged in four double arrays. In each cell array A1, A2, 22 battery cells Z1 or Z2 are arranged in series to form a corresponding battery cell row BZ1 or BZ2, with four battery cells Z1 or Z2 connected in parallel in each column. Thus, battery B has a total of 704 battery cells Z1, Z2. A total of 176 battery cells Z1, Z2 are connected in series in the entire battery B. This battery variant is designated as 176s4p. Other possible battery variants include, for example (but are not limited to): - Battery cell row length: 20 battery cells: - 200s4p: a total of 800 battery cells Z1, Z2, divided into ten cell arrays or five first cell arrays A1 and five second cell arrays A2, each with 4 × 20 battery cells Z1 or Z2, - 200s5p: a total of 1000 battery cells Z1, Z2, divided into ten cell arrays or five first cell arrays A1 and five second cell arrays A2, each with 5 × 20 battery cells Z1 or Z2, - Battery cell row length: 22 battery cells: - 176s5p: a total of 880 battery cells Z1, Z2, divided into ten cell arrays or five first cell arrays A1 and five second cell arrays A2, each with 5 × 22 battery cells Z1 or Z2, - 176s6p: a total of 1056 battery cells Z1, Z2, divided into eight cell arrays or four first cell arrays A1 and four second cell arrays A2, each with 6 × 22 battery cells Z1 or Z2, - Battery cell row length: 23 battery cells: - 184s4p, - 184s5p (corresponding cell arrays A1, A2 are in Fig. 2 shown), - 184s6p, - Battery cell row length: 24 battery cells: - 192s4p, - 192s5p, - 192s6p.

[0023] Furthermore, battery variants are conceivable in which battery cell rows of different lengths are used in each cell array A1, A2, for example, two or more battery cell rows with 22 battery cells and two or more battery cell rows with 23 battery cells in each cell array A1, A2, or two or more battery cell rows with 23 battery cells and two or more battery cell rows with 24 battery cells in each cell array A1, A2. This results, for example, in 180s4p, 180s5p, 180s6p, 188s4p, 188s5p and 188s6p battery variants.

[0024] Fig. Figure 2 shows a top view of a section or one of the double arrays of battery B, comprising one of the first cell arrays A1 and one of the second cell arrays A2. It can be seen that battery B, according to the example described here, has a temperature control element T. This element extends along the second dimension (x) and is located directly against the first battery cells Z1 of an outermost row of the first cell arrays BZ1 of the respective first cell array A1, and directly against the second battery cells Z2 of an outermost row of the second cell arrays BZ2 of the respective second cell array A2. The temperature control element T allows the battery cells Z1 and Z2 to be cooled and / or heated. Specifically, the temperature control element T is a channel through which a coolant flows. The respective cell arrays A1 and A2 are connected to the temperature control element T.The battery cells Z1, Z2 of the outermost battery cell rows BZ1, BZ2 are separated by a thickness of d. T The temperature control element T is spaced apart from each other along the second extension direction x of the battery B, with the thickness d T is dimensioned so that each of the first battery cells Z1 has at least a specified safety distance d S is spaced from each of the second battery cells Z2. The safety distance d S is determined based on a required air and creepage distance between two directly adjacent battery cells Z1, Z2, such that at a given voltage difference U diff An unwanted arc is avoided between the aforementioned battery cells Z1 and Z2.

[0025] Furthermore, it is assumed that Fig. Figure 2 shows that each cell array A1, A2 has a cell contacting system ZKS1, ZKS2, which has a cell contacting plate ZKB for each first battery cell column BS1 of the corresponding cell array A1, A2, which is connected in the first extension direction y to a second battery cell column BS2 of the same cell array A1, A2. The cell contacting plate ZKB connects the first poles (negative poles) of the battery cells Z1, Z2 of the first battery cell column BS1 with each other. Furthermore, the same cell contacting plate ZKB connects the second poles (positive poles) of the battery cells Z1, Z2 of the second battery cell column BS2 with each other, opposite poles to the first poles (negative poles). In addition, the negative poles of the first battery cell column BS1 and the positive poles of the second battery cell column BS2 are connected with each other by means of the same cell contacting plate ZKB.In the present example, the cell contact plates ZKB are designed as identical parts.

[0026] The process enables the production of the aforementioned and other battery variants, employing a modular system. This modular system features different variants of a predefined battery installation space, which is defined, for example, by a pre-developed battery housing or the installation space of a pre-developed vehicle powertrain. Each battery installation space variant has variant-specific dimensions along the directions u and v, in this example along the longitudinal direction u and the transverse direction v of the vehicle. In other words, the installation space available to battery B in the longitudinal direction x is defined by the vehicle length, while the installation space available to battery B in the transverse direction y is defined by the vehicle width.In the vehicle equipped with battery B, the longitudinal directions x, u of battery B and the vehicle coincide, as do the transverse directions y, v of battery B and the vehicle. Therefore, cell arrays A1, A2 are installed transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction x of the vehicle. The modular system also features battery cells Z1, Z2 in a single variant, as the first battery cell Z1 and the second battery cell Z2 are identical components. Furthermore, the modular system includes different variants of the cell contact plate ZKB, with each variant having a different number of contact elements for contacting battery cells Z1, Z2, or rather, their positive and negative terminals in a battery cell column BS1, BS2.

[0027] In the process for manufacturing the different battery variants of battery B, a parallel connection factor p is specified based on the longitudinal extent u of the available installation space. This factor characterizes how many parallel-connected battery cell rows BZ1 and BZ2 the cell arrays A1 and A2, respectively, should have along the dimension x. Based on the transverse extent v of the available installation space, a number of battery cells Z1 and Z2 to be used in each battery cell row BZ1 and BZ2, respectively, is specified. In this respect, the total voltage of battery B correlates with the given vehicle width, and the total current of battery B correlates with the given vehicle length. If the respective cell array A1, A2 is one battery cell shorter in the Y-direction, this means that the total voltage of battery B decreases by a product of the maximum battery cell voltage and the number of cell arrays.Example: Reducing the number of battery cell rows Z1, Z2 from 24s to 23s means that, with eight installed cell arrays A1, A2 and a typical maximum battery cell voltage of approximately 4.2 V, the total voltage decreases by about 34 V (4.2 V × 8 ≈ 34 V). The total voltage can vary along the vehicle's length (U-direction) and the associated number of cell arrays A1, A2, depending on the number of installed double arrays (= A1 + A2). However, unlike the vehicle's width (V-direction of the vehicle or Y-direction of battery B), the voltage changes not in 34 V increments, but in 200 V increments (2 × 23 × 4.2 V ≈ 200 V). Thus, the number of cell arrays A1, A2 influences the voltage level of battery B.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the present example, a cell contact plate variant corresponding to the parallel connection factor p is specified based on the longitudinal extent u of the available installation space. The cell arrays A1 and A2 are then manufactured by spatially arranging the battery cells Z1 and Z2 in relation to the battery cell rows BZ1 and BZ2, positioning the battery cell rows BZ1 and BZ2, and then connecting the battery cells Z1 and Z2 in series and parallel using the cell contact systems ZKS1 and ZKS2, respectively, and the corresponding cell contact plate variant. The cell arrays A1 and A2 are then positioned relative to each other such that, along the second dimension x of the battery B, two consecutive cell arrays A1 are spaced apart by one of the cell arrays A2.The first cell arrays A1 are then connected in series, and the second cell arrays A2 are connected in series separately from the first cell arrays A1, resulting in a cross-connection of the cell arrays A1, A2, see . Fig. 1. Consequently, a first negative terminal M1 and a first positive terminal P1 of the first cell array series connection, as well as a second negative terminal M2 and a second positive terminal P2 of the second cell array series connection, are initially present. If all the resulting cell arrays A1 and A2 are to form battery B, the first positive terminal P1 and the second negative terminal M2 are connected together, so that the first negative terminal M1 forms a main battery negative terminal, and the second positive terminal P2 forms a main battery positive terminal. Such a connection of the cell arrays A1 and A2 can be achieved using a terminal block AB, in which the corresponding connection elements are grouped.

[0029] With this arrangement of the cell arrays A1, A2, the installation space can be used synergistically for cooling profiles arranged laterally on the battery cells Z1, Z2 or cylindrical cells.

[0030] Because a construction space that, for safety reasons, is designated for the safety distance d SThe space required to create the necessary air and creepage distance between directly adjacent battery cells Z1 and Z2 is used as the installation space for the temperature control element T. Thanks to the present invention, the battery cells Z1 and Z2 can be packed particularly densely, which is why the battery B has an advantageously high energy density for a given installation space. In addition, the cell contacting systems ZKS1 and ZKS2, in particular their cell contacting plates ZKB, can be manufactured particularly easily and with minimal effort. If the battery B is filled with a foam that, after hardening, provides stability to the battery B, a surface treatment of the battery cells Z1 and Z2 can be omitted, since, due to the compactness of the cell contacting systems ZKS1 and ZKS2, they are covered by very little of the cell contacting systems ZKS1 and ZKS2 in the vertical direction z.This ensures a particularly large contact area between the foam and the battery cells when the cavities of battery B are filled with foam, thus holding the battery cells securely in position. The simple scalability of battery B in the production of its various battery variants and the resulting ability to adapt battery B to the installation space dictated by the vehicle's width and length are particularly noteworthy. Reference symbol list A1 first battery cell A2 second battery cell AB connection block B Battery BS1 first battery cell column BS2 second battery cell column BZ1 first battery cell row BZ2 second battery cell row M1 first negative terminal M2 second negative terminal P1 first positive terminal P2 second positive terminal S1 first cell array S2 second cell array T temperature control element ZKB cell contact plate ZKS1 first cell contacting system ZKS2 second cell contacting system d S safety distance d T Strength of the tempering element U diff Voltage difference QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2021 198 027 A1

[0002] WO 2019 206 976 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Battery (B), comprising: - at least two spatially parallel first cell arrays (A1), wherein the respective first cell array (A1) has first battery cells (Z1) which are spatially arranged to form two or more first battery cell rows (BZ1) each extending along a first extension direction (y) of the battery (B) and are contacted with one another both in parallel and in series, - at least two spatially parallel second cell arrays (A2) which are arranged in the same current direction as the first cell arrays (A1), wherein the respective second cell array (A2) has second battery cells (Z2) which are spatially arranged to form two or more second battery cell rows (BZ2) each extending along the first extension direction (y) and are contacted with one another both in parallel and in series, wherein for all first cell arrays (A1) it applies that along a second extension direction (x) of the battery (B) two successive ones of the first cell arrays (A1) are spaced from one another via one of the second cell arrays (A2). [2] Battery (B) according to claim 1, characterized bya temperature control element (T) which, along the second extension direction (x), on the one hand, lies directly against the first battery cells (Z1) of an outermost one of the first battery cell rows (BZ1) and, on the other hand, directly against the second battery cells (Z2) of an outermost one of the second battery cell rows (BZ2) of the respective cell array (A1, A2), so that the respective cell arrays (S1, A2) are spaced apart from one another via the temperature control element (T) along the second extension direction (x), wherein the temperature control element (T) is formed so thick along the second extension direction (x) (d T ) that each of the first battery cells (Z1) has at least a predetermined safety distance (d S ) from each of the second battery cells (Z2). [3] Battery (B) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the respective cell array (S1, A2) has a respective cell contacting system (ZKS1, ZKS2) which has a cell contacting plate (ZKB) for each first battery cell column (BS1) which is connected in the first extension direction (y) to a second battery cell column (BS2), by means of which - same-polar first poles of the battery cells (Z1, Z2) of the first battery cell column (BS1) are contacted with each other, - second poles of the battery cells (Z1, Z2) of the second battery cell column (BS2) which are opposite to the first poles are contacted with each other and - the first poles of the first battery cell column (BS1) and the second poles of the second battery cell column (BS2) are in contact with each other. [4] Battery (B) according to claim 3, characterized by that the cell contact plates (ZKB) are designed as identical parts. [5] Modular system for producing different battery variants of the battery (B) designed according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - different variants of a given battery installation space, whereby the respective battery installation space variant has variant-specific extensions along two extension directions (u, v), - Battery cells (Z1, Z2) in a single battery cell variant. [6] Modular system according to claim 5, characterized by in that it has different variants of a cell contacting plate (ZKB) for producing different battery variants which have the features specified in claim 4, wherein the respective cell contacting plate variant has a variant-specific different number of contacting elements for contacting the battery cells (Z1, Z2) of a battery cell column (BS1, BS2). [7] Method for producing different battery variants of the battery (B) designed according to one of claims 1 to 4 by means of a modular system configured according to claim 5 or 6, wherein in the method - based on the extent of the selected battery installation space variant along the first extension direction (u): - a parallel connection factor (p) which characterises how many parallel-connected battery cell rows (BZ1, BZ2) the cell arrays (S1, A2) should each have, - a number of cell arrays (S1, A2) to be used in the battery variant, - based on the installation space available along the second extension direction (v), a number of battery cells (Z1, Z2) to be used per battery cell row (BZ1, BZ2) is specified, - producing and spatially arranging the cell arrays (A1, A2) and producing a first series circuit by means of which the first cell arrays (A1) are connected in series with one another, and a second series circuit by means of which the second cell arrays (A2) are connected in series with one another. [8] Method according to claim 7, characterized by that it is used for producing battery variants which have the features specified in claim 4, wherein, based on the extent of the selected battery installation space variant along the first extension direction (u), a cell contacting plate variant corresponding to the parallel connection factor (p) is specified, and the battery cells (Z1, Z2) are contacted with one another by means of the cell contacting plates (ZKB) designed according to this cell contacting plate variant. [9] Motor vehicle with a battery (B) designed according to one of claims 1 to 4.

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