Cell connector, battery arrangement and method for electrically connecting two pole terminals of two battery cells

Abstract

The invention relates to a cell connector (22) for electrically connecting a first pole terminal (14a) of a first battery cell (12) and a second pole terminal (14b) of a second battery cell (12). The cell connector (22) comprises an electrically conductive and elastically compressible material layer (28) in a first direction (y) for arrangement in a space (26) between the first pole terminal (14a) and the second pole terminal (14b) arranged opposite the first pole terminal (14a), wherein the material layer (28) comprises a first layer side (28a) for electrically contacting the first pole terminal (14a) and a second layer side (28b) opposite the first layer side (28a) in the first direction (y) for electrically contacting the second pole terminal (14b).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cell connector for electrically connecting a first pole terminal of a first battery cell and a second pole terminal of a second battery cell. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a battery assembly and a method.

[0002] So-called cell connectors are typically used to electrically connect the pole terminals of battery cells. These are electrically conductive and contact a first pole terminal of a first battery cell on the one hand and a second pole terminal of a second battery cell on the other. Battery cells also have manufacturing tolerances with regard to their dimensions. Even during operation of battery arrangements, such as a high-voltage battery, the position of the pole terminals of the battery cells relative to one another can change. It is therefore advantageous if such a cell connector can also compensate for such manufacturing and / or position tolerances. This is often achieved by providing such a cell connector not only with a flat, rigid rail, but also with a type of wave or elevation or a wave structure for such tolerance compensation.

[0003] DE 10 2011 085 467 A1 describes a cell connector for electrically connecting two cell terminals to each other. At least one of the cell terminals has a side surface against which, in the assembled state, an associated lateral edge surface of the cell connector rests essentially gap-free, and the side surface and the edge surface are integrally connected. Furthermore, the cell connector is concavely curved along a bending line. This allows tolerance compensation to be provided.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a cell connector, a battery arrangement and a method which enable a design of a battery arrangement which saves as much installation space as possible and a contacting of the pole terminals which saves as much installation space as possible with a tolerance compensation option.

[0005] This object is achieved by a cell connector, a battery assembly, and a method having the features according to the respective independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims, the description, and the figures.

[0006] A cell connector according to the invention for electrically connecting a first pole terminal of a first battery cell and a second pole terminal of a second battery cell has an electrically conductive material layer that is elastically compressible in a first direction for arrangement in an intermediate space between the first pole terminal and the second pole terminal arranged opposite the first pole terminal, wherein the material layer comprises a first layer side for electrically contacting the first pole terminal and a second layer side opposite the first layer side in the first direction for electrically contacting the second pole terminal.

[0007] The invention is based on several findings: Firstly, it is possible to design battery cells in such a way that they do not have their respective pole terminals on the same side, but on opposite sides. This enables a particularly space-saving arrangement of battery cells relative to one another and also a particularly space-saving contacting of such battery cells with one another, because they can, for example, be lined up next to one another with their respective pole terminals facing one another. With this arrangement, it is also conceivable in principle for the pole terminals that face one another to also make direct contact. However, it is particularly advantageous if the cell connector according to the invention, which comprises an elastically compressible material layer, is arranged between these pole terminals.The elastically compressible design of this material layer advantageously provides tolerance compensation in the first direction. This allows component tolerances and positional tolerances, which may only arise during operation of such a battery arrangement, to be advantageously compensated. Furthermore, the electrically conductive design of this material layer allows for a current to flow between the two pole terminals contacted via the material layer with a particularly low conduction resistance.The provision of such an electrically conductive and elastically compressible material layer as part of such a cell connector advantageously enables large-area contact between the two pole terminals with relatively low line resistance, which in turn minimizes heat generation during the flow of high currents through this cell connector and thus also the resulting heat loss. This allows for a particularly space-saving battery arrangement and contact between the pole terminals of two battery cells, while simultaneously compensating for tolerances between the pole terminals to be contacted.

[0008] The material layer is a solid layer, at least under conventional, normal operating conditions. The material layer can be provided, for example, as a type of pad or compensating cushion or compensating pad, an electrically conductive foam layer, an electrically conductive and elastic adhesive layer, or the like. The material layer has a layer thickness in the first direction that is, for example, smaller than a length and width of the material layer perpendicular to its thickness. The thickness of the material layer can, for example, be at least an order of magnitude, i.e., by a factor of 10, smaller than its length and / or width. The length and width of the material layer perpendicular to its thickness can essentially correspond to a length and width of the pole terminals to be contacted via the cell connector, or can also be somewhat smaller.The material layer can be shaped perpendicular to its thickness, for example, rectangular, rectangular with rounded corners, elliptical, round or with any other desired geometry. In particular, it is provided that the material layer with its respective layer sides, which bound the material layer on both sides in and opposite to the first direction and whose spacing defines the thickness of the material layer in the first direction, comes into flat contact with the respective end faces of the respective pole terminals to be connected via the cell connector when the cell connector is arranged as intended between the two pole terminals of the battery cells to be contacted. The cell connector is preferably used for battery cells which have respective pole terminals whose mutually facing contact sides are flat, for example planar.These contact surfaces can also be referred to as the end faces of the terminals. The terminals themselves can be relatively rigid and fixed to the battery cells.

[0009] The battery cells can be designed, for example, as lithium-ion cells. In particular, the battery cells can be prismatic battery cells or round cells. The battery cells are preferably designed as prismatic battery cells. If the cell connector is in the intended state in which the pole terminals are in contact with each other, the material layer is in an at least partially compressed state. This enables reliable and flat contact between the two pole terminals. Even if the distance changes during operation of the battery cells, for example due to mechanical vibrations while driving, the material layer can then provide appropriate tolerance compensation. In the relaxed state, the material layer preferably has a constant layer thickness.

[0010] In a further very advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cell connector has a metallic clamp which has a first clamp leg, a second clamp leg and a connecting element which connects the first and the second clamp legs to one another on the inside, wherein the first clamp leg and the second clamp leg lie opposite one another with respect to the first direction and wherein the material layer is arranged between the first and the second clamp leg in the first direction. The metallic clamp is thus U-shaped in cross-section or in a side view. The two clamp legs can each have a first end which borders on the connecting element and an opposite, free second end. The clamp legs are resilient.This advantageously provides a resilient effect of the clamp, since the two clamp legs can be moved towards and away from each other in the first direction in a resilient and thus elastic manner. In other words, pressing the clamp legs towards each other or pulling the clamp legs apart relative to an initial position of the clamp legs creates a restoring force that returns the clamp legs to their initial position once the compressive or tensile force is removed. This also provides a tolerance compensation option thanks to the metallic clamp. At the same time, it makes it possible to clamp the material layer between the two clamp legs. The clamp can therefore provide an additional fixing effect to secure the material layer.Furthermore, the material layer can advantageously be fastened by means of the clamp to a carrier, which will later also be referred to as cell connector housing, as explained in more detail later.

[0011] Therefore, it represents a further advantageous embodiment of the invention if the material layer contacts the first and second staple legs and is clamped between the first and second staple legs with compression of the material layer in the first direction.

[0012] This compression can, for example, only be provided by the intended arrangement of the cell connector between the two pole terminals or can be provided beforehand by the resilient action of the two clamp legs. For example, the clamp legs, if the material layer is not yet arranged between them, can have a distance from one another in the first direction that is slightly less than the thickness of the material layer in the uncompressed, relaxed state. In order to arrange the material layer between the clamp legs of the clamp, the legs must be bent apart slightly with respect to the first direction, which causes restoring forces on the material layer located between the clamp legs, which lead to at least partial compression of this material layer. This allows the material layer to be held stably in the clamp.

[0013] According to a further very advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first clamp leg has at least one through-opening which is at least partially covered by the material layer and which is at least partially penetrated by the material layer in order to contact the first pole terminal, in particular wherein the second clamp leg has at least a second through-opening which is at least partially covered by the material layer and which is at least partially penetrated by the material layer in order to contact the second pole terminal. The metallic clamp can therefore have at least one first through-opening in the first clamp leg. If the material layer is clamped between the two clamp legs, the material of the material layer partially oozes out of this first through-opening.As a result, the portion of the material layer protruding from the first through-opening can directly contact the first pole terminal and thereby conform to the first pole terminal. Furthermore, the tolerance compensation capability of the elastic material of the material layer is retained. The second clamp leg can be designed in a completely analogous manner and accordingly has at least one second through-opening. It is also very advantageous if the first clamp leg and, in particular, the second clamp leg each have a plurality of through-openings. These plurality of through-openings can be arranged next to one another in the respective clamp leg, for example, in a second and / or third direction.The provision of several through-openings enables a particularly large contact area between the respective pole terminal and the corresponding layer side of the material layer and, on the other hand, a particularly stable holding of the material layer in the metallic clamp.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the material layer is provided as a layer of a cured foam or foamed material and / or a plastic. A cured foam is understood in particular to mean a foam that is not hard but has a certain elasticity. Such a foam can also have viscoelastic properties. The material layer can also be provided as an adhesive layer that has correspondingly elastic properties. The space between the two clamp legs can be partially or completely filled with the material layer.

[0015] Furthermore, the electrically conductive properties of the material layer can be provided by embedding electrically conductive particles in a matrix of the material layer. The matrix can provide the corresponding elastic properties, while the embedded particles can provide the electrically conductive properties of the material layer.

[0016] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cell connector is designed such that its electrical conductivity is reduced, in particular abruptly reduced, when a predetermined temperature is exceeded due to a change in the material layer. The reduction can be so severe that the current flow between the two pole terminals can also be interrupted. For example, when the predetermined temperature is exceeded, the material layer can melt or be otherwise destroyed, e.g., burn or the like. The material layer can, for example, soften and / or liquefy and flow out of the clamp or the space between the two clamp legs, whereby the electrical conductivity of the cell connector is significantly reduced and thus the electrical resistance of the cell connector is significantly increased.This can reduce or completely interrupt the flow of current. The change in the material layer can lead to the current flow through the remaining metallic clamp causing the clamp to heat up so much that it is damaged or the conductive connection between the poles via the clamp is severed, which can completely interrupt the flow of current. The cell connector can therefore also provide a safety function at the same time. If, for example, a defect causes an excessively high current to flow through the cell connector, this leads to the cell connector heating up above the predetermined temperature and this increases the electrical resistance of the cell connector and this in turn leads to a reduction and / or interruption of the flow of current. The function of the cell connector is therefore similar to that of a fuse.

[0017] This is also advantageous if one of the two battery cells experiences thermal runaway. Such thermal runaway is often associated with a significant temperature increase in the affected cell and its terminals. This then automatically leads to the predetermined temperature of the cell connector being exceeded, which then drastically reduces its electrical conductivity due to a change in the material layer. Especially in the event of thermal runaway of a battery cell, the electrically conductive connection to the neighboring cell can thus be automatically and passively interrupted or at least reduced. Furthermore, the thermal barrier to the neighboring cell is also automatically increased.

[0018] The predetermined temperature is preferably above a predetermined operating temperature range. In particular, the predetermined temperature can be higher than 60°C, for example, or even higher than 70°C.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cell connector has a cell connector housing which has a receiving area with a through-opening in which the material layer is arranged, in particular wherein the clamp is arranged in the receiving area. This cell connector housing primarily functions as a holder for the clamp and the material layer. This allows the material layer and in particular also the clamp to be brought into their desired position between the pole terminals of two battery cells arranged adjacent to one another in the first direction in a particularly simple manner and to be reliably aligned with respect to the respective pole terminals in the second and third directions as well. The cell connector housing can be made of a plastic material, for example, which simultaneously provides electrical insulation of the cell connector from other components.This in turn makes it possible to arrange the cell connector housing in contact with a battery housing, for example, as explained in more detail later.

[0020] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a battery assembly with a cell connector according to the invention or one of its embodiments. The advantages described for the cell connector according to the invention and its embodiments thus apply equally to the battery assembly according to the invention.

[0021] The battery arrangement can be designed as a battery for a motor vehicle, in particular a high-voltage battery. Furthermore, the battery can be a traction battery for the motor vehicle. The battery arrangement can also be designed as a stationary energy storage device.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the battery arrangement comprises the first battery cell and the second battery cell, which are arranged relative to one another such that the first pole terminal is opposite the second pole terminal with respect to the first direction, wherein the material layer is arranged in the space between the first and the second pole terminal, in particular wherein the first battery cell has two first pole terminals which are arranged on two first cell sides of the first battery cell opposite one another in the first direction, and wherein the second battery cell has two second pole terminals which are arranged on two second cell sides of the second battery cell opposite one another in the first direction.

[0023] This enables a particularly space-saving arrangement of battery cells, in particular prismatic battery cells, to one another. In principle, more than two such battery cells can be arranged next to one another in the first direction. For example, three or four such battery cells can also be arranged next to one another in the first direction. Any two battery cells arranged adjacent to one another in the first direction are electrically conductively contacted with one another via a respective cell connector, namely a cell connector according to the invention and / or a cell connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Such a battery arrangement can provide a cell row according to which a plurality of battery cells are arranged next to one another in the first direction. However, such a battery arrangement can also have a plurality of such cell rows.These can then, for example, be arranged next to each other in a second direction.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the battery arrangement comprises a housing which encloses a receiving space extending in the first direction, wherein the first and the second battery cell are arranged next to one another in the receiving space in the first direction, in particular wherein the housing comprises a plurality of receiving spaces arranged next to one another in a second direction and housing partition walls which separate the receiving spaces from one another and are arranged between the receiving spaces in the second direction.

[0025] In such a receiving space, a cell row with a plurality of battery cells can be arranged, of which two battery cells that are immediately adjacent to one another in the first direction are electrically conductively contacted with one another via a respective cell connector as described. A corresponding cell connector can therefore be located between two battery cells that are arranged adjacent to one another in the first direction. The housing enclosing the receiving space in question can have a top side and a bottom side with respect to a third direction. These can be connected to one another, for example, via the cell connector housing. In other words, the cell connector housing can be arranged in the housing of the battery arrangement such that it extends from the top side to the bottom side of the battery housing.This allows easy positioning of the material layer and in particular of the clamp with respect to the third direction within the receiving space.

[0026] The housing can also be formed from individual housing parts, which can also be referred to as housing components. In other words, the housing can comprise a plurality of housing parts, each of which provides exactly one of the housing partition walls. Viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the first direction, such a housing part can be provided, for example, in the form of a double-T profile or in the form of a C-profile or U-profile. The individual housing parts can be designed so that they can be fixed to one another, for example via locking lugs or other locking or clip connections. In addition, they can be additionally fixed to one another by means of a clamping device, for example a circumferential clamping frame or a clamping strap. In the first direction, the housing can be designed such that it projects beyond the battery cells accommodated in the receiving space.As a result, in the event of an impact, forces can be transmitted through the housing in or against the first direction. The cells are thus particularly well protected. In addition, the housing can be designed with integrated cooling channels. These can, for example, run through the described housing partition walls. Optionally, they can also run through the described upper or lower housing section. This enables large-area cooling of the battery cells accommodated in the receiving spaces. Each housing section can then, for example, comprise a coolant supply connection and a coolant discharge connection. Via these connections, each housing section can be fluidically connected to a cooling circuit, in which the coolant can circulate, of a motor vehicle in which the battery arrangement is provided.

[0027] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle with a cell connector according to the invention or one of its embodiments and / or with a battery arrangement according to the invention or one of its embodiments.

[0028] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle.

[0029] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for electrically connecting a first pole terminal of a first battery cell to a second pole terminal of a second battery cell by means of a cell connector. The cell connector comprises an electrically conductive material layer that is elastically compressible in a first direction and is arranged between the first pole terminal and the second pole terminal. The material layer has a first layer side that contacts the first pole terminal after arrangement, and a second layer side opposite the first layer side in the first direction, which, after arrangement, contacts the second pole terminal.

[0030] Here too, the advantages described with regard to the cell connector according to the invention and its embodiments apply equally to the method according to the invention.

[0031] The invention also includes further developments of the method according to the invention that have features already described in connection with the further developments of the cell connector according to the invention and the battery assembly according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the method according to the invention are not described again here.

[0032] The invention also encompasses combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also encompasses implementations that each comprise a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, unless the embodiments are described as mutually exclusive.

[0033] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. Shown are: Fig. 1 a schematic and perspective representation of a battery arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic and perspective view of a cell connector in an exploded view according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic and perspective representation of a cell connector according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 is a schematic and perspective view of part of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 6 a schematic plan view of a battery arrangement designed as a high-voltage battery according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0034] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another, each of which also develops the invention independently of one another. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to encompass combinations of the features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0035] In the figures, the same reference symbols designate elements with the same function.

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a schematic and perspective view of a battery arrangement 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. In particular, a part of a high-voltage battery 11 (cf. Fig. 6) is shown. The battery arrangement 10 comprises a plurality of battery cells 12 arranged next to one another in a first direction. The first direction corresponds to the y-direction shown. The battery cells 12 can be identical. In this example, the battery cells 12 are designed as prismatic battery cells. In addition, each battery cell 12 comprises two pole terminals 14a, 14b. A respective battery cell 12 comprises, in particular, two cell sides 12a, 12b, which are opposite one another with respect to the y-direction and on each of which one of the pole terminals 14a, 14b is arranged. The battery cells 12 are arranged next to one another in the y-direction such that the pole terminals 14a, 14b of two cells 12 arranged adjacent to one another in the y-direction face one another with their end faces.The end faces of a respective pole terminal 14a, 14b represent the essentially flat sides of a respective pole terminal 14a, 14b, which delimit the respective pole terminal 14a, 14b in or against the y-direction. The surface normal of such an end face is therefore parallel to the illustrated y-direction.

[0037] The battery assembly 10 also includes a battery housing 16, which in turn includes a plurality of housing parts 18. In the present example, only one such housing part 18 is shown. This housing part 18, together with a similarly designed housing part arranged adjacent to it in the x-direction, forms a receiving space 19 that extends longitudinally in the y-direction and in which the plurality of battery cells 12 are accommodated.

[0038] By using prismatic cells 12 with lateral terminals 14a, 14b, it is possible to arrange them directly next to one another, i.e., in the y-direction shown, and thus to construct small modular units in the form of bars. The contacting of the individual cells 12 within such a bar 20, as shown by way of example in Fig. 1, could in principle also be carried out directly, for example terminal to terminal, or, as provided here, with an additional cell connector 22. These cell connectors 22 thus advantageously enable an electrically conductive connection between the mutually facing pole terminals 14a, 14b of cells 12 adjacent to one another in the y-direction, on the one hand, and at the same time also a tolerance compensation in the y-direction, as will be explained in more detail later.

[0039] The housing parts 18 can be designed as a U-profile or double-T profile into which the cells 12 are inserted. Such a profile providing the corresponding housing component 18 can also simultaneously incorporate a cooling system, i.e., be designed with cooling channels through which a cooling medium can flow. In the present case, such a coolant connection 24 is shown as an example, via which a coolant can be supplied to or removed from the housing component 18. The pre-fixing and / or positioning of the cells 12 within such a bar 20, in particular in the corresponding housing component 18, can be provided, for example, by gluing, locking, or the like.

[0040] Such a structure and such an arrangement of cells 12 within such a cell bar 20 thus enables particularly simple and reliable contacting of the cells 12.

[0041] Between each two cells 12 arranged adjacent to each other in the y-direction there is a gap 26 in which a respective cell connector 22 is arranged. Such a cell connector 22 is constructed in several parts and is described below with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is explained in more detail.

[0042] Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 each show such a cell connector according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the cell connector 22 in Fig. 2 is shown in an exploded view and in Fig. 3 in an assembled state. The cell connector 22 advantageously comprises, on the one hand, an electrically conductive and elastically compressible material layer 28, which is also referred to below as a conductive pad 28. This conductive pad 28 is thus designed to be elastic and thus enables a certain tolerance compensation in the y-direction. Furthermore, this conductive pad 28 is electrically conductive and can thus conduct the current that flows during operation between the two pole terminals 14a, 14b that are contacted via the cell connector 22.

[0043] The conductive pad has a first layer side 28a and a second layer side 28b, which are opposite each other in the y-direction. The distance between these two layer sides 28a, 28b in the y-direction defines a layer thickness D of the material layer 28.

[0044] The cell connector 22 also comprises a metallic clamp 30. This is therefore also electrically conductive. The cell connector 22 therefore comprises two electrically conductive materials, namely the metal spring clamp 30 and a conductive foam, for example an electrically conductive plastic foam, or an adhesive that provides the material layer 28. The clamp 30 is U-shaped perpendicular to the z-direction, i.e. U-shaped in cross-section or when viewed from above in the z-direction. It accordingly comprises a first clamp leg 30a and a second clamp leg 30b. These legs 30a, 30b are essentially flat. The clamp 30 also comprises a connecting region or a connecting element 32 that connects the two clamp legs 30a, 30b to one another at the ends. The clamp legs 30a, 30b and the connecting element 32 can be formed as a single piece, e.g. as a bent sheet metal part.Opposite the connecting element 32, the clamp legs 30a, 30b each have a free end 34, which at the same time provides a contact flange 36.

[0045] The clamp legs 30a, 30b are designed to be resilient. In the initial position, the two clamp legs 30a, 30b are spaced apart in the y-direction, at least in some areas and / or when the clamp legs 30a, 30b are pulled apart, thereby providing a gap 38 between the two clamp legs 30a, 30b. The material layer 28 is arranged in this gap 38, as shown, for example, in Fig. 3. In the initial position of the clamp legs 30a, 30b, i.e., without external force being applied, the legs 30a, 30b can have a minimal distance from one another in the y-direction, which distance can in particular also be zero, and which is also smaller than the thickness D of the material layer 28 in the uncompressed, relaxed state. This allows the material layer 28 to be clamped between the clamp legs 30a, 30b, which have certain resilient properties.

[0046] The clamp legs 30a, 30b are also formed with respective through-openings 40. Each clamp leg 30a, 30b has a plurality of such openings 40 arranged next to one another in the z-direction. Furthermore, these openings 40 are elongated in this example, with a longitudinal extension direction in the x-direction. In principle, however, the openings 40 can have any desired geometry. The material layer 28 can also be essentially as long in the z-direction as the clamp 30 and / or the pole terminals 14a, 14b. Furthermore, the openings 40 are wider in the y-direction, for example, than the material layer 28. Due to the elastic properties of the material layer 28, when clamped between the legs 30a, 30b, it is partially pressed through these through-openings 40.In a state in which the material layer 28 is arranged in the clamp 30, the two layer sides 28a, 28b of the material layer 28 assume a surface structure as shown in . Fig. 2 is shown schematically. In the uninstalled state of the material layer 28, in which the material layer 28 is not compressed and is completely relaxed, the material layer 28 does not have such a surface structure. In the areas of the openings 40, the material layer 28 is therefore less compressed than in the remaining areas.

[0047] The resilient properties of the cell connector 22 can reduce the risk of the cell terminals 14a, 14b losing contact during operation due to vibrations, movements, or similar events. The resilient properties of the cell connector 22 can also equalize cell tolerances within a cell bar 20. By selecting appropriate materials, the properties of the cell connector 22, such as electrical resistance, tolerance absorption, and so on, can be further improved.

[0048] In this example, the cell connector 22 also includes a connector housing 42. This primarily serves as an assembly aid and for easy positioning of the material layer 28 and the clamp 30 between the pole terminals 14a, 14b. The connector housing 42 is preferably made of an electrically insulating material. Furthermore, the connector housing 42 is substantially elongated in the z-direction and thus has larger dimensions in the z-direction than in the x-direction and y-direction. When arranged in the cell bar 20, the connector housing 42 can contact an upper housing wall 18a of the housing component 18 on the inside with a first end 42a, and a corresponding lower housing wall 18b of the housing component 18 on the inside with an opposite second end 42b. In other words, the connector housing 42 can extend between the two housing walls 18a, 18b of the housing component 18 and connect these sides to each other.In addition, these housing walls 18a, 18b can be formed with guide rails projecting into the receiving area 19 or receiving space 19, into which the ends 42a, 42b can engage in order to easily insert the cell connector 22 counter to the x-direction into the corresponding housing component 18 at the location defined by the guide rails.

[0049] The connector housing 42 also includes a receiving area 44 in which the conductive pad 28 and the clamp 30 are received, as in Fig. 3. The receiving area 44 is also formed with a through-opening 46 in which the conductive pad 28 is located. To produce the cell connector 22, for example, the conductive pad 28 can first be inserted into this through-opening 46. The clamp 30 can then be pushed on in the x-direction shown and thus arranged in the receiving area 44. The pushing on takes place, for example, until the contact flanges 36 come into contact with a corresponding stop 48 of the connector housing 42. A further housing web 50 is enclosed by the connector housing 42, which in the end position of the clamp 30 can come into contact on the inside of the connecting element 32 of the clamp 30. The clamp 30 can also be pushed on until either the web 50 comes into contact with the inside of the connecting element 32 and / or the contact flange 36 comes into contact with the stop 48.In this final position, the conductive pad 28 is located in the gap 38 between the clamp legs 30a, 30b. The clamp 30 thus fixes the conductive pad 28 to the connector housing 42. The clamp legs 30a, 30b are located in the space shown in . Fig. 3, in a slightly tensioned and bent-apart position. They act as a restoring force against each other, whereby the clamp 30 is fixed to the connector housing 42 and the conductive pad 28 is fixed between the clamp legs 30a, 30b in a compressed state.

[0050] The cell connector 22 thus provided can be arranged in a simple manner between each two adjacent cells 12 of the cell bar 20, as shown in Fig. 1. To produce such a cell bar 20, for example, a first battery cell 12 can first be positioned in the housing component 18, in particular an end cell with respect to the y-direction, then a cell connector 22 can be arranged in contact with the terminal 14b of this cell 12, then the cell 12 adjacent in the y-direction can be positioned, then a further cell connector 22 can be contacted with this, and so on, until all cells 12 are arranged in the cell bar 20. It can also be provided that all battery cells 12 are first arranged in the housing component 18 and then the cell connectors 22 are arranged between the cells 12. The electrical connection of the poles 14a, 14b by means of the cell connector 22 is ensured or provided solely by the spring action of the clamp 30 and the conductive pad 28, i.e. e.g. the foam or adhesive, namely via frictional connection.The force-locking connection allows the battery cells to move relative to each other during operation without interrupting the flow of current. The cell connector thus enables tolerance and movement compensation in a space-saving manner, e.g., compensation in the y-direction of approximately or at least + / - 1 millimeter. The cell connector 22 therefore does not need to be screwed or glued to the terminals 14a, 14b, or otherwise fixed directly to them in a form-fitting or material-fitting manner.

[0051] In addition, a safety function can be integrated into the cell connector 22 through the foam or adhesive providing the material layer 28, which loses its conductivity at high currents or high temperatures and thereby reduces further current flow. The change in electrical conductivity can therefore not only be directly dependent on the temperature, but also indirectly temperature-dependent, namely dependent on the current flow, which leads to a certain heating of the cell connector 22. The conductive pad 28 can, for example, be designed such that it loses its electrically conductive properties and / or its shape above a certain temperature, for example by melting, whereby the electrically conductive connection between the pole terminals contacted via the cell connector 22 can be interrupted or at least the conductivity of the connection can be greatly reduced.

[0052] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic and perspective view of one end of such a cell bar 20 as part of a battery assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The cell bar 20 or the battery assembly 10 can be designed as described above. In particular, a detailed view of the illustration from Fig. 1. This is intended to illustrate further properties and functions of the battery assembly 10. For example, the housing component 18 is designed such that it protrudes beyond the inner battery cell 12 in the y-direction. This extended profile ensures force absorption and enables force transmission. As a result, the cells 12 in the housing 16 are particularly well protected. Furthermore, the housing component 18 includes complementary locking lugs 52a, 52b for positioning and interlocking adjacent housing components 18.

[0053] In the present example, it is further preferred that each cell 12 has a cell vent opening on its underside. Accordingly, the housing component 18 can be formed with a corresponding recess 54 so that this releasable cell vent opening is not covered by the housing component 18. Furthermore, further recesses 56, for example for busbars, i.e., busbars, or FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) lines, which can be provided between the individual cell bars 20 for contacting the cell rows accommodated in the bars 20, can be provided on the end faces of the housing components.

[0054] Fig. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery arrangement 10 with a plurality of cell bars 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In this example, the housing 16 comprises a plurality of housing parts 18, which in this example have the shape of a double-T profile. Each housing component 18 comprises at least one housing partition 18c, which spatially separates the receiving areas 19, which are adjacent to one another in the x-direction and in which the cells 12 are arranged. On the top and bottom sides, two housing components 18, which are adjacent to one another in the x-direction, can be connected to one another via the described locking lugs 52a, 52b (cf. Fig. 4) are clipped together. Furthermore, each housing component comprises an upper housing wall 18a and a lower housing wall 18b. The upper and lower housing walls 18a, 18b are perpendicular to the housing partition wall 18c. The housing partition wall 18c connects the upper and lower housing walls 18a, 18b to each other.

[0055] Fig.6 shows a schematic representation of a battery arrangement 10 embodied as a high-voltage battery 11 in a top view in the z-direction according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The high-voltage battery 11 comprises a battery housing 60, which has a frame 62 and optionally a housing base 64. The frame 62 encloses a receiving area 66 in which a plurality of cell bars 20 can be arranged. In this example, the receiving area 66 is again subdivided into two sub-areas in the x-direction, with only one of the two sub-areas being shown filled for clarity. Furthermore, the high-voltage battery 11 now has a plurality of cell bars 20, which are arranged next to one another in the x-direction and are clipped or connected to one another via their corresponding locking lugs 52a, 52b, which are provided by the corresponding housing components 18.These individual housing parts 18 thus form an overall housing 16 for the cell bars, which can also be designed to be fluid-tight. The locking lugs 52a, 52b serve for positioning and interlocking, and to absorb transverse forces. In the case of a side impact, for example, a pole impacting the high-voltage battery 11 in the y-direction, the impact forces can advantageously be transmitted through the cell bars 20. The cells 12 are thus particularly well protected.

[0056] Overall, the examples demonstrate how the invention can provide a spring-loaded cell connector with a securing function, particularly for a cell blade or cell bar. The electrical connection between the poles can be ensured solely through the spring action of the clamp and the foam or adhesive, namely through frictional engagement. This frictional connection allows the battery cells to move relative to each other during operation without interrupting the current flow. The cell connector thus enables tolerance and movement compensation in a space-saving manner. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 10 2011 085 467 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Cell connector (22) for electrically connecting a first pole terminal (14a) of a first battery cell (12) and a second pole terminal (14b) of a second battery cell (12), characterized by in that the cell connector (22) has an electrically conductive material layer (28) which is elastically compressible in a first direction (y) and is arranged in an intermediate space (26) between the first pole terminal (14a) and the second pole terminal (14b) arranged opposite the first pole terminal (14a), wherein the material layer (28) comprises a first layer side (28a) for electrically contacting the first pole terminal (14a) and a second layer side (28b) opposite the first layer side (28a) in the first direction (y) for electrically contacting the second pole terminal (14b). [2] Cell connector (22) according to claim 1, characterized byin that the cell connector (22) has a metallic clamp (30) which has a first clamp leg (30a), a second clamp leg (30b) and a connecting element (32) which connects the first and second clamp legs (30a, 30b) to one another at the ends, wherein the first and the second clamp legs are opposite one another with respect to the first direction (y), and wherein the material layer (28) is arranged between the first and the second clamp leg (30a, 30b) in the first direction (y). [3] Cell connector (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the material layer (28) contacts the first and second clamp legs (30a, 30b) and is clamped between the first and second clamp legs (30a, 30b) with compression of the material layer (28) in the first direction (y). [4] Cell connector (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the first clamp leg (30a) has at least one first through-opening (40) which is covered by the material layer (28) and which is at least partially penetrated by the material layer (28) in order to contact the first pole terminal (14a), in particular wherein the second clamp leg (30b) has at least one second through-opening (40) which is covered by the material layer (28) and which is at least partially penetrated by the material layer (28) in order to contact the second pole terminal (14b). [5] Cell connector (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the material layer (28) is provided as a layer of a cured foam and / or an adhesive. [6] Cell connector (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the cell connector (22) is designed so that its electrical conductivity is reduced when a predetermined temperature is exceeded by changing the material layer (28). [7] Cell connector (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cell connector (22) has a cell connector housing (42) which has a receiving area (48) with a through-opening (46) in which the material layer (28) is arranged, in particular wherein the clamp (30) is arranged in the receiving area (48) [8] Battery arrangement (10) with a cell connector (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the battery arrangement (10) comprises the first battery cell (12) and the second battery cell (12), which are arranged relative to one another such that the first pole terminal (14a) is opposite the second pole terminal (14b) with respect to the first direction (y), wherein the material layer (28) is arranged in the intermediate space (26) between the first and second pole terminals (14a, 14b), in particular wherein the first battery cell (12) has two first pole terminals (14a, 14b) which are arranged on two first cell sides (12a, 12b) of the first battery cell (12) opposite one another in the first direction (y), and wherein the second battery cell (12) has two second pole terminals (14b, 14a) which are arranged on two second cell sides (12b, 12a) of the second battery cell (12) opposite one another in the first direction (y). [9] Battery arrangement (10) according to claim 8, characterized byin that the battery arrangement (10) has a housing (16) which encloses a receiving space (19) extending in the first direction (y), wherein the first and the second battery cell (12) are arranged next to one another in the receiving space (19) in the first direction (y), in particular wherein the housing (16) has a plurality of receiving spaces (19) arranged next to one another in a second direction (x) and housing partition walls (18c) which separate the receiving spaces (19) from one another and are arranged between the receiving spaces (19) in the second direction (x). [10] Method for electrically connecting a first pole terminal (14a) of a first battery cell (12) to a second pole terminal (14b) of a second battery cell (12) by means of a cell connector (22), characterized byin that the cell connector (22) has an electrically conductive material layer (28) which is elastically compressible in a first direction (y) and which is arranged between the first pole terminal (14a) and the second pole terminal (14b), wherein the material layer (28) has a first layer side (28a) which contacts the first pole terminal (14a) after arrangement and has a second layer side (28a) opposite the first layer side (28a) in the first direction (y), which second layer side contacts the second pole terminal (14b) after arrangement.

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