Contact protection device

Abstract

Contact protection device comprising a structural element assembly, e.g., a plastic component, wherein the structural element assembly may preferably be flat and / or plate-shaped and / or lattice-shaped, wherein the structural element assembly comprises the following: a supporting structural element, which may, for example, be a plastic supporting structural element, wherein the supporting structural element may preferably be flat and / or plate-shaped and / or lattice-shaped, and an adaptation element fixed to the supporting structural element, which may, for example, be a plastic adaptation element, wherein the supporting structural element and the adaptation element are positively, force-fit, and / or material-fitted to one another, wherein the adaptation element is a contact protection element adapted and / or adaptable to a contact of an electrochemical energy storage unit.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a contact protection device.

[0002] In fully or partially electrically powered motor vehicles, electrochemical energy storage units are used to absorb, store and provide electrical energy required to drive the motor vehicle.

[0003] The electrochemical energy storage units comprise a large number of electrochemical energy storage elements. The electrochemical energy storage elements can be electrochemical cells, e.g., rechargeable battery cells, in particular rechargeable lithium-ion battery cells.

[0004] Electrochemical energy storage units include contact systems. These contact systems comprise a contact made up of electrical conductors through which electrical energy can be extracted from or supplied to an energy storage unit, depending on the operating state.

[0005] The desire for efficient production processes and reliable contacting of all energy storage elements, in conjunction with fire protection requirements and thermal management, results in complex requirement profiles for energy storage units and their contacting systems.

[0006] The present invention is based on the object of providing an efficiently usable contact protection device in the simplest possible manner.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by a contact protection device according to the relevant independent claim.

[0008] The contact protection device comprises a structural element assembly.

[0009] The structural element assembly can be the contact protection device.

[0010] The structural element composite can in particular be a plastic component.

[0011] The term “in particular” is used in this description and the appended claims to describe possible optional and / or facultative features.

[0012] The structural element composite can preferably be flat.

[0013] The structural element composite can preferably be plate-shaped.

[0014] The structural element composite can preferably be lattice-shaped.

[0015] The structural element composite can, for example, be flat and plate-shaped.

[0016] The structural element composite can, for example, be flat and lattice-shaped.

[0017] The structural element assembly includes a supporting structural element.

[0018] The support structure element can, in particular, be a plastic support structure element. The plastic support structure element can preferably be a reinforced plastic support structure element. A reinforced plastic support structure element can, in particular, have greater strength and / or rigidity than the adaptation element, wherein the greater strength and / or rigidity can, in particular, be material-related.

[0019] It can be advantageous if the reinforced plastic supporting structure element is not fiber-reinforced.

[0020] If the reinforced plastic support structure element is fiber-reinforced, it can preferably be a glass fiber-reinforced plastic support structure element. It can preferably contain 10 wt.% to 90 wt.%, more preferably 20 wt.% to 75 wt.%, most preferably 30 wt.% to 70 wt.%, e.g., 25 wt.% to 55 wt.%, of glass fibers.

[0021] The plastic of the plastic support structure element can preferably contain or be made of: Polycarbonate (PC), Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), Polyamide (PA) and / or Polypropylene (PP).

[0022] The supporting structure element may preferably be flat.

[0023] The supporting structure element may preferably be plate-shaped.

[0024] The supporting structure element may preferably be lattice-shaped.

[0025] The supporting structure element can, for example, be flat and plate-shaped.

[0026] The supporting structure element can, for example, be flat and lattice-shaped.

[0027] The structural element assembly includes an adaptation element fixed to the supporting structural element.

[0028] The adjustment element can, for example, be a plastic adjustment element.

[0029] The supporting structure element and the adaptation element are connected to each other in a form-fitting, force-fitting and / or material-fitting manner.

[0030] This may mean, in particular, that a connection between the supporting structure element and the adaptation element is characterized by at least one of the following three properties: positive locking, force locking and material locking.

[0031] The adaptation element can, in particular, be a structural element different from the supporting structure element. The structural element assembly can therefore, in particular, comprise interconnected structural elements, including a supporting structure element and an adaptation element.

[0032] The adaptation element is a contact protection element adapted and / or adaptable to a contact of an electrochemical energy storage unit.

[0033] The adjustment element can be adapted to the contact. The adjustment element can be adaptable to the contact.

[0034] An adaptation of the adaptation element to the contact can, for example, consist in the adaptation element having a recess and the contact extending into the recess.

[0035] An adaptability of the adaptation element to the contact can consist, for example, in that the adaptation element, e.g. an adaptation surface of the adaptation element, can be elastically pressed in by the contact, so that a contour of the adaptation element, e.g. the adaptation surface, follows a contour of the contact.

[0036] It may be advantageous if a first region of the adaptation element is adapted to a first region of the contact and a second region of the adaptation element is adaptable to a second region of the contact.

[0037] It may be advantageous if the first region of the adaptation element is a recess for receiving a first section of an electrical conductor of the contact. In the first section, the electrical conductor may have a raised portion. In the first section, the electrical conductor may have a fuse zone, e.g., a fuse zone. The fuse zone may preferably be formed on the raised portion.

[0038] It may be advantageous if the second region of the adaptation element is adaptable to a second section of the electrical conductor of the contact, wherein the second section of the electrical conductor in the second region can be elastically pressed into the adaptation element such that a contour of the adaptation element in the second region follows a contour of the second section of the electrical conductor and can be pressed onto the pole of an energy storage element of the energy storage unit by a force counteracting the pressing in.

[0039] An electrochemical energy storage unit may comprise the contact protection device, wherein an electrical conductor of a contact of the energy storage unit - is held in contact with a pole of an electrochemical energy storage element by means of the adaptation element, e.g. is pressed onto the pole of the electrochemical energy storage element; and / or - has the elevation which comes to lie in the recess, whereby preferably the safety zone, e.g. fusible link zone, also comes to lie in the recess.

[0040] Any concave zone of the matching element can be considered a recess. For example, if the contact protection device is placed on top of an energy storage unit, the recess on the underside of the contact protection device can extend upward into a matching element.

[0041] The supporting structure element is called a supporting structure element because it has a structure that supports the adaptation element.

[0042] If the supporting structure element and the adaptation element are positively connected to one another, the positive connection between the supporting structure element and the adaptation element can have an undercut. Preferably, the undercut can make it difficult to separate the adaptation element from the supporting structure element and / or prevent the adaptation element from being separated without damage.

[0043] It may be advantageous if the positive connection comprises a portion of the supporting structure element that extends between portions of the adaptation element. The portion of the supporting structure element may, in particular, extend between a portion of the adaptation element arranged on one side of the supporting structure element and a portion of the adaptation element arranged on the other side of the supporting structure element.

[0044] It may be advantageous if the adjustment element has an adjustment section.

[0045] The adjustment section can, for example, be a foamed section.

[0046] It may be advantageous if the adaptation element is a plastic adaptation element and the plastic adaptation element has the adaptation section. The foamed section is then, in particular, a foamed plastic section.

[0047] The adaptation section is adapted to the contact and / or adaptable to the contact.

[0048] It may be advantageous if the adjustment element has a projection zone in which the adjustment element projects beyond the supporting structure element.

[0049] Preferably, the supporting structure element can have an adaptation side and a rear side opposite the adaptation side.

[0050] In the overhang zone, the adaptation element can preferably protrude beyond the adaptation side of the supporting structure element.

[0051] It may be preferred if at least part of the adaptation section lies in the overhang zone.

[0052] It may be preferred if the entire adjustment section lies in the overhang zone or if a part of the adjustment section lies in the overhang zone and another part of the adjustment section does not lie in the overhang zone.

[0053] It may be advantageous if the adaptation element has a compact section. Preferably, the adaptation element can be a plastic adaptation element, and the compact section can be a compact plastic section.

[0054] It can be advantageous if the adjustment element has a connection zone.

[0055] The connection between the supporting structure element and the adaptation element can, for example, be a connection mediated by the connection zone of the adaptation element.

[0056] It may be preferred if at least part of the compact section lies in the connection zone.

[0057] It may be preferred if the entire compact section lies in the connection zone or a part of the compact section lies in the connection zone and another part of the compact section lies outside the connection zone.

[0058] It may be advantageous if the density of the supporting structure element is greater than the average density of the adaptation element.

[0059] The density of the supporting structure element can, in particular, be essentially the same across the entire supporting structure element. This can mean, in particular, that the density of the supporting structure element varies only within narrow limits, for example, 15%. It can be advantageous if the supporting structure element is a plastic supporting structure element that does not have a foamed section.

[0060] The density of the adaptation element in the adaptation section, for example, the foamed section, can differ significantly from the density of the adaptation element in the compact section. Therefore, reference is made to the average density of the adaptation element. This can be determined from the volume and the density of the adaptation element.

[0061] It is preferred if the density of the supporting structure element is at least 150%, preferably at least 175%, particularly preferably at least 230%, very preferably 270%, e.g. at least 350%, of an average density of the adaptation element.

[0062] In particular, the average density of the adaptation element may not exceed 0.9 g / cm 3 , preferably not more than 0.75 g / cm 3 , particularly preferably not more than 0.65 g / cm 3 , e.g. maximum 0.55 g / cm 3 It may be advantageous if the average density of the adaptation element is at least 0.05 g / cm 3 amounts.

[0063] In the adaptation section, which may be, for example, a foamed section, the density of the adaptation element may be lower than the average density of the adaptation element.

[0064] In particular, the density of the adaptation section may not exceed 0.7 g / cm 3 , preferably not more than 0.6 g / cm 3, particularly preferably not more than 0.55 g / cm 3 , e.g. maximum 0.5 g / cm 3 It may be advantageous if the density of the adaptation section is at least 0.02 g / cm 3 The density of the adjustment section can be determined by cutting it out of the adjustment element and then determining the volume and mass of the cut-out adjustment section and calculating the density of the adjustment section from this.

[0065] In the event that the density of the supporting structure element is not the same across the entire supporting structure element and the supporting structure element has, for example, a foamed supporting structure element section, the average density of the supporting structure element is taken into account as the density of the supporting structure element.

[0066] It may be advantageous if an adaptation surface of the adaptation element is softer than a supporting structure surface of the supporting structure element.

[0067] It can be advantageous if the adaptation element is softer than the supporting structure element.

[0068] For example, an adaptation surface of the adaptation element may be softer than a support structure surface of the support structure element and / or the adaptation element may be softer than the support structure element.

[0069] The adaptation surface of the adaptation element may be the surface of the adaptation element that faces a viewer who looks at the adaptation element from the adaptation side orthogonal to an extension plane of the structural element composite.

[0070] The adjustment surface of the adjustment element may be one of a plurality of surfaces of the adjustment element facing a viewer looking at the adjustment element from the adjustment side orthogonal to an extension plane of the structural element composite.

[0071] The extension plane can, in particular, be a plane extending between the adaptation side and the rear side of the supporting structure element through the supporting structure element, e.g., a plane extending flatly between the adaptation side and the rear side of the supporting structure element through the supporting structure element. The extension plane is, of course, in particular a geometric auxiliary object to which reference is made for defining the invention.

[0072] The extension plane can extend in particular parallel to the adaptation side and to the rear side of the support structure element through the support structure element, wherein in particular any unevenness or surface structures of the support structure element can be disregarded.

[0073] In particular, the extension plane can extend through the supporting structure element in such a way that it would divide the supporting structure element into two supporting structure element halves of identical mass if the supporting structure element were cut in the extension plane.

[0074] Whether a matching surface of the matching element is softer than a supporting structure surface of the supporting structure element can be determined in particular according to DIN ISO 48-4:2021-02. The matching surface of the matching element can be considered softer than the supporting structure surface of the supporting structure element in particular if the penetration depth of the indenter according to Shore D into the matching surface is greater than into the supporting structure surface.

[0075] Preferably, the same test procedure can be used to determine whether the adaptation element is softer than the supporting structure element.

[0076] If the adaptation element has several adaptation surfaces, the softest of the adaptation surfaces may preferably be decisive for determining whether the adaptation surface is softer than the support structure surface.

[0077] Penetration depths are preferably measured orthogonally to the plane of extension. It may be advantageous if the penetration depth into the adaptation surface is at least 1.8 times greater than the penetration depth into the supporting structure surface, for example, at least 2.6 times greater than the penetration depth into the supporting structure surface.

[0078] It can be particularly advantageous if the hardness of the adaptation surface of the adaptation element is 10 to 75 Shore A 10. This value can be measured in particular according to DIN ISO 48-4:2021-02. The 10 in the "Shore A 10" specification represents a contact force application time of 10 seconds.

[0079] If the adjustment element has multiple adjustment surfaces, the specified value applies to the softest of the adjustment surfaces.

[0080] The indenter can be placed particularly in the center of the respective adaptation surface.

[0081] Advantageously, the compression hardness of the adaptation element is 2.5 kPa to 5000 kPa, preferably 3 kPa to 3000 kPa, particularly preferably 4 kPa to 1500 kPa, most preferably 5 kPa to 1000 kPa, e.g., 10 kPa to 1000 kPa. Further details are described in connection with the method.

[0082] In particular, but not exclusively, the foamed sections can be used to create relatively soft adaptation elements, as described above. These can, in particular, have soft adaptation surfaces, as also described above. This has proven particularly advantageous, not least because they can compensate for remaining manufacturing-related unevenness of flat, plate-shaped or flat, lattice-shaped supporting structure elements during typical applications of the structural element composite.

[0083] Preferably, a contact can be reliably pressed onto the poles of electrochemical energy storage elements even if the poles are not all exactly in the same plane due to typical manufacturing tolerances. This advantageously allows higher manufacturing tolerances to be accepted in the production of energy storage units while still achieving reliable contact.

[0084] Particularly in large-area plate-like or lattice-like structural elements, manufacturing-related unevenness within certain tolerances is unavoidable. Without adjustment elements that can fully or partially compensate for these unevenness, many structural elements would have to be declared scrap and would not be available for their intended use or further processing.

[0085] The invention can, in particular, contribute to reducing the waste of supporting structure elements in a production process. It can also help ensure that even larger-area supporting structure elements, which inherently exhibit greater unevenness, can be made available for certain applications. This is because these unevennesses can be efficiently compensated over large areas using a correspondingly large number of adjustment elements.

[0086] This can also help to provide an efficiently usable structural element composite in the simplest possible way.

[0087] It may be particularly advantageous if the adaptation element is a first adaptation element and the structural element assembly comprises a second adaptation element and optionally a third adaptation element.

[0088] The first adaptation element is a first contact protection element adapted and / or adaptable to the contacting of the electrochemical energy storage unit.

[0089] The second adaptation element is a second contact protection element adapted and / or adaptable to the contacting of the electrochemical energy storage unit.

[0090] The optional third adaptation element can be a third contact protection element adapted and / or adaptable to the contacting of the electrochemical energy storage unit.

[0091] The structural element assembly can optionally comprise a fourth adaptation element, optionally a fifth adaptation element, optionally a sixth adaptation element, optionally a seventh adaptation element, optionally an eighth adaptation element, optionally a ninth adaptation element, and optionally a tenth adaptation element. These optional, further adaptation elements can also each independently be an additional contact protection element that is adapted and / or adaptable to the contacting of the electrochemical energy storage unit.

[0092] The number of adaptation elements comprised in the structural element assembly is not limited. It may be advantageous if the number of adaptation elements comprised in the structural element assembly is at most 50,000, preferably at most 15,000, particularly preferably at most 4,000, for example at most 1,000. The same applies to the number of contact protection elements.

[0093] It can be particularly advantageous if the structural element assembly includes an adaptation element connecting section.

[0094] The adjustment element connecting section connects the first adjustment element to the second adjustment element.

[0095] It may be preferable if the adjustment element connecting portion is connected to the first adjustment element, the second adjustment element and the third adjustment element.

[0096] It may be preferable if the adjustment element connecting portion is connected to the first adjustment element, the second adjustment element, the third adjustment element and the fourth adjustment element.

[0097] It may be preferable if the adjustment element connecting portion is connected to the first adjustment element, the second adjustment element, the third adjustment element, the fourth adjustment element and the fifth adjustment element.

[0098] It may be preferable if the adjustment element connecting portion is connected to the first adjustment element, the second adjustment element, the third adjustment element, the fourth adjustment element, the fifth adjustment element and the sixth adjustment element.

[0099] It may be preferable if the adjustment element connecting portion is connected to the first adjustment element, the second adjustment element, the third adjustment element, the fourth adjustment element, the fifth adjustment element, the sixth adjustment element and the seventh adjustment element.

[0100] It may be preferable if the adjustment element connecting portion is connected to the first adjustment element, the second adjustment element, the third adjustment element, the fourth adjustment element, the fifth adjustment element, the sixth adjustment element, the seventh adjustment element and the eighth adjustment element.

[0101] It may be preferable if the adjustment element connecting portion is connected to the first adjustment element, the second adjustment element, the third adjustment element, the fourth adjustment element, the fifth adjustment element, the sixth adjustment element, the seventh adjustment element, the eighth adjustment element and the ninth adjustment element.

[0102] It may be preferable if the adjustment element connecting portion is connected to the first adjustment element, the second adjustment element, the third adjustment element, the fourth adjustment element, the fifth adjustment element, the sixth adjustment element, the seventh adjustment element, the eighth adjustment element, the ninth adjustment element and the tenth adjustment element.

[0103] The adaptation element connecting section can connect the adaptation elements to which it is connected, either directly or indirectly.

[0104] If an adaptation element is indirectly connected to another adaptation element via the adaptation element connecting section, this can mean, for example, that there is another adaptation element between these two adaptation elements that are indirectly connected to each other via the adaptation element connecting section.

[0105] The indirect connection can then exist via the intermediate adaptation element.

[0106] It may be particularly advantageous if the structural element composite comprises groups of adaptation elements, wherein the adaptation element belongs to a first group of adaptation elements.

[0107] Preferably, the first adaptation element and the second adaptation element may belong to the first group of adaptation elements.

[0108] For example, the first adjustment element, the second adjustment element, and the third adjustment element may belong to the first group of adjustment elements.

[0109] It may be advantageous if the first group of adjustment elements also includes the fourth adjustment element, optionally also the fifth adjustment element, optionally also the sixth adjustment element, optionally also the seventh adjustment element, optionally also the eighth adjustment element, optionally also the ninth adjustment element and optionally also the tenth adjustment element.

[0110] Preferably, the adaptation element connecting section can be a first adaptation element group connecting section and the structural element composite can comprise a second adaptation element group connecting section, wherein the second adaptation element group connecting section connects a first adaptation element of a second group of adaptation elements to a second adaptation element of the second group of adaptation elements.

[0111] It may be preferred if the second adjustment element group connecting portion is connected to the first adjustment element, the second adjustment element and the third adjustment element of the second group of adjustment elements.

[0112] The first adaptation element of the second group of adaptation elements is a first contact protection element adapted and / or adaptable to the contacting of the electrochemical energy storage unit.

[0113] The second adaptation element of the second group of adaptation elements is a second contact protection element adapted and / or adaptable to the contacting of the electrochemical energy storage unit.

[0114] The optional third adaptation element of the second group of adaptation elements can be a third contact protection element adapted and / or adaptable to the contacting of the electrochemical energy storage unit.

[0115] It may be preferred if the second adjustment element group connecting section is connected to the first, the second, the third and the fourth adjustment element of the second group of adjustment elements.

[0116] It may be preferred if the second adjustment element group connecting section is connected to the first, the second, the third, the fourth and the fifth adjustment element of the second group of adjustment elements.

[0117] It may be preferred if the second adjustment element group connecting section is connected to the first, the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth and the sixth adjustment element of the second group of adjustment elements.

[0118] It may be preferred if the second adjustment element group connecting section is connected to the first, the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth, the sixth and the seventh adjustment element of the second group of adjustment elements.

[0119] It may be preferred if the second adjustment element group connecting section is connected to the first, the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth, the sixth, the seventh and the eighth adjustment element of the second group of adjustment elements.

[0120] It may be preferred if the second adjustment element group connecting section is connected to the first, the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth, the sixth, the seventh, the eighth and the ninth adjustment element of the second group of adjustment elements.

[0121] It may be preferred if the second adjustment element group connecting section is connected to the first, the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth, the sixth, the seventh, the eighth, the ninth and the tenth adjustment element of the second group of adjustment elements.

[0122] Each optional, further fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and / or tenth adaptation element of the second group of adaptation elements can also be, independently of any other adaptation element, a further contact protection element adapted and / or adaptable to the contacting of the electrochemical energy storage unit.

[0123] It may be advantageous if the structural element assembly comprises several, preferably at least three, particularly preferably at least five, very particularly preferably at least eight groups of at least three adaptation elements each connected to one another via adaptation element connecting sections.

[0124] It may be advantageous if the structural element assembly comprises several, preferably at least three, particularly preferably at least five, very particularly preferably at least eight groups of at least four adaptation elements each connected to one another via adaptation element connecting sections.

[0125] It may be advantageous if the structural element assembly comprises several, preferably at least three, particularly preferably at least five, very particularly preferably at least eight groups of at least five adaptation elements each connected to one another via adaptation element connecting sections.

[0126] It may be advantageous if the structural element assembly comprises several, preferably at least three, particularly preferably at least five, very particularly preferably at least eight groups of at least six adaptation elements each connected to one another via adaptation element connecting sections.

[0127] It may be advantageous if the structural element assembly comprises several groups of at least seven adaptation elements each connected to one another via adaptation element connecting sections.

[0128] It may be advantageous if the structural element assembly comprises several groups of at least eight adaptation elements each connected to one another via adaptation element connecting sections.

[0129] It may be advantageous if the structural element assembly comprises several groups of at least nine adaptation elements each connected to one another via adaptation element connecting sections.

[0130] It may be advantageous if the structural element assembly comprises several groups of at least ten adaptation elements each connected to one another via adaptation element connecting sections.

[0131] It may be particularly advantageous if the first adaptation element, the second adaptation element and the adaptation element connecting section connecting the first adaptation element to the second adaptation element is a one-piece plastic element.

[0132] It may be particularly advantageous if the first adjustment element, the second adjustment element and the adjustment element connecting section connecting the first adjustment element to the second adjustment element are made of a continuous plastic material.

[0133] It may be preferred if at least one group of adaptation elements, including the adaptation element connecting section connecting the adaptation elements of this group, is a one-piece plastic element.

[0134] It may be preferred if at least one group of adaptation elements, including the adaptation element connecting section connecting the adaptation elements of this group, is made of a continuous plastic material.

[0135] For example, it may be preferred if the first group of adjustment elements, including the associated first adjustment element group connecting portion, is a first one-piece plastic element.

[0136] For example, it may be preferred if the first group of adjustment elements, including the associated first adjustment element group connecting section, is made of a first continuous plastic material.

[0137] It may be preferred if the second group of adjustment elements, including the associated second adjustment element group connecting portion, is a second one-piece plastic element.

[0138] For example, it may be preferred if the second group of adjustment elements, including the associated second adjustment element group connecting portion, is made of a second continuous plastic material.

[0139] It may be preferred if the first group of adaptation elements, including the associated first adaptation element group connecting section, is a first one-piece plastic element and / or is made of a first continuous plastic material, and the second group of adaptation elements, including the associated second adaptation element group connecting section, is a second one-piece plastic element and / or is made of a second continuous plastic material.

[0140] A one-piece plastic element mentioned herein, for example the one-piece plastic element and / or the first one-piece plastic element and / or the second one-piece plastic element, may contain a plastic material or consist of a plastic material.

[0141] The plastic material contains a polymer or a mixture of different polymers. The plastic material can preferably contain one or more additives. Additives include, in particular, reinforcing agents, fillers, flame retardants, colorants, heat stabilizers, light stabilizers, antioxidants, stabilizers, plasticizers, blowing agents, lubricants, antistatic agents, and impact modifiers.

[0142] It can be particularly advantageous if the plastic material contains at least one blowing agent. Foamed sections of the adaptation elements can be formed with the blowing agent.

[0143] It can be particularly advantageous if the plastic material contains at least one reinforcing material.

[0144] The at least one reinforcing material may comprise fibers, e.g. - glass fibers, - Carbon fibers, - amide fibres, in particular aramid fibres, and / or - Polyacrylonitrile fibers, in particular oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers.

[0145] It can be advantageous if the fibers are dispersed in the polymer or in the mixture of different polymers.

[0146] It can be particularly advantageous if the plastic material is an elastomer material, e.g. a thermoplastic elastomer material.

[0147] It is known that thermoplastic elastomers are plastics that behave similarly to classic elastomers at room temperature, but can be plastically deformed when heat is applied and thus exhibit thermoplastic behavior.

[0148] If the plastic material is a thermoplastic elastomer material, it contains in particular a polymer selected from thermoplastic elastomers or a mixture of different polymers containing a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0149] Thermoplastic elastomers, in particular, can incorporate elastic polymer chains into thermoplastic materials. They can be processed in a purely physical process involving high shear forces, heat exposure, and subsequent cooling.

[0150] If the plastic material is a thermoplastic elastomer material, the plastic material may preferably contain at least one of the following thermoplastic elastomers: - thermoplastic polyamide elastomers, - thermoplastic copolyester elastomers, - olefin-based thermoplastic elastomers, e.g. PP / EPDM, - thermoplastic styrene block copolymers, e.g. SBS, SEBS, SEPS, SEEPS and MBS, - urethane-based thermoplastic elastomers, - thermoplastic vulcanizates or cross-linked thermoplastic elastomers based on olefins, e.g. PP / EPDM.

[0151] Thermoplastic polyamide elastomers are also abbreviated as TPA (also known as TPE-A).

[0152] Thermoplastic copolyester elastomers are also abbreviated as TPC (also known as TPE-E).

[0153] Thermoplastic elastomers based on olefins are also abbreviated as TPO (also known as TPE-O).

[0154] Thermoplastic styrene block copolymers are also abbreviated as TPS (also known as TPE-S).

[0155] Thermoplastic elastomers based on urethane are also abbreviated as TPU (also known as TPE-U).

[0156] Thermoplastic vulcanizates or cross-linked thermoplastic elastomers based on olefins are also abbreviated as TPV (also known as TPE-V).

[0157] When an adaptation element or a plastic adaptation element is mentioned herein, this may, for example, refer to a thermoplastic elastomer adaptation element. This may, in particular, apply to each of the adaptation elements mentioned herein of all groups of adaptation elements mentioned herein.

[0158] Each of the adjustment elements described herein may, independently of any other adjustment element described herein, have an adjustment portion, which may, for example, be a foamed portion.

[0159] Each of the adaptation elements described herein may, independently of any other adaptation element described herein, have a projection zone in which the adaptation element projects beyond the supporting structure element, wherein it may be preferred if at least a part of the adaptation section lies in the projection zone.

[0160] Each of the adaptation elements described herein may have a compact section independent of any other adaptation element described herein.

[0161] Each of the adaptation elements described herein may have a connection zone independently of any other adaptation element described herein, wherein the connection between the support structure element and the adaptation element is a connection mediated by the connection zone of the adaptation element, wherein it may be preferred if at least a part of the compact section lies in the connection zone.

[0162] The density of the support structure element may preferably be greater than the average density of each of the adaptation elements mentioned herein, regardless of the average density of any other of the adaptation elements mentioned herein.

[0163] For each adaptation element mentioned herein, independently of any other adaptation element mentioned herein, the adaptation surface may be softer than the support structure surface of the support structure element and / or the respective adaptation element may be softer than the support structure element.

[0164] It can be particularly advantageous if the adjustment elements of several groups of adjustment elements are arranged regularly.

[0165] Preferably, the adaptation elements can be arranged in a regularly spaced manner over several groups of adaptation elements across the adaptation side of the flat and plate-shaped structural element composite or the flat and grid-shaped structural element composite.

[0166] A planar, regular arrangement can in particular mean that the adjustment elements are each located on nodes of an auxiliary grid.

[0167] The auxiliary grid is a geometric auxiliary object used solely for the purpose of describing the regular planar arrangement. The grid structure of the auxiliary grid can be independent of a grid-like structure of the structural element assembly. However, the invention does not exclude the possibility that the grid structure of the auxiliary grid is related to a grid-like structure of the structural element assembly or coincides with it entirely or partially.

[0168] The auxiliary grid can in particular be an imaginary auxiliary grid located on the adjustment side.

[0169] The auxiliary grid may preferably be an auxiliary grid constructed from straight lines intersecting at the nodes.

[0170] A first set of lines of the auxiliary grid may consist of at least three lines aligned parallel to one another and evenly spaced from one another. A second set of lines of the auxiliary grid may consist of at least three lines aligned parallel to one another and evenly spaced from one another.

[0171] These two sets of lines can define a grid of quadrilaterals. The side lengths and angles of these quadrilaterals are all equal. The quadrilaterals can be parallelograms, rhombuses, or squares.

[0172] It may be advantageous if the auxiliary grid is also defined by a third set of straight lines. The third set of straight lines of the auxiliary grid can consist of at least three parallel and evenly spaced straight lines. In this case, the auxiliary grid can be constructed, in particular, from triangles, preferably isosceles triangles, for example, equilateral triangles.

[0173] It can be particularly advantageous if the structural element assembly has openings. The openings can be openings that extend from one side of the structural element assembly to another side of the structural element assembly through the contact protection device. The openings can extend, for example, from the adaptation side to the rear side. It can be particularly advantageous if the openings are located between several adaptation elements.

[0174] It can be particularly advantageous if the openings are located entirely or partially within the triangles or quadrilaterals of the auxiliary grid and / or the centers of the cross sections of the openings are located within the triangles or quadrilaterals of the auxiliary grid.

[0175] Openings can be located, for example, in every third, every second or every square or triangle of the auxiliary grid.

[0176] It can be advantageous if the openings are located in every sixth, every fourth, every third, every second or every triangle of the auxiliary grid.

[0177] It may be advantageous if an intra-group distance, measurable in a first direction, between two adaptation elements belonging to the same group is equal to an inter-group distance, measurable in the first direction, between two adaptation elements belonging to different groups.

[0178] It may be preferred if an intra-group distance, measurable in a second direction, between two adaptation elements belonging to the same group is equal to an intermediate distance, measurable in the second direction, between two adaptation elements belonging to different groups.

[0179] It may be preferred if the first direction and the second direction form an angle of 10° to 90°, preferably 20° to 90°, for example 25° to 90°, to each other.

[0180] The first direction may preferably be a direction of the first set of straight lines. The second direction may preferably be a direction of the second set of straight lines.

[0181] It may be advantageous if the supporting structure element has an adaptation side and a rear side opposite the adaptation side and the adaptation element connecting section extends partially or completely along the adaptation side.

[0182] It may be advantageous if the supporting structure element has an adaptation side and a rear side opposite the adaptation side and the adaptation element connecting section extends partially or completely along the rear side.

[0183] For example, the first adjustment element group connecting section and / or the second adjustment element group connecting section may extend partially or completely along the adjustment side.

[0184] For example, the first adjustment element group connecting portion and / or the second adjustment element group connecting portion may extend partially or completely along the rear side.

[0185] It is possible for a part of the adjustment element connecting portion, for example a part of the first adjustment element group connecting portion and / or a part of the second adjustment element group connecting portion, to extend along the adjustment side and for another part of the adjustment element connecting portion, for example another part of the first adjustment element group connecting portion and / or another part of the second adjustment element group connecting portion, to extend along the rear side.

[0186] Between a part extending along the adaptation side and a part extending along the rear side, the respective connecting section can be passed through the supporting structure element, for example through a connecting opening of the supporting structure element.

[0187] It may be advantageous if the structural element assembly has an opening. The opening may be a passage. The opening may extend from one side of the supporting structure element to another side of the supporting structure element through the contact protection device. The opening may, for example, extend from the adaptation side of the supporting structure element to the rear side of the supporting structure element.

[0188] It can be particularly advantageous if an opening is formed between several adaptation elements that belong to the same group of adaptation elements.

[0189] It may be advantageous if the opening has an opening surface. The opening surface can, for example, be a surface of an opening's inner wall.

[0190] It may be advantageous if the structural element assembly has a projection area in which the structural element assembly projects beyond the supporting structure surface. Preferably, the projection area is not an area of ​​an adaptation element, in particular not the projection zone.

[0191] It can be advantageous if the overhang area reaches up to the opening, is arranged at the opening or partially or completely surrounds the opening.

[0192] It can be particularly advantageous if the adjustment element connecting section extends around the opening.

[0193] It may be particularly advantageous if the adaptation element connecting section extends around the opening or along the opening formed between a plurality of adaptation elements.

[0194] It can be particularly advantageous if the adjustment element connecting section reaches up to the opening.

[0195] Preferably, the adaptation element connecting section may form part of the opening surface.

[0196] It can be particularly advantageous if a further opening is formed between several adaptation elements that belong to different groups of adaptation elements.

[0197] It may be particularly advantageous if the structural element composite has a plurality of openings, in particular at least 4 openings, preferably at least 9 openings, e.g. at least 16 openings.

[0198] It may be advantageous if the openings are arranged regularly, e.g. as described herein with reference to the auxiliary grid, in particular with reference to triangles or quadrilaterals of the auxiliary grid.

[0199] It can be particularly advantageous if the supporting structure element and the adaptation element are positively connected to one another.

[0200] Preferably, the supporting structure element and the adaptation element can optionally be additionally connected to one another in a force-fitting and / or material-fitting manner.

[0201] For example, the supporting structure element and the adaptation element can optionally be additionally connected to each other in a force-locking manner.

[0202] For example, the supporting structure element and the adaptation element can optionally be additionally connected to each other in a material-to-material manner.

[0203] The structural element composite can preferably be a structural element composite obtainable by the process described herein. The structural element composite can preferably be a structural element composite obtained by the process described herein. The structural element composite can preferably be a structural element composite produced by the process described herein. The structural element composite can, for example, be the plastic component, wherein the structural element composite can preferably be flat and / or plate-shaped and / or lattice-shaped.

[0204] The contact protection device can preferably be a contact protection device obtainable by the method described herein. The contact protection device can preferably be a contact protection device obtained by the method described herein. The contact protection device can preferably be a contact protection device manufactured by the method described herein.

[0205] The method is a method for producing a structural element composite or a method for producing a contact protection device comprising the structural element composite. The method can, for example, be a method for producing a plastic component.

[0206] The structural element composite can preferably be flat and / or plate-shaped and / or lattice-shaped. The structural element composite can preferably be flat and plate-shaped. The structural element composite can preferably be flat and lattice-shaped.

[0207] It may be advantageous if the structural element composite described in connection with the method is a structural element composite described herein.

[0208] It may be particularly advantageous if the structural element composite obtained by the process for producing a structural element composite is a structural element composite described herein.

[0209] In the method for producing the structural element composite, an adaptation element precursor is attached to a supporting structure element in a form-fitting, force-fitting and / or material-fitting manner in an attachment step in a tool.

[0210] The tool can in particular be a shaping tool, for example an injection molding tool.

[0211] The adaptation element precursor is preferably attached to the supporting structure element in a material-to-material manner.

[0212] It can be particularly advantageous if the adaptation element precursor is injection-molded onto the supporting structure element.

[0213] In an expansion step, the volume of the adaptation element precursor is increased in an expansion section of the adaptation element precursor, and an adaptation element of the structural element composite is created from the adaptation element precursor. The adaptation element mentioned in connection with the method can preferably be a contact protection element adapted and / or adaptable to contacting an electrochemical energy storage unit, in particular the contact protection element adapted and / or adaptable to contacting an electrochemical energy storage unit, which was described in connection with the contact protection device according to the invention.

[0214] It may be particularly advantageous if the volume of the adaptation element precursor in the expansion section is increased to such an extent that a compression hardness of the adaptation element produced is 2.5 kPa to 5000 kPa, preferably 3 kPa to 3000 kPa, particularly preferably 4 kPa to 1500 kPa, very particularly preferably 5 kPa to 1000 kPa, e.g. 10 kPa to 1000 kPa.

[0215] The compression hardness refers to a compression of the adaptation element by 40% at a temperature of 20 °C.

[0216] As is well known, in commonly used test procedures for measuring compression hardness, a test specimen is compressed between two plates and the force required to compress this specimen to a certain extent of its original height is measured. This commonly used test procedure can be slightly adapted to determine the compression hardness of the adapter element.

[0217] The compression hardness of the adaptation element is measured, in particular, directly on the structural element assembly. The compression hardness can be measured, in particular, orthogonally to the plane of extension. When determining the compression hardness of an adaptation element, a region of a structural element assembly completely tempered to 20 °C, containing the compression element, can serve as a test specimen. This region can be placed between the two plates of a test device for measuring compression hardness.

[0218] When measuring the compression strength, the two plates of the test fixture are moved toward each other until the height of a portion of the adaptation element resting on the supporting structure element is reduced by 40%. To calculate the compression strength, the force applied for this compression is divided by the base area of ​​the adaptation element, which is measurable parallel to the extension plane. It can be advantageous if the tool has a movable expansion element. It can be advantageous if, during the expansion step, the position of the expansion element is changed to increase the volume of the adaptation element precursor so that an expansion space is created that extends close to the expansion section.

[0219] The position of the expansion element can be changed, for example, by a translational movement of the expansion element.

[0220] Preferably, the expansion element can be guided on the tool by means of a guide element, thus enabling a translational movement of the expansion element.

[0221] It may be particularly advantageous if the volume of the adaptation element precursor in the expansion section of the adaptation element precursor is increased by physical or chemical foaming, e.g., by physical or chemical foaming in the expansion space.

[0222] It may be advantageous if the adaptation element precursor is made entirely or partially from a foamable plastic material.

[0223] Advantageously, the production of the adaptation element can be accompanied by foaming the expansion section in the expansion space. Preferably, the adaptation element precursor can be produced entirely from the foamable plastic material, and the production of the adaptation element can be accompanied by foaming the expansion section in the expansion space.

[0224] Possible compositions of the plastic material have been described in connection with the structural element composite described herein. In particular, the information provided in this context can also apply to the plastic material described in connection with the process.

[0225] Preferably, the support structure element can be produced in a support structure forming zone. The support structure element can be produced, for example, in a support structure injection molding zone.

[0226] The supporting structure element can be produced in the supporting structure forming zone, for example in the supporting structure injection molding zone, preferably from a plastic mass.

[0227] It may be preferred if the support structure forming zone is provided in the tool and the attachment of the adaptation element precursor in the tool takes place after the production of the support structure element.

[0228] It may be advantageous if the adaptation element precursor is attached before the produced supporting structure element is cooled to a temperature of less than 45 °C.

[0229] It can be particularly advantageous if the adaptation element precursor is attached before the produced supporting structure element is cooled to a temperature of less than 50 °C.

[0230] It may be advantageous if the adaptation element precursor is attached after the produced supporting structure element has cooled to a temperature of at most 85 °C.

[0231] It can be particularly advantageous if the fitting of the adaptation element precursor takes place after the produced supporting structure element has been cooled to a temperature of at most 75 °C.

[0232] It can be particularly advantageous if the adaptation element precursor is attached after the produced supporting structure element has been cooled to a temperature of 45°C to 85°C.

[0233] For example, the fitting element precursor can be applied after cooling the produced supporting structure element to a temperature of 50°C to 75°C.

[0234] The respective temperature of the support structure element can in particular be a surface temperature of the support structure element in a surface region of the support structure element to which the adaptation element precursor is attached, e.g., injection-molded.

[0235] The cooling may be a cooling from a higher forming temperature prevailing in the supporting structure forming zone.

[0236] The cooling may be a cooling from a higher support structure injection molding temperature prevailing in the support structure injection molding zone.

[0237] The cooling can be an active cooling, which can be combined, for example, with the circulation of a cooling medium.

[0238] The cooling may be passive cooling, which may involve, for example, the transfer of heat to a surrounding medium, such as air, which is not circulated.

[0239] Alternatively, the support structure element can be inserted into the tool and the adaptation element precursor can be attached to the tool after the support structure element has been inserted.

[0240] It may be advantageous if the adaptation element precursor belongs to an adaptation element precursor group. Preferably, a precursor group space can be formed in the tool on one side or on both sides of the support structure element, in particular on an adaptation side of the support structure element and / or on a rear side of the support structure element, and the adaptation element precursor group can be produced in the precursor group space or through the precursor group space.

[0241] It may be preferred if the adaptation element precursor group is produced from the foamable plastic material. For example, the adaptation element precursor group can be produced from the foamable plastic material by injection molding. The adaptation element precursor group can be injection-molded onto the supporting structure element in the precursor group space.

[0242] The tool may, for example, comprise a movable release element, wherein in the tool on one side or on both sides of the support structure element, in particular on an adaptation side of the support structure element and / or on a rear side of the support structure element, the precursor group space is released by a movement of the release element into a release position and the adaptation element precursor group is generated in the precursor group space or through the precursor group space.

[0243] It may be advantageous if the adaptation element precursor belongs to an adaptation element precursor group, wherein the adaptation element precursor is a first adaptation element precursor and a second adaptation element precursor belongs to the adaptation element precursor group, wherein the foamable plastic material is fed from a common feed zone and is passed on in a dividing, e.g. branching, manner to produce the adaptation element precursors of the adaptation element precursor group.

[0244] Of course, features described in connection with an inventive subject matter can also form features of another inventive subject matter described herein. Subject matters according to the invention include, in particular, the contact protection device and the structural element composite, for example, the plastic component.

[0245] Further preferred features and / or advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of exemplary embodiments.

[0246] The drawings show: Fig. 1: a schematically illustrated structural element composite in perspective view; Fig. 2: a section through the structural element composite of Fig. 1 along line II-II; Fig. 3: a section of a structural element composite with a quadrangular adjustment element; Fig. 4: a section of a structural element assembly with a triangular adjustment element; Fig. 5: a section of a structural element assembly with pear-shaped adjustment element; Fig. 6: a section of a structural element assembly in perspective view; Fig. 7: a section of a structural element composite with an adaptation element; Fig. 8: a section through the structural element composite of Fig. 7 along line VII-VII; Fig. 9: another section of a structural element composite with an adaptation element; Fig. 10: a section through the structural element composite of Fig. 9 along line IX-IX; Fig. 11: a section through another structural element assembly; Fig. 12: a section through another structural element assembly; Fig. 13: a section of another structural element composite; Fig. 14: a section of another structural element assembly in perspective view; Fig. 15: a section of another structural element assembly in perspective view; Fig. 16: a section of another structural element assembly in perspective view; Fig. 17-19: Illustrations for the introduction of an opening into a section of the structural element assembly made of Fig. 16; Fig. 20: a section of a lattice-shaped structural element assembly; Fig. 21-25: a method for producing a structural element composite; Fig. 26: a section of an energy storage unit; Fig. 27: a supporting structure element with adaptation element precursors; Fig. 28: a supporting structure element with adaptation elements; Fig. 29: a group of adjustment elements from Fig. 28; Fig. 30: a structural element composite; Fig. 31: an excerpt from Fig. 31; Fig. 32: an illustration of the execution of groups of adjustment elements; and Fig. 33: a way to create groups of customization elements.

[0247] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0248] The Fig. 1 shows a structural element composite 100. The structural element composite 100 is a plastic component 102.

[0249] The structural element assembly 100 comprises a supporting structure element 104. The supporting structure element 104 is a plastic supporting structure element 106.

[0250] The structural element assembly 100 comprises a plurality of adaptation elements 108 fixed to the supporting structure element 104. Only a portion of the adaptation elements 108 are provided with reference numerals.

[0251] The adjustment elements 108 are plastic adjustment elements 110.

[0252] The adjustment elements 108 have projection zones 112. In the projection zones 112, the adjustment elements 108 project beyond the supporting structure elements 104.

[0253] The supporting structure element 104 has an adaptation side 114 and a rear side 116 opposite the adaptation side 114.

[0254] The adjustment elements 108 are arranged regularly. The supporting structure element 104 has openings 118. The openings 118 are also arranged regularly. The openings 118 are each surrounded by several adjustment elements 108.

[0255] The Fig. 2 shows a section through the structural element assembly 100 from the Fig. 1.

[0256] The Fig. 2 shows that the openings 118 are passages 120 that extend through the support structure element 104 from the adaptation side 114 to the back side 116.

[0257] The supporting structure element 104 and the adjustment element 108 are connected to each other in a form-fitting manner. In addition to the Fig. 2, a force-locking connection 124 and / or a material-locking connection 126 may exist between the supporting structure element 104 and the adaptation element 108.

[0258] The adaptation element 108 has an adaptation surface 128. The adaptation surface 128 is softer than a support structure surface 130 of the support structure element 104.

[0259] The adjustment element 108 has an adjustment section 132. The adjustment section 132 is a foamed section 134.

[0260] The adjustment element 108 is a plastic adjustment element 110 made of a plastic material 136. In the example shown here, the adjustment element material 138 is therefore a plastic material 136.

[0261] The adaptation element 108 has a compact portion 140. The adaptation element 108 also has a connection zone 142. The positive connection 122 between the support structure element 104 and the adaptation element 108 is a positive connection 122 mediated by the connection zone 142. At least a portion of the compact portion 140 lies in the connection zone 142.

[0262] The Fig. The positive connection 122 shown in Figure 2 comprises a portion 121 of the support structure element 104 that extends between portions 123 of the adaptation element 108. The portion 121 of the support structure element 104 extends between a portion 123 of the adaptation element 108 arranged on an adaptation side 114 of the support structure element 104 and a portion 123 of the adaptation element 108 arranged on the rear side 116 of the support structure element 104.

[0263] While the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 Adjustment elements 108 with round cross-section show, illustrate the Fig. 3 to 5 that the invention is not limited to the shape of the adaptation elements. Fig. 3 shows a square adjustment element 144. The corners of the square adjustment element 144 are rounded.

[0264] The Fig. 4 shows a triangular adjustment element 146. The corners of the triangular adjustment element 146 are rounded.

[0265] The Fig. 5 shows a pear-shaped adjustment element 148.

[0266] In the Fig. 3 to 5, the viewer's line of sight is directed toward the adaptation side 114 of the respective supporting structure element 104. The adaptation elements 144, 146, and 148 shown therein thus have their respective shapes, in particular, in a cross-section parallel to an extension plane 150 of the structural element assembly 100.

[0267] The one in the Fig. The structural element assembly 100 shown in Figure 1 is flat. Fig. 1, the extension plane 150 is indicated by dashed lines.

[0268] The Fig. 6 shows a section of another structural element assembly 100. The structural element assembly 100 shown there is also a plastic component 102. Only a small section is shown, which has four openings 118 and an adjustment element 108. The adjustment element 108 shown there is a triangular adjustment element 146. Of the Fig. 1 shown adjustment elements 108, the one shown in the Fig. 6 also differs in that it does not have a projection zone 112. It does not protrude beyond the support structure surface 130.

[0269] The Fig. 7 shows a further section of a structural element composite 100. The Fig. The structural element composite 100 shown in Figure 7 is a plastic component 102.

[0270] Shown in the Fig. 7 a section of the structural element composite 100 with an adaptation element 108.

[0271] The figure also shows a support structure surface 130 surrounding the adjustment element 108.

[0272] The Fig. 8 shows a section through the Fig. 7 along the line VII-VII. From the Fig. The section shown in Figure 8 shows that the Fig. 7 has an adjustment surface 128. The Fig. Figure 8 shows that a first adjustment surface 152 transitions into a recess 156 via a shoulder 154. A second adjustment surface 158 is formed in the recess 156. A third adjustment surface 160 also transitions into the recess 156 via a shoulder 154, in which the second adjustment surface 158 is formed.

[0273] Also the Fig. 9 shows a section of a structural element composite 100. The Fig. The structural element composite 100 shown in Figure 9 is a plastic component 102. Also shown in Fig. 9 a section of the structural element assembly 100, including an adaptation element 108. The adaptation element 108 is a triangular adaptation element 146. The adaptation element 108 has a first adaptation surface 152 and a second adaptation surface 158. The adaptation element 108 also has an elevation 162. At the elevation 162, the adaptation element 108 is more raised than at the two adaptation surfaces 152 and 158 relative to the supporting structure surface 130, which extends along the adaptation side 114. This is particularly evident from the Fig. 10 clearly visible, which shows a cross-section through the Fig. 9 along the line IX-IX.

[0274] Also in the Fig. 9 and Fig. The adjustment element shown in Figure 10 has a shoulder 154. At the shoulder, the first adjustment surface 152 transitions into the second adjustment surface 158.

[0275] The Fig. 9 and Fig. The elevation 162 shown in Figure 10 is a wall element 165.

[0276] The Fig. 11 shows a section through a structural element composite 100. The structural element composite 100 is a plastic component 102. The structural element composite 100 is flat and plate-shaped.

[0277] The one in the Fig. 11 comprises groups 164 of adjustment elements 108. The group 164 of adjustment elements 108 shown in the Fig. 11 is shown in section, is a first group 166 of adaptation elements 108.

[0278] One of the Fig. 11 shown adjustment elements 108 is a first adjustment element 168. Another of the in the Fig. 11 shown adjustment elements 108 is a second adjustment element 170. The adjustment element 170 shown in the Fig. The structural element assembly 100 shown in Figure 11 comprises an adaptation element connecting section 180.

[0279] The adjustment element connecting section 180 connects the first adjustment element 168 to the second adjustment element 170.

[0280] The first adjustment element 168, the second adjustment element 170 and the adjustment element connecting section 180 connecting the first adjustment element 168 to the second adjustment element 170 is a one-piece plastic element 182. The first adjustment element 168, the second adjustment element 170 and the adjustment element connecting section 180 connecting the first adjustment element 168 to the second adjustment element 170 is made of a continuous plastic material 184.

[0281] In the example shown here, the first adjustment element 168, the second adjustment element 170 and the adjustment element connecting section 180 connecting the first adjustment element 168 to the second adjustment element 170 is a one-piece plastic element 182 made from a continuous plastic material 184 by injection molding.

[0282] The two in the Fig. The adjustment elements 108 shown in Figure 11, i.e., the first adjustment element 168 and the second adjustment element 170, each have an adjustment section 132. The respective adjustment section 132 is a foamed section 134.

[0283] The Fig. The supporting structure element 104 shown in Figure 11 is connected to the two adjustment elements 108, i.e. to the first adjustment element 168 and the second adjustment element 170, in each case as described in connection with the Fig. 2 for the adaptation element 108 and the supporting structure element 104 shown therein.

[0284] Also in the Fig. The support structure element shown in Figure 11 has an adjustment side 114 and a rear side 116 opposite the adjustment side. The adjustment element connecting section 180 extends along the adjustment side 114.

[0285] The Fig. 12 shows a section of a structural element composite 100. As in the Fig. 11 is also in the Fig. 12 shows a section of the structural element assembly 100 shown.

[0286] Also the Fig. 12 shows a group 164 of adjustment elements 108.

[0287] Also in the Fig. The supporting structure element 104 shown in Figure 12 has an adaptation side 114 and a rear side 116. In the Fig. 12, the adjustment element connecting portion 180 extends along the rear side 116.

[0288] The Fig. 13 shows another structural element composite 100.

[0289] The one in the Fig. 13 is a plastic component 102. The structural element composite 100 shown there is flat and plate-shaped.

[0290] The one in the Fig. 13 comprises a supporting structure element 104, of which in the Fig. 13 only a section is shown. The Fig. 13 has an adaptation side 114 and a rear side 116. In the case of the Fig. In the representation of the structural element assembly 100 shown in Figure 13, the adaptation side 114 of the supporting structure element 104 faces the viewer.

[0291] Areas of the structural element assembly 100 covered by the supporting structure element 104 are shown in dashed lines. In particular, adaptation element connecting sections 180 extending along the rear side 116 are shown in dashed lines.

[0292] The one in the Fig. The structural element assembly 100 shown in Figure 13 comprises an adjustment element 108 secured to the supporting structure element 104. The adjustment element 108 is a first adjustment element 168. The structural element assembly 100 comprises a second adjustment element 170, a third adjustment element 172, a fourth adjustment element 174, a fifth adjustment element 176, and a sixth adjustment element 178.

[0293] The Fig. The structural element assembly 100 shown in Figure 13 comprises an adaptation element connecting portion 180. The adaptation element connecting portion 180 connects the first adaptation element 168 to the second adaptation element 170. The adaptation element connecting portion 180 is connected to the first adaptation element 168, the second adaptation element 170, the third adaptation element 172, the fourth adaptation element 174, the fifth adaptation element 176, and the sixth adaptation element 178.

[0294] The one in the Fig. The structural element assembly 100 shown in Figure 13 comprises groups 164 of adaptation elements 108. The first adaptation element 168, the second adaptation element 170, the third adaptation element 172, the fourth adaptation element 174, the fifth adaptation element 176 and the sixth adaptation element 178 belong to a first group 166 of adaptation elements 108.

[0295] One of the Fig. 13 is a first adjustment element group connecting section 186.

[0296] The structural element composite 100, which is used in the Fig. 13, further comprises a second adjustment element group connecting portion 188. Second adjustment element group connecting portion 188 connects a first adjustment element 168 of a second group 190 of adjustment elements 108 to the second adjustment element 170 of the second group 190 of adjustment elements 108.

[0297] The second adjustment element group connecting section 188 is connected to the first adjustment element 168, the second adjustment element 170, the third adjustment element 172, the fourth adjustment element 174, the fifth adjustment element 176 and the sixth adjustment element 178 of the second group 190 of adjustment elements 108.

[0298] In the Fig. In the structural element assembly 100 shown in Figure 13, the adaptation elements 108 of several groups 164 of adaptation elements 108 are arranged regularly.

[0299] An intra-group distance 194, measurable in a first direction 192, between two adaptation elements 108 belonging to the same group 164 is equal to an intermediate distance 196, measurable in the first direction 192, between two adaptation elements 108 belonging to different groups 164. The intra-group distance 194, measurable in the first direction 192, between two adaptation elements 108 is an intra-group distance 194 measurable between the first adaptation element 168 and the second adaptation element 170 of the first group 166. The intermediate distance 196, measurable in the first direction 192, between two adaptation elements 108 is an intermediate distance 196 measurable between the first adaptation element 168 of the first group 164 and the sixth adaptation element 178 of the second group 190.

[0300] An intra-group distance 200, measurable in a second direction 198, between two adaptation elements 108 belonging to the same group 164 is equal to an intermediate distance 202, measurable in the second direction 198, between two adaptation elements 108 belonging to different groups 164. The intra-group distance 200, measurable in the second direction 198, between two adaptation elements 108 is an intra-group distance 200 between the second adaptation element 170 and the fourth adaptation element 174 of the first group 166. The intermediate distance 202, measurable in the second direction 198, between two adaptation elements 108 is the intermediate distance 202 between the fourth adaptation element 174 of the first group 166 and the first adaptation element 168 of the second group 190.

[0301] In the Fig. In the structural element assembly 100 shown in Figure 13, the first direction 192 and the second direction 198 form an angle 204 of approximately 63° with respect to one another.

[0302] The one in the Fig. The structural element assembly 100 shown in Figure 13 has a plurality of openings 118, which may in particular be passages 120. To improve clarity, Fig. 13, the openings are not shown. It may be particularly advantageous if a portion of the openings 118 is formed between a plurality of adjustment elements 108 that belong to the same group of adjustment elements. It may also be advantageous if a further portion of the openings 118 is formed between a plurality of adjustment elements 108 that belong to different groups 164 of adjustment elements 108.

[0303] The openings 118 can therefore be arranged just as regularly as those in the Fig. 13 shown adjustment elements 108.

[0304] The Fig. 14 shows a section of another structural element composite 100. The structural element composite 100 is a plastic component 102. The structural element composite 100 is flat and plate-shaped.

[0305] The structural element assembly 100 comprises a supporting structure element 104. The supporting structure element 104 is a plastic supporting structure element 106.

[0306] The structural element assembly 100 comprises a plurality of adaptation elements 108 fixed to the supporting structure element 104. The adaptation elements 108 are plastic adaptation elements 110.

[0307] The supporting structure elements 104 and the adaptation elements 108 are connected to each other in a form-fitting, force-fitting or material-fitting manner, whereby the type of connection is determined by the Fig. 14 is not apparent.

[0308] The adjustment elements 108 of the Fig. 14 each have an adaptation section 132. The adaptation sections 132 are foamed sections 134.

[0309] In the section of the structural element composite 100 which is in the Fig. 14, the structural element assembly 100 has an opening 118. The opening 118 extends from one side of the support structure element 104 to another side of the support structure element. The opening 118 extends from the adaptation side 114 of the support structure element to the rear side 116 of the support structure element. Fig. The opening 118 shown in Figure 14 is a passage 120. The opening 118 is formed between a plurality of adjustment elements 108. It is conceivable that the plurality of adjustment elements 108 between which the opening 118 is formed belong to the same group of adjustment elements or to different groups of adjustment elements.

[0310] The opening 118 has an opening surface 206. The opening surface 206 may, for example, be a surface of an opening inner wall 208.

[0311] The structural element composite 100 can have a projection region 210. In the projection region 210, the structural element composite 100 can project beyond the supporting structure surface 130. In the Fig. 14, the overhang area 210 surrounds the opening 118.

[0312] The Fig. 15 shows a section of another structural element composite 100.

[0313] Also the one in the Fig. 15 comprises a supporting structure element 104 and a plurality of adjustment elements 108 fixed to the supporting structure element. The Fig. The structural element assembly 100 shown in Figure 15 also has an opening 118. The opening 118 is a passage 120.

[0314] The opening 118 and the adjustment elements 108 are designed and arranged relative to each other as is necessary with regard to the Fig. 14 was described.

[0315] The following deviations exist: The one in the Fig. 15 comprises two adaptation element connecting sections 180. The structural element assembly 100 shown in the Fig. 15 further to the left shown adjustment element connecting section 180 connects a first adjustment element 168 and a second adjustment element 170 of a Fig. 15 further left shown first group 166 of adjustment elements 108.

[0316] The one in the Fig. 15 further to the right, the adjustment element connecting section 180 connects a first adjustment element 168 and a second adjustment element 170 of a second group 190 of adjustment elements 108.

[0317] In the Fig. 15, the two adaptation element connecting sections 180 each form a part of the projection area 210, which reaches up to the opening 118, is arranged at the opening 118 and surrounds the opening 118. The two adaptation element connecting sections 180 extend along the opening 118, which is between the four in the Fig. 15. The adjustment element connecting sections 180 form part of the opening surface 206.

[0318] The Fig. The opening 118 shown in Figure 15 is an opening 118 between several adjustment elements 108 belonging to different groups of adjustment elements 108. Because the two in the Fig. 15 adjustment elements 108 shown further to the left belong to a first group 166 of adjustment elements and the two in the Fig. 15 adjustment elements 108 shown further to the right belong to a second group 190 of adjustment elements.

[0319] The Fig. 16 shows a section of another structural element assembly 100. The Fig. The structural element assembly 100 shown in Figure 16 comprises a supporting structure element 104. It also comprises adaptation elements 108 fixed to the supporting structure element 104.

[0320] The one in the Fig. 16 comprises groups 164 of adjustment elements 108. From one in the Fig. 16, only two adjustment elements 108 are visible in the group 165 of adjustment elements 108 shown on the left. This group 164 can be understood as a first group 166 of adjustment elements 108. From one in the Fig. 16, the group 164 of adjustment elements 108 shown in the center shows a first adjustment element 168, a second adjustment element 170, a third adjustment element 172, a fourth adjustment element 174, and a fifth adjustment element 176. Of a third group 212 of adjustment elements 108 adjoining it to the right, only a first adjustment element 168 is visible.

[0321] The three groups 166, 190 and 212 of adjustment elements 108 each include five adjustment elements 108, whereby in the Fig. 16, only all five adaptation elements 168, 170, 172, 174 and 176 of the second group 190 can be seen.

[0322] The one in the Fig. The structural element assembly 100 shown in Figure 16 comprises a plurality of adaptation element connecting sections 180. Each of the adaptation element connecting sections 180 is connected to the first, second, third, fourth and fifth adaptation elements belonging to a respective group 164 of adaptation elements 108.

[0323] The Fig. 16 are arranged regularly. A portion of the adjustment elements 108 lies on a first straight line 214. Another portion of the adjustment elements 108 lies on a second straight line 216. Another portion of the adjustment elements 108 lies on a third straight line 218. The three straight lines 214, 216 and 218 are in the Fig. 16 shown in dashed lines.

[0324] The Fig. The matching elements 108 shown in Figure 16 originate from matching element precursors 254, as explained in connection with the method described herein. The groups 164 of matching elements are formed from matching element precursor groups. Fig. 16, a common feed zone 266 is indicated by dashed lines. It extends from a side facing away from the viewer into the supporting structure element 104. To produce the Fig. 16, a foamable plastic material can be fed from the common feed zone 266 and further distributed, e.g., branched, to produce the adaptation element precursors 254 of an adaptation element precursor group. This forms an adaptation element connecting section 180. Subsequently, a process described herein, particularly in connection with the Fig. 22 described expansion step 256 to create from each adaptation element precursor 254 a Fig. 16 to create the adjustment element 108 of a structural element composite.

[0325] In the Fig. 16, three of the adjustment elements 108 are circled by a dashed line, which is essentially triangular in shape. The section of the structural element assembly 100 circled by this dashed line from Fig. 16 is shown schematically in the Fig. 17 to 19. The Fig. 17 to 19 illustrate the difficulties that can arise when, on the one hand, there is a desire to provide an opening 118 between several adaptation elements 108, and, on the other hand, several adaptation elements 108 are to be connected to one another via adaptation element connecting sections 180. In particular, when larger numbers of adaptation elements 108 are to be connected by means of adaptation element connecting sections 180, overlapping regions 220 can result in which adaptation element connecting sections 180 can extend through openings 118. This shows Fig. 17.

[0326] The Fig. Figure 18 illustrates one possible solution to this problem. The adjustment element connecting section 180 shown there extends around the opening 118. The adjustment element connecting section 180 shown there reaches up to the opening. The opening 118 has an opening surface 206. The Fig. The adjustment element connecting portion 118 shown in Figure 18 forms part of the opening surface 206.

[0327] The Fig. Figure 19 illustrates another possible solution to the problem. Fig. Figure 19 shows an adjustment element connecting section 180 that does not extend to the opening 118. The adjustment element connecting section 180 shown there extends around the opening 118.

[0328] The Fig. 20 shows a section of another structural element assembly 100. The Fig. The structural element composite 100 shown in Figure 20 is a plastic component 102. The structural element composite 100 is flat and lattice-shaped.

[0329] The one in the Fig. The structural element assembly 100 shown in Figure 20 comprises a support structure element 104. The support structure element 104 is a plastic support structure element 106 which is flat and lattice-shaped.

[0330] At the Fig. 20, several adaptation elements 108 are fixed. The support structure element 104 and the adaptation elements 108 are connected to each other in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting and / or material-fitting manner. The type of connection is determined by the Fig. 20 does not stand out.

[0331] The lattice-shaped support structure element 104 has support struts 222. Support struts 222 border openings 118 of the structural element assembly 100.

[0332] The one in the Fig. 20 comprises adaptation element connecting sections 180. One of the adaptation element connecting sections 180 is in the Fig. 20. The adjustment element connecting section 180 is connected to the first adjustment element 168, the second adjustment element 170, the third adjustment element 172, the fourth adjustment element 174, and the fifth adjustment element 176.

[0333] In the Fig. In the structural element assembly 100 shown in Figure 20, the adaptation element connecting section 180 extends from the first adaptation element 168 and the second adaptation element 170 across the third adaptation element 172 to the fourth adaptation element 174 and the fifth adaptation element 176.

[0334] The Fig. The openings 118 shown in Fig. 20 are each formed between a plurality of adjustment elements 108 belonging to the same group 164 of adjustment elements 108.

[0335] The openings 118 each have an opening surface 206. The respective opening surface 206 is a surface of the respective opening inner wall 208.

[0336] Fig. Figure 20 also shows that the structural element assembly 100 shown there has a projection region 210, in which the structural element assembly 100 projects beyond the support structure surface 130. A surface of the support struts 222 aligned with the adaptation side 114 forms the support structure surface 130.

[0337] In the structural element assembly 100, which is shown in the Fig. 20, the adjustment element connecting portion 180 extends along a plurality of openings 118, each formed between a plurality of adjustment elements 108.

[0338] The adjustment element connecting section 180 extends there up to the respective opening 118.

[0339] The Fig. Figure 21 shows a schematic representation of a tool 224. The tool 224 is a forming tool 226. It is an injection molding tool 228.

[0340] The tool 224 comprises a plurality of forming units 230, a first forming unit 232 and a second forming unit 234. The two forming units 230, 232, 234 can be regarded as mold halves 236 of the tool 224.

[0341] The Fig. The tool 224 shown in Figure 21 can be used to produce a structural element composite 100, e.g. a plastic component 102.

[0342] In particular, the tool 224 can be used to carry out a method for producing a structural element composite 100, e.g. a plastic component 102. This is described in the Fig. 21 to 25 illustrated.

[0343] The first forming unit 232 has a feed channel 238 for feeding a plastic melt 240 into the tool 224.

[0344] The tool 224 has a plurality of movable expansion elements 242.

[0345] The movable expansion elements 242 are integrated into the second forming unit 234. The movable expansion elements 242 are guided in the second forming unit 234 such that the positions of the expansion elements 242 can be changed.

[0346] The movable expansion elements 242 are components of an expansion device 244. As components of the expansion device 244, the expansion elements 242 shown are movable with one another and together with an expansion element carrier 246.

[0347] The expansion device 244 is arranged on the second forming unit 234 by means of a guide element 248 such that the guide element 248 is received in a guide 250. This can, in particular, enable a movement of the expansion device 244 relative to the second forming unit 234 by moving the guide element 248 into or out of the guide 250.

[0348] In an attachment step 252, an adaptation element precursor 254 is attached to a support structure element 104 in the tool 224.

[0349] The attachment of the adaptation element precursor 254 can be carried out in a form-fitting, force-fitting and / or material-fitting manner, for example by injection molding. Fig. 21 illustrates the attachment step 252.

[0350] In an expansion step 256, a volume of the adaptation element precursor 254 is increased in an expansion section 258 of the adaptation element precursor 254, and an adaptation element 108 of the structural element composite 100 is generated from the adaptation element precursor 254. The Fig. Figure 22 illustrates the expansion step 256.

[0351] To form a recess 156 of an adaptation element 108, a projection can be formed on the expansion element 242, which prevents the foamable plastic material from reaching the area of ​​the intended recess 156.

[0352] In the expansion step 256, in order to increase the volume of the adaptation element precursor 254, a position of the expansion elements 242 is changed such that expansion spaces 260 are created that reach the expansion sections 258.

[0353] The volumes of the adjustment element precursors 254 are increased in the respective expansion section 258 of the adjustment element precursors 254 by physical or chemical foaming into the expansion space 260.

[0354] The adaptation element precursors 254 and the adaptation elements 108 produced therefrom are made of a foamable plastic material. The production of the adaptation elements 108 involves foaming the expansion sections 258 in the expansion spaces 260.

[0355] In principle, it is conceivable that the foamable plastic material Fig. 21 to 25, and the foamable plastic material is supplied via the feed channel 238 also shown there. Alternatively, the plastic melt supplied via the feed channel 238 can be used to produce the supporting structure element in the same tool 224. The Fig. Figure 23 illustrates an opening step 262 in which the tool 224 is opened. For this purpose, the second forming unit 234 was moved away from the first forming unit 232.

[0356] The Fig. 24 and Fig. 25 illustrate a process for removing the structural element assembly 100 from the second forming unit 234. For this purpose, the expansion device 244 with the movable expansion elements 242 and the expansion element carrier 246, which also belongs to the expansion device, can first be moved back into the Fig. 21 shown starting position. Since the adjustment element precursors 254 have been expanded in the meantime and converted into adjustment elements 108, they take up a larger space. Consequently, the return of the movable expansion elements 242 to the starting position causes the support structure element 104 to be lifted out of the second forming unit 234. This shows the Fig. 24.

[0357] By means of further removal elements 264, the produced structural element composite 100 can be further lifted out of the second forming unit 234, insofar as this is necessary for removing the structural element composite 100 from the opened tool 224 ( Fig. 25).

[0358] The Fig. Figure 26 shows a section of an electrochemical energy storage unit 278. The electrochemical energy storage unit 278 includes electrochemical energy storage elements 274, only one of which is shown. The electrochemical energy storage elements 274 are electrochemical energy storage cells 276.

[0359] The electrochemical energy storage unit 278 also includes a contact 280. The contact 280 is in electrical contact with each pole 290 of the electrochemical energy storage elements 274 and enables the absorption or release of electrical energy from the electrochemical energy storage unit 278.

[0360] A contact protection device 272 is arranged on the electrochemical energy storage unit 278. The contact protection device 272 comprises a flat structural element assembly 100. The structural element assembly 100 comprises a flat support structure element 104 and a plastic adaptation element 108 secured to the support structure element 104. The support structure element 104 and the adaptation element 108 are connected to one another in a form-fitting, force-fitting, and / or material-fitting manner. The adaptation element 108 is a contact protection element 270 adapted to the contact 280.

[0361] The Fig. The adaptation element 108 shown in Fig. 26 has a recess 156 delimited by shoulders 154.

[0362] An electrical conductor 292 of the contact 280 extends into the recess 156. A projection 288 of the electrical conductor 292 lies in the recess 156.

[0363] The electrical conductor 292 has a fuse zone 294 in which the electrical conductor can be interrupted under certain conditions. The fuse zone 294 can, for example, be a fuse zone 296.

[0364] By means of the contact protection device 272, electrical conductors 292 of the contact 280 are pressed onto the poles 290 of the energy storage elements 274. The pressing pressure with which the electrical conductors 292 are pressed onto the poles 290 can be, for example, at least 5 kPa. For this purpose, the compression hardness of the adaptation elements 108 described elsewhere herein can be within one of the ranges mentioned therein, and the contact protection device 272 can be pressed on accordingly tightly.

[0365] The Fig. 27-29 illustrate a possibility for producing a structural element assembly 100 having differently designed adaptation elements 108, all of which can serve as contact protection elements 270.

[0366] The Fig. Figure 27 shows a state that results after an attachment step 252 but before an expansion step 256. Six adaptation element precursors 254 are molded onto the support structure element 104 in a form-fitting and material-fitting manner. The adaptation element precursors 254 belong to an adaptation element precursor group that was produced from a foamable plastic material 136.

[0367] The foamable plastic material 136 was fed from a common feed zone 266 and branched off to produce the illustrated adaptation element precursors 254. The feed zone 266 is in the Fig. 27 is covered by the supporting structure element 104 and by foamable plastic material 136. Recesses 156 are partially pre-formed.

[0368] The Fig. Figure 28 shows a state resulting from the expansion step 256. A structural element composite 100 was obtained by the expansion step 256. The adaptation elements 108 are significantly thicker than the corresponding adaptation element precursors 254, and the recesses 156 are in some cases significantly deeper.

[0369] The one in the Fig. The structural element assembly 100 shown in Figure 28 comprises a group 164 of adaptation elements. All six adaptation elements 108 shown belong to a group 164 of adaptation elements 108. An adaptation element connecting section 180 is connected to the six adaptation elements 108.

[0370] The one in the Fig. The structural element assembly 100 shown in Figure 28 can be used as a contact protection device 272, wherein the adaptation elements 108 with their recesses 156 can each serve as a contact protection element 270, for example as shown in the Fig. 26 shown.

[0371] The Fig. 29 shows only the group 164, including the adjustment elements 108 and the adjustment element connecting section 180, but not the support structure element 104. There, a gate element 268 leading back to the feed zone 266 is also shown. Fig. 29 it becomes clear that some of the adaptation elements 108 have sections 123 which are related to the Fig. 2 were described in more detail.

[0372] The Fig. 30 also shows a structural element assembly 100 that can be used as a contact protection device 272. The structural element assembly 100 shown there has a plurality of regularly arranged adaptation elements 108 with recesses 156. They can each be used as a contact protection element 270, for example, as in the Fig. 26 shown.

[0373] The Fig. 31 shows an enlarged section of the Fig. 30, in which one of the adjustment elements 108 and its recess 156 can be seen more clearly.

[0374] The Fig. 32 illustrates a possibility of a structural element assembly 100 comprising an arrangement of adaptation elements 108 according to Fig. 30 in the simplest possible manner. For this purpose, the structural element assembly 100 comprises adaptation element connecting sections 180. These allow six adaptation elements 108 to be produced from a foamable plastic material 136, starting from a feed zone 266, using injection molding technology.

[0375] The Fig. 33 illustrates an alternative possibility of a structural element assembly 100 comprising an arrangement of adaptation elements 108 according to Fig. 30 in the simplest possible manner. The groups of six adaptation elements 108 are composed differently, and the adaptation element connecting sections 180 are adapted accordingly. List of reference symbols 100 structural element composite 102 plastic component 104 supporting structure element 106 Plastic supporting structure element 108 Adjustment element 110 Plastic adjustment element 112 Overhang zone 114 Customization page 116 Back 118 openings 120 passages 121 Section of the supporting structure element 122 positive connection 123 Section of the adjustment element 124 force-locking connection 126 material connection 128 Customization interface 130 supporting structure surface 132 Adjustment section 134 foamed section 136 plastic material 138 Adjustment Element Material 140 compact section 142 Connection zone 144 square adjustment element 146 triangular adjustment element 148 pear-shaped adjustment element 150 extension level 152 first customization interface 154 paragraph 156 Deepening 158 second customization interface 160 third customization interface 162 Survey 164 Group of adjustment elements 165 wall element 166 first group of adjustment elements 168 first adjustment element 170 second adjustment element 172 third adjustment element 174 fourth adjustment element 176 fifth adjustment element 178 sixth adjustment element 180 Adjustment elements connecting section 182 plastic element 184 continuous plastic material 186 first adjustment element group connection section 188 second adjustment element group connection section 190 second group of adjustment elements 192 first direction 194 intragroup distance 196 spacing 198 second direction 200 intragroup distance 202 Intermediate distance 204 angles 206 opening surface 208 Opening interior wall 210 Overhang area 212 third group of adaptation elements 214 first straight 216 second straight 218 third straight 220 Overlay area 222 Support strut 224 tools 226 forming tool 228 injection molding tool 230 forming units 232 first forming unit 234 second forming unit 236 mold halves 238 feed channel 240 plastic melt 242 expansion elements 244 Expansion device 246 expansion element supports 248 guide element 250 guided tour 252 Installation step 254 Adjustment Element Precursors 256 expansion step 258 Expansion Section 260 expansion space 262 opening step 264 withdrawal element 266 Feed zone 268 sprue element 270 Contact protection element 272 Contact protection device 274 Energy storage element 276 energy storage cells 278 Energy storage unit 280 Contacting 282 first contact protection element 284 second contact protection element 286 third contact protection element 288 Survey 290 poles 292 electrical conductor 294 Security zone 296 Fusible link zone 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 non-patent literature

[0000] DIN ISO 48-4:2021-02 [0074, 0078]

Claims

[1] Contact protection device (272) comprising a structural element composite (100), e.g., a plastic component (102), wherein the structural element composite (100) can preferably be flat and / or plate-shaped and / or grid-shaped, wherein the structural element composite (100) comprises the following: - a supporting structure element (104), which may be, for example, a plastic supporting structure element (106), wherein the supporting structure element (104) may preferably be flat and / or plate-shaped and / or grid-shaped, and - an adaptation element (108) fixed to the support structure element (104), which can be, for example, a plastic adaptation element (110), wherein the support structure element (104) and the adaptation element (108) are connected to one another in a form-fitting, force-fitting and / or material-fitting manner, wherein the adaptation element (108) is a contact protection element (270) adapted and / or adaptable to a contact (280) of an electrochemical energy storage unit (278). [2] Contact protection device (272) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the adaptation element (108) has an adaptation section (132), wherein the adaptation section (132) may be, for example, a foamed section (134), wherein the adaptation section (132) is adapted and / or adaptable to the contact (280). [3] Contact protection device (272) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the adaptation element (108) has a projection zone (112) in which the adaptation element (108) projects beyond the supporting structure element (104), wherein it may be preferred if at least a part of the adaptation section (132) lies in the projection zone (112). [4] Contact protection device (272) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the adaptation element (108) has a compact section (140). [5] Contact protection device (272) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the adaptation element (108) has a connection zone (142), wherein the connection between the support structure element (104) and the adaptation element (108) is a connection mediated by the connection zone (142) of the adaptation element (108), wherein it may be preferred if at least a part of the compact section (140) lies in the connection zone (142). [6] Contact protection device (272) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the density of the supporting structure element (104) is greater than the average density of the adaptation element (108), wherein it may be preferred if the density of the supporting structure element (104) is at least 150%, e.g. at least 350%, of an average density of the adaptation element (108). [7] Contact protection device (272) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an adaptation surface (128) of the adaptation element (108) is softer than a support structure surface (130) of the support structure element (104) and / or the adaptation element (108) is softer than the supporting structure element (104). [8] Contact protection device (272) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the adaptation element (108) is a first adaptation element (168) and the structural element assembly (100) comprises: - a second adjustment element (170) and may optionally include: - a third adjustment element (172) wherein the first adaptation element (168) is a first contact protection element (282) adapted and / or adaptable to the contact (280) of the electrochemical energy storage unit (278), wherein the second adaptation element (170) is a second contact protection element (284) adapted and / or adaptable to the contact (280) of the electrochemical energy storage unit (278), wherein the optional third adaptation element (172) can be a third contact protection element (286) adapted and / or adaptable to the contact (280) of the electrochemical energy storage unit (278). [9] Contact protection device (272) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the structural element composite (100) comprises: - an adaptation element connecting section (180), wherein the adjustment element connecting section (180) connects the first adjustment element (168) to the second adjustment element (170), wherein it may be preferred if the adjustment element connecting section (180) is connected to the first adjustment element (168), the second adjustment element (170) and the third adjustment element (172). [10] Contact protection device (272) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the structural element assembly (100) comprises groups (164) of adaptation elements, wherein the adaptation element (108), preferably the first adaptation element (168) and the second adaptation element (170), e.g. the first adaptation element (168), the second adaptation element (170) and the third adaptation element (172), belong to a first group (166) of adaptation elements. [11] Contact protection device (272) according to claim 10, characterized by , that the adaptation element connecting section (180) is a first adaptation element group connecting section (186) and the structural element assembly (100) comprises: - a second adaptation element group connecting section (188), wherein the second adaptation element group connecting section (188) connects a first adaptation element (166) of a second group (190) of adaptation elements to a second adaptation element (170) of the second group (190) of adaptation elements, wherein it may be preferred if the second adaptation element group connecting section (188) is connected to the first adaptation element (168), the second adaptation element (170) and the third adaptation element (172) of the second group (190) of adaptation elements, wherein the first adaptation element (168) of the second group (190) of adaptation elements is a first contact protection element (282) adapted and / or adaptable to the contact (280) of the electrochemical energy storage unit (278), wherein the second adaptation element (170) of the second group (190) of adaptation elements is a second contact protection element (284) adapted and / or adaptable to the contact (280) of the electrochemical energy storage unit (278), wherein the optional third adaptation element (172) of the second group (190) of adaptation elements can be a third contact protection element (286) adapted and / or adaptable to the contact (280) of the electrochemical energy storage unit (278). [12] Contact protection device (272) according to one of claims 9 to 11, preferably according to claim 10 or 11, e.g. according to claim 11, characterized by , that the first adaptation element (168), the second adaptation element (170) and the adaptation element connecting section (180) connecting the first adaptation element (168) to the second adaptation element (170) is a one-piece plastic element (182) and / or is made of a continuous plastic material; wherein it may be preferred if at least one group (164) of adaptation elements, including the adaptation element connecting section (180) connecting the adaptation elements of this group (164), is a one-piece plastic element (182) and / or is made of a continuous plastic material; wherein, for example, it may be preferred if the first group (166) of adaptation elements, including the associated first adaptation element group connecting section (186), is a first one-piece plastic element (182) and / or is made from a first continuous plastic material and the second group (190) of adaptation elements, including the associated second adaptation element group connecting section (188), is a second one-piece plastic element (182) and / or is made from a second continuous plastic material. [13] Contact protection device (272) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by that the adaptation elements (108) of several groups (164) of adaptation elements are arranged regularly. [14] Contact protection device (272) according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized by , that an intra-group distance (194) measurable in a first direction (192) between two adaptation elements (108) belonging to the same group (164) is equal to an intermediate distance (196) measurable in the first direction (192) between two adaptation elements (108) belonging to different groups (164), wherein it may be preferred if an intra-group distance (200) measurable in a second direction (198) between two adaptation elements (108) belonging to the same group (164) is equal to an intermediate distance (202) measurable in the second direction (198) between two adaptation elements (108) belonging to different groups (164), wherein it may be preferred if the first (192) and the second direction (198) form an angle (204) of 10° to 90° to one another. [15] Contact protection device (272) according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized by in that the supporting structure element (104) has an adaptation side (114) and a rear side (116) opposite the adaptation side (114), and the adaptation element connecting section (180), e.g. the first adaptation element group connecting section (186) and / or the second adaptation element group connecting section (188), extends partially or completely along the adaptation side (114). [16] Contact protection device (272) according to one of claims 9 to 15, characterized byin that the supporting structure element (104) has an adaptation side (114) and a rear side (116) opposite the adaptation side (114), and the adaptation element connecting section (180), e.g. the first adaptation element group connecting section (186) and / or the second adaptation element group connecting section (188), extends partially or completely along the rear side (116). [17] Contact protection device (272) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the supporting structure element (104) and the adaptation element (108) are positively connected to one another, wherein the supporting structure element (104) and the adaptation element (108) can optionally be additionally connected to one another in a force-fitting and / or material-fitting manner. [18] An electrochemical energy storage unit (278) comprising a contact protection device (272) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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