Energy storage unit for an electrically powered vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a cell connector (56) for an energy storage unit (16) of an electrically powered vehicle (10), in particular an electrically powered single- or two-wheeler (12), with a plurality of contact elements (60), wherein a contact element (60) can be connected to an electrical cell pole (58) of an energy storage cell (52) of the energy storage unit (16) to achieve an electrical series and / or parallel connection of at least two energy storage cells (52). It is proposed that the cell connector (56) has at least one machining area (90) by means of which the contact elements (60) for the cell poles (58) of at least two different energy storage cells (52) can be mechanically and / or electrically separated from one another.Furthermore, the invention relates to an energy storage unit (16) with a plurality of electrochemical energy storage cells (52) designed as cylindrical cells (50) and with at least two cell connectors (56) as well as an electrically powered vehicle (10), in particular an electrically powered single or two-wheeler (12), with an energy storage unit (16) that can be detachably connected to the electrically powered vehicle (10) or is permanently integrated in the electrically powered vehicle (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an energy storage unit for an electric motor-driven vehicle, in particular for an electric motor-driven one- or two-wheeler, as well as an electric motor-driven vehicle with an electrochemical energy storage unit according to the preamble of the independent claims that can be detachably connected to the electric motor-driven vehicle or is permanently integrated in the electric motor-driven vehicle. State of the art

[0002] A large number of electric motor-driven vehicles are operated with rechargeable energy storage units, which are discharged by the electric motor and recharged using a charger. Such energy storage units comprise a plurality of electrochemical energy storage cells connected in series and / or parallel to achieve a required battery voltage or capacity. If the energy storage cells are designed as lithium-ion cells (Li-ion), for example, a very high power and energy density can be achieved with particular advantage. Such an energy storage unit typically has an outer housing in which at least two so-called cell stacks are accommodated, each of which accommodates at least two energy storage cells designed as round cells.Each energy storage cell has two electrical cell poles, wherein the electrical cell poles of at least two energy storage cells are electrically connected to one another via at least one cell connector to achieve the series and / or parallel connection.

[0003] DE 10 2021 206 819 A1 discloses a rechargeable energy storage unit for an electric motor-driven vehicle, in which a plurality of electrochemical energy storage cells designed as round cells are electrically connected in a series and / or parallel circuit via two cell connectors arranged at the front ends of the round cells. The electrical connection between the cell connectors and the round cells is established in such a way that the cell poles of the energy storage cells each have a material-to-material welded connection with at least one contact element of the cell connector. While a material-to-material connection provides very secure and permanent electrical contact, it also complicates the removal or replacement of individual energy storage cells whose maximum capacity has decreased significantly over time or which are defective.The disposal of an energy storage unit to be recycled is also made more difficult by the fact that the individual energy storage cells can only be separated from the cell connectors with relatively great effort.

[0004] It is an object of the invention to provide a cell connector for an energy storage unit which is improved compared to the prior art and which can be used universally for different topologies of energy storage units. Advantages of the invention

[0005] To achieve this objective, the cell connector comprises at least one processing area by means of which the contact elements for the cell poles of at least two different energy storage cells can be mechanically and / or electrically separated from one another. The invention particularly advantageously enables the applicability of such a universal cell connector for energy storage units of different voltage ranges and / or energy capacities. The cell connector according to the invention is therefore designed such that it is suitable for a maximum variant of the energy storage unit and can be easily modified for variants of lower voltage ranges and / or energy capacities by electromechanically separating the corresponding contact elements.

[0006] The electric motor-driven vehicle can, for example, be designed as an electric bicycle (e.g., EPAC - Electrically Power Assisted Cycle, e-bike, pedelec, e-cargo bike, etc.), an electric motorcycle, a one- or two-wheeled e-scooter, an e-moped, or the like. The invention is equally applicable to other applications in the field of micro-mobility applications, such as e-kick scooters, monowheels, or other non-type-approved vehicles with permanently or replaceably installed battery packs. An electric motor-driven vehicle should therefore also be understood to mean a vehicle that has a drive unit to assist the driver or an electric motor-driven partial drive.

[0007] The energy storage unit can be permanently integrated into the electric motor-driven vehicle or designed as a removable battery pack that can be removed without tools. In the case of an removable battery pack, it can also be provided that this can be charged both when connected to the electric motor-driven vehicle and when disconnected from the electric motor-driven vehicle. The battery voltage of the energy storage unit is generally a multiple of the voltage of an individual energy storage cell of the energy storage unit and results from the interconnection (parallel and / or series) of the individual energy storage cells. The energy storage cells are preferably designed as lithium-based energy storage cells, e.g. Li-ion, Li-polymer, Li-metal, Na-ions or the like. However, the invention is also applicable to energy storage units with Ni-Cd, Ni-MH cells or other suitable cell types.For common Li-ion energy storage cells with a cell voltage of 3.6 V, nominal battery voltages of 3.6 V, 18 V, 36 V, 54 V, etc. result, for example. However, the invention is not dependent on the type and design of the energy storage cells and the energy storage unit used, but can be applied to any electrochemical energy storage units and energy storage cells, e.g. in addition to round cells also pouch cells or the like, with battery voltages of 36 V, 48 V, 52 V or the like.

[0008] To further simplify adaptability, the at least one processing area is designed as a predetermined breaking point, in particular a taper and / or a perforation. Additionally or alternatively, the contact elements of the cell connector, which are materially connected to an electrical cell pole of the energy storage cells, have a predetermined breaking point for mechanical separation from the cell connector. The predetermined breaking point must be designed in such a way that it can withstand normal loads and is thus sufficiently robust against external mechanical influences on the energy storage unit, for example in the event of falls, impacts or strong vibrations, during its intended life cycle. In particular, the predetermined breaking point can be separable by tension, pressure and / or torsion or a shearing movement. As a result, it remains robust against the aforementioned normal loads.

[0009] Furthermore, a guide geometry is provided for separating the at least two contact elements at the predetermined breaking point of the cell connector. In this way, the separation can be simplified using a suitable auxiliary tool, e.g., cutting pliers or a lever tool, which is applied to the guide geometry. It is also conceivable for the predetermined breaking point itself to have a corresponding guide geometry, for example, in the form of a specially designed perforation.

[0010] In a further embodiment, at least one processing area has a marking. This advantageously makes it easier to identify and / or process the processing area. Particularly advantageously, those processing areas that result in an electrically useful separation have a similarly designed marking. This facilitates processing of the cell connector, starting from its maximum variant for the intended application in the energy storage unit.

[0011] At least one mechanical indicator is provided on the cell connector, particularly on an edge area of ​​the cell connector, to identify any modification made to the cell connector. This makes it easy to identify during servicing that the corresponding cell connector is no longer in its original condition for the maximum variant of the energy storage unit.

[0012] The invention also relates to an energy storage unit comprising a plurality of electrochemical energy storage cells configured as round cells and comprising at least two cell connectors according to the invention for electrically connecting at least two of the energy storage cells in series and / or parallel, wherein the at least two cell connectors are identical in their original state. At least one of the at least two cell connectors can be machined prior to final assembly of the energy storage unit such that at least two contact elements of the machined cell connector are mechanically and / or electrically separated from one another.

[0013] A further object of the invention may be to provide an energy storage unit which is improved compared to the prior art and which enables a simplified replacement of energy storage cells, in particular by service personnel, in conjunction with safe operation and a more flexible adaptability of the cell connector device to the required battery voltage or capacity of the energy storage unit.

[0014] To achieve this object, it is provided that the at least two cell stacks of the energy storage unit are arranged adjacent to one another in such a way that a pressing device of the energy storage unit connects the cell connectors to the electrical cell poles of the energy storage cells in the assembled state of the energy storage unit without any material bond, wherein a tensile force of the pressing device is adjustable outside a sub-housing. A sub-housing is to be understood in particular as a partial housing that holds the individual cell stacks together and is arranged in the outer housing of the energy storage unit. The invention particularly advantageously enables a simplified replacement of individual energy storage cells whose maximum capacity has decreased significantly over time or which are defective.In addition, tolerance compensation in the length expansion of the energy storage cells can be achieved in a simple manner in such a way that the force-locking connection between the cell poles and the cell connector can be adjusted by the pressing device.

[0015] A further embodiment of the invention provides that the pressing device is designed as at least one rod projecting through the sub-housing with at least one threaded portion attached to the end face, and the tensile force is adjustable via a nut that can be screwed to the threaded portion. Advantageously, the tensile force of the pressing device can thus be changed very easily and reproducibly, on the one hand to ensure secure electrical contact between the cell poles of the energy storage cells and the cell connectors over a long operating period of the energy storage unit and, on the other hand, to enable easy replacement of individual energy storage cells. The nuts can particularly advantageously be designed as self-locking nuts.

[0016] The energy storage unit has at least one cell connector device with a carrier layer, wherein the at least one cell connector is arranged on the carrier layer and the pressing device presses at least one of the electrical cell poles of an energy storage cell in the assembled state of the energy storage unit against a spring-elastic contact element of the cell connector in the direction of the carrier layer.

[0017] In a further development, the cell connector device is arranged between two cell stacks, with at least one cell connector being arranged on each of two opposite end faces of the carrier layer along a longitudinal axis of the energy storage unit in such a way that, when the energy storage unit is assembled, the pressing device presses the electrical cell poles of two energy storage cells of the two cell stacks adjacent along the longitudinal axis against the contact elements of the cell connectors in the direction of the carrier layer. Such symmetrical pre-assembly of the cell connector device makes it easy to connect the energy storage cells in parallel or in series without an additional material-bonded connection process.For this purpose, it is further provided that the at least two cell connectors arranged on the end faces of the carrier layer are designed as a one-piece conductor plate that surrounds the carrier layer in order to electrically connect the electrical cell poles of at least some of the energy storage cells of the two cell stacks. Such a conductor plate enables particularly simple assembly of the cell connector device, since it essentially only needs to be pushed onto the carrier layer along its end faces.

[0018] In order to support the effect of the spring-elastic contact elements, the at least one cell connector device has at least one elastic spring component which is arranged between the carrier layer and the at least one contact element of the at least one cell connector in such a way that the pressing device presses at least one of the electrical cell poles of the energy storage cell, in the assembled state of the energy storage unit, against the at least one contact element in the direction of the carrier layer against a spring force which results from a first spring force of the contact element and a further spring force of the at least one spring component. In this way, any length tolerances of the energy storage cells can be compensated even better. Furthermore, the spring component can form a defined stop for the corresponding contact element when the energy storage unit is pressed by the pressing device.In addition, any reduction in the elastic effect of the contact elements can be prevented.

[0019] In order to avoid radial displacement of individual energy storage cells, e.g. in the event of a fall of the energy storage unit or an impact of the electric motor-driven vehicle, it is further provided that the spring component, in the assembled state of the energy storage unit, effects a frictional adhesive contact with the energy storage cell in the region of its cell pole.

[0020] The spring component can be made of an elastomer, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a foam, in particular Poron, and / or a synthetic polymer, in particular silicone. The carrier layer of the cell connector device is advantageously made of a polyamide or polypropylene. The cell connector, in turn, can be made of an electrically conductive metal, such as nickel, copper, steel, aluminum, or Hilumin (diffusion-annealed steel strip with an electrolytic nickel coating).

[0021] A further embodiment of the invention provides that each cell stack of the energy storage unit has a plurality of hollow cylindrical bores for receiving one energy storage cell each, wherein a longitudinal gap is provided in the bore along the longitudinal axis of the energy storage unit such that at least one spring-mounted longitudinal web of the bore adjacent to the longitudinal gap effects radial fixation of the round cell and an inner diameter of the bore without the longitudinal web is larger than an outer diameter of the round cell received therein. In this way, the individual energy storage cells can be very easily inserted into the cell stack in the direction of their longitudinal extension and are secured in the radial direction against displacement relative to the contact element of the cell connector connected to one of their cell poles.

[0022] To prevent the cell connector devices and the cell stacks from moving relative to each other, the carrier layer of the cell connector device and the cell stack each have a plurality of form-locking elements for their mutual mechanical connection. At the same time, the form-locking elements allow for a precise assembly of the cell connector devices to the cell stacks in the manner of a poka-yoke solution, for example, to prevent polarity reversal of the energy storage cells during assembly.

[0023] To achieve the further object, it can further be provided that the energy storage unit has at least one cell connector device with a carrier layer on which the at least one cell connector is arranged such that at least one of the electrical cell poles of an energy storage cell, when the energy storage unit is in the assembled state, presses against an electrical contact element of the cell connector in the direction of the carrier layer in order to connect the contact element to the electrical cell pole in a force-fitting manner, in particular in a force-fitting manner without a material connection. This results in the advantage over the prior art of greater contact reliability, since the carrier layer forms a defined stop for the contact elements. In addition, the separate design of the carrier layer and cell connector makes it possible to adapt the cell connector device to a required battery voltage or current in a simple manner by appropriate modifications to the cell connector.-capacity of the energy storage unit.

[0024] A further embodiment of the invention provides that the carrier layer has two opposite end faces, and on each end face at least one cell connector with at least one contact element is arranged. The energy storage unit has at least two cell stacks along a longitudinal axis, each accommodating at least two energy storage cells. The cell connector device is arranged between two adjacent cell stacks and has at least one cell connector on each of the two opposite end faces of the carrier layer such that the electrical cell poles of two energy storage cells of the two cell stacks that are adjacent along the longitudinal axis are each pressed against the contact elements of the cell connectors in the direction of the carrier layer when the energy storage unit is in the assembled state.Such a symmetrical pre-assembly of the cell connector device makes it easy to connect the energy storage cells in parallel or in series without any additional material-to-material connection process.

[0025] Furthermore, it is provided that the at least two cell connectors arranged on the end faces of the carrier layer are designed as a one-piece conductor plate that surrounds the carrier layer in order to electrically connect the electrical cell poles of at least some of the energy storage cells of the two cell stacks. Such a conductor plate enables particularly simple assembly of the cell connector device, since it essentially only needs to be pushed onto the carrier layer along its end faces.

[0026] To achieve the object, it is further provided that the cell connector has at least one primary contact element that is integrally connected to the cell pole of an energy storage cell, and that the cell connector has at least one redundant contact element for at least one of the primary contact elements, which, in the original state of the assembled energy storage unit, is not integrally connected to any electrical cell pole of the energy storage cells. Particularly advantageously, the invention enables easy removal of energy storage cells whose maximum capacity has decreased significantly over time or which are defective, despite the integral connection. For this purpose, the energy storage cell to be removed, together with the primary contact element integrally connected to it, can be easily separated from the cell connector.

[0027] In a further development of the invention, it is provided that, in the event of servicing, the at least one redundant contact element serves to provide a materially bonded connection to an electrical cell terminal of a replacement energy storage cell for the energy storage cell connected to the primary contact element. Thus, after removal of the energy storage cell to be replaced, the replacement energy storage cell can be very easily bonded to the redundant contact element of the cell connector.

[0028] The at least one redundant contact element is arranged adjacent to the primary contact element in such a way that an outer contour of the primary and the at least one redundant contact element does not exceed an outer circumference of the connected energy storage cell. This allows a particularly advantageous compact design of the cell connector to be realized. The at least one redundant contact element then rests, for example, only in a force-fitting manner on the cell pole of the energy storage cell connected to the primary contact element. Furthermore, the cell connector can remain unchanged in the same position in the energy storage unit for replacing an energy storage cell.

[0029] In an alternative or supplementary embodiment, the at least one redundant contact element is arranged adjacent to the primary contact element in such a way that it can be moved into the position of the primary contact element by folding it over. This particularly advantageously allows the replacement energy storage cell to utilize the same optimal location on the cell terminal for the integral connection to the redundant contact element of the cell connector. Furthermore, the cell terminals of the energy storage cells can have a small electrical contact area to prevent any leakage currents and short circuits.

[0030] In order to enable the replacement of several energy storage cells in one operation, the cell connector has a main extension plane which runs in particular transversely to a longitudinal axis of the energy storage unit, wherein the at least one redundant contact element is arranged adjacent to the primary contact element in such a way that it can be brought into the position of the primary contact element by displacing the cell connector along the main extension plane.

[0031] To prevent short circuits, it is further provided that the at least one redundant contact element is electrically insulated in the original state of the assembled energy storage unit, in particular by means of an insulating film. This also prevents accidental activation of the redundant contact element.

[0032] To further simplify servicing and disposal of the energy storage unit, the primary and / or at least one redundant contact element have a predetermined breaking point for mechanical separation from the cell connector. The predetermined breaking point must be designed to withstand normal loads and thus be sufficiently robust against external mechanical influences on the energy storage unit, such as falls, impacts, or strong vibrations, during its intended life cycle.

[0033] Furthermore, the primary and / or the at least one redundant contact element can have a guide geometry for separation at the predetermined breaking point. In this way, separation can be simplified using a suitable auxiliary tool, e.g., cutting pliers or a lever tool, which is applied to the guide geometry. Furthermore, the auxiliary geometry can be designed in such a way that it makes it possible to detect a replacement of the energy storage cell or any tampering with the cell connector.

[0034] The predetermined breaking point is located in the immediate vicinity of a connection point between the primary or at least one redundant contact element and the electrical cell pole. Thus, the geometry of a so-called welding dimple of the contact element can be designed such that it breaks easily upon a specific movement. In particular, the predetermined breaking point can be opened by tension, compression, and / or torsion, or a shearing movement. This allows it to remain robust against the aforementioned normal load. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the welding dimple itself is designed to be sensitive to torsion. Thus, it could be separated from the cell pole by simply rotating the energy storage cell to be replaced around its longitudinal axis.

[0035] To enable the replacement of an energy storage cell at the same position in the energy storage unit, possibly multiple times, the cell connector has at least two redundant contact elements for the primary contact element. Furthermore, the cell connector can be provided with at least one redundant contact element for each primary contact element. This allows all energy storage cells of the energy storage unit to be replaced in the same way during servicing. Examples of implementationDrawing

[0036] The invention is described below with reference to Fig. 1 to 20 are explained by way of example, wherein the same reference numerals in the figures indicate the same components with the same mode of operation.

[0037] It shows Fig. 1: a schematic representation of an electric motor-driven vehicle designed as a two-wheeled electric bicycle in a first variant, Fig. 2: a schematic representation of the electric motor-driven vehicle designed as a two-wheeled electric bicycle in a second variant, Fig. 3: a first embodiment of an energy storage unit for the electric motor-driven vehicle according to the Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 in a perspective view, Fig. 4: the energy storage unit according to Fig. 3 in a section along its longitudinal axis, Fig. 5: a perspective view ( Fig. 5a) and a sectional view ( Fig. 5b) a cell connector device of the energy storage unit according to the embodiment according to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, Fig. 6: another embodiment of the cell connector device in a sectional view along the longitudinal axis of the energy storage unit, Fig. 7: the embodiment according to Fig. 6 in a perspective view, Fig. 8: another embodiment of the cell connector device in a sectional view along the longitudinal axis of the energy storage unit, Fig. 9: an exploded view of a cell stack of the energy storage unit including two cell connector devices arranged at the front according to Fig. 6, Fig. 10: another embodiment of a cell connector of the cell connector device designed as a conductor plate ( Fig. 10a) and after processing ( Fig. 10b), Fig. 11: another embodiment of the cell connector with two primary and two redundant contact elements for an energy storage cell, Fig. 12: another embodiment of the cell connector with two primary and two redundant contact elements for two energy storage cells, Fig. 13: another embodiment of the cell connector with one primary and three redundant contact elements for an energy storage cell, Fig. 14: further embodiments of the cell connector with at least one processing area for the primary and the redundant contact element ( Fig. 14a) as well as for different designs of the machining area for two primary contact elements ( Fig. 14b, Fig. 14c, Fig. 14d), Fig. 15: Embodiments for a detachable connection of a contact element to the cell connector as a closed eyelet ( Fig. 15a) as a one-sided open eyelet ( Fig. 15b) and as a plug connection ( Fig. 15c), Fig. 16: an embodiment of a detachable connection of four contact elements to a cell connector by means of a single screw connection, Fig. 17: an embodiment of a detachable connection of a contact element with a cell connector designed as a rail system, Fig. 18: another embodiment of a detachable connection of a contact element with the cell connector designed as a rail system, Fig. 19: a sectional view of the reversible connector according to Fig. 15c for a cell connector device with a cell connector arranged on both sides and Fig. 20: an embodiment of a reversible connection between the cell connector device or the cell connector and a circuit board of the energy storage unit. Description of the embodiments

[0038] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an electric motor-driven vehicle 10 configured as a two-wheeled electric bicycle 12. The electric bicycle 12 is supplied with energy via an energy storage unit 16 configured as a removable battery pack 14 and can be configured, for example, as a pedelec, an e-bike, or the like. The electric bicycle 12 has a housing in the form of a frame 18 with two wheels 20 mounted in the frame 18. The removable battery pack 14 is detachably connected via a connecting device 22 provided on the frame 18, which electromechanically interacts with an interface (not shown in detail) attached to an outer housing 24 of the removable battery pack 14.

[0039] The electric bicycle 12 further comprises a drive unit 26, which includes an electric motor 28, preferably designed as an EC or BLDC motor, in the form of a mid-mounted motor. Instead of a mid-mounted motor, a hub motor can alternatively be used in one of the wheels 20. The drive unit 26 is also supplied with energy via the removable battery pack 14 and includes an electronics unit (not shown) for controlling or regulating the electric bicycle 12, in particular the electric motor 28. The electronics unit is further connected to a sensor unit (also not shown), which, for example, includes several sensor elements, such as a torque sensor, a motion sensor, for example in the form of an acceleration sensor, and a magnetic sensor.The electric bicycle 12 also features a pedal crank 30 with a pedal crankshaft 32, via which the rider can perform a pedaling movement to drive the rear wheel 20 in the manner of a conventional bicycle drive. The electronics unit, the drive unit 26 with the electric motor 28, and the pedal crankshaft 32 are arranged in a drive housing 34 connected to the frame 18.

[0040] The drive movement of the electric motor 28 is preferably transmitted to the pedal crankshaft 32 via a transmission (not shown), with the intensity of the assistance provided by the drive unit 26 being controlled or regulated by the electronics unit. The electronics unit is designed to control the drive unit 26 in such a way that a rider of the electric bicycle 12 is assisted while pedaling. The electronics unit is preferably designed to be operable by the rider, allowing the rider to adjust the level of assistance.

[0041] The electric bicycle 12 includes an on-board computer 36 arranged on a handlebar 38 of the electric bicycle 12. The on-board computer 36 is designed, for example, to be detachable from the electric bicycle 12 and includes a human-machine interface (HMI) that serves to display information and to control the on-board computer 36 and / or the electric bicycle 12 or the drive unit 26. The HMI is designed, for example, as a touchscreen or the like. The on-board computer 36 is connected to the drive unit 26 for the exchange of information and commands. For example, a speed determined by the electronics unit of the drive unit 26 using the sensor unit, a set level of assistance of the electric motor 28, route information from a navigation unit integrated in the on-board computer 36, a charge level of the removable battery pack 14, or the like can be displayed via the HMI.

[0042] Fig. 2 shows an alternative of the electric bicycle 12. In contrast to Fig. 1, the energy storage unit 16, including its electromechanical interfaces for energy and / or data transmission between the electric bicycle 12 and the energy storage unit 16, is fully integrated into the frame 18 of the electric bicycle 12. However, to facilitate replacement of the energy storage unit 16, it still has an outer housing 24. Furthermore, a charging and / or discharging interface 40 for charging or discharging the energy storage unit 16 is provided in the frame 18 of the electric bicycle 12, accessible from the outside. This is embodied, for example, as a USB-C interface. However, other interfaces for wired or wireless energy and / or data transmission are also conceivable. Furthermore, several such interfaces 40 can also be provided on the electric bicycle 12.

[0043] In the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the interior of the energy storage unit 16 in a perspective view or in a section along a longitudinal axis L of the energy storage unit 16. A sub-housing 44 consisting of at least two end caps 42 is provided in the outer housing 24 (not shown) of the energy storage unit 16. The energy storage unit 16 consists, for example, of five cell stacks 46, which are arranged along the longitudinal axis L of the energy storage unit 16 with their end faces adjacent to one another. The arrangement of the cell stacks 46 relative to one another significantly determines the elongated geometry of the energy storage unit 16.

[0044] Each cell stack 46 has, for example, a total of eight hollow cylindrical bores 48 for accommodating one energy storage cell 52 designed as a round cell 50. Each hollow cylindrical bore 48 in turn has a cylindrical wall 54 that encloses the round cell 50 along its outer surface. The bores 48 each have a radial center axis that essentially corresponds to a radial center axis of the round cells 50 and that runs parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the energy storage unit 16. The walls 54 of the cell stack 46 are designed such that they are assigned to two different bores 48 between two radially adjacent round cells 50. In order to be able to insert the round cells 50 more easily into the bores 48 along the longitudinal axis L of the energy storage unit 16 and to push them out again accordingly during servicing, an inner diameter D B each hole 48 is minimally larger than an outer diameter DC of the round cell 50 accommodated therein. The walls 54 or the cell stack 46 are preferably formed in one piece from a thermoplastic or a comparable material. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, for the sake of clarity, only individual holes 48 are filled with round cells 50. A fully assembled energy storage unit 16 is generally fully occupied with energy storage cells 52.

[0045] The majority of a total of 40 round cells 50 are connected via cell connectors 56 in a series circuit and / or in a parallel circuit, wherein the series circuit generates a battery voltage U dropping across the electromechanical interface (not shown) of the energy storage unit 16 Battdefined, while the parallel connection of individual round cells 50 primarily increases the capacity of the energy storage unit 16. The cell connectors 56 are made of an electrically conductive metal, such as nickel, copper, steel, aluminum or hilumin. On both of its end faces, each round cell 50 has a positive or a negative electrical cell pole 58 for electromechanical contact with at least one spring-elastic contact element 60 of the cell connector 56 designed as a conductor plate 62. The contact elements 60 thus extend essentially parallel to the cell poles 58 of the round cells 50, wherein the cell poles 58 are aligned essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the energy storage unit 16. In this context, "essentially" should be understood to mean that there does not have to be an exactly parallel or perpendicular course, but can also deviate slightly from this tolerance.Each contact element 60, in turn, enables a non-positive, non-material connection of the cell connector 56 to the respective cell pole 58 of the round cell 50. Instead of a purely non-positive connection, a material connection between the cell pole 58 and the contact element 60 is also conceivable, for example in the form of a resistance, ultrasonic, or laser welded connection. A soldered connection would also be possible, although care must be taken here to ensure that the energy storage cell is not subject to increased heat input. Furthermore, the cell connectors 56, in conjunction with a microprocessor (not shown in detail) of an electronics unit of the energy storage unit 16, serve for single-cell monitoring (SCM). For this purpose, the cell connectors 56 are connected to a printed circuit board 66 (cf. Fig. 20), on which the electronics unit including the microprocessor is arranged. Since neither the electronics unit nor the microprocessor, nor their arrangement on a corresponding circuit board within the energy storage unit 16, are relevant to the invention, they will not be discussed further here. Those skilled in the art will be familiar with corresponding devices for monitoring, controlling, or regulating the energy storage cells 52.

[0046] For common Li-lon round cells 50 with a nominal cell voltage U Cell of 3.6 V each, battery voltages U Batt of n · 3.6 V, where n defines the number of round cells 50 connected in series. So-called cell clusters, which consist of round cells 50 connected in parallel, can also be connected in series via the cell connectors 56 in order to achieve a specific battery voltage U Battwith simultaneously increased capacity. For other electrochemical energy storage cells 52, the nominal cell voltage U Cell so that, depending on the type and application of the energy storage unit 16, battery voltages from 18 V to 70 V and more are possible. Depending on the number of energy storage cells 52 connected in parallel in a cell cluster, the capacity of commercially available high-performance energy storage units 16 can be up to 14 Ah and more, so that, for example, in the e-bike sector, up to over 750 Wh can be achieved. However, the invention is not dependent on the type, design, voltage, current delivery capacity, etc. of the energy storage cells 52 used, but can be applied to a variety of different energy storage units 16.

[0047] Fig. 4 illustrates that the five cell stacks 46 of the energy storage unit 16 are arranged adjacent to one another along the longitudinal axis L in such a way that a pressing device 68 connects the cell connectors 56 to the electrical cell poles 58 of the round cells 50 in the assembled state of the energy storage unit 16 without any material bond. Since the round cells 50 do not always have exactly the same length due to manufacturing technology, this enables a very simple tolerance compensation in conjunction with the spring-elastic contact elements 60 of the cell connectors 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressing device 68 consists of four rods 70 penetrating the sub-housing 44 and the cell stacks 46, which have a threaded section 72 at least at one end. A tensile force F acting on the sub-housing 44, the cell stacks 46 and the cell connectors 56 Tcan thus be easily adjusted outside the sub-housing 44 via a nut 74 of the pressing device 68, which can be screwed onto the threaded portion 72, in order to ensure, on the one hand, secure electrical contact between the cell poles 58 of the round cells 50 and the cell connectors 56 over a long operating period of the energy storage unit 16. In addition, it is possible to disassemble the energy storage unit 16 in order to replace individual round cells 50 whose maximum capacity has decreased significantly over time or which are defective. The nuts can particularly advantageously be designed as self-locking nuts.

[0048] The cell connectors 56 arranged on the end faces of the cell stacks 46 are each part of a cell connector device 76. The cell connector devices 76 are arranged both between the cell stacks 46 and on the two outer end faces of the assembly consisting of the cell stacks 46, so that the two end caps 42 of the sub-housing 44 each form a cell connector device 76. With reference to the Fig. 5a (perspective view) and 5b (sectional view), each cell connector device 76 has a carrier layer 78, on which the cell connector 56, designed as a conductor plate 62, with its spring-elastic contact elements 60 is arranged. The carrier layer 78 can, for example, consist of a polyamide, polypropylene, or a comparable material with corresponding electrically insulating properties. A carrier layer 78 made of an epoxy resin or the like is also conceivable. To clarify the structure of the cell connector device 76, the round cell 50 is shown in Fig. 5a not fully inserted into the bore 48. Fig. 5b shows the inserted state of the round cells 50 in an enlarged detail at their cell pole 58. By means of the pressing device 68, the electrical cell pole 58 is pressed against the spring-elastic contact elements 60 of the cell connector 56 in the direction of the carrier layer 78 in the assembled state of the energy storage unit 16. Since the carrier layer 78 forms a defined stop for the contact elements 60, this results in the advantage of a high level of contact reliability between the cell poles 58 and the contact elements 60. In addition, the separate formation of the carrier layer 78 and the cell connector 56 makes it possible to easily adapt the cell connector device 76 to a required battery voltage or capacity of the energy storage unit 16 by appropriate modifications to the cell connector 56.

[0049] Along the longitudinal axis L of the energy storage unit 16, a longitudinal gap 80 is provided in the bore 48 of the cell stack 46 such that at least one spring-loaded longitudinal web 82 of the bore 48, adjacent to the longitudinal gap 80, effects a radial fixation of the round cell 50 by enclosing the inner diameter D B the bore 48 compared to the outer diameter D C of the round cell 50 is reduced. In this way, a play-free fixation of the round cell 50 in the bore 48 can be realized in conjunction with easy insertion or extraction in the axial direction along the longitudinal axis L. The longitudinal web 82 is preferably designed as one piece with the wall 54 of the bore 46. However, it is also conceivable that the longitudinal web 82 is connected to the wall 54 by means of an adhesive bond or the like.

[0050] Fig. 6 shows, in a highly simplified sectional view along the longitudinal axis L, a further exemplary embodiment of the energy storage unit 16 with two adjacent cell stacks 46 and round cells 50 inserted therein. In the middle of the three cell connector devices 76, at least one cell connector 56 is arranged on each of the two opposite end faces of the carrier layer 78 along the longitudinal axis L in such a way that the pressing device 68 (not shown) presses the electrical cell poles 58 of the round cells 50 of the two cell stacks 46, which are adjacent along the longitudinal axis L, against the contact elements 60 of the cell connectors 56 in the direction of the carrier layer 78 when the energy storage unit 16 is in the assembled state.For this purpose, it is provided that the two cell connectors 56 arranged on each end face of the carrier layer 78 are each designed as a one-piece conductor plate 62 that surrounds the carrier layer 78 at one edge in order to electrically connect the electrical cell poles 58 of the round cells 50 of the two adjacent cell stacks 46. The cell connectors 56 or the conductor plate 62 and the carrier layer 78 therefore have a sandwich construction. The encompassing of the carrier layer 78 can be realized in particular by the electrical contacts 64 for connection to the circuit board 66. Such a conductor plate 62 also enables particularly simple assembly of the cell connector device 76, since it essentially only needs to be pushed onto the carrier layer 78 along its end faces.By means of such a symmetrical pre-assembly of the cell connector device 76, a parallel or serial connection of the round cells 50 can be realized in a simple manner without an additional material-locking connection process.

[0051] In order to support the effect of the spring-elastic contact elements 60, the cell connector device 76 has at least one elastic spring component 84, which is arranged between the carrier layer 78 and the contact elements 60 of the cell connector 56 in such a way that the electrical cell pole 58 of the round cell 50, in the assembled state of the energy storage unit 16, in particular by the pressing device 68, against the contact elements 60 in the direction of the carrier layer 78 against a spring force F S which results from a first spring force of the contact element 60 and a further spring force of the at least one spring component 84. Fig. 7 illustrates this in a Fig. 5a shows a view similar to that shown with the round cell 50 not yet fully inserted. This allows for even better compensation of any length tolerances of the round cells 50. Furthermore, the spring component 84 can form a defined stop for the corresponding contact elements 60 during the pressing of the energy storage unit 16. In addition, any weakening of the spring-elastic effect of the contact elements 60 can be preventively counteracted. The spring component 84 is preferably made of an elastomer, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a foam, in particular Poron, and / or a synthetic polymer, in particular silicone. In other words, composite materials made of the aforementioned materials are also conceivable.

[0052] In Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of the energy storage unit 16 or the cell connector device 76 in a section along the longitudinal axis L of the energy storage unit 16. In order to prevent radial displacement of the round cell 50, for example in the event of a fall of the energy storage unit 16 or an impact of the electric motor-driven vehicle 10, it is provided that the spring component 84, in the assembled state of the energy storage unit 16, effects a frictional adhesive contact with the round cell 50 in the region of its cell pole 58.

[0053] In Fig. Figure 9 shows an exploded view of the cell stack 46. This consists of two cell holders 86, which with their cylindrical walls 54 form a grid structure for the total of eight hollow cylindrical holes 48. In addition, each hole 48 has - as already Fig. 6 - along the longitudinal axis L of the energy storage unit 16, a longitudinal gap 80 and at least one spring-mounted longitudinal web 82 adjacent thereto. A cell connector device 76 for electrically connecting the round cells 50 (not shown) inserted into the bores 48 is arranged on each of the end faces of the cell stack 46 composed of the two cell holders 86. Each cell connector device 76 has two cell connectors 56 designed as one-piece conductor plates 62, which engage around the carrier layer 78 at one edge in order to electrically connect the electrical cell poles 58 of the round cells 50 of two adjacent cell stacks 46 to one another in a series and / or parallel circuit. The two conductor plates 62 and the carrier layer 78 are thus realized in a sandwich construction.To prevent the cell connector devices 76 and the cell holders 86 of the cell stack 46 from moving relative to one another, the carrier layer 78 of the cell connector device 76 and the cell holders 86 each have a plurality of form-locking elements 88 for their mutual mechanical connection. The form-locking elements 88 can be designed in very different ways, for example as triangular, pin-shaped and / or round projections that engage in correspondingly complementary recesses in the parts to be connected. The form-locking elements 88 also enable the cell connector devices 76 to be clearly mounted on the cell stacks 46 or the cell holders 86 in the sense of a poka-yoke solution, in particular to avoid reverse polarity of the inserted round cells 50 during assembly of the energy storage unit 16. It should be mentioned that a cell stack 46 can also be designed as a single cell holder 86 ora cell holder 86 can then correspond in its functionality to a cell stack 46.

[0054] Fig. 10 shows a further embodiment of the cell connector 56, designed as a conductor plate 62, for a cell stack 46 with a total of 10 energy storage cells 52 in a plan view. The cell connector 56 has a plurality of processing areas 90, by means of which the contact elements 60 to be connected for the cell poles 58 of different energy storage cells 52 can be mechanically and / or electrically separated from one another. Thus, a universal cell connector 56 for energy storage units 16 of different voltage ranges and / or energy capacities can be provided. The cell connector 56 is according to Fig. 10a is designed such that it is suitable for a maximum variant of the energy storage unit 16 and can be easily modified for variants with lower voltage ranges and / or energy capacities by electromechanically separating the corresponding contact elements using the processing areas 90. To further simplify adaptability, the processing area 90 can be designed as a predetermined breaking point 92, for example in the form of a taper and / or a perforation. The predetermined breaking point 92 must be designed such that it can withstand normal loads and is thus sufficiently robust against external mechanical influences on the energy storage unit 16, for example in the event of falls, impacts, or strong vibrations, during its intended life cycle. In particular, the predetermined breaking point 92 can be separated by tension, pressure, and / or torsion or a shearing movement.This means that it remains robust against the normal load mentioned above.

[0055] To simplify separation at the processing area 90 of the cell connector 56 using a suitable auxiliary tool, e.g., a cutting pliers or a lever tool, the cell connector 56 has a guide geometry 94 in the vicinity of the processing area 90, to which the auxiliary tool can be applied. It is also conceivable for the predetermined breaking point 92 itself to have a corresponding guide geometry 94, for example, in the form of a specially designed perforation.

[0056] Easier identification and / or processing of the processing area 90 is also achieved if it has a marking 96. The markings 96 can be designed such that processing areas 90 that result in an electrically useful separation have a similarly designed marking 96. This facilitates the processing of the cell connector 56, starting from its maximum variant for the intended application in the energy storage unit 16.

[0057] In Fig. 10b is an example of a separation of the cell connector 56 from Fig. 10a into two separate conductor plates 62 along the dashed line. For this purpose, two of the nine processing areas 90 were separated using a suitable separating tool at the corresponding markings 96 or with the aid of the guide geometry 96 according to Fig. 10a. Thus, the two conductor plates 62 can form two cell clusters within the cell stack 46 via their contact elements 60, which are still electromechanically connected to one another. Depending on the orientation of the energy storage cells 52 in the associated bores 48 of the cell stack 46, a parallel or series connection for the corresponding cell cluster can be implemented. Furthermore, it is possible to connect the energy storage cells 52 of adjacent cell stacks 46 in a parallel and / or series circuit according to the requirements of the energy storage unit 16 by means of a conductor plate 62 arranged accordingly on both sides of the carrier layer 78 of the cell connector device 76, the contact elements 60 of which are electromechanically connected to one another via the contact 64.

[0058] A mechanical indicator 98 is provided on the cell connector 56, in particular on an edge region of the cell connector 56, to identify a modification made to the cell connector 56. After processing the cell connector 56 in Fig. 10b was the Fig. The projection visible in Figure 10a is removed using a cutting tool. This makes it easy to identify during servicing that the corresponding cell connector is no longer in its original state for the maximum variant of the energy storage unit 16.

[0059] In contrast to a non-positive connection between the contact elements 60 and the cell poles 58, their material connection provides a very secure and permanent electrical contact, but on the other hand, it complicates the removal or replacement of individual energy storage cells 52 whose maximum capacity has decreased significantly over time or which are defective. Disposal of an energy storage unit 16 for recycling is also complicated by the fact that the individual energy storage cells 52 can only be separated from the cell connectors 56 with relatively great effort. Fig. 11 to 14 therefore propose solutions such that the cell connector 56 has at least one primary contact element 60 that is integrally connected to the cell pole 58 of the energy storage cell 52, wherein the cell connector 56 has at least one redundant contact element 100 for at least one of the primary contact elements 60, which, in the original state of the assembled energy storage unit 16, is not integrally connected to any electrical cell pole 58 of the energy storage cells 16. Thus, despite an integral connection between the cell connector 56 and the energy storage cell 52, simple removal of energy storage cells 52 is possible. For this purpose, the energy storage cell 52 to be removed, together with the primary contact element 60 integrally connected to it, can be easily separated from the cell connector 56.In the event of servicing, the redundant contact element 100 serves to provide a materially bonded connection to an electrical cell pole 58 of a replacement energy storage cell 52 for the energy storage cell 52 connected to the primary contact element 60. After the energy storage cell 52 to be replaced has been removed, the replacement energy storage cell 52 can be very easily bonded to the redundant contact element 100 of the cell connector 56, for example, by resistance, ultrasonic, or laser welding. For clarification, the . Fig. In Figures 11 to 14, the point-like connection points (dimples) of the contact elements 60 welded to a cell pole 58 are marked with a small cross, while the unwelded dimples of the redundant contact elements 100 are shown as an empty circle. A soldered connection is also conceivable in principle, taking into account the resulting heat input into the replacement energy storage cell 52.

[0060] In Fig. 11, two redundant contact elements 100 are arranged adjacent to the two primary contact elements 60, which are integrally connected to the cell pole 58 of the energy storage cell 52, in such a way that, by folding them over at a processing area 102 provided for this purpose, which can be designed, for example, as a perforation and / or marking, they can be brought into the position of the primary contact elements 60 after replacing the energy storage cell 52 with a corresponding replacement energy storage cell 52 and separating the primary contact elements 60. In this way, the same optimal location on the cell pole 58 can particularly advantageously be used for the replacement energy storage cell 52 for the integral connection to the redundant contact elements 100 of the cell connector 56.In addition, the cell poles 58 of the energy storage cells 52 can have a small electrical contact area, as is particularly the case with the cell poles 58 with a positive voltage potential, in order to prevent any leakage currents and short circuits. To prevent short circuits, it is further provided that the at least one redundant contact element 100 is electrically insulated in the original state of the assembled energy storage unit 16, in particular by means of an insulating film 104. In this way, an accidental activation of the redundant contact element 100 can also be avoided.

[0061] In order to enable the replacement of several energy storage cells 52 in one operation, the cell connector 56 has Fig. 12 has a main extension plane 106, which runs in particular transversely to the longitudinal axis L of the energy storage unit 16. The redundant contact elements 100 are arranged adjacent to the primary contact elements 60 in such a way that they can be moved into the position of the primary contact elements 60 by displacing the cell connector 56 along the main extension plane 106 (indicated by the arrows 108).

[0062] According to Fig. 13, the redundant contact elements 100 are arranged adjacent to the primary contact element 60 in such a way that an outer contour of the primary and redundant contact elements 60, 100 does not exceed an outer circumference of the energy storage cell 52 connected to the primary contact element 60 and designed as a round cell 50. This makes it particularly advantageous to realize a compact design of the cell connector 56. The redundant contact elements 100 then rest, for example, only in a force-fitting manner on the cell pole 58 of the round cell 50, which is materially connected to the primary contact element 60. In addition, the cell connector 56 can remain unchanged in the same position in the energy storage unit 16 or the cell stack 46 for replacing the round cell 50. In order to replace a round cell 50 at the same position in the energy storage unit 16, if necessary.To be able to perform this operation multiple times, the cell connector 56 has three redundant contact elements 100 for the primary contact element 60. Furthermore, it can be provided that the cell connector 56 has at least one redundant contact element 100 for each primary contact element 60. Thus, all energy storage cells 52 of the energy storage unit 16 can be replaced in the same way during servicing.

[0063] In order to further simplify the service or disposal of the energy storage unit 16, the processing area 102 of the primary and / or the at least one redundant contact element 60, 100 is according to Fig. 14 are each designed as a predetermined breaking point 110. This allows for mechanical separation of the energy storage cell 52 from the cell connector 56 by simply breaking it off, possibly without additional tools. However, the predetermined breaking point 110 must be designed in such a way that it can withstand normal loads and is thus sufficiently robust against external mechanical influences on the energy storage unit 16, for example, in the event of falls, impacts, or strong vibrations, during its intended life cycle. In particular, the predetermined breaking point 110 can be separated by tension, pressure, and / or torsion or a shearing movement. As a result, it remains robust against the aforementioned normal loads.

[0064] The predetermined breaking point 110 is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the dimple between the primary or at least one redundant contact element 60, 100 and the electrical cell terminal 58 of the energy storage cell 16. The dimple itself can also function as the predetermined breaking point 110. The geometry of the dimple is designed such that it breaks easily upon a specific movement, in particular, it is sensitive to torsion. Thus, the dimple could be separated from the cell terminal 58 by simply rotating the energy storage cell 52 to be replaced around its longitudinal axis.

[0065] In the Fig. 14a to 14d show different designs of the predetermined breaking point 110. While Fig. 14a shows a predetermined breaking point 110 designed as a taper for the primary and the redundant contact element 60, 100, illustrate the Fig. 14b to 14d show different variations of the predetermined breaking points 110 for two primary contact elements 60 each with a different number and arrangement of incisions and notches.

[0066] The primary and / or redundant contact elements 60, 100 can each have a guide geometry 112 for separation at the predetermined breaking point 110. The guide geometry 112 can, for example, be formed directly by the outer contour of the contact elements 60, 100. In this way, separation can be simplified using a suitable auxiliary tool, e.g., cutting pliers or a lever tool, which is applied to the guide geometry 112. Furthermore, the guide geometry 112 and / or the processing area 102 can be configured such that they make it possible to detect a replacement of the energy storage cell 52 or a tampering with the cell connector 56.

[0067] Instead of a predetermined breaking point 110, alternatively or additionally according to the Fig. 15 to 18, it can also be provided that the primary and / or the redundant contact element 60, 100 has a connection region 114 in order to design it so that it can be reversibly detachably connected to the cell connector 56. Reversible detachment should be understood to mean that the electromechanical connection between the contact element 60, 100 and the cell connector 56 can be detached and re-established. Thus, on the one hand, it is possible to detach the primary contact element 60 from the cell connector 56 and then reconnect it thereto, and on the other hand, to replace the primary contact element 60, which is integrally connected to the cell pole 58 of a used energy storage cell 52, with a contact element 100 connected to the cell pole 58 of a replacement energy storage cell 52. Furthermore, the assembly of the energy storage unit 16 can be simplified by pre-assembling the energy storage cells 52 with the contact elements 60.

[0068] In Fig. 15a, the connecting region 114 of the contact element 60 is designed as a closed, oval eyelet 116. Fig. 15b shows a variant as a one-sided open eyelet 118. Both variants can be connected by means of a screw connection (cf. Fig. 16) are connected to the cell connector 56 and, due to their oval design, ensure a certain tolerance compensation in the radial direction of the round cell 50. While the closed eyelet 116 provides better hold of the contact element 60 during assembly, the open eyelet 118 allows easier assembly by inserting it laterally into the not yet tightened screw connection. In addition, in this way, several contact elements 60 can be attached to a common connection point of the cell connector 56. A tool-free connection is shown. Fig. 15c, in which the connection area 114 is designed as a plug connection 120 between the contact element 60 and the cell connector 56.

[0069] In Fig. 16, the connecting areas 114 of the contact elements 60 are designed as open eyelets 118 according to Fig. 15b. This allows a simple electromechanical connection of the cell poles 58 of the four round cells 50 shown by means of a single screw connection on the cell connector 56. The cell connector 56 can be designed here, for example, as a lead frame 122, which in turn is electromechanically connected to the circuit board 66 of the energy storage unit 16.

[0070] An alternative to the embodiments according to the Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 shows Fig. 17, in which the connection area 114 is formed as a flat, bare end of the contact element 60, which in turn is clamped into a cell connector 56 formed as a rail system 124. It is also conceivable for the connection area 114 to have embossed recesses and / or phases for easier positioning and / or fixing in the rail system 124. Additionally or alternatively, the connection area 114 can also be provided with at least one soldering pad or an easily soldered material in order to permanently secure the electrical contact between the contact element 60 and the cell connector 56, particularly against vibrations and shocks, and to ensure a fault-free battery management system (BMS). As is known, a soldered connection also allows for reversible detachment.

[0071] Based on Fig. 19, the reversible connector 120 according to Fig. 15c for a cell connector device 76 with a cell connector 56 arranged on both sides of the carrier layer 78. As can be seen, the contact elements 60 are connected at one end in a materially bonded and irreversible manner via dimples welded to the cell poles 58 of the energy storage cells 52, while at their other end they each have the plug connection 120. This can be easily reversibly connected to the cell connector 56 in order to enable a preferably tool-free replacement of an energy storage cell 52 that is no longer usable, together with the contact element 60 that is materially bonded to it.

[0072] In Fig. 20 shows a further embodiment of the energy storage unit 16 in a highly simplified section along its longitudinal axis L. The cell connector device 76 will not be discussed again here, since it essentially corresponds to the description according to Fig. 6 to 9. What is essential here is the reversible connection between the cell connector device 76 or the cell connector 56 and the circuit board 66 of the energy storage unit 16, for example, by means of a spring element 130, a plug contact, or the like. In this way, the circuit board 66, together with the electronics unit for the BMS (not shown) arranged thereon, can be very easily replaced in the event of a defect. Accordingly, a simple replacement of the cell connectors 56 or the cell connector devices 76 is also possible.

[0073] Finally, it should be noted that the illustrated embodiments are neither based on the Fig. 1 to 20 are still limited to the shapes, quantities, and proportions of the individual elements shown. These are to be understood as examples only. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 10 2021 206 819 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Cell connector (56) for an energy storage unit (16) of an electric motor-driven vehicle (10), in particular an electric motor-driven one- or two-wheeler (12), having a plurality of contact elements (60), wherein a contact element (60) can be connected in a material-locking manner to an electrical cell pole (58) of an energy storage cell (52) of the energy storage unit (16) in order to achieve an electrical series and / or parallel connection of at least two energy storage cells (52), characterized by that the cell connector (56) has at least one processing area (90) by means of which the contact elements (60) for the cell poles (58) of at least two different energy storage cells (52) can be mechanically and / or electrically separated from one another. [2] Cell connector (56) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the at least one processing area (90) is designed as a predetermined breaking point (92), in particular a taper and / or a perforation. [3] Cell connector (56) according to claim 2, characterized by that the predetermined breaking point (92) can be separated by tension, pressure and / or torsion. [4] Cell connector (56) according to one of the preceding claims 2 or 3, characterized by that a guide geometry (94) is provided for separating the at least two contact elements (60) at the predetermined breaking point (92). [5] Cell connector (56) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one processing area (90) has a marking (). [6] Cell connector (56) according to claim 5, characterized in that processing areas (90) which result in an electrically useful separation have a similarly designed marking (96). [7] Cell connector (56) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the cell connector (56), in particular at an edge region, has at least one mechanical indicator (98) for identifying a modification made to the cell connector (56). [8] Cell connector (56) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the electrical cell poles (58) are each materially connected to a contact element (60) of the cell connector (56), wherein the contact element (60) has a predetermined breaking point (110) for mechanical separation from the cell connector (56). [9] Energy storage unit (16) with a plurality of electrochemical energy storage cells (52) designed as round cells (50) and with at least two cell connectors (56) according to one of the preceding claims for an electrical series and / or parallel connection of at least two of the energy storage cells (52), wherein the at least two cell connectors (56) are identical in their original state. [10] Energy storage unit (16) according to claim 8, characterized by that at least one of the at least two cell connectors (56) can be machined before the final assembly of the energy storage unit (16) in such a way that at least two contact elements (60) of the machined cell connector (56) are mechanically and / or electrically separated from one another. [11] Electric motor-driven vehicle (10), in particular electric motor-driven one- or two-wheeler (12), with an electrochemical energy storage unit (16) according to one of the preceding claims 8 or 9, which can be detachably connected to the electric motor-driven vehicle (10) or is permanently integrated in the electric motor-driven vehicle (10).

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