Battery module and method for the automated or semi-automated production of a battery module

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery module (100) and a method for manufacturing a battery module (100), comprising a plurality of battery cells (10) arranged side by side in rows in the longitudinal direction (50) and / or transverse direction (52), each cell housing (12) having at least two electrical terminals (18, 20) on one or both opposite end faces (14, 16) of the cell housing (12). One or more cell connectors (30) with a longitudinal extension (56) are provided, extending in the longitudinal direction (50) or transverse direction (52) along the rows of battery cells (10) and electrically connecting the terminals (18, 20) in two adjacent rows of battery cells (10) in series and / or parallel.A cell voltage monitoring component (40) is arranged transversely to the longitudinal extent (56) of the cell connectors (30), the cell connectors (30) being coupled to the cell voltage monitoring component (40) by means of contact elements (32). The contact elements (32) are made of the same material as a contact area (31) of the cell connector (30) and a contact area (41) of the cell voltage monitoring component (40).

Description

State of the art The invention relates to a battery module and a method for the automated or semi-automated production of a battery module. Battery modules, comprising a multitude of battery cells arranged side by side in rows in a longitudinal and / or transverse direction, are particularly well-known for electrically powered vehicles. The battery cells can include cylindrical cells with a cylindrical housing, prismatic cells with a cuboid housing, or so-called pouch cells, also known as coffee-bag cells. For example, DE 10 2013 018 415 A1 describes a battery comprising a stack of multiple stacked individual battery cells in pouch cell form, wherein the current collectors of different battery cells are electrically contacted directly or via a cell connector connected to both current collectors of an individual battery cell. A temperature control device is thermally coupled to the current collectors and / or the cell connectors. Battery electronics are electrically coupled to a protrusion of current collectors or cell connectors of each cell. DE102012018036 A1 further describes a battery in which electrical contacts of pouch battery cells, which are arranged with frames in a stacked housing, are thermally connected to a cooling device via a thermally conductive but electrically insulating material. Disclosure of the invention One objective of the invention is to create an improved battery module suitable for automated or semi-automated manufacturing. Another object of the invention is to provide a method for the automated or semi-automated production of a battery module. The problems are solved by the features of the independent claims. Favorable embodiments and advantages of the invention become apparent from the further claims, the description, and the drawings. The features listed individually in the patent claims can be combined in a technologically meaningful way and can be supplemented by explanatory facts from the description and by details from the figures, showing further embodiment variants of the invention. According to one aspect of the invention, a battery module is proposed comprising a plurality of battery cells arranged side by side in rows in a longitudinal and / or transverse direction. Each battery cell has a cell housing, with each battery cell having at least two electrical terminals, each located on one end face or on both end faces of the cell housing opposite each other in a vertical direction. One or more cell connectors with a longitudinal extension are provided, extending along the rows of battery cells in the longitudinal or transverse direction and electrically connecting the electrical terminals of the battery cells in two adjacent rows of battery cells in series and / or parallel to each other. A cell voltage monitoring component is arranged transversely to the longitudinal extension of the cell connectors.Each cell connector is electrically coupled to the cell voltage monitoring component by means of a respective contact element, wherein the contact elements are made of the same material as a contact area of ​​the cell connector and of the same material as a contact area of ​​the cell voltage monitoring component. Material identical means that, at least in the contact area with the cell connector, the contact element is made of the same material as the cell connector or is coated with the same material, and in the contact area with the cell voltage monitoring component, the respective contact element is made of the same material as the cell voltage monitoring component in the contact area or is coated with the same material. For example, the cell connector can be inexpensively made of aluminum sheet and the contact area of ​​the cell voltage monitoring component can be made of copper. The proposed battery module features cell connectors that can be advantageously integrated into cell holders that accommodate the battery cells, allowing the battery cells to be electrically connected to printed circuit boards via contact elements. The printed circuit boards can, for example, be configured as a cell voltage monitoring component or incorporate such a component to determine the electrical voltages of individual battery cells. This also advantageously enables charge equalization between different battery cells, a process known as cell balancing. By connecting the battery cells and circuit board via the contact elements, the additional wiring typically used to connect the rows of battery cells can be replaced. Furthermore, this enables the production of cell modules that can be conveniently connected automatically or semi-automatically in just a few process steps, often in a single step. Automated assembly allows the module to be built layer by layer by inserting the components vertically, for example, from above. This can be done, in particular, by a robot. Contacting via contact elements can be advantageously used for cell voltage monitoring. These features are advantageous for highly automated manufacturing of battery modules. Battery cells can be easily stacked in cell holders with integrated cell connectors. The electrical terminals of the battery cells and circuit board can be welded in one step, which simplifies the production of battery modules. This allows plug contacts to be soldered onto the circuit board and connected via plugs, thus eliminating the need to transmit the cell voltage to a battery controller via cables. With new cell formats, the circuit board can thus be easily placed on the battery module and contacted. With a favorable battery module design, multiple cell connectors can be arranged parallel to one another. In particular, these parallel cell connectors can be spaced close together, with a spacing significantly smaller than the width of the cell connectors perpendicular to their longitudinal axis. This facilitates easy contacting of the cell connectors, especially in automated manufacturing. Furthermore, the flat surface area of ​​the cell connectors allows for advantageous heat dissipation from the battery cells to the battery module housing. According to a favorable embodiment of the battery module, the contact element on a section facing the cell connector can comprise a material from the contact area of ​​the cell connector, in particular aluminum, or be formed from the material of the cell connector, in particular aluminum, and on a section facing the cell voltage monitoring component, it can comprise a material from the contact area of ​​the cell voltage monitoring component, in particular copper, or be formed from the material of the contact area of ​​the cell voltage monitoring component, in particular copper. This ensures that the contact elements can reliably contact both the cell connectors and the circuit board of the cell voltage monitoring component. With a favorable battery module design, the contact element and cell connector can be formed as a single unit. This simplifies handling of the contact element in automated manufacturing. No additional logistics are required for the contact element. In a favorable design of the battery module, the contact element can be nickel-plated, at least in some areas. In particular, the contact element can be coated with nickel and / or tin, at least in some areas. This allows for a reliable electrical contact to be established with the circuit board of the cell voltage monitoring component, for example via a welded connection. With a suitable battery module design, the contact element can be welded to the cell connector and / or soldered or welded to the cell voltage monitoring component. This allows for reliable contact between both the battery cells and the cell voltage monitoring component in automated manufacturing. With a favorable battery module design, the cell connectors can be formed flat, with adjacent cell connectors having congruent shapes in the same plane, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This makes the cell connectors easy to contact, especially in automated manufacturing. Furthermore, the flat design of the cell connectors allows for advantageous heat dissipation from the battery cells to the battery module housing. According to a favorable design of the battery module, the total area of ​​the cell connectors on at least one of the cell holders can correspond to at least 75%, and in particular at least 80%, of the total area of ​​the end faces of the battery cells adjacent to these cell holders. This allows the cell connectors to cover a large proportion of the total area of ​​one side of the battery module. In this way, heat can be advantageously dissipated from the battery cells to the housing of the battery module. In a favorable embodiment, the battery module can further comprise at least one cell holder which covers the battery cells and whose inner surface is adapted to the outer shape of the battery cells. The plurality of battery cells in the at least one cell holder can be arranged side by side in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction, with the cell voltage monitoring component being located on an outer surface of the at least one cell holder facing away from the battery cells. The battery cells can be easily and stably positioned in such a cell holder, enabling safe handling in automated manufacturing. The cell holder can thus form part of the module housing and provide additional rigidity to the module housing. In a favorable design, the battery module can further comprise two cell holders positioned opposite each other in the vertical direction, with the battery cells being arranged in the cell holders with their two end faces facing each other in the vertical direction. This allows the battery cells of a battery module to be held stably and handled safely in automated manufacturing. With a favorable design of the battery module, the cell connectors can be embedded in recesses of the at least one cell holder. In particular, the cell connectors can be flush with the outer surface of the at least one cell holder facing away from the battery cells in the vertical direction. This allows for a very compact battery module design. Furthermore, the heat generated in the battery cells can be easily dissipated via a suitable thermal connection to a module housing by placing a thermally conductive material between the cell connectors and the metallic module housing. In a favorable design, the battery module can further comprise a closed housing, in which the at least one cell holder with the plurality of battery cells and the cell voltage monitoring component can be arranged within the housing. In particular, the housing can be made watertight. With such a housing, the corresponding electrical safety requirements for high-voltage modules above 60VDC can be reliably met. A favorable service life of, for example, over 10 years can also be achieved. The housing can be made watertight in a suitable manner, so that the battery module can also be used outdoors. With a favorable design of the battery module, a thermally conductive material, which is electrically insulating, can be arranged between the cell connectors and a wall of the housing. In this way, the heat generated in the battery cells can be easily dissipated via a suitable thermal connection to the housing, by arranging a thermally conductive material between the cell connectors and the metallic module housing, which transfers the heat from the battery cells to the housing. According to another aspect of the invention, a battery with at least one battery module as described above is proposed. The battery can be easily manufactured from individual battery modules in an automated production process. This allows for the advantageous production of different battery sizes with varying electrical capacities. The batteries can be advantageously designed for outdoor use, as the individual battery modules can be designed with a waterproof housing. According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for the automated or semi-automated production of a battery module is proposed, comprising providing a first cell holder for receiving battery cells arranged in rows in a longitudinal and a transverse direction in the cell holder, covering the first cell holder with a plurality of cell connectors in a longitudinal or transverse direction, wherein the cell connectors extend in a longitudinal direction, placing a cell voltage monitoring component transversely to the longitudinal direction onto at least one of the cell holders such that a contact element is placed between the cell voltage monitoring component and a contact area of ​​one of the cell connectors, inserting the battery cells with their end faces into the first cell holder, and placing a further cell holder onto the free end faces of the battery cells.The cell holder is fitted with a plurality of cell connectors in a longitudinal or transverse direction, wherein the cell connectors extend in a longitudinal direction, and a temperature is applied at least to the contact elements for the metallurgical bonding of the contact element, cell connector and cell voltage monitoring component. In particular, the lower cell holder can be positioned on a base plate as an assembly aid, which also enables centering. This is followed by the vertical insertion of the battery cells from above, especially by a robot. The upper cell holder can then be placed, after which the components are joined and connected. Quality control and subsequent steps can then be carried out. Automated assembly makes it possible to build the module layer by layer by inserting the components vertically, e.g. from above. According to the proposed method, the battery cells are advantageously arranged in cell holders into which cell connectors are inserted or already integrated. These cell connectors electrically contact the battery cells, and printed circuit boards are electrically connected via contact elements. The printed circuit boards can, for example, be designed as a cell voltage monitoring component or include such a cell voltage monitoring component to determine the electrical voltages of the individual battery cells. In this way, contact elements, cell connectors, and the cell voltage monitoring component can be welded together. This type of contacting of battery cells and the circuit board via the contact elements eliminates the need for the additional wiring typically used to connect the rows of battery cells. These features are advantageous for highly automated manufacturing of battery modules. Battery cells can be easily stacked in cell holders with integrated cell connectors. The electrical terminals of the battery cells and circuit board can be welded in one step, which simplifies the production of battery modules. This allows plug contacts to be soldered onto the circuit board and connected via plugs, thus eliminating the need to transmit the cell voltage to a battery controller via cables. With new cell formats, the circuit board can thus be easily placed on the battery module and contacted. In a favorable embodiment, the method can further comprise placing another cell voltage monitoring component transversely to the longitudinal extent onto the cell holder before applying the temperature, such that a contact element is positioned between the cell voltage monitoring component and a contact area of ​​one of the cell connectors. Advantageously, this allows the rows of battery cells contacted by cell connectors to be electrically connected to the circuit board of the cell voltage monitoring component. With a favorable embodiment of the process, the material-bonded joining of cell connectors, the terminal posts of the battery cells on both end faces, and one or more cell voltage monitoring components can be carried out synchronously in a single process step. This allows for the advantageous achievement of highly automated manufacturing of battery modules. In a favorable embodiment, the process can further comprise: covering an inner surface of the housing and / or an outer surface of the cell holder with a thermally conductive, electrically insulating material; inserting an assembly of cell holders and battery cells into the housing; covering the inner surface of a housing cover and / or an outer surface of the cell holder facing the housing cover with the thermally conductive, electrically insulating material; and closing the housing. In this way, a thermal path for dissipating heat generated in the battery cells to the housing of the battery module can be created. The individual steps can advantageously be implemented in an automated battery module manufacturing process. drawing Further advantages become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations. The figures show, by way of example: Fig. 1 a battery module according to an embodiment of the invention in an isometric view; Fig. 2 a battery module in a housing in a sectional view; Fig. 3 the battery module according to Fig. 1 in a top view; Fig. 4 the battery module according to Fig. 1 in a bottom view; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a connection of a cell connector with a cell voltage monitoring component according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a connection of a cell connector with a cell voltage monitoring component according to a further embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 7 a sectional view through the connection of the cell connector with the cell voltage monitoring component according to Fig. 5. Embodiments of the invention In the figures, similar or equivalent components are numbered with the same reference symbols. The figures merely show examples and are not to be understood as limiting. Before the invention is described in detail, it should be noted that it is not limited to the respective components of the device or the respective process steps, as these components and processes can vary. The terms used here are intended solely to describe particular embodiments and are not used restrictively. Furthermore, if the singular or indefinite articles are used in the description or in the claims, this also refers to the plural of these elements, unless the overall context clearly indicates otherwise. The directional terminology used below, including terms like "left," "right," "above," "below," "in front," "behind," "after," and the like, serves only to improve the understanding of the figures and is in no way intended to limit their generality. The components and elements depicted, their interpretation, and their use may vary according to the considerations of a person skilled in the art and be adapted to the specific applications. Fig. 1 shows a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the invention in an isometric view. Fig. 2 shows a battery module 100 in a housing 70 in a sectional view. The battery module 100 comprises a multitude of battery cells 10 arranged side by side in rows in a longitudinal direction 50 and a transverse direction 52. The battery cells 10 are, for example, designed as cylindrical cells, each having a cylindrical cell housing 12. Optionally, the battery cells 10 can also be designed as prismatic cells. The battery cells 10 are arranged in two cell holders 60, 62, an upper and a lower cell holder 60, 62, which cover the battery cells 10 at their end faces 14, 16 and are adapted to the outer shape of the battery cells 10 on an inner surface. The battery cells 10 are arranged side by side in the cell holders 60, 62 in the longitudinal direction 50 and / or transverse direction 52. For example, in this embodiment, the battery cells 10 are arranged in rows in both the longitudinal direction 50 and the transverse direction 52, thus forming a matrix-like arrangement. The two cell holders 60, 62 are positioned opposite each other in the vertical direction 54. The battery cells 10 are arranged in the cell holders 60, 62 with their two end faces 14, 16 opposite each other in the vertical direction 54. As can be seen in Fig. 2, each battery cell 10 has two electrical terminals 18, 20, which in this embodiment are arranged on the end faces 14, 16 of the cell housing 12 opposite each other in a vertical direction 54. A positive terminal 18 is electrically insulated on the first end face 14 of the cell housing 12, while the cell housing 12 forms the negative terminal 20. The negative potential can thus be accessed at the second end face 16 of the cell housing 12. There are several cell connectors 30 with a longitudinal extent 56 which in this embodiment extend in the longitudinal direction 50 along the rows of battery cells 10 and electrically connect the electrical terminal poles 18, 20 of the battery cells 10 in two adjacent rows of battery cells 10 in series and / or parallel to each other. Cell connectors 30 are arranged at the edge of the cell holders 60, 62, each having a straight edge on its outer edge parallel to the edge of the respective cell holder 60, 62. These connectors are connected only to battery cells 10 in a row. At one edge of the cell holders 60, 62, the cell connectors 30 have protruding metal strips serving as electrical terminals 36, 38. The cell connectors 30 are designed with a flat surface area and have a significantly larger area than is necessary for the electrical contacting of the battery cells 10. This advantageously allows for efficient heat dissipation from the battery cells 10. In this embodiment, the cell connectors 30 are embedded in recesses 61 of the cell holders 60, 62. Advantageously, the cell connectors 30 can thus be arranged on the cell holders 60, 62 in a way that prevents confusion. The cell connectors 30 are flush with the outer surface 64 of the cell holders 60, 62 facing away from the battery cells 10 in the vertical direction 54. Optionally, the cell connectors 30 can have a projection in the vertical direction 54. A cell voltage monitoring component 40 is arranged transversely to the longitudinal extent 56 of the cell connectors 30. The cell voltage monitoring component 40 is located on an outer surface 64 of one cell holder 60 facing away from the battery cells 10. The cell voltage monitoring component 40 can be arranged on a printed circuit board 42 or be designed as a printed circuit board 42 itself. Optionally, the cell voltage monitoring component 40 can also be arranged below the cell connectors 30, so that it can be overlaid on both sides of the cell connectors 30 in the contact area. In Fig. 1, the cell voltage monitoring component 40 is shown in relief. Optionally, however, it can be substantially flush with the surface of the cell connectors 30 or optionally arranged below the cell connectors 30. The battery module 100 comprises a closed housing 70, which is shown in sectional view in Fig. 2. The cell holders 60, 62 with the plurality of battery cells 10 and the cell voltage monitoring component 40 are arranged inside the housing 70. The housing can be advantageously designed to be waterproof and dustproof if the battery module is to be used outdoors. A thermally conductive and electrically insulating material 74 is arranged between the cell connectors 30 and a wall 72 of the housing 70. This allows heat generated in the battery cells 10 to be advantageously dissipated via the flat cell connectors 30 and the thermally conductive material 74 to the housing 70 of the battery module 100, which is usually metallic. The housing 70 can, for example, be arranged on a cooling device or be thermally coupled to a cooling device in order to further dissipate the heat from the battery cells 10. The cell connectors 30 are integrated into the cell holders 60, 62 in Fig. 2 and are not shown separately. In contrast to Fig. 1, a lateral edge of the cell holders 60, 62 in the vertical direction 54 is not shown. Fig. 3 shows the battery module 100 in a top view, while Fig. 4 shows the battery module 100 in a bottom view. The majority of cell connectors 30 are arranged parallel to each other. The cell connectors 30 are spaced apart from each other at a small distance 66, which is significantly less than the width 68 of the cell connectors 30 perpendicular to the longitudinal extent 56. As can be seen particularly in Figures 3 and 4, cell connectors 30 adjacent to the longitudinal extent 56 are formed with shapes congruent in one plane. This allows adjacent battery cells 10 in a row, whose outer dimensions are indicated by circles with dashed lines in Figures 3 and 4, to be conveniently contacted with the cell connectors 30. The total area of ​​the cell connectors 30 on a cell holder 60, 62 can advantageously correspond to at least 75%, in particular at least 80%, of the total area of ​​the end faces 14, 16 of the battery cells 10 adjoining these cell holders 60, 62. The total electrical voltage of the battery module 100 can be tapped at two of the cell connectors 30 via electrical connections 38, 39. Each of the cell connectors 30 is electrically coupled to the cell voltage monitoring component 40 by means of a respective contact element 32. The contact elements 32 are made of the same material as a contact area 31 of the cell connector 30 and of the same material as a contact area 41 of the cell voltage monitoring component 40. Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of an electrical connection of a cell connector 30 with a cell voltage monitoring component 40 via a contact element 32 according to an embodiment of the invention. The contact element 32 has a section 34 facing the cell connector 30 made of a material of the contact area 31 of the cell connector 30, in particular aluminium, or is formed from the material of the contact area 31 of the cell connector 30, in particular aluminium. On a section 36 facing the cell voltage monitoring component 40, the contact element 32 has a material of the contact area 41 of the cell voltage monitoring component 40, in particular copper, or is formed from the material of the contact area 41 of the cell voltage monitoring component 40, in particular copper. This advantageously prevents corrosion in the contact areas 31, 41 with the contact elements 32 and thus improves the service life of the battery module. The contact element 32 can advantageously be welded to the cell connector 30 and / or soldered or welded to the cell voltage monitoring component 40. Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a connection of a cell connector 30 with a cell voltage monitoring component 40 according to a further embodiment of the invention. The contact element 32 is formed in one piece with the cell connector 30 and forms a connecting tab made of the material of the cell connector 30. The contact element 32 can be nickel-plated at least partially, preferably in a section 36 facing the contact area 41 of the cell voltage monitoring component 40. In particular, the contact element 32 can be coated with nickel and / or tin at least partially. This allows the contact element 32 to be advantageously soldered or welded to the contact area 41 of the cell voltage monitoring component 40. Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view through the connection of the cell connector 30 with the cell voltage monitoring component 40 according to Fig. 5. The contact element 32 rests on the cell connector 30 and the circuit board 42 of the cell voltage monitoring component 40. The contact element 32 is divided into two parts and, in the section 34 facing the contact area 31 of the cell connector 30, is made of the same material as the contact area 31 of the cell connector 30, for example, aluminum. In the section 36 facing the contact area 41 of the circuit board 42, the contact element 32 is made of the material of the contact area 41 of the circuit board 42 or of the cell voltage monitoring component 40, for example copper. The described battery module 100 is advantageously suited for automated or semi-automated manufacturing. According to the proposed method, a first cell holder 60, 62 is provided to accommodate battery cells 10, which are arranged in rows in a longitudinal direction 50 and a transverse direction 52 in the cell holder 69, 62. The cell holder 60, 62 is fitted with a plurality of cell connectors 30 in a longitudinal direction 50 or transverse direction 52. The cell connectors 30 extend in a longitudinal direction 56. The cell connectors 30 can also already be inserted into the cell holder 60, 62. A cell voltage monitoring component 40 is placed transversely to the longitudinal extent 56 on at least one of the cell holders 60, 62 such that a contact element 32 is placed between the cell voltage monitoring component 40 and a contact area 31 of one of the cell connectors 30. The battery cells 10 are inserted into the first cell holder 60 with their end faces 14, 16 and then another cell holder 22 is placed on the free end faces 14, 16 of the battery cells 10. The further cell holder 60, 62 is also fitted with a plurality of cell connectors 30 in a longitudinal direction 50 or transverse direction 52, wherein the cell connectors 30 extend in a longitudinal dimension 56. The cell connectors 30 may also already be inserted into the further cell holder 60, 62. Then a temperature is applied at least to the contact elements 32 in order to test the contact element 32, cell connector 30 and cell voltage monitoring component 40. Optionally, during the manufacture of the battery module 100, a further cell voltage monitoring component 40 can be placed transversely to the longitudinal extent 56 on the cell holder 60, 62 such that a contact element 32 is placed between the cell voltage monitoring component 40 and a contact area 31 of one of the cell connectors 30 before the application of the temperature. Advantageously, the material-bonded joining of cell connectors 30, connection poles 18, 20 of the battery cells 10 on both end faces 14, 16 of the battery cells 10 and the one or more cell voltage monitoring components 40 can be carried out synchronously in one process step. If the battery module 100 is arranged in a housing 70, optionally an inner side 73 of the housing 70 and / or an outer side 64 of the cell holder 60, 62 can be covered with a thermally conductive, electrically insulating material 74. Then a combination of cell holders 60 and battery cells 10 is inserted into the housing 70. Finally, the inside 73 of a housing cover 71 and / or an outside 64 of the cell holder 60, 62 facing the housing cover 71 is covered with the thermally conductive, electrically insulating material 74 and the housing 70 is closed by placing the housing cover 71 tightly on the housing 70. The housing 70 can be opened and closed without damage by attaching the housing cover 71 to the housing 70 using a sealing element in such a way that the housing cover 71 can be removed again. Alternatively, the housing cover 71 can also be glued or welded to the housing 70. Reference sign 10 Battery cell 12 Cell housing 14 End face 16 End face 18 Electrical terminal 20 Electrical terminal 30 Cell connector 31 Contact area 32 Contact element 34 Section 36 Section 38 Electrical connection 39 Electrical connection 40 Cell voltage monitoring component 41 Contact area 42 Circuit board 50 Longitudinal direction 52 Transverse direction 54 Vertical direction 56 Longitudinal extent of cell connector 60 Cell holder 61 Recess of cell holder 62 Cell holder 64 Outer side 66 Spacing of cell connectors 68 Width of cell connector 70 Housing 71 Housing cover 72 Wall 73 Inner side 74 Thermally conductive material 100 Battery module

Claims

Battery module (100) comprising a plurality of battery cells (10) arranged side by side in rows in a longitudinal direction (50) and / or a transverse direction (52), each battery cell (10) having a cell housing (12), wherein each battery cell (10) has at least two electrical terminals (18, 20) arranged on one end face (14, 16) or on both end faces (14, 16) of the cell housing (12) opposite each other in a vertical direction (54), wherein one or more cell connectors (30) with a longitudinal extension (56) are provided, which extend in the longitudinal direction (50) or the transverse direction (52) along the rows of battery cells (10) and electrically connect the electrical terminals (18, 20) of the battery cells (10) in two adjacent rows of battery cells (10) in series and / or parallel to each other,wherein a cell voltage monitoring component (40) is arranged transversely to the longitudinal extent (56) of the cell connectors (30), wherein each of the cell connectors (30) is electrically coupled to the cell voltage monitoring component (40) by means of a respective contact element (32), and wherein the contact elements (32) are made of the same material as a contact area (31) of the cell connector (30) and of the same material as a contact area (41) of the cell voltage monitoring component (40). Battery module according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of cell connectors (30) are arranged parallel to each other, in particular wherein the parallel cell connectors (30) are spaced apart from each other at a small distance (66) which is significantly less than a width (68) of the cell connectors (30) transverse to the longitudinal extent (56). Battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact element (32) on a section (34) facing the cell connector (30) comprises a material of the contact area (31) of the cell connector (30), in particular aluminium, or is formed from the material of the contact area (31) of the cell connector (30), in particular aluminium, and on a section (36) facing the cell voltage monitoring component (40) comprises a material of the contact area (41) of the cell voltage monitoring component (40), in particular copper, or is formed from the material of the contact area (41) of the cell voltage monitoring component (40), in particular copper. Battery module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element (32) is formed integrally with the cell connector (30). Battery module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element (32) is nickel-plated at least in certain areas, in particular wherein the contact element (32) is coated with nickel and / or tin at least in certain areas. Battery module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element (32) is welded to the cell connector (30) and / or soldered or welded to the cell voltage monitoring component (40). Battery module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cell connectors (30) are formed in a planar manner, wherein adjacent cell connectors (30) transverse to the longitudinal extent (56) are formed with shapes congruent in one plane. Battery module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a total area of ​​the cell connectors (30) on at least one of the cell holders (60, 62) corresponds to at least 75%, in particular at least 80%, of a total area of ​​the end faces (14, 16) of the battery cells (10) adjoining these cell holders (60, 62). Battery module according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one cell holder (60, 62) which covers the battery cells (10) and which is adapted on its inside to the outer shape of the battery cells (10), wherein the plurality of battery cells (10) are arranged next to each other in the at least one cell holder (60, 62) in the longitudinal direction (50) and / or transverse direction (52), wherein the cell voltage monitoring component (40) is arranged on an outside (64) of the at least one cell holder (60, 62) facing away from the battery cells (10). Battery module according to claim 9, further comprising two cell holders (60, 62) opposite each other in the vertical direction (54), wherein the battery cells (10) are arranged in the cell holders (60, 62) with their two end faces (14, 16) opposite each other in the vertical direction (54). Battery module according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the cell connectors (30) are embedded in recesses (61) of the at least one cell holder (60, 62), in particular wherein the cell connectors (30) are flush with the outer surface (64) of the at least one cell holder (60, 62) facing away from the battery cells (10) in the vertical direction (54). Battery module according to one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising a closed housing (70), wherein the at least one cell holder (60, 62) with the plurality of battery cells (10) and the cell voltage monitoring component (40) are arranged inside the housing (70), in particular wherein the housing (70) is designed to be waterproof. Battery module according to claim 12, wherein a thermally conductive material (74) which is electrically insulating is arranged between the cell connectors (30) and a wall (72) of the housing (70). Battery comprising at least one battery module (100) according to one of the preceding claims. A method for the automated or semi-automated production of a battery module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising: providing a first cell holder (60, 62) for receiving battery cells (10) arranged in rows in a longitudinal direction (50) and a transverse direction (52) in the cell holder (60, 62); covering the first cell holder (60, 62) with a plurality of cell connectors (30) in a longitudinal direction (50) or transverse direction (52), wherein the cell connectors (30) extend in a longitudinal extent (56); placing a cell voltage monitoring component (40) transversely to the longitudinal extent (56) onto at least one of the cell holders (60, 62) such that a contact element (32) is placed between the cell voltage monitoring component (40) and a contact area (31) of one of the cell connectors (30); inserting the battery cells (10) with their front faces (14, 16) into the first cell holder (60);Placing another cell holder (22) on the free end faces (14, 16) of the battery cells (10); fitting the cell holder (60, 62) with a plurality of cell connectors (30) in a longitudinal direction (50) or transverse direction (52), wherein the cell connectors (30) extend in a longitudinal dimension (56); applying a temperature at least to the contact elements (32) for the metallurgical bonding of contact element (32), cell connector (30) and cell voltage monitoring component (40). The method according to claim 15, further comprising placing a further cell voltage monitoring component (40) transversely to the longitudinal extent (56) onto the cell holder (60, 62) before applying the temperature, such that a contact element (32) is placed between the cell voltage monitoring component (40) and a contact area (31) of one of the cell connectors (30). Method according to one of claims 15 to 16, wherein a material-bonded joining of cell connectors (30), connection poles (18, 20) of the battery cells (10) on both end faces (14, 16) of the battery cells (10) and of one or more cell voltage monitoring components (40) takes place synchronously in one process step. A method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising: covering an inner surface (73) of the housing (70) and / or an outer surface (64) of the cell holder (60, 62) with a thermally conductive, electrically insulating material (74); inserting a composite of cell holders (60) and battery cells (10) into the housing (70); covering the inner surface (73) of a housing cover (71) and / or an outer surface (64) of the cell holder (60, 62) facing the housing cover (71) with the thermally conductive, electrically insulating material (74); and closing the housing (70).

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