Battery module and method for manufacturing a battery module

Abstract

The battery (500) comprises at least two battery modules (100; 200, 300) held together via at least one connecting element (10; 50). It is proposed that: - a first battery module (100; 200) having a housing with at least one first marginal recess (101, 102; 201) on an outer surface of the housing; - a second battery module (100; 300) having a housing with at least one second peripheral recess (101, 102; 302) on an outer surface of the housing; - at least one connecting element (10; 50) holding the battery modules together includes a first end member (11; 51) and a second end member (12; 52) and an intermediate member (13; 53) connecting the two end members; - the first end member (11; 51) is in the form of a retaining means, preferably engaging by form-fitting in a first marginal recess (101, 102; 201) of the first battery module; the second end member (12; 52) is in the form of a retaining means, preferably adapted to engage by form-fitting in the second marginal recess (101, 102; 302) of the second battery module; - Into the intermediate part (13; 53) of the connecting element (10; 50) an expansion means is inserted for expanding the connecting element, in particular the intermediate part (13; 53) connecting the two end parts.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery comprising at least two battery modules and to a method for manufacturing such a battery. [Background technology]

[0002] A battery is an electrical energy storage device made up of several electrochemical energy accumulators. Larger batteries are usually made up of battery modules that can contain either individual energy accumulators or several energy accumulators connected to each other. Whatever the number of energy accumulators contained by a battery module depends on the current and voltage required. For electromobility applications or for large stationary energy storage devices, very large currents and high voltages are generally required.

[0003] In the context of this application, each electrochemical energy storage battery includes at least one positive electrode and at least one negative electrode separated from each other by a separator. What occurs within an electrochemical energy storage battery is an electrochemical energy-producing reaction composed of two partial reactions that are electrically coupled to each other but spatially separated from each other. One partial reaction occurs at the negative electrode at a relatively lower redox potential. The other partial reaction occurs at the positive electrode at a relatively higher redox potential. During discharge, electrons are released as a result of an oxidation process at the negative electrode, resulting in a flow of electrons to the positive electrode via an external load, and a corresponding amount of electrons are absorbed from the positive electrode. Therefore, a reduction process occurs at the positive electrode. Simultaneously, an ionic current corresponding to the electrode reactions is generated within the electrochemical energy storage battery for charge equalization purposes. This ionic current passes through the separator and is ensured by the ionically conductive electrolyte.

[0004] In secondary (rechargeable) electrochemical energy storage batteries, this discharge reaction is reversible, thereby potentially reversing the conversion of chemical energy generated during discharge to electrical energy. An electrochemical energy storage cell often used in battery modules is a lithium-ion battery, which includes electrodes capable of reversibly absorbing and releasing lithium ions, and also an electrolyte containing lithium ions.

[0005] Various designs are known for electrochemical energy storage batteries, including lithium-ion batteries. In addition to prismatic shapes, button cells and cylindrical batteries are also popular. Both button cells and cylindrical batteries have a circular base. Cylindrical batteries differ from button cells in that button cells have a height that is smaller than their diameter. In contrast, cylindrical batteries have a height that is greater than their diameter. Within battery modules of the type described above, prismatic or cylindrical batteries are commonly used. The use of the latter can be advantageous in terms of cooling the energy storage battery, since a cooling medium can circulate in the spaces between adjacent cylindrical cells.

[0006] Battery modules often have a three-dimensional housing with a rectangular top and bottom and four rectangular side walls. When the battery modules are assembled to form a battery, the battery modules are generally aligned side by side so that they can then be interconnected appropriately. Correct positioning and orientation of the individual battery modules, their alignment, and fine adjustment during battery module assembly are generally performed manually and are relatively complex and labor-intensive.

[0007] DE 10 2011 075 044 A1 discloses battery components that are mechanically connected to one another via form-fitting plug connections. Korean Patent Application Publication No. 20170051817A discloses coupling-type connection elements that engage within edge recesses of side-by-side battery modules or the like, and each of the connection elements is fixed using two screws. US Patent Application Publication No. 2002 / 0093246 A1 discloses a connection element intended for connecting battery components. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In contrast, the present invention aims to simplify and improve the connection and assembly of individual battery modules to form a battery. In particular, the coupling of battery modules should be achieved in a way that allows for easy and practical handling and ideally also avoids accidental misassembly. This object is achieved by the battery described below, in particular by preferred embodiments of the battery described below having the features of claim 1, and by the method described below for manufacturing such a battery, in particular by preferred embodiments of the method having the features of claim 12. Preferred configurations of this battery and of this method are the subject of the dependent claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A battery according to the invention comprises at least two battery modules held together via at least one connecting element, whereby the battery according to the invention is always distinguished by the following features: a. A first battery module of the battery has a housing having at least one first marginal indentation on an exterior surface of the housing. b. A second battery module of the battery has a housing having at least one second marginal indentation on an exterior surface of the housing. c. At least one connecting element holding the battery modules together includes a first end member, a second end member, and an intermediate member connecting the two end members. d. The first end member is in the form of a retention means, and preferably form-fittingly engages within a first marginal recess of the first battery module. e. The second end member is in the form of a retention means, preferably form-fittingly engaging within the second marginal recess of the second battery module.

[0010] The assembly of two side-by-side battery modules using one or more connecting elements that engage within corresponding edge recesses on the housing exterior of the battery modules and couple the battery modules together is, first, very simple to implement and at the same time allows for highly precise and error-free assembly of the battery, and, second, it can provide battery modules within a battery that are very precisely aligned and securely connected to one another, allowing for subsequent removal or the addition of additional battery modules without any problems.

[0011] In the battery according to the invention, the connecting element engages in two side-by-side recesses in the housing exterior surfaces of adjacent battery modules, thereby coupling the battery modules together. The end members of the connecting element and the recesses in the housing exterior surfaces of each of the battery modules fit together like a key and lock. The end members of the connecting element and the recesses in the housing exterior surfaces of the side-by-side battery modules are preferably designed as mirror images.

[0012] In this way, two modules, and preferably also more battery modules, can be fitted together, for example, 10 or more, in particular 20 or more, for example 25, battery modules can be stably coupled together in this way to form a battery. Like the modules described at the beginning, the battery modules of the battery according to the invention comprise either individual energy accumulators or a number of energy accumulators connected to one another, where the energy accumulators are preferably lithium-ion batteries. Preferably, a plurality of connection elements can be provided per battery module face, for example two connection elements distributed over the length of the faces of the battery module, which can achieve a very stable connection of the battery modules to each other.

[0013] The outer surface of the battery module housing is preferably flat and more preferably has only recesses that do not cause any obstacles during handling and, in particular, during interconnection of the battery modules. Particularly preferably, the battery according to the invention is distinguished by the following further characteristics a. and b. a. The housing exterior surfaces of the battery modules having the edge recesses are aligned parallel to one another and directly adjacent to one another. b. the first marginal recess includes at least one undercut that interacts with the first end member in the form of a retention means. c. the second marginal recess includes at least one undercut that interacts with the second end member in the form of a retention means. d. There is in each case a form fit between the first battery module and the at least one connection element and between the second battery module and the at least one connection element that is perpendicular to the parallel housing outer surfaces of the battery modules. The immediately preceding features a. to d. are preferably realized in combination with one another.

[0014] In the battery according to the invention, the system of edge recesses on the outer housing surface of the battery modules together with connecting elements that are correspondingly inserted into the recesses provides an optimal solution for the alignment and mechanical parallel connection of the battery modules. The undercuts can very advantageously establish a form fit between the battery module and the respective end member. In particular, this prevents the connection elements from slipping laterally out of the edge recesses of the battery module in the case of a mirror image design of the connection elements. The connection elements are inserted into the edge recesses of the battery modules and secure them to each other.

[0015] In a particularly highly preferred configuration of the battery according to the invention, the connecting element is distinguished by at least one of the following features: a. The first end member and the second end member of the connecting element are different in size. b. The first end member and the second end member of the connecting element (10; 50) differ in their shapes.

[0016] As a result of the two end members of the connecting element being configured differently, it is possible to insert the connecting element in only one orientation into corresponding, mirror-image, recesses in the housing exteriors of different, side-by-side battery modules. This makes incorrect coupling and assembly of battery modules impossible. Since the connecting element only mates when the two recesses in the housing exteriors of adjacent battery modules are positioned directly side-by-side, correct alignment of the battery modules relative to one another is ensured. For example, this makes accidental polarity reversal impossible.

[0017] Particularly preferably, the battery according to the invention is distinguished by the following further features: a. The first end member and / or the second end member of the connecting element have a dovetail-like cross section. b. the connecting elements are connected to the first and second battery modules in each case via a dovetail connection.

[0018] Dovetail connections are a very efficient shape for joining connection elements and battery modules together in a strong and form-fitting manner. In principle, other shapes are also possible as mirror images of the end members of the connecting elements and in the case of recesses on the outer surface of the housing of the battery module, for example in the manner of undercuts.

[0019] In particularly advantageous embodiments, the battery according to the invention is distinguished by the following further features with regard to the configuration of the connecting elements: a. The first end member and / or the second end member of the connecting element are each formed by an encircling web. The enveloping web is preferably realized in both the first end member and the second end member of the connecting element.

[0020] The configuration of the connecting element with the enclosing web to form the end members allows, firstly, a very stable design of the connecting element, and secondly, the configuration of the end members as enclosing webs offers the special advantage that it allows for a central recess in each of the end members of the connecting element, which offers special advantages for further preferred configurations of the invention that will be described later.

[0021] Furthermore, in a preferred configuration, the first and / or second end member of the connecting element can have a recess for engagement with an operating means, e.g., with the aid of a handy tool such as a screwdriver or the like, the connecting element can also be removed again after the battery has been assembled, by lifting it out, as it were, by engagement in the recess.

[0022] Very particularly advantageously, said recess can be realized according to the following further features. a. the first end member and / or the second end member of the connecting element are each formed by an enclosing web having a top surface and a bottom surface, and the recess is an arcuate recess in the bottom surface of the web.

[0023] Thanks to the arcuate recesses on the bottom surface of the webs forming the end members of the connecting element, a very easily realizable way of engaging the connecting element for optionally removing it again after the engagement is provided.

[0024] In a particularly highly preferred configuration of the battery according to the invention, at least one of the following further features is provided for the connecting element: a. Insertion of an expansion means into the intermediate member of the connecting element for expanding the connecting element, in particular the intermediate member connecting the two end members. b. The intermediate member of the connecting element has a gap in the longitudinal direction of the connecting element.

[0025] Preferably, the immediately preceding features a. and b. are realized together. The insertion of the expansion means makes it possible to expand the intermediate member along the gap. Preferably, the gap passes through the intermediate member over its entire length, and the gap then preferably opens into a central recess in the end member, preferably formed by the enclosing web of the end member.

[0026] The insertion of the expansion means, and therefore the achievable expansion of the connection element, allows the connection element, after its insertion into the recess of the battery module, to be subsequently fixed in a very stable and secure manner, so that this can achieve a great stability of the assembled battery modules in their relative position with respect to one another. Thanks to the expansion, the connection element stays in its position in a very firm manner and can no longer fall off.

[0027] The expansion means for expanding the connecting element is particularly advantageously a screw, in particular a self-tapping countersunk screw, which can be screwed into the intermediate part after the connecting element has been inserted with the aid of a correspondingly provided threaded socket in the intermediate part of the connecting element. A particular advantage of a countersunk screw is that it can be easily removed again, if necessary, with the simple tool of a screwdriver in order to undo the expansion of the connecting element and thereby also remove the connecting element again. An alternative for the expansion means is, for example, a conical pin that can be inserted accordingly.

[0028] In particular, with regard to the expandability of the connection elements, the battery according to the invention is preferably distinguished by at least one of the following further features for the corresponding configuration of the recesses of the battery modules: a. The first peripheral recess of the first battery module and / or the second peripheral recess of the second battery module each have a sidewall and a base. b. The base of the first marginal recess and / or the second marginal recess includes a ridge spaced apart from the sidewall. c. The ridge is preferably designed for form-fitting engagement within the first end member and / or the second end member of the connecting element. It is particularly preferable to implement the immediately preceding features a. to c. in combination.

[0029] Preferably, both the recess of the first battery module and the recess of the adjacent second battery module are spaced from the sidewall and are preferably provided with such ridges designed for form-fitting engagement into the respective end members.

[0030] The basis for this particularly advantageous configuration is that the aforementioned expansion of the connection elements is preferably associated with a contraction of the connection elements, since the expansion results in their end members being drawn together. Since the connection elements are connected to the first battery module and to the second battery module by form-fitting, they are also drawn together as a result. In this configuration of the battery, the expansion of the connection elements results in the side-by-side battery modules supporting each other to some extent, thereby improving the stability of the assembled battery modules.

[0031] The connecting elements can be particularly advantageously made of plastic. Plastic has the particular advantage that it can easily ensure the stability and bending strength required for the connecting elements. Furthermore, plastic is very cheaply available and easy to process. Furthermore, the low weight of plastic is advantageous, and the overall weight of the resulting battery is not significantly affected by the plastic connecting elements. Furthermore, plastic has the advantage that the required flexibility of the connecting element, for example in terms of expanding the connecting element, is also easily achieved. Furthermore, self-tapping countersunk screws, for example, can also be inserted into plastic connecting elements without difficulty, since the plastic material is flexible enough for this purpose.

[0032] Many common plastics are suitable as plastics for the connecting elements. For example, polycarbonate or similar can be used. Polycarbonate / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC / ABS) is particularly suitable, as this mixture of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene combines very good processability of the material with outstanding mechanical properties. Particularly advantageously, the relevant plastic connecting elements can be manufactured as injection-molded parts. Injection molding, as a very common manufacturing process, allows the required shaping of the connecting elements in a very cost-effective and adaptable manner. Furthermore, such injection-molded parts can be easily mass-produced.

[0033] The housing of the battery module can also be particularly advantageously made of plastic. The advantages of plastic as a material for the housing of the battery module lie in its low weight, its good processability, flexible design possibilities, and electrically insulating material properties. The present invention further includes a battery module having the above-mentioned connection elements for connecting the battery modules, as described above, and at least one peripheral recess for engaging with a mirror-image designed end member of the corresponding connection element. For preferred features of the connection elements and the battery modules, and related advantages, reference is made to the above description.

[0034] Finally, the invention includes a method for manufacturing a battery including at least two battery modules, said method being characterized by the following steps: a. Providing a first battery module having a housing with at least one first peripheral recess on an exterior surface of the housing. b. Providing a second battery module having a housing with at least one second peripheral recess on an exterior surface of the housing. c. Providing at least one connecting element having a first end member, a second end member, and an intermediate member connecting the two end members. d. Aligning the first battery module and the second battery module in such a manner that the housing outer surfaces of the battery modules having the edge recesses are aligned parallel to each other and the first edge recess of the first battery module and the second edge recess of the second battery module are positioned side by side. e. Inserting a connection element into the side-by-side edge recesses of the first battery module and the second battery module such that a first end member of the connection element engages within a first edge recess of the first battery module and a second end member of the connection element engages within a second edge recess of the second battery module.

[0035] Very particularly preferably, the method is further distinguished by the following additional steps: a. After the connection elements are inserted into the side-by-side marginal recesses of the battery module, spreading means are inserted into the intermediate members of the connection elements to expand the connection elements.

[0036] For further features of the method, in particular with regard to the configuration of the connection elements and the configuration of the corresponding recesses in the battery module, reference is made to the above-mentioned embodiments and related advantages.

[0037] By means of the method according to the invention, a reliable, stable and correct assembly of two or more battery modules to form one battery can be achieved in a very simple manner. In particular, the preferably provided different shapes and / or sizes of the end members of the connection elements can ensure that polarity reversal of the battery module can occur, which is avoided by the connection elements only mating in the correct position.

[0038] Overall, the method according to the invention allows for correct alignment and mechanical parallel connection of the battery modules when they are assembled, and automatic fine-tuning without the need to perform subsequent manual alignment of the battery modules. Furthermore, thanks to the preferably given malleability of the connection elements and the fact that this is associated with the attraction of side-by-side battery modules, what is achieved is a tension and therefore a very good stability of the assembled battery modules.

[0039] A further particular advantage of the method according to the invention is that the connection elements can then also be removed again so that individual battery modules or possibly all battery modules can be replaced.

[0040] The dimensions of the connection elements and the corresponding recesses in the outer housing surface of the battery module can be adjusted depending on the dimensions of the battery module to be assembled and the dimensions of the batteries. For example, in the case of a typical battery module having dimensions of 255 x 170 x 195 (length x width x height, each in mm) or 329 x 80 x 226 (length x width x height, each in mm), connection elements having a length of approximately 1 to 5 cm, preferably 2 to 3 cm, and a width of, for example, 0.5 to 1.5 cm, can be provided. The width of the connection elements in the intermediate member can preferably be 8 to 10 mm, and the width at the end of the end member can preferably be 12 to 15 mm. As described above, it is particularly advantageous if the two end members of the connection element differ in size and / or shape. For example, one end member can have a width of 12 to 13 mm, and the opposite end of the other end member can have a width of, for example, 14 to 15 mm. In principle, the corresponding recesses on the outer surface of the housing of the battery module are of mirror image design, allowing for some dimensional play to facilitate insertion of the connection elements into the recesses.

[0041] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below in conjunction with the drawings, in which the individual features can each be realized individually or in combination with one another. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an isometric perspective view from above of a first preferred embodiment of a connecting element according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the connection element from FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows an isometric perspective view from below of the connecting element from FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view from above of the housing of a battery module with the mounting of a connecting element according to the invention (detail). [Figure 5]FIG. 5 shows a perspective view from above of three battery modules joined together to form a battery using a connecting element according to the invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a top view of two side-by-side recesses in the housing exterior of two adjacent battery modules. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a top view of two side-by-side recesses in the housing exterior of two adjacent battery modules containing plugged connection elements according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] 1 shows a first embodiment of a connecting element 10 intended for connecting two side-by-side battery modules to form a battery according to the present invention. The connecting element 10 includes a first end member 11, a second end member 12, and an intermediate member 13. The end members 11 and 12 have a dovetail cross-section, with the terminal width of the first end member 11 being somewhat greater than that of the second end member 12. The first end member 11 and the second end member 12 are formed by enclosing webs 21 and 22, respectively, which define central recesses 23 and 24 in the end members 11 and 12, respectively. The intermediate piece 13 has a central tapered recess 25 with an internally threaded socket. The recess 25 is intended for the insertion of a self-tapping countersunk head screw (not shown here). To this end - apart from the specific embodiment according to FIG. 1 - the recess can optionally also comprise an internal thread. Furthermore, provided in the longitudinal direction of the intermediate piece 13 is a central gap 26 which facilitates the expansion of the width of the connecting element 10 upon the insertion of a countersunk head screw or equivalent expansion means.

[0044] 2 shows a top view of the connection element 10 from FIG. 1. What can be seen here is the greater width of the dovetail-shaped end member 11 compared to the opposite end member 12. This unequal configuration of the end members 11 and 12 ensures that the battery modules are correctly positioned when they are assembled, since the corresponding mirror-image configuration of the recesses provided in the outer housing surfaces of the battery modules means that only one orientation of the battery modules is possible in each case, since the connection element 10 only fits when the battery modules are correctly positioned.

[0045] 3 shows a perspective view from below of the connection element 10 from FIG. 1. Visible here are, on the bottom surfaces of the webs 21 and 22 forming the end members 11 and 12, arcuate recesses 27 and 28, respectively, which, when the connection element 10 is inserted after the battery has been assembled, can be applied with the aid of said recesses with the aid of an operating means, for example a screwdriver, with which the connection element 10 can be lifted out again, so to speak, from the corresponding recess in the housing of the battery module in order to release the connection.

[0046] 4 shows a detail of the top surface of the battery module 100, which has two edge recesses 101 and 102 on opposite sides within the housing on the top surface of the battery module 100. The recesses 101 and 102 are designed as mirror images of the end members of the connection elements 10, so that the end members of two connection elements 10 (only one connection element 10 is shown here) can engage within the edge recesses 101 and 102, thus forming a form-fit retention means for the connection of side-by-side battery modules 100. 4 further shows a flat head screw 30 or its screw head threaded into the conical recess 25 in the intermediate member 13 of the connection element 10. As a result of the embedding of the flat head screw 30 in the connection element 10, the legs forming the outer edge of the intermediate member 13 are pushed open or enlarged in such a way that the connection element 10 is very firmly and stably fixed in corresponding recesses on the outer surface of the housing of the battery module 100, thus allowing a very stable connection of side-by-side battery modules 100.

[0047] 5 shows three side-by-side battery modules 100 held together by connecting elements 10 according to the present invention. Two connecting elements 10 are provided on each longitudinal side of the battery modules 100, where the housing exterior surfaces of the battery modules lie parallel to each other and are directly adjacent to each other, and the two connecting elements 10 intended to connect the two battery modules 100 together engage in corresponding recesses 101 and 102 on the housing exterior surfaces of the battery modules 100. The battery modules 100 connected together or held together form a battery 500 according to the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 6 shows a top view of the marginal recesses in the outer housing surfaces of two side-by-side battery modules 200 and 300. FIG. 7 shows the battery modules 200 and 300 with the connection element 10 inserted. The marginal recesses 201 and 302 are distinguished in particular by the bumps 203 and 304 present in each case. The shape of the bumps corresponds to that of the webs 21 and 22 that form the end members 11 and 12 of the connection element 10 and define the central free spaces in the end members 11 and 12, respectively, so that the bumps 203 and 304 can engage in the corresponding free spaces of the connection element 10. When the lateral legs of the intermediate member 13 of the connection element 10 are pushed open by the insertion of expansion means, in particular screws, into the intermediate member 13, resulting in the contraction of the connection element 10, the bumps 203 and 304 form fixing points for the end members 11 and 12 of the connection element 10. The resulting contraction of the connecting elements 10 draws the modules 200, 300 closer together, which results in further stabilization and optimal alignment of the side-by-side battery modules 200, 300. The height of the bumps 203 and 304 in the recesses 201 and 302 is preferably adapted to the height of the connection element 10 so that in the assembled state the upper surface of the connection element 10 is approximately at the same level as the upper surfaces of the bumps 203 and 304.

Claims

1. A battery (500) comprising at least two battery modules (100; 200, 300) held together via at least one connecting element (10; 50), said battery having the following characteristics: a. a first battery module (100; 200) having a housing with at least one first peripheral recess (101, 102; 201) on an exterior surface of the housing; b. a second battery module (100; 300) having a housing with at least one second peripheral recess (101, 102; 302) on an exterior surface of the housing; c) the at least one connecting element (10; 50) holding the battery modules together includes a first end member (11; 51) and a second end member (12; 52), and an intermediate member (13; 53) connecting the two end members; d. said first end member (11; 51) is in the form of a retaining means; e. said second end member (12; 52) being in the form of a retaining means; f) an expansion means is inserted into the intermediate part (13; 53) of the connecting element (10; 50) for expanding the connecting element; and Further features include: g. the intermediate member (13; 53) of the connecting element (10; 50) has a gap (26; 57) in the longitudinal direction of the connecting element; a battery (500) having

2. Further features include: a. the housing exterior surfaces of the battery modules (100; 200, 300) having the edge recesses (101, 102; 201, 302) are aligned parallel to one another and directly adjacent to one another; b. said first marginal recess (101, 102; 201) includes at least one undercut which interacts with said first end member (11; 51) in the form of a retention means; c. said second marginal recess (101, 102; 302) includes at least one undercut which interacts with said second end member (11; 51) in the form of a retention means; d. there is in each case a form fit between the first battery module (100; 200) and the at least one connecting element (10; 50) and between the second battery module (100; 300) and the at least one connecting element (10; 50) perpendicular to the parallel housing outer surfaces of the battery modules (100; 200, 300); 10. The battery of claim 1, comprising at least one of:

3. Further features include: a. the first end member (11; 51) and the second end member (12; 52) of the connecting element (10; 50) are different in size; b. the first end member (11; 51) and the second end member (12; 52) of the connecting element (10; 50) differ in their shape; 3. The battery of claim 1, further comprising at least one of:

4. Further features include: a. the first end member (11; 51) and / or the second end member (12; 52) of the connecting element (10; 50) has a dovetail cross section; b) the connecting elements (10; 50) are connected to the first and second battery modules (100; 200, 300) in each case via a dovetail connection; The battery of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising:

5. Further features include: a. the first end member (11; 51) and / or the second end member (12; 52) of the connecting element (10; 50) are each formed by an enclosing web (21, 22; 54, 55); The battery of any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising:

6. Further features include: a. the first end member (11) and / or the second end member (12) of the connecting element (10) having recesses (27, 28) for engaging with operating means; The battery of any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising:

7. Further features include: a) the first end member (11) and / or the second end member (12) of the connecting element (10) are each formed by an enclosing web (21, 22) having a top surface and a bottom surface, and the recess is an arcuate recess (27, 28) on the bottom surface of the web; 7. The battery of claim 6, wherein:

8. Further features include: a. the expanding means is a screw; b. the expanding means is a conical pin; The battery of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the battery comprises one of the following:

9. Further features include: a. the first edge recess (201) of the first battery module (200) and / or the second edge recess (302) of the second battery module (300) each have a sidewall and a base; b. the base of the first marginal recess (201) and / or the second marginal recess (302) includes a ridge (203, 304) spaced from the sidewall; c. the protuberances (203, 304) are designed for form-fitting engagement into the first end member (51) and / or the second end member (52) of the connecting element (50); The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising at least one of:

10. Further features include: a. said connecting element (10; 50) is made of plastic; b. said connecting element (10; 50) being an injection molded part; The battery of any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising at least one of:

11. A method for manufacturing a battery (500) including at least two battery modules (100; 200, 300), comprising the following steps: a. providing a first battery module (100; 200) having a housing with at least one first peripheral recess (101, 102; 201) on an exterior surface of the housing; b. providing a second battery module (100; 300) having a housing with at least one second peripheral recess (101, 102; 302) on an exterior surface of the housing; c. providing at least one connecting element (10; 50) having a first end member (11; 51) and a second end member (12; 52) and an intermediate member (13; 53) connecting said two end members; d. aligning the first battery module (100; 200) and the second battery module (100; 300) in such a manner that the housing exterior surfaces of the battery modules having the edge recesses are aligned parallel to each other and the first edge recess of the first battery module and the second edge recess of the second battery module are positioned side-by-side; e. inserting the connection elements into the side-by-side edge recesses of the first and second battery modules such that the first end members of the connection elements engage within the first edge recess of the first battery module and the second end members of the connection elements engage within the second edge recess of the second battery module; f) after the connection element (10; 50) is inserted into the side-by-side marginal recesses (101, 102; 201, 302) of the battery module (100; 200, 300), an expanding means (30) is inserted into the intermediate part (13; 53) of the connection element to expand the connection element; and The method, wherein the intermediate member (13; 53) of the connecting element (10; 50) has a gap (26; 57) in the longitudinal direction of the connecting element.

12. Further features include: a. the battery module (100; 200, 300) provided in the method and / or the connecting element (10; 50) provided in the method have at least one of the features of claims 2 to 10; 12. The method of claim 11, comprising:

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