Cell contacting system

Abstract

The invention relates to a cell contacting system (1, 100, 200) for electrically contacting energy storage cells (7) of an energy store (6), in particular of an energy store for a vehicle, comprising: a plurality of cell connectors (31, 224), and also a carrier (10, 102, 202) connected to the plurality of cell connectors (31, 224), wherein each of the at least two segments (2, 3, 4) preferably comprises a plurality of cell connectors (31, 224), wherein the carrier has at least two segments (2, 3, 4), wherein each of the at least two segments (2, 3, 4) preferably comprises a plurality of cell connectors (31, 224), and the at least two segments (2, 3, 4) are foldable with respect to one another.

Description

[0001] Cell contact system

[0002] The present invention relates to a cell contacting system according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] Technological background

[0004] A central aspect in the development of electrically powered means of transport, such as electric vehicles, is the energy storage system. This requires energy storage devices with high power and energy density. Energy storage devices typically consist of a number of individual energy storage cells that are electrically connected to one another.

[0005] To electrically connect the energy storage cells, energy storage devices have so-called cell connectors, which, depending on the circuit type, electrically connect two or more poles of two or more energy storage cells. To monitor and regulate the charge level of each energy storage cell, each cell connector can be electrically connected to the control and / or regulation electronics of the energy storage device. This allows the cell voltage of each individual energy storage cell to be measured, and the charge level of the respective energy storage cell can be derived from the cell voltage. Furthermore, sensors, e.g., temperature sensors for monitoring the surface temperature of the energy storage cells or the cell connectors, can be provided and connected to the control and / or regulation electronics.

[0006] Cell contact systems are currently packaged and shipped in their entirety, requiring a lot of packaging material and storage space. The packaged cell contact systems are very bulky, making them difficult to handle. DE 10 2022 205 150 A1 describes a cell contact system for a battery that has at least one chain consisting of several links and is therefore modular in design. Each link of the chain has a frame into which a cell connector is inserted and thus enclosed by the frame. Adjacent links together form a hinge, allowing the chain to be folded.

[0007] From CN 2 19 937 134 U a cell contacting system is known in which a flexible printed circuit board, a carrier and cell connectors are pressed into a laminate using a PET film.

[0008] US 2023 / 0033985 A1 discloses different designs of cell contacting systems in which the layer comprising the cell connectors is divided into individual segments whose separating contour is meander-shaped.

[0009] A cell contacting system of this type is also known, for example, from EP 3 316 384 A1.

[0010] Object of the present invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a cell contacting system which ensures simplified handling.

[0012] Solution to the task

[0013] The above object is achieved by the cell contacting system according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are claimed in the subclaims.

[0014] According to the invention, a carrier of a cell contacting system comprises at least two segments, wherein the at least two segments can be folded towards one another. Advantageously, at least one cell connector, preferably a plurality of cell connectors, is arranged on each of the at least two segments. Due to the foldability of the carrier, the cell contacting system can be easily folded together, thereby reducing the size of the cell contacting system. Thus, the cell contacting system can be folded together, for example, for transport, thereby significantly improving the handling of the cell contacting system. The carrier is foldable and, due to the foldability of the cell contacting system, serves to hold the at least two segments of cell connectors together in the assembly.

[0015] The carrier of the cell contacting system is preferably a flexible printed circuit board (FPC), e.g. in the form of a flexible film.

[0016] The cell contacting system according to the invention can, in particular, be a laminate. This can preferably be either hot-bonded or cold-bonded.

[0017] The at least two segments can expediently be folded onto one another. If more than two segments are provided, the segments can in particular be folded onto a single segment. Expediently, the segments are folded directly onto one another so that one segment is folded or bent over by 180° and rests on another segment. In this case, it can preferably rest in an at least substantially parallel arrangement to the adjacent segment. Preferably, a gap is provided between the segments in the folded state, whereby damage to or breakage of the carrier and / or electrical components arranged thereon due to excessive bending in the region of a folding axis can be avoided.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least two segments can be connected to each other via a hinge, in particular a solid-state hinge or a solid-state joint, of the support. A solid-state hinge enables relative movement or pivoting through bending and is based on the principle of elasticity. The respective hinge or solid-state hinge can be implemented as a region in which pivoting of two adjacent segments relative to each other is possible via the elasticity of the support.

[0019] By connecting the at least two segments via the hinge, preferably arranged on the support, in particular the solid-state hinge or solid-state joint, the two segments can be folded particularly easily within a predefined area. In particular, two segments are each connected to each other via a hinge and can be folded toward each other or onto one another.

[0020] The cell contacting system expediently comprises spacers, which can be arranged in particular on the carrier. Advantageously, the at least two segments of the carrier rest on the spacers when folded onto one another. This allows the folded segments to be stored at a distance from one another, so that the carrier can have a certain radius in the area of ​​the folding axis and / or the hinge. This can prevent damage or breakage of the carrier and / or electrical components arranged thereon due to excessive bending.

[0021] Because the cell contact system can be a prefabricated assembly, in particular a prefabricated assembly assembly, e.g., consisting of multiple components, the cell contact system can be mounted on the energy storage cells in a single assembly step. Preferably, it is sufficient for assembly to only fix the cell connectors to the corresponding energy storage cells, e.g., welded or screwed.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the foldable cell contact system also comprises the battery management system (BMS for short) or at least components of the battery management system. In this way, the foldable cell contact system, which is advantageously easy to handle due to its foldability, can be provided together with a battery management system or at least with components of a battery management system as an integrated component. In particular, the battery management system or at least components of the BMS can be integrated into the laminate on one layer.

[0023] The carrier preferably comprises electrical conductors and / or sensor elements and / or a balancing regulator or balancer and / or the battery management system or at least components of the battery management system. The electrical conductors can be designed as cables or conductor tracks and expediently run to the cell connectors and / or to the sensor elements and / or to the balancing regulator. The electrical conductors can run from the cell connectors and / or the sensor elements and / or the balancing regulator to a connector in order to connect them to a higher-level system, in particular the battery management system, provided that this is not already completely or partially arranged on the carrier. The sensor elements are preferably voltage sensors and / or temperature sensors for monitoring the energy storage cells and / or the cell connectors.Balancer can be used in particular to ensure a uniform electrical charge distribution of the energy storage cells.

[0024] If the battery management system is already arranged in its entirety or in the form of at least components thereof on the carrier, it can, for example, be fully or partially laminated into the foldable cell contact system. This can save the storage space required by a separate battery management system. Furthermore, manufacturing steps during assembly of an energy storage device can be eliminated. In addition, specially provided spacers can be used to define the folded state, ensuring that the battery management system or its components are not destroyed when folded together. Furthermore, an interface, e.g. a plug connection, to a functional component can be accommodated on the carrier together with the battery management system or with components thereof.

[0025] The components of the battery management system can be electrically contacted directly on the carrier or its conductor tracks, e.g. soldered.

[0026] Alternatively, the components of the battery management system can be located on a separate circuit board. The latter can be flexible or rigid. In the case of a rigid circuit board, it can only extend over a folding segment.

[0027] Since the carrier can have multiple through-holes, assembly steps for attaching the cell connectors to the energy storage cells can be carried out via the carrier's through-holes. This allows the cell connectors to be easily attached to the energy storage cells, in particular by welding or screwing.

[0028] Because the carrier can be a flexible printed circuit board (FPC), the carrier can be folded particularly easily. Furthermore, the carrier can be constructed particularly thinly. Preferably, the carrier can be a flexible film provided with conductor tracks. The electrical conductor can be applied to the flexible film using a printing process, and the conductor tracks can then be etched using an etching process.

[0029] Alternatively, the carrier can also be a simple film that merely ensures mechanical stability of the laminate and the foldability of the segments. In this case, the additional functions can be applied or fulfilled by additional layers.

[0030] The cell contacting system is expediently constructed from multiple layers, with the carrier in particular forming a separate layer. The cell contacting system expediently comprises a contacting layer comprising the plurality of cell connectors and / or multiple inserts. The inserts are preferably arranged around the cell connectors and position the cell connectors. Furthermore, the inserts can serve as spacers and for insulation, preventing short circuits between the cell connectors. The multiple inserts in particular have a thickness that essentially corresponds to the thickness of the cell connectors. This ensures that the cell contacting system has a uniform surface after a lamination process.

[0031] Advantageously, the cell contact system comprises an insulating layer. The insulating layer preferably serves to electrically insulate the cell connectors from the energy storage device. The insulating layer expediently has several through-openings so that the cell connectors can be contacted with the energy storage cells via the through-openings.

[0032] In particular, the cell contact system comprises a connecting layer, preferably an adhesive layer. The connecting layer serves, in particular, to connect the carrier and / or the cell connectors and / or the contact layer and / or the insulation layer of the cell contact system to one another. For this purpose, the connecting layer preferably comprises an adhesive.

[0033] In particular, the connecting layer can be divided into separate segments, preferably spaced apart by a certain distance. By dividing the segments into separate, separate segments, the foldability of the carrier is not impaired by the contact layer. The spacing also gives the arrangement a certain degree of flexibility within the range defined by the spacing. The spacing, in turn, makes it possible not only to fold the arrangement or the cell contact system, but also to offset the height or compensate for tolerances on the contact surface with the energy storage cells in the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0034] Advantageously, the connecting layer comprises a plurality of through-openings which correspond to the through-openings of the carrier.

[0035] Preferably, the carrier and / or the connecting layer and / or the contacting layer and / or the insulating layer comprise positioning elements and / or handling elements. This allows the cell contacting system to be conveniently handled mechanically and / or unfolded and / or folded together.

[0036] Advantageously, the connecting layer and / or the contacting layer and / or the insulating layer and / or the carrier can be joined, in particular welded, to form a laminate.

[0037] Because the connecting layer and / or the contacting layer and / or the insulating layer can advantageously be interrupted in the area of ​​the folding axis and / or in the area of ​​the hinge, the folding function is ensured solely by the carrier. This ensures a particularly simple structure of the cell contacting system.

[0038] Since the carrier is preferably plate-shaped, the cell connectors can be attached directly to the carrier. This makes it possible, in particular, to dispense with a layered structure, which can simplify the manufacture of the cell contacting system. In particular, the plate-shaped carrier is rigid and can preferably only be folded via the at least one folding axis and / or the at least one hinge. The carrier can serve as an insulating layer for the energy storage cells arranged underneath. Preferably, a sensor layer is provided which in particular comprises electrical conductors and / or sensor elements and / or a compensation regulator or balancer. The sensor layer is preferably arranged on the carrier. The electrical conductors can be designed as cables or conductor tracks and expediently run to the cell connectors and / or to the sensor elements and / or to the compensation regulator.The electrical conductors can run from the cell connectors and / or the sensor elements and / or the balancer to a connector to connect them to a higher-level system, in particular the battery management system. The sensor elements are preferably voltage sensors and / or temperature sensors for monitoring the energy storage cells and / or the cell connectors. The balancer can serve, in particular, to ensure a uniform electrical charge distribution of the energy storage cells. The sensor layer advantageously comprises the spacers.

[0039] Because the cell contact system can include a connector, the cell contact system can be connected to a higher-level system, in particular to the battery management system. The connector is expediently part of the carrier or connected to the carrier as a separate component.

[0040] The rollable connector allows the connector to be rolled up, e.g., for transport, allowing the connector to be transported in a particularly space-saving manner. This can further improve the manageability of the cell contact system.

[0041] Preferably, at least one folding axis can be provided, running perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the cell contact system, in particular extending through the carrier. Preferably, multiple folding axes are provided if the carrier has multiple segments. According to an expedient embodiment of the above invention, the carrier can be narrower than the layer of cell connectors. This can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0042] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one flexible insulation layer can also be formed as a single piece in the composite. As a result, the solid-state hinge is formed not only by the carrier but also by the insulation layer. This increases the mechanical stability of the cell contact system.

[0043] Description of the invention based on exemplary embodiments

[0044] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing figures. They show:

[0045] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary representation of a cell contacting system mounted on an energy storage device;

[0046] Fig. 2 is an exemplary representation of the cell contacting system according to Fig. 1 in the folded state;

[0047] Fig. 3 is an exemplary representation of the cell contacting system according to Fig. 2 with an unfolded segment;

[0048] Fig. 4 is an exemplary representation of the cell contacting system according to Fig. 2 in the unfolded state;

[0049] Fig. 5 shows an exemplary representation of a layer structure of the cell contacting system according to Fig. 1 according to a first embodiment; Fig. 5a shows an exemplary representation of a carrier of the cell contacting system according to Fig. 5;

[0050] Fig. 5b an exemplary representation of a connection layer of the

[0051] Cell contacting system according to Fig. 5;

[0052] Fig. 5c an exemplary representation of a contacting layer of the

[0053] Cell contacting system according to Fig. 5;

[0054] Fig. 5d is an exemplary representation of an insulation layer of the cell contacting system according to Fig. 5;

[0055] Fig. 6 is an exemplary schematic representation of a structure of the cell contacting system according to Fig. 1 according to a second embodiment in a folded state; and

[0056] Fig. 7 is an exemplary schematic representation of the cell contacting system according to Fig. 6 in the unfolded state.

[0057] Fig. 8 shows an exemplary representation of a further embodiment of a cell contacting system with integrated BMS; and

[0058] Fig. 9 shows the layer structure of the cell contact system according to Fig. 8.

[0059] Reference numeral 6 in Fig. 1 denotes an energy storage device. The energy storage device 6 comprises a plurality of energy storage cells 7 and a cell contacting system 1, 100. The cell contacting system 1, 100 is arranged on the energy storage cells 7 and connects the energy storage cells 7 via cell connectors 31 (not shown in Fig. 1). The cell contacting system 1, 100 comprises a carrier 10 which is connected to the cell connectors 31. In addition, a connector 5 folded towards the energy storage cells 7 is provided in order to connect the cell contacting system 1, 100 to a higher-level unit, in particular a battery management system (not shown in Fig. 1). As shown in Fig. 1, the cell contacting system 1, 100 or the carrier 10 is divided into a first segment 2, a second segment 3 and a third segment 4. At least one cell connector 31 is arranged on each of the three segments 2, 3, 4. In the case of Fig.1, each segment 2, 3, 4 comprises a plurality of cell connectors 31.

[0060] According to the invention, the segments 2, 3, 4 of the cell contacting system 1, 100 or of the carrier 10 are designed to be foldable relative to one another, see, for example, Fig. 2-4. Folding axes 16a, 16b are provided for this purpose. The first segment 2 can be folded onto the second segment 3 via the folding axis 16a. The third segment 4 can be folded onto the second segment 3 via the folding axis 16b. Hinges 18a, 18b, in particular solid-state hinges, are provided in the area of ​​the folding axes. The term "folding axis" refers to a pivoting range in which the segments can be folded relative to one another.

[0061] The fact that the cell contact system 1, 100 can be folded reduces its size. When folded, the cell contact system 1, 100 is significantly more compact, thus significantly improving its handling. In the folded state, the cell contact system 1, 100 can be transported particularly easily.

[0062] Fig. 2 shows the cell contacting system 1, 100 in the folded state, wherein the segments 2, 3, 4 of the cell contacting system 1, 100 and the carrier 10 are folded onto one another. The third segment 4 is folded onto the underlying second segment 3 via the hinge 18b. The first segment 2 is folded onto the third segment 4, which is folded onto the second segment 3, via the hinge 18a. Thus, the first segment 2 and the third segment 4 are folded onto the second segment 3, whereby the segments 2, 3, 4 are essentially stacked on top of one another in the folded state. Consequently, the base area of ​​the cell contacting system 1, 100 in the folded state essentially corresponds to the base area of ​​the second segment 3.

[0063] Cell connectors 31 are arranged on each of the individual segments 2, 3, 4, which are folded over with the corresponding segments 2, 3, 4. The cell connectors 31 are typically rigid, which means that the cell connectors 31 cannot be folded or bent. The cell connectors 31a between the first segment 2 and the second segment 3, or the cell connectors 31b between the second segment 3 and the third segment 4, cannot be folded. As a result, the cell connectors 31a, 31b arranged between the second segment 3 and the first segment 2, or between the second segment 3 and the third segment 4, are only connected to the second segment 3. In the folded state of the cell contacting system 1, 100, these cell connectors 31a, 31b thus protrude from the folded cell contacting system 1, 100, see Fig. 2.

[0064] The first segment 2 has recesses 14a into which the cell connectors 31a engage when the first segment 2 is unfolded. Similarly, the third segment 4 also comprises recesses 14b into which the cell connectors 31b engage when the cell contacting system 1, 100 is unfolded.

[0065] In the folded state of the cell contacting system 1, 100, the connector 5 rests on the third segment 4 folded onto the second segment 3.

[0066] For assembly, the cell contacting system 1, 100 is unfolded. Fig. 3 shows the cell contacting system 1, 100, wherein the first segment 2 has been unfolded by a first unfolding process 17a along the folding axis 16a via the hinge 18a. The cell connectors 31a engage in the recesses 14a, cf. Fig. 2, of the first segment 2. In the unfolded state, the first segment 2 is preferably on the same level as the second segment 3. The connector 5 is unfolded with the first segment 2. Subsequently, the cell contacting system 1, 100 is completely unfolded in a second folding process 17b. In this case, the third segment 4 is unfolded along the folding axis 16b via the hinge 18b. The cell connectors 31b engage in the recesses 14b of the third segment 4, cf. Fig. 2. The cell contacting system 1, 100 has reached its full size in Fig. 4 and can be mounted on the energy storage device 6.When unfolded, the segments 2, 3, 4 are preferably arranged on one level.

[0067] Preferably, the connector 5 can also be folded further so that it is substantially perpendicular to the cell contact system 1, 100. Alternatively, the connector 5 can also be rolled up. This allows the size of the connector 5 to be easily reduced. This is particularly advantageous when the connector 5 is particularly long.

[0068] According to a first exemplary embodiment, the cell contacting system 1 comprises several layers that are bonded together with the carrier 10 to form a laminate. The cell contacting system 1 comprises a connecting layer 20 or adhesive layer, a contacting layer 30, and an insulating layer 40, see Fig. 5. The connecting layer 20 or adhesive layer is divided into individual segments 21a-21c, each of which is separated from one another. A connector 5 can be arranged on the carrier 10. The contacting layer 30 comprises the cell connectors 31 and inserts 32 arranged around the cell connectors 31. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5a, the signals from the sensor elements 12 can be transmitted to an external battery management system (not shown in Fig. 5) via the connector 5.

[0069] Fig. 5a shows the carrier 10 with the three segments 2, 3, 4 in the unfolded state. The connector 5 is arranged on the carrier 10 and connects the cell connector 1 to a higher-level unit, in particular a battery management system. According to the first exemplary embodiment, the carrier 10 comprises a plurality of sensor elements 12. The sensor elements 12 are in particular voltage sensors for monitoring the voltage of the individual energy storage cells 7 and / or the cell connectors 31. Alternatively or additionally, temperature sensors can be provided which monitor the temperature of the energy storage cells 7 and / or the cell connectors 31. In addition, a compensation regulator or balancer (not shown in the figures) can be provided for controlling a uniform electrical charge distribution of the energy storage cells 7. Furthermore, electrical conductors are provided which connect the sensor elements 12 and / or the compensation regulator or balancer.Connect the balancer to the connector 5. The carrier 10 is preferably designed as a flexible printed circuit board.

[0070] In addition, the carrier 10 comprises a plurality of through-openings 11. The cell connectors 31 are accessible via these through-openings 11, whereby the cell connectors 31 can be easily connected to the energy storage cells 7, e.g. by welding or screwing.

[0071] Spacers 13 are also provided. The spacers 13 serve to ensure that the folded segments 2, 3, 4 are supported at a distance from one another, so that the carrier 10, when folded, has a certain radius in the area of ​​the folding axes 16a, 16b and / or the hinge 18a, 18b. This prevents damage or breakage of the carrier 10 and / or the electrical lines and / or the sensor elements 12 and / or the compensating converter due to stresses resulting from an excessively small radius.

[0072] The adhesive layer or connecting layer 20 arranged beneath the carrier 10 (see Fig. 5) is also divided into three segments 21a-c, as shown in Fig. 5b. Separating regions 22a, 22b are provided between the individual segments 21a-c in the region of the folding axis 16a, 16b of the carrier 10, so that the individual segments 21a-c are not connected to one another. At the separating regions 22a, 22b, the individual segments, e.g., 21a, are arranged at a distance 24 from the adjacent segment, e.g., 21b, in the overall assembly. This distance also gives the arrangement a certain degree of flexibility within the range defined by the distance. The distance makes it possible not only to fold the arrangement or cell contact system 1, but also to offset its height or to compensate for tolerances on the contact surface with the energy storage cells in the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0073] The bonding layer 20 or adhesive layer can be a hot or cold bonding adhesive.

[0074] The three segments 21a-c are arranged below the corresponding segments 2, 3, 4 of the carrier 10. Accordingly, the segments 21a-c can be folded together with the corresponding segments 2, 3, 4 of the carrier 10. The connecting layer 20 comprises through-openings 23 arranged below the corresponding sensor elements 12, so that the sensor elements 12 can contact the cell connectors 31 or the energy storage cells 7. Furthermore, through-openings 24 are provided below the through-openings 11 of the carrier 10, so that the cell connectors 31 can be easily connected to the energy storage cells 7 via the through-openings 24 and the through-openings 11.

[0075] The connecting layer 20 preferably comprises an adhesive, which is arranged in particular on the side of the connecting layer 20 oriented toward the carrier 10 and on the side of the connecting layer 20 oriented toward the contacting layer 30. As a result, the connecting layer 20 can ensure a secure connection between the carrier 10 and the underlying layers.

[0076] The contacting layer 30, see Fig. 5, 5c, comprises the cell connectors 31. In addition, the contacting layer 30 comprises a plurality of inserts 32. The inserts 32 are arranged around the cell connectors 31 and position the cell connectors 31. In addition, the inserts 32 serve as spacers and as insulation, so that no short circuits occur between the cell connectors 31.

[0077] The inserts 32, in particular, have the same thickness as the cell connectors 31. As a result, the contacting layer 30 has a uniform thickness, so that the side of the contacting layer 30 oriented toward the connecting layer 20 and the side of the contacting layer 30 oriented toward the insulation layer 40 are flat. This makes it particularly easy to connect the individual layers to one another. Furthermore, this ensures a uniform surface, which is particularly advantageous for the lamination process of the cell contacting system 1. Furthermore, a uniform surface is particularly advantageous for contacting the cell connectors 31 with the energy storage cells 7.

[0078] The contact layer 30 is divided into three segments 33a-c. The three segments 33a-c are separated from each other by a separating region 34a, 34b in the area of ​​the folding axes 16a, 16b. The separating region 34a, 34b runs in a meandering shape around the cell connectors 31, so that only the inserts 32 are separated by the separating regions 34a, 34b. Thus, the cell connectors 31a, 31b protrude beyond the folding axes 16a, 16b, causing them to protrude when the cell contact system 2 is folded (see Fig. 2).

[0079] In addition, an insulation layer 40 is provided, which electrically insulates the cell connectors 31 in certain regions from the energy storage cell 7 (see Fig. 5d). The insulation layer 40 is divided into three segments 41a-c, which, analogous to the segments 33a-c of the contacting layer 30, are separated from one another by separating regions 43a, 43b in the region of the folding axes 16a, 16b. The individual segments 41a-c have, in particular, the same contour as the segments 33a-c of the contacting layer 30. As a result, the segments 41a-c of the insulation layer 40 can be connected, in particular, flush with the corresponding segments 33a-c of the contacting layer 30. This electrically insulates the cell connectors 31 particularly effectively. Furthermore, the insulation layer 40 has through-openings 42.The through openings 42 are arranged in the region of the cell connectors 31 and enable the cell connectors 31 to be contacted with the energy storage cells 7 arranged under the insulation layer 40.

[0080] At least one of the connecting layer 20 and / or the contacting layer 30 and / or the insulating layer 40 of the cell contacting system 1 is preferably bonded to the carrier 10 to form a common laminate. As a result, the cell contacting system 1 is designed as a ready-to-assemble assembly and can be connected to the energy storage cells 7 in a single assembly step.

[0081] According to a second exemplary embodiment, the cell contacting system 100 comprises a plate-shaped, particularly rigid, carrier 102, see Fig. 6. The carrier 102 is preferably made of plastic. The carrier 102 comprises cell connectors 101 for contacting the energy storage cells 7. The carrier 102 expediently comprises through-openings (not shown in Figs. 6 and 7) so that the cell connectors 101 can be connected to the energy storage cells 7.

[0082] In addition, the cell contacting system 100 has a sensor layer 103. The sensor layer 103 comprises, in particular, electrical lines and / or sensor elements not shown in Figures 6 and 7, in particular temperature sensors and / or voltage sensors, and / or a balancing regulator or balancer. As a result, the cell connectors 101 and / or the energy storage cells 7 connected to the cell connectors 101 can be monitored. The sensor layer 103 of the second embodiment thus ensures essentially the same functions as the electrical lines and / or the sensor elements 12 and / or the balancing regulator or balancer of the carrier 10 of the first embodiment.

[0083] The carrier 102 is also divided into three segments 2, 3, and 4 and can be folded via hinges 104, in particular solid-state hinges. As can be seen in Figures 6 and 7, the first segment 2 and the third segment 4 can be folded onto the second segment 3, thus reducing the size of the cell contacting system 100.

[0084] Fig. 8 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a foldable cell contacting system 200 according to the invention, which already contains the battery management system 201 as an integrated component. The carrier 202 of the cell contacting system 200 is a flexible printed circuit board, preferably in the form of a flexible film, onto which electrical conductors have been applied using a printing process and subsequently etched as required using an etching process. The components of the battery management system 201 are connected to the carrier 202. The respective cell connectors are identified by reference numeral 224. 222 denotes an upper-side insulation layer.

[0085] The cell contacting system 200 shown in Fig. 8 is foldable around a single folding region 226, so that the two segments 1 and 2 can be folded toward each other. The folding region 226 is indicated in Fig. 8 as the area between the two dashed lines.

[0086] Fig. 9 shows the layer sequence of the cell contacting system 200 of Fig. 8. The cell contacting system shown in Fig. 9 is designed, for example, as a cold-bonded laminate. It comprises several layers, which are shown in detail in perspective in Fig. 9. The uppermost layer shows the carrier 202 with the battery management system 201. Below this is a connecting layer 221 in the form of an adhesive layer, which is divided into two separate segments 221a, 221b. The two segments 221a, 221b are arranged in the composite at a distance 221c from each other. By dividing the connecting layer 220 into the first and second segments 221a, 221b and the distance 221c, the folding region 226 of the cell contacting system 200 shown in Fig. 8 is formed. Below this is an insulation layer 222, which is also divided into two separate segments 222a and 222b.

[0087] Below this is the layer of cell connectors 224. This layer also has two separate segments 224a, 224b.

[0088] Furthermore, an insert 223 is provided, which is also divided into two separate segments 223a, 223b. The insert 223 is intended to surround the positions of the individual cell connectors 224 and simultaneously ensure their accessibility from above. The layers of the cell connectors 224 and the inserts 223 form the contacting layer 210.

[0089] On the underside there is another insulation layer 225, which is also divided into two separate segments 225a, 225b.

[0090] With regard to the division into the individual segments and the design of the dividing line, reference can be made to the designs described above on the respective layer.

[0091] As an alternative to the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, it is possible that the carrier 202 does not completely contain the battery management system 201 as a component integrated into the cell contacting system 200, but rather only components of the battery management system 201 are integrated into the foldable cell contacting system 200.

[0092] As can be seen from the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 9, the carrier 202 of the cell contacting system 200 can be dimensioned narrower than the other layers 222, 224, 223, and 225. This allows for cost savings through less FPC material.

[0093] The respective insulation layer 222 and 225 is preferably provided with an adhesive, e.g., cold-bonding. If the laminate is produced using cold-bonding, this has the advantage that a less temperature-stable but cheaper material, such as PET, can be used for the insulation layers 222 and 225 instead of a temperature-stable but more expensive material, e.g., polyimide (PI). For example, the layer sequence of the insulation layer 222, the cell connector 224, the layer insert 223, and the further insulation layer 225 can be manufactured separately and, in a subsequent process, connected or bonded to the carrier 202 via the connecting layer 221 or adhesive layer. By cold-bonding the carrier 202 to the insulation layer 222 via the connecting layer 221 or adhesive layer, the less expensive PET, for example, can be used as the respective insulation layer 222 and 225.

[0094] In the variant shown in Fig. 9, the two insulation layers 222, 225 are each divided into two parts, ie into two segments 222a, 222b and 225a, 225b respectively.

[0095] According to an alternative embodiment (not shown in the drawing figures), for example, the insulation layer and the carrier can also be formed as one piece, so that the bending of the cell contact system does not occur exclusively via the carrier, but also additionally via the one-piece insulation layer.

[0096] The cell contacting system 1, 100, 200 according to the invention allows the cell contacting system 1, 100, 200 to be easily folded. This significantly improves the handling of the cell contacting system 1, 100, 200, making it easier to transport, for example. The invention therefore represents a very special contribution to the relevant technical field.

[0097] REFERENCE MARKS LIST

[0098] 1 cell contact system

[0099] 2 segments

[0100] 3 segments

[0101] 4 segments

[0102] 5 connectors

[0103] 6 energy storage

[0104] 7 energy storage cells

[0105] 10 carriers

[0106] 11 through openings

[0107] 12 Sensor element

[0108] 13 Spacer element

[0109] 14a, b recess

[0110] 16a, b folding axis

[0111] 17a, b Folding process

[0112] 18a, b hinge

[0113] 20 connection layer

[0114] 21a-c Segment

[0115] 22a, b Separation area

[0116] 23 through openings

[0117] 24 distance

[0118] 30 Contacting layer

[0119] 31 cell connectors

[0120] 31a, b cell connectors

[0121] 32 deployment

[0122] 33a-c Segment

[0123] 34a, b Separation area

[0124] 40 insulation layer

[0125] 41a-c Segment

[0126] 42 through openings

[0127] 43a, b Separation area 50 BMS layer

[0128] 100 cell contact system

[0129] 101 cell connectors

[0130] 102 carriers

[0131] 103 Sensor layer

[0132] 104 Hinge

[0133] 105 Layer thickness reduced area

[0134] 201 Battery Management System (BMS)

[0135] 202 carriers

[0136] 200 cell contact system

[0137] 210 Contacting layer

[0138] 221 Connection layer

[0139] 221a Segment

[0140] 221b Segment

[0141] 221c distance

[0142] 222 Insulation layer

[0143] 222a Segment

[0144] 222b Segment

[0145] 223 deployment

[0146] 223a Segment

[0147] 223b Segment

[0148] 224 cell connectors

[0149] 224a Segment

[0150] 224b Segment

[0151] 225 Insulation layer

[0152] 225a Segment

[0153] 225b Segment

[0154] 226 folding axle

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 8 January 2025 (08.01.2025) PATENTS 1. Cell contacting system (1, 100, 200) for electrically contacting energy storage cells (7) of an energy storage device (6), in particular an energy storage device for a vehicle, comprising: a plurality of cell connectors (31, 224), and a carrier (10, 102, 202) which is connected to the plurality of cell connectors (31, 224), wherein the cell contacting system (1, 200) is preferably designed as a laminate, wherein the carrier (10, 102, 202) has at least two segments (2, 3, 4), wherein each of the at least two segments (2, 3, 4) is preferably assigned a plurality of cell connectors (31), and the at least two segments (2, 3, 4) are foldable towards one another, characterized in that the cell contacting system (1, 100, 200) Contacting layer (30, 210), wherein the contacting layer (30, 210) comprises the cell connectors (31, 224) and a plurality of inserts (32, 223).

2. Cell contacting system (1, 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two segments (2, 3, 4) can be folded onto one another.

3. Cell contacting system (1, 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least two segments (2, 3, 4) are adjacent to one another or are connected to one another via a hinge (18a, 18b), in particular a solid-state hinge.

4. Cell contacting system (1, 100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cell contacting system (1, 100, 200) comprises spacers (13). AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) 5. Cell contacting system (1, 100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cell contacting system (1, 100, 200) is a prefabricated assembly.

6. Cell contacting system (1, 100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier (10, 102, 202) comprises electrical conductors and / or sensor elements (12) and / or a compensation regulator and / or a battery management system (200) or at least components of the battery management system (200) or these are arranged on the carrier (10, 102, 202).

7. Cell contacting system (1, 100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier (10, 102, 202) has a plurality of through openings (11).

8. Cell contacting system (1, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier (10, 102, 202) is a flexible printed circuit board.

9. Cell contacting system (1, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cell contacting system (1, 200) comprises at least one insulation layer (40) for electrically insulating the cell connectors (31) 10. Cell contacting system (1, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cell contacting system (1, 200) comprises a connecting layer (20, 221), wherein the connecting layer (20, 221) serves to connect the carrier (10, 202) and / or the cell connectors (31, 224) and / or the contacting layer (30, 210) and / or the insulation layer (40, 222) to one another.

11. Cell contacting system (1, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting layer (20, 221) is divided into segments (21a-21c, 221a, 221b) which are separated from one another, preferably spaced apart by a distance (24, 221c). AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) 12. Cell contacting system (1, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting layer (20, 221) and / or the contacting layer (30, 210) and / or the insulation layer (40, 222, 225) and / or the carrier (10, 202) are connected to form a laminate.

13. Cell contacting system (1, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting layer (20, 221) and / or the contacting layer (30, 210) and / or the insulating layer (40, 222, 225) are interrupted in the region of the hinge (18a, 18b).

14. Cell contacting system (100) according to one of claims 1-7, characterized in that the carrier (102) is plate-shaped, wherein preferably the respective hinge (104) or solid-state hinge is formed by a layer thickness-reduced region (105).

15. Cell contacting system (1, 100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sensor layer (103) is provided.

16. Cell contacting system (1, 100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a connector (5) is provided to connect the cell contacting system (1, 100) to a higher-level system.

17. Cell contacting system (1, 100) according to claim 16, characterized in that the connector (5) is rollable. AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

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