Abstract
A battery cell connection element (4) including a main body (44) formed as a fluid line element made of an electrically conductive material with a longitudinal axis (L). The main body (44) is preferably closed at both ends (4a, 4b), in particular in a fluid-tight manner, and has a peripherally, substantially closed casing wall, in which at least two through-openings (4da, 4ea), preferably punch-outs, are arranged on the same side of the main body (44), with these through-openings (4da, 4ea) being arranged adjacent to one another and offset in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L), in order to be able to connect the battery cell connection element (4) to cell arresters (3) of battery cells of a battery cell assembly via the through-openings (4da, 4ea).
Claims
1. A battery cell connection element (4, 4′) comprising: a main body (44) formed as a fluid line element made of an electrically conductive material with a longitudinal axis (L), said main body (44) being closed at two ends (4a, 4b) thereof, in particular fluid tightly, and has a peripherally substantially closed casing wall; and at least two through-openings (4da, 4ea) are arranged on a same side of the main body (44), said through-openings (4da, 4ea) being arranged next to one another and offset in a direction of the longitudinal axis (L).
2. The battery cell connection element (4, 4′) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body (44) is substantially planar in portions, at least on a side opposite the through-openings (4da, 4ea), so that the substantially planar portions (4d′, 4e′) of the main body (44) are aligned with the through-openings (4da, 4ea) in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (L).
3. The battery cell connection element (4, 4′) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body (44), except at the ends (4a, 4b), has an oval cross-section.
4. The battery cell connection element (4, 4′) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body (44) is at least one of flattened or folded at the two ends (4a, 4b) and thus closed.
5. The battery cell connection element (4, 4′) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body (44) has two substantially identical halves along the longitudinal axis (L), between which a central portion (4c) of modified shape is arranged, which said central portion (4c) has at least one peripheral bellows corrugation (4ca) formed integrally with a remainder of the main body (44).
6. The battery cell connection element (4, 4′) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the through-openings (4da, 4ea) have a clear opening cross-section (4db, 4eb) suitable for insertion of a tool.
7. A battery cell connection module (5) comprising: at least two receptacles (5i), each configured to receive with at least one of a form-fit or frictional engagement a battery cell connection element (4, 4′) that has a main body (44) formed as a fluid line element made of an electrically conductive material with a longitudinal axis (L), which said main body (44) is closed at two ends (4a, 4b) thereof; a fluid line portion (5b, 5b′) having a fluid supply line (5ba) and a fluid discharge line (5bb), in which at least the fluid line portion (5b, 5b′) is formed in an electrically non-conductive material and in which the fluid supply line (5ba) and the fluid discharge line (5bb) are arranged relative to the receptacles (5i) such that the fluid supply line (5ba) is in fluidic connection with one said receptacle (5i) and the fluid discharge line (5bb) is in fluidic connection with an other said receptacle (5i).
8. The battery cell connection module (5) as claimed in claim 7, comprising a first number of more than two of said receptacles (5i) and comprising a second number of more than one said fluid line portion (5b, 5b′), in which each said fluid line portion (5b, 5b′) always connects at least two said receptacles (5i) fluidically.
9. The battery cell connection module (5) as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least one of the fluid line portions (5b, 5b′) or the receptacles (5i) each run in or parallel to a common plane and/or are arranged distributed over a periphery of a rectangle.
10. The battery cell connection module (5) as claimed in claim 8, wherein a first said fluid line portion (5b′) has a supply line (5d) for a temperature control fluid to the first fluid line portion (5b′) and a second said fluid line portion (5b′) has a discharge line (5e) for a temperature control fluid from the second fluid line portion (5b′).
11. The battery cell connection module (5) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the fluid line portion (5b, 5b′) or the fluid line portions (5b, 5b′) are open on a first side of the battery cell connection module (5) and the receptacles (5i) are arranged on a second side of the battery cell connection module (5) facing away from the first side.
12. The battery cell connection module (5) as claimed in claim 11, further comprising at least one cover part (5h) that seals the at least one fluid line portion (5b, 5b′) from outside fluid-tightly, and the cover part is connected to the battery cell connection module (5) via a living hinge.
13. The battery cell connection module (5) as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a further receptacle (5a) for receiving an electronic printed circuit board (6), said further receptacle (5a) being surrounded by the receptacles (5i) for the battery cell connection elements (4, 4′) and by the fluid line portions (5b, 5b′).
14. The battery cell connection module (5) as claimed in claim 13, further comprising galvanic connections (6b) extending from the further receptacle (5a) to the receptacles (5i) for the battery cell connection elements (4, 4′), said galvanic connections (6b) being formed by conductive tracks onto the battery cell connection module (5).
15. A battery cell connection assembly comprising: at least first and second ones of the battery cell connection elements (4, 4′) as claimed in claim 1; at least one battery cell connection module (5) including at least two receptacles (5i), each configured to receive with at least one of a form-fit or frictional engagement the battery cell connection element (4, 4′), and including a fluid line portion (5b, 5b′) having a fluid supply line (5ba) and a fluid discharge line (5bb), in which at least the fluid line portion (5b, 5b′) is formed in an electrically non-conductive material and in which the fluid supply line (5ba) and the fluid discharge line (5bb) are arranged relative to the receptacles (5i) such that the fluid supply line (5ba) is in fluidic connection with one said receptacle (5i) and the fluid discharge line (5bb) is in fluidic connection with an other said receptacle (5i); wherein the first battery cell connection element (4, 4′) and the second battery cell connection element (4, 4′) are each arranged in a corresponding said receptacle (5i), such that the first battery cell connection element (4, 4′) via one of said through-openings (4da, 4ea) is in fluidic connection with the fluid supply line (5ba) and the fluid discharge line (5bb) is in fluidic connection with one of the through-openings (4da, 4ea) of the second battery cell connection element (4, 4′), or so that the two battery cell connection elements (4, 4′) are in fluidic connection with one another via one of the through-openings (4da, 4ea) and via the fluid line portion (5b, 5b′), and the two battery cell connection elements (4, 4′) are spaced apart from one another.
16. The battery cell connection assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the battery cell connection elements (4, 4′) and the fluid line portions (5b, 5b′) jointly form a closed fluid circuit.
17. The battery cell connection assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the battery cell connection elements (4, 4′) are accessible from the first side via the fluid supply line (5ba) or the fluid discharge line (5bb) and from outside via the respective through-openings (4da, 4ea).
18. The battery cell connection assembly as claimed in claim 15, further comprising an electronic printed circuit board (6) received in a further receptacle (5a) of the battery cell connection module (5), said electronic printed circuit board (6) comprises electronic components (6a) configured for controlling an operation of a battery cell assembly (1) formed of a plurality of battery cells (2).
19. The battery cell connection assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein at least one of the electronic printed circuit board (6) or at least some electronic components (6a) electrically contact the battery cell connection elements (4, 4′) via the galvanic connections (6b).
20. The battery cell connection assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the battery cell connection elements (4, 4′) are held with a form-fit or frictional engagement on the battery cell connection module (5) in a region of the receptacles (5i).
21. A battery cell assembly (1) comprising: a plurality of battery cells (2); a battery cell connection assembly as claimed in claim 15; wherein the individual battery cells (2) each have a first cell arrester (3) with a first electrical polarity and a second cell arrester (3) with a second electrical polarity, the first cell arrester (3) of one said battery cell (2) is electrically conductively connected to the second cell arrester (3) of another said battery cell (2) via the battery cell connection element (4), the first battery cell connection element (4) is fluidically connected to the second battery cell connection element (4) via the fluid line portion (5b).
22. The battery cell assembly (1) as claimed in claim 21, wherein the battery cell connection elements (4, 4′) are connected to the cell arresters (3) in an integrally bonded manner.
23. The battery cell assembly (1) as claimed in claim 21, wherein the battery cell connection elements (4, 4′) and the fluid line portion (5b, 5b′) or the fluid line portions (5b, 5b′) are filled with a temperature control fluid or are passed through by a temperature control fluid.
24. A method for controlling a temperature of and electrically contacting battery cells (2) of a battery cell assembly (1) as claimed in claim 21, the method comprising: a) providing the battery cell connection elements (4, 4′); b) providing the battery cell connection module (5); c) arranging the battery cell connection elements (4, 4′) in the battery cell connection module (5) to create the battery cell connection assembly; d) producing the battery cell assembly (1) by attaching the battery cell connection assembly to an assembly of said battery cells (2) and electrically conductively connecting the battery cell connection elements (4, 4′) to the cell arresters (3); e) passing a temperature control fluid through the battery cell connection elements (4, 4′) and the fluid line portion (5b, 5b′) or fluid line portions (5b, 5b′); and f) electrically contacting the battery cells (2) via the battery cell connection elements (4, 4′).
25. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein in step d) the battery cell connection elements (4, 4′) are connected to the cell arresters (3) from outside through the fluid supply line (5ba) or the fluid discharge line (5bb) and via the respective through-openings (4da, 4ea), and subsequently, before step e), fitting a cover part (5h) to close off the battery cell connection assembly.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0080] The invention described above is distinguished by its lightweight construction properties, extensive functional integration, ease of assembly and handling, modular design, achievable electrical insulation, and the interface to the automotive industry thus created.
[0081] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.
[0082] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a battery cell assembly with battery cell connection elements arranged thereon;
[0083] FIG. 2 shows a detailed isometric view of a battery cell connection element;
[0084] FIG. 3A shows a first sectional view of the battery cell connection element from FIG. 2;
[0085] FIG. 3B shows a second sectional view of the battery cell connection element from FIG. 2;
[0086] FIG. 4 shows the battery cell assembly from FIG. 1 with a battery cell connection module according to the invention in an isometric view without cover part;
[0087] FIG. 5 shows the battery cell assembly from FIG. 4 with fitted cover part;
[0088] FIG. 6 shows a first section through the battery cell assembly according to FIG. 5 in detail;
[0089] FIG. 7 shows a second section through the battery cell assembly according to FIG. 5 in detail;
[0090] FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of battery cell connection element and battery cell connection module;
[0091] FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of a battery cell assembly in a perspective overall view;
[0092] FIG. 10 shows a partial longitudinal section through the embodiment according to FIG. 9;
[0093] FIG. 11 shows a partial cross-section through the embodiment according to FIG. 9; and
[0094] FIG. 12 shows a partial cross-section through an embodiment alternative to that shown in FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0095] In the following detailed description of the figures, like reference signs denote like or at least functionally like elements. For reasons of clarity, not all elements appearing in all figures are explicitly denoted. In some cases, therefore, in the description of these figures reference is made to other figures.
[0096] FIG. 1 shows an isometric overall view of an assembly of battery cells (battery cell assembly), which is provided in its entirety with the reference sign 1. Reference sign 2 denotes the individual battery cells, which are formed as so-called prismatic cells, without the invention being limited to this. Each of the battery cells 2 is arranged in an approximately cuboidal housing and has two so-called cell arresters 3 on its upper side, of which only two are explicitly denoted in FIG. 1. Each battery cell 2 has a cell arrester with a first electrical polarity (for example positive pole) and a second cell arrester with a second electrical polarity (for example negative pole). In FIG. 1, some of the battery cells 2 or cell arresters 3 are explicitly marked with corresponding symbols (+ and −, respectively).
[0097] The battery cells 2 are electrically arranged in the manner of a series connection so that the voltages of the individual battery cells 2 add up to a larger total voltage. For this purpose, the battery cells 2 are arranged alternately with reversed electrical polarity, as shown. In other words, a cell arrester 3 with first polarity of a given battery cell 2 is arranged directly adjacent to the cell arrester 3 with second polarity of an adjacent battery cell 2, as shown. For reasons of clarity, not all cell arresters 3 are denoted with a corresponding electrical polarity in FIG. 1. The dashed meandering line in FIG. 1 symbolizes a current flow path or current flow S through the battery cell assembly 1. For this purpose, the cell arresters 3 of adjacent battery cells 2 with different polarity are each electrically conductively connected to a battery cell connection element 4. The precise design of the battery cell connection elements 4 will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter, in particular with reference to FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B.
[0098] In addition to the battery cell connection elements 4 already discussed, which each electrically connect different poles or electrically differently polarized cell arresters 3 of adjacent battery cells 2, there are also similarly designed battery cell connection elements 4′ in the embodiment according to FIG. 1, which are each electrically conductively connected to only one battery-cell cell arrester. According to the illustration in FIG. 1, these battery cell connection elements 4′ are located at the start and at the end of the current flow path S and can thus preferably be used as so-called module arresters for electrically connecting the battery cell assembly 1 to an external circuit. The battery cell connection elements 4′ differ from the previously discussed battery cell connection elements 4 fundamentally only in the absence of bellows corrugations in the central region of the battery cell connection elements. This will also be discussed in greater detail further below.
[0099] In the context of the present invention, the battery cell connection elements 4 not only serve to electrically connect adjacent battery cells 2, but they also still perform a fluid line function for a temperature control fluid for controlling the temperature of the battery cells 2. This aspect will also be discussed further below.
[0100] With regard to the subject of FIG. 1, it should also be noted that adjacent battery cell connection elements 4, 4′ do not touch one another, so that no electrically conductive contact is formed between them. Such contact could otherwise lead to a short circuit of the battery cell assembly 1 and to a destruction of the battery cells 2.
[0101] FIG. 2 shows a single battery cell connection element 4 according to FIG. 1 in greater detail. It comprises a main body 44 formed as a fluid line element (tube portion) made of an electrically conductive metal with a longitudinal axis L, which main body 44 is sealed fluid-tightly at its two ends 4a, 4b. The main body 44 has a peripherally substantially closed casing wall, in which casing wall at least two through-openings 4da, 4ea, preferably punch-outs, are arranged on a same side of the main body. The through-openings 4da, 4ea are arranged next to one another and offset in the direction of the longitudinal axis L.
[0102] In particular, the battery cell connection element 4 is formed substantially as a flat tubular element with a flat, oval cross-section in large regions, as can be seen in particular from FIG. 3B. At its end faces 4a, 4b, the battery cell connection element 4 is sealed fluid-tightly, for example folded or connected in an integrally bonded manner, for example soldered. These end faces of the battery cell connection element 4 are denoted in FIG. 2 by reference signs 4aa and 4ba. In its central region between the ends 4a, 4b, the battery cell connection element 4 has a corrugated portion 4c, in which a number of ring corrugations or bellows corrugations 4ca are formed. In the regions between each of its ends 4a, 4b and the corrugated region 4c, the battery cell connection element 4 is substantially planar and has parallel side surfaces (side walls) or casing surface portions (casing wall portions), only two of which are denoted by reference signs 4d and 4e in FIG. 2. In each of these planar casing surface portions 4d, 4e, a through-opening 4da, 4ea is formed, defining an opening 4db, 4eb communicating with an interior of the battery cell connection element 4. In particular, through each of the through-openings 4da, 4ea, the casing surface portion on the other side of the battery cell connection element 4, which is not further denoted in FIG. 2, can be reached or accessed from the outside. The bellows corrugations 4ca or the corrugated region 4c provide a certain elastic deformability of the battery cell connection element in the direction of its longitudinal axis L, as shown. For this reason, the battery cell connection elements 4 of the type shown in FIG. 2 are used according to FIG. 1 for connecting different battery cells 2 (cf. FIG. 1). FIG. 3A a shows a section through the battery cell connection element 4 of FIG. 2 along the longitudinal axis L. FIG. 3B shows a section transverse thereto, for example according to the dashed vertical line in FIG. 3A.
[0103] Accordingly, in the case of the battery cell connection element 4 shown, it is provided that the main body 44, at least on its side opposite the through-openings 4da, 4ea, is substantially planar in portions (for reference signs 4d′, 4e′; cf. FIGS. 3A, 3B), so that preferably planar portions of the main body 44 are aligned with the through-openings 4da, 4ea or the openings 4db, 4eb, respectively, in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis L. Specifically, the main body 44 thus has at least two side walls 4d, 4d′ and 4e, 4e′, respectively, which are substantially planar in portions, are arranged parallel to one another, and in each of which the corresponding through-opening 4da, 4ea is arranged.
[0104] In FIG. 3A, the black block arrows symbolize the aforementioned accessibility of the lower side surfaces or side walls 4d′ and 4e′ via the through-openings 4da, 4ea and the openings 4db, 4eb, respectively. In this way, the battery cell connection element 4 can be connected to the underlying cell arresters 3 (shown in dash-dotted form in FIG. 3A) by means of a suitable tool (not shown), for example in an integrally bonded manner. The direction symbolized by the block arrows 3a generally corresponds to the z-direction. The dashed arrow in FIG. 3A symbolizes a possible flow path for the aforementioned temperature control fluid through the battery cell connection element 4. Without restriction, the temperature control fluid can flow into the battery cell connection element through the opening 4db and can leave it again via the opening 4eb, as shown. In this way, the battery cell connection element 4 can be used both to electrically conductively connect cell arresters 3 and to control their temperature, as will be discussed in greater detail further below. Preferably, for this purpose, the battery cell connection element 4 is made of a metal material which is a good electrical (and thermal) conductor, in particular copper or an aluminum alloy (without limitation).
[0105] FIG. 3B, to which reference has already been made, shows a cross-section through the battery cell connection element 4 approximately in accordance with the vertical dashed line in FIG. 3A. Accordingly, the battery cell connection element has a flat, oval cross-section in this region (and correspondingly also on the other side of the corrugated region 4c; cf. FIG. 3A), so that the side surfaces or casing wall portions 4d, 4e or 4d′, 4e′ already discussed are planar in said regions. This simplifies in particular the attachment of the battery cell connection element 4 to the cell arresters 3 (cf. FIG. 3A).
[0106] FIG. 4 shows a further isometric overall view of a battery cell assembly 1 comprising a plurality of battery cells 2 and battery cell connection elements 4, 4′ connected to the cell arresters of the battery cells 2 according to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2 to 3B, respectively. However, in the representation in FIG. 4, said cell arresters and battery cell connection elements 4, 4′ are only partially visible, because a battery cell connection module 5 made of injection-molded plastic has been fitted from above onto the battery cell assembly 1 and correspondingly also onto said battery cell connection elements 4, 4′.
[0107] In the introductory part of the description it has already been noted that advantageously—in deviation from the previous figure description—the battery cell connection elements 4, 4′ (cf. FIG. 1) are first arranged in or on the battery cell connection module 5 according to FIG. 5, wherein they are advantageously held in or on the battery cell connection module 5 in a frictionally engaged and/or form-fitting manner, for example by clip connections or the like. Subsequently, the battery cell connection module 5 with the battery cell connection elements 4, 4′ is then fitted onto the battery cell connection assembly 1 or the battery cells 2, as shown in FIG. 4. Suitable fastening structures (not shown) may be provided on the battery cells 2 and cooperate with corresponding, complementary fastening structures (also not shown) on the battery cell connection module 5 to fasten the battery cell connection module 5 to the battery cells 2. The battery cells 2 can also be installed in a (module) housing (not shown) and mechanically prestressed. The fastening structures for mounting the battery cell connection module 5 are then preferably provided on this housing.
[0108] Certain details of the battery cell connection module 5 will now be discussed in greater detail:
[0109] The battery cell connection module 5 is formed in the manner of a flat frame (as a main body) made of injection-molded plastic, which has a central recess 5a. In this central recess 5a, a PCB (electronic printed circuit board) 6 is arranged, which is equipped with a number of electronic components 6a, only one of which is denoted in FIG. 4 for reasons of clarity. The PCB 6 is not in itself part of the battery cell connection module 5. Around the mentioned central recess 5a, the battery cell connection module 5 has a number of fluid line portions 5b, 5b′ which are also formed as recesses in the battery cell connection module 5. The differences between the various fluid line portions 5b, 5b′ will be discussed in greater detail further below.
[0110] Each of the fluid line portions 5b, 5b′ has two end through-openings 5ba, 5bb, one of which functions as a fluid supply line and the other as a fluid discharge line. On its underside, which is not visible in FIG. 4, the battery cell connection module 5 has receptacles for receiving battery cell connection elements 4, 4′ (cf. FIGS. 1 to 3B) in a form-fitting and/or frictionally engaged manner, wherein these receptacles are formed and/or arranged and matched to the dimensions of the battery cell connection elements 4, 4′ in such a way that the through-openings 5ba, 5bb of the battery cell connection module 5 each correspond fluidically with one of the through-openings 4db, 4ed (cf. FIGS. 2 to 3B) of the battery cell connection elements 4. In other words: A distance between adjacent through-openings 5ba, 5bb of two different fluid line portions 5b, 5b′ corresponds precisely to a distance between the two through-openings 4db, 4eb of a battery cell connection element 4 (cf. FIGS. 2 to 3B). The dimensions of the through-openings 5ba, 5bb and the through-openings 4da, 4ea (of the openings 4db, 4eb) are also matched to one another. Said distance may be different depending on whether the battery cell connection element in question is a battery cell connection element 4 with a corrugated region 4c or a battery cell connection element 4′ without a corrugated region (cf. FIG. 1). A peripheral seal 5c is provided at an upper edge of each of the recesses or fluid line portions 5b, 5b′ and may be formed as a separate sealing element or integrally molded on the battery cell connection module 5. Comparable seals (not visible) are found at the bottom of the battery cell connection module 5 in the region of the through-openings 5ba, 5bb, where the battery cell connection module 5 interacts fluidically with the battery cell connection elements 4, 4′.
[0111] The fluid line portions 5b′ are longer than the fluid line portions 5b and each have an additional through-opening 5bc, which is fluidically connected to a supply line 5d or to a discharge line 5e for a temperature control fluid. In this way, a temperature control fluid can be supplied to the battery cell connection module 5 and also discharged therefrom. The fluid line portions 5b, 5b′ supplement the battery cell connection elements 4 arranged below the battery cell connection module 5 (cf. FIGS. 1 to 3B) to form a dual-branch flow channel for the temperature control fluid, fluidically connecting the supply line 5d to the discharge line 5e. This is shown schematically in FIG. 4 for one flow branch; cf. the (dashed) arrows. Here, the solid arrows symbolize a flow of the temperature control fluid at the top side of the battery cell connection module 5 through the fluid line portions 5b and 5b′, respectively, while the dashed arrows in FIG. 4 symbolize a flow of the temperature control fluid through an underlying battery cell connection element 4 according to FIGS. 1 to 3B. The temperature control fluid transitions from the fluid line portions 5b, 5b′ to the battery cell connection elements 4 in each case through the corresponding or communicating through-openings, as described further above.
[0112] In this way, the cell arresters (not visible in FIG. 4) of the battery cells 2 can be electrically contacted (cf. FIG. 1) on the one hand and efficiently temperature-controlled (cooled) on the other, wherein the temperature control fluid preferably does not follow the same meandering flow path as the current flow S illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0113] Since the individual battery cell connection elements 4, 4′ according to FIGS. 1 to 3B do not touch one another and the fluid line portions 5b, 5b′ according to FIG. 4 are formed together with the rest of the battery cell connection module 5 in an electrically non-conductive plastic, there is no electrical short circuit of the battery cell assembly 1 in this way—advantageously not even if no (costly) dielectric is used as the temperature control fluid.
[0114] With reference signs 5f and 5g, the battery cell connection module 5 has lateral recesses, through which individual battery cell connection modules 4, 4′ are accessible from the outside. Such battery cell connection modules 4, 4′ can thus be used in a simple manner for electrically contacting the entire battery cell assembly 1.
[0115] The black block arrow in FIG. 4 corresponds to the corresponding block arrows in FIG. 3A and is again intended to symbolize the accessibility of the battery cell connection elements 4, 4′ from the outside, i.e. also through the battery cell connection module 5 or the mentioned through-openings 5ba, 5bb. It is possible here, within the scope of the invention, to first arrange the battery cell connection elements 4, 4′ in or on the battery cell connection module 5, to fit the battery cell connection assembly thus created, formed of battery cell connection element 4, 4′ and battery cell connection module 5, onto the battery cells 2 or the battery cell assembly 1, and only at the end to connect the individual battery cell connection elements 4, 4′ to the underlying cell arresters (not shown) of the battery cells 2, as already described in detail further above. This improves the handling and ease of assembly enormously.
[0116] In this context, it may also be provided to arrange the PCB 6 in the central recess 5a of the battery cell connection module 5 and to fit it together with the latter onto the battery cell assembly 1. Advantageously, galvanic connections (shown in FIG. 4 at reference 6b by way of example) exist inside the battery cell connection module 5 and can electrically conductively connect the PCB 6 or certain electronic components 6a to the battery cell connection elements 4, 4′ and correspondingly the cell arresters (not shown) of the battery cells 2. In this way, the PCB 6 can be used in particular to implement a battery management system (BMS) without the need for subsequent time-consuming and costly cabling for this purpose.
[0117] To prevent the temperature control fluid from escaping from the fluid line portions 5b, 5b′ which are open at the top according to FIG. 4, the battery cell connection module 5 according to FIG. 5 also comprises a cover part 5h, which cover part 5h tightly seals at least the fluid line portions 5b, 5b′, but not the central recess 5a, so that no temperature control fluid can escape from the fluid line portions 5b, 5b′ (cf. FIG. 4). For this purpose, in particular, the aforementioned seals 5c come into contact with the cover part 5h from below. Like the rest of the battery cell connection module 5, the cover part 5h is also preferably made of an electrically non-conductive, injection-moldable plastic.
[0118] The sectional views shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 below are oriented along the dashed and dash-dotted lines in FIG. 5, respectively. FIG. 6 shows a sectional view roughly along the dashed line in FIG. 5. It is easy to see here how the battery cell connection elements 4 are connected (in an integrally bonded manner) according to FIG. 3A to the underlying cell arresters 3 of the battery cells 2. It is also easy to see how the cover part 5h closes off or seals the individual fluid line portions 5b at the top. Reference sign 5i denotes the receptacles for the battery cell connection elements 4 already mentioned, in particular in the region of the corrugated portions 4c. Reference sign 5j denotes hold-down elements, which may be intended to bring the battery cell connection elements 4 into defined contact with the cell arresters 3 before an integrally bonded connection of the battery cell connection elements 4 to the cell arresters 3 is established. In certain embodiments, such an integrally bonded connection may even be dispensable under certain circumstances if the battery cell connection module 5 already ensures a sufficiently firm, permanent fixing of the battery cell connection elements 4 to the cell arresters 3.
[0119] FIG. 7 shows a corresponding sectional view approximately along the dash-dotted line in FIG. 5. In particular, the discharge line for the temperature control fluid can be seen here, cf. reference sign 5e according to FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0120] FIG. 8, top image, shows an alternative battery cell connection element 4″ with open ends in longitudinal section. The associated battery cell connection module 5′ has two (plastic) half-shells 5.1 (upper shell) and 5.2 (lower shell), i.e., it is made in two parts. The temperature control fluid then flows through the assembly in the direction of the longitudinal axis, i.e. parallel to the drawing plane (arrow F). The cross-section is shown in the bottom image. The battery cell connection elements 4″ are located in the sandwich between upper shell 5.1 and lower shell 5.2. For the tool for connecting the battery cell arresters, through-openings 4da, 4ea can still be present between the region 4c and the half-shells 5.1, 5.2, but are closed off after assembly (by stoppers or the like made of an elastic material, reference sign 7).
[0121] A variant without through-openings is also possible; in this case, the battery cell arresters can be connected laterally by means of a fillet weld.
[0122] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the battery cell assembly 1 with a number of battery cell connection elements 4″, which are substantially as shown in FIG. 8. Reference signs 4″ show shortened (halved) variants of these connection elements (without bellows corrugations), each of which covers only one arrester 3. On both sides of the assembly 1, the connection elements 4″, 4′″ are connected fluidically, in which an electrically insulating line element 8 made of plastic is passed through all the connection elements 4″, 4′″ concerned. The free ends of the line elements 8 open out at the end faces of the assembly 1 into a collector element 9 with supply line 9a or discharge line 9b (cf. FIGS. 4 and 5, reference signs 5d, 5e there). Preferably, the connection elements 4″, 4′″ are first attached (welded on), as previously described, and then lined with the line elements 8. Lastly, the collection elements 9 are attached. Corresponding through-openings in the connection elements 4″, 4′″ (cf. FIG. 8) and in the line elements are closed jointly with stoppers 7, cf. also FIGS. 10 to 12.
[0123] FIG. 10 shows a longitudinal section through the assembly 1 according to FIG. 9, approximately in the region of the circle shown in FIG. 9 by a dashed line. Newly denoted in FIG. 10 are adhesive corrugations 4f, which run around the end of the connection element 4″ and which are filled with an adhesive and sealing agent (not shown) in order to connect the line element 8 fluid-tightly and in an integrally bonded manner to the connection element 4″.
[0124] FIG. 11 shows a cross-section through the connection element 4″ approximately in the same region.
[0125] FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment, wherein the illustration corresponds to that of FIG. 10. However, in FIG. 12 the connection element 4″ does not have adhesive corrugations, but instead peripheral adhesive grooves or channels 8a are arranged on the line element 8 and serve for the same purpose.
