DE102024206895A1 - Method for producing a recess - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a recess (25) in an outer layer (20), in particular an insulating layer (22) of the outer layer (20), of a battery cell (100), in particular for a battery system of a vehicle, the method comprising:
- Providing (110) a battery cell (100), comprising
◯ a battery body (10) for energy storage and
◯ an outer layer (20) surrounding the battery body (10),
- Defining (120) a contour (K) of a recess (25) in the outer layer (20) by scanning and irradiating the outer layer (20) with a laser,
- Heating (130) the outer layer (20) by scanning and irradiating with the laser, in an area (B) defined by the contour (K), and
- at least partially detaching (140) the outer layer (20) in the area (B) defined by the contour (K) in order to create the recess (25) in the outer layer (20).
Furthermore, the invention relates to a battery cell (100) and a battery system.

Description

The invention relates to a method with the features of the independent method claim, a battery cell with the features of the independent patent claim relating to a battery cell, and a battery system with the features of the independent patent claim relating to a battery system.

Battery cells are known for providing electrical energy. These can be connected to form a battery system, for example, to be used as an energy source in an (electric) vehicle. It may be necessary to connect at least two battery cells together. For example, they can be mechanically connected, particularly by gluing. Alternative battery cells or systems are developed, for example, by... US 2024/0014479 A1 , CN 219203451 or US 2022/0045406 A1 revealed.

The current state of the art has some drawbacks. For example, connecting adjacent battery cells can be difficult, particularly positioning them relative to each other. The robustness, stability, and/or durability of the connection may also be in need of improvement. This can reduce safety, for instance, in the event of external force (such as a vehicle accident involving a battery cell). Specifically, there may not be an optimized adhesive force between adjacent battery cells, especially for fastening, such as gluing. Furthermore, known manufacturing processes may not be sufficiently flexible and/or adaptable, which can increase costs, particularly in production.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome at least one of the disadvantages described above, at least partially. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved method, an improved battery cell, and/or an improved battery system. This may include improving assembly, robustness, stability, durability, safety, flexibility, and/or adaptability.

The foregoing problem is solved by a method with the features of the independent method claim, a battery cell with the features of the independent claim relating to a battery cell, and a battery system with the features of the independent claim relating to a battery system. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the method according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the battery cell and/or the battery system according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure relating to the individual aspects of the invention is always, or can always be, mutually referenced. In particular, advantages described within the first, second, and/or third aspect also apply to the first, second, and/or third aspect, respectively.

• - Bereitstellen einer Batteriezelle, aufweisend
  • ◯ einen (innenliegenden) Batteriekörper zur (elektrischen und/oder chemischen) Energiespeicherung bzw. Energiebereitstellung und
  • ◯ eine den Batteriekörper (vollumfänglich) umgebende (z. B. darüber liegende) und/oder umschließende Außenschicht,
• - Definieren einer Kontur einer Ausnehmung in der Außenschicht durch Abfahren und Bestrahlen der Außenschicht mit einem Laser,
• - Erwärmen der Außenschicht durch Abfahren und Bestrahlen mit dem Laser, in einem von der Kontur definierten Bereich, und
• - zumindest teilweises (flächiges) Ablösen der Außenschicht in dem von der Kontur definierten Bereich, um die Ausnehmung in der Außenschicht herzustellen.

The above problem is solved according to a first aspect by a (manufacturing and/or manufacturing) method for producing a recess in an outer layer, in particular an (electrical) insulating layer of the outer layer, of a battery cell (e.g. according to the second aspect), in particular for a battery system (e.g. according to the third aspect) of a vehicle, comprising the method:

• - Providing a battery cell, comprising
  • ◯ an (internal) battery body for (electrical and/or chemical) energy storage or energy supply and
  • ◯ an outer layer that completely surrounds (e.g., lies above) and/or encloses the battery body,
• - Defining the contour of a recess in the outer layer by scanning and irradiating the outer layer with a laser,
• - Heating the outer layer by scanning and irradiating it with a laser, in an area defined by the contour, and
• - at least partial (area-wide) detachment of the outer layer in the area defined by the contour in order to create the recess in the outer layer.

The recess can be designed as a depression, particularly in the battery cell material, especially the outer layer, preferably the insulating layer. The recess can have a cylindrical or cuboid (basic) shape. It is also possible for the edges of the recess to be chamfered and/or rounded. This can improve assembly, especially positioning during tying (see below), and/or the adhesive force.

The battery cell can be configured to provide electrical energy. The battery cell can preferably have at least one, and in particular two, electrical contacts configured to supply electrical energy. To tap energy from the battery body from outside the battery cell. For example, an electrical voltage and/or current can be tapped (via the electrical contacts).

Defining the contour of a recess in the outer layer by tracing and irradiating the outer layer with a laser can result in a closed contour, for example, a rectangle (for a cuboid recess) or a circle (for a cylindrical recess). For instance, the recess contour can be defined on an outward-facing surface of the battery cell, particularly the outer layer, such as the insulating layer. This definition process can involve creating and/or burning in the contour. The laser can essentially trace the contour above the outer layer while simultaneously irradiating the outer layer. This allows the outer layer to be defined along the contour, in particular (at least partially) burned in and/or dissolved and/or liquefied. Preferably, the outer layer can be removed down to and/or excluding the casing(s).

Heating the outer layer by scanning and irradiating it with a laser within a contour-defined area can be performed depending on at least one laser parameter, in particular the laser power, laser wavelength, and/or pulse repetition rate. By heating, especially by (continuous) scanning and irradiation, the area defined by the contour (especially the area enclosed by the contour) can be processed. In the simplest case, the contour can be a closed rectangle. The area can then be the (rectangular) surface enclosed by the contour. Preferably, the outer layer, especially the insulating layer, is heated within a contour-defined area. It can be provided that the heating process causes the outer layer (at least partially), especially the insulating layer, and particularly preferably the adhesive of the insulating layer, to dissolve, liquefy, and/or burn away. Accordingly, the heating process, in particular the duration and/or intensity of the irradiation, can be specific to the thickness and/or material of the outer layer, especially the insulating layer, preferably the adhesive. Preferably, at least one laser parameter can be set and/or configured to heat (only) the adhesive. It can be provided that the outer layer, especially the insulating layer and/or the adhesive, detaches (at least partially) as a result of the heating.

The at least partial removal of the outer layer in the area defined by the contour, in order to create the recess in the outer layer, can be achieved, for example, mechanically (see below). It may be sufficient to position and/or rotate the battery cell with the defined area facing downwards. This allows gravity to initiate and/or assist the removal. Additionally or alternatively, mechanical peeling can be performed, for example (manually) with pliers/tweezers and/or (automatically) with a gripper arm. In other words, the outer layer (at least partially), in particular the insulating layer, can be (completely) removed. This creates the recess. In other words, the recess can have a depression in the surrounding (unremoved) outer layer and/or insulating layer. Preferably, the housing remains (unaltered and/or undeformed, in particular apart from any slight [reversible] heating). The (at least partial) removal can be made possible (only) by defining and/or heating. Defining the recess allows for the creation of a defined edge area. This enables robust and/or reliable removal along the edge. Heating the recess preferentially dissolves the adhesive in the insulating layer. This can facilitate faster, higher-quality, and/or more flexible manufacturing. Furthermore, the process and/or a single production line can be used to process different battery cells (of varying sizes and/or geometries). The use of a laser, in particular, offers a significant advantage in terms of flexibility. The laser can be controlled, for example, by a control unit via a data connection. This control unit can possess geometric information about the battery cell, outer layer, insulating layer, adhesive, and/or corresponding materials and/or thicknesses. This enables precise manufacturing. The recess, especially its base, can be designed to have a residual and/or specific surface structure created by heating. Therefore, the recess, particularly its base, can be configured to provide improved bonding to an adjacent battery cell. This can improve manufacturing and/or assembly.

• - Herstellen des Batteriekörpers zur Energiespeicherung und
• - Herstellen der (den Batteriekörper umgebenden) Außenschicht, umfassend ein (innenliegendes) Gehäuse und eine Isolationsschicht, auf einer nach außen weisenden Oberfläche des Batteriekörpers, umfassend:
  • ◯ Anordnen des Gehäuses an dem Batteriekörper, wodurch das Gehäuse den Batteriekörper vollumfänglich umgibt,
  • ◯ Anordnen eines Trägersubstrats, insbesondere einer Trägersubstratfolie, (außen) auf dem Gehäuse und
  • ◯ Auftragen eines Klebstoffs auf dem Trägersubstrat, um die Isolationsschicht, umfassend das Trägersubstrat und den Klebstoff, zu erhalten,

Within the scope of the invention, it may be advantageous that the provision includes manufacturing the battery cell, comprising:

• - Manufacturing the battery body for energy storage and
• - Manufacturing the outer layer (surrounding the battery body), comprising an (internal) casing and an insulating layer, on an outward-facing surface of the battery body, comprising:
  • • Arranging the housing on the battery body so that the housing completely surrounds the battery body,
  • • Arranging a support substrate, in particular a support substrate film, (outside) on the housing and
  • ◯ Applying an adhesive to the substrate to create the insulating layer, comprising the substrate and the adhesive,

The outer layer can be positioned on, outside, or on an external and/or outward-facing surface of the battery cell. The insulating layer can be designed as a two-layer system. A first (inner) layer can comprise a housing. This housing can be designed to protect the battery body and/or prevent the leakage of battery components. A second (outer) layer can comprise an insulating layer. This can be achieved by applying a carrier substrate, such as an electrically insulating plastic mesh, to the housing. Furthermore, an insulating adhesive can be applied (before and/or after) the carrier substrate and/or the housing. The carrier substrate and the adhesive can bond to form the insulating layer. The insulating layer can provide thermal and/or electrical insulation for the housing and/or the battery body.

Within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that, when defining the contour, it has a self-contained shape on an outwardly facing surface of the outer layer, wherein the shape of the contour is specific for the recess.

The contour can have a closed and/or two-dimensional shape. Preferably, the contour can have a simple geometric shape, such as a rectangle and/or a circle. This can improve manufacturing speed (in particular, the process can be carried out quickly). Alternatively, a more complex geometric shape can be used. For example, a polygon and/or a star shape can be employed. This can improve the positive fit between the (subsequently created) recess and an adjacent battery cell, especially for a bonding adhesive used for bonding. Furthermore, the shape of the contour and/or recess can improve reliability and/or safety during manufacturing. For example, different battery cells, e.g., configured for different applications, voltages, currents, and/or quality levels, can each have their own contour and/or recess shapes. This can prevent and/or more easily detect bonding errors.

Within the scope of the invention, it may be provided that during the defining process the contour is burned into the outer layer, whereby the outer layer is at least partially removed, in particular the insulating layer is completely removed and the housing is not removed.

It is also conceivable that, particularly before defining and/or heating, the outer layer, especially the insulating layer, for example the carrier substrate and/or the adhesive, is pretreated with a solvent designed to facilitate defining and/or heating.

The solvent can be configured to specifically pretreat the adhesive and/or the substrate, in particular to dissolve, loosen, heat, chemically dissolve, and/or warm (e.g., through an exothermic reaction). This can accelerate and/or facilitate at least partial removal.

It is also conceivable that the heating of the outer layer by scanning and irradiation encompasses an area of the outer layer framed by the contour, wherein in particular the insulating layer, preferably the adhesive in the insulating layer, is at least partially dissolved by the laser, wherein in particular the adhesive is heated so strongly that it dissolves (in particular at least partially liquefies) and/or is burned.

Accordingly, it can be provided that only the adhesive is processed, dissolved, and/or burned by the laser. At least one laser parameter, in particular the wavelength, can be specifically adjusted to dissolve (only) the adhesive. For example, a wavelength of 1 fm to 10 m, in particular 10 pm to 10 mm, for example 10 nm to 1 mm, preferably 100 nm to 100 µm, particularly preferably 1 µm to 25 µm, and ideally 5 µm to 15 µm, can be used. The adhesive can, for example, comprise an epoxy resin. This can exhibit very high robustness. It can also be provided that the adhesive comprises a UV adhesive, which is particularly resistant to UV radiation. It can be cured and/or dissolved by light. During this process, the adhesive (along with the substrate) may also detach.

Within the scope of the invention, it is optionally possible that the at least partial removal includes a mechanical peeling off of at least an outwardly facing part of the outer layer, in particular the insulating layer, in the area defined by the contour.

Furthermore, it can be provided within the scope of the invention that the recess is created by at least partial detachment, wherein an outwardly (away from the battery body) pointing bottom of the recess is provided for binding, in particular fastening and/or gluing, to an adjacent battery cell, wherein in particular the bottom, in particular the remaining insulating layer and/or the support substrate, has a surface structure, preferably having an increased surface roughness which provides an increased adhesive force when binding.

The (mechanical) joining process can include arranging (to one another), preferably (irreversibly) fastening, in particular gluing, e.g., with a bonding adhesive. The adjacent (initially separate) battery cell, in particular comprising a protrusion complementary to the recess, can be positioned on the battery cell, especially on and/or in the recess. Before, after, and/or during this process, joining, in particular fastening and/or applying a bonding adhesive (between) the cells, can be carried out. By joining, a rigid support structure and/or a battery system comprising at least two battery cells can be formed. The recess, in particular the bottom of the recess, can preferably have a surface structure. This structure can be formed on the housing. It can be provided that a material of the housing is roughened (on the surface), in particular by the laser. Alternatively or additionally (and particularly preferably), the insulating layer, especially the carrier substrate and/or the adhesive, can be left behind at least partially (upon removal), and preferably (as a result) the residues have a (rough) surface structure. The base can be designed to achieve increased surface roughness. This can be achieved, for example, by the laser, particularly by the type of heating (see below). The surface structure, especially the surface roughness, can be detected and/or verified by a roughness measurement, i.e., corresponding rz values, e.g., with a profilometer. Alternatively or additionally, an optical measurement method can be used, for example, laser triangulation, focal microscopy, and/or atomic force microscopy (AFM). The surface structure can have a (repeating) pattern and/or geometric shapes. This can improve the production speed. The surface structure can be terraced, at least in sections, and in particular comprise different plateaus. The surface structure can feature (regular) peaks and/or valleys (in the base) of the recess. These can be produced relatively easily and/or quickly. Alternatively or additionally, circles, spiral shapes, and/or polygons, especially hexagons, can be formed. This can (further) improve the adhesive force. The surface structure can provide improved adhesion, particularly with enhanced bonding strength. Alternatively or additionally, a (rough) surface structure can be applied to the base and/or the housing, for example, by gluing it on. This can be achieved, for example, with a (rough) grid, such as one made of plastic.

With regard to the present invention, it is conceivable that when heating the outer layer by scanning and irradiating it with the laser, the scanning and irradiation is carried out depending on a (geometric and/or angled) irradiation pattern, wherein the irradiation pattern is configured to heat the outer layer, in particular the insulating layer, preferably the adhesive, in such a way that a (geometric) heating structure is formed therein, which is in particular specifically, preferably complementarily, designed to the surface structure that remains at the bottom of the recess after at least partial removal.

The laser and/or the method can be configured to align the laser (laser beam) at different positions and/or angles during scanning and/or irradiation. Alternatively or additionally, at least one laser parameter, in particular the power, wavelength, and/or pulse rate, can be varied. This allows the heating structure to be specifically formed. A specific, predefined area (the heating structure) can then form in the outer layer. Upon subsequent, at least partial, detachment, the surface structure (in and/or encompassing [at least partially] the [remaining] insulating layer, in particular in the adhesive and/or the substrate) can be affected. The surface structure can be formed (of the substrate and/or the compound encompassing both). The surface structure can preferably be complementary to the heating structure.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the heating structure and/or surface structure has a varying thickness at least in sections, preferably through a multitude of depressions (valleys) and/or elevations (mountains).

The depressions and/or elevations can be configured as grooves and/or bulges. They can be configured relative to an (outwardly facing) surface of the battery body, housing, insulating layer, substrate, and/or adhesive, with the varying thickness, and preferably the depressions and elevations, being configured at least partially (essentially) perpendicular to the surface.

Within the scope of the invention, it may be advantageous that the defining and/or heating, in particular the irradiation pattern, has a preferred direction, whereby the recess and/or the base, and in particular the surface structure, provides an improved area moment of inertia, especially for attachment to an adjacent battery cell.

For example, the contour and/or area can be elongated, rectangular, or strip-shaped, e.g., along a vertical axis, with the resulting recess also being arranged essentially along the vertical axis. This allows for optimization of the adhesive force and/or the area moment of inertia during and/or through the bonding process. This can improve robustness and/or strength. It also allows for a (comparatively) reduced number and/or area of the recess, which can minimize manufacturing time. Alternatively or additionally, a preferred direction along the horizontal and/or transverse direction can (of course) be provided (which are perpendicular to each other and/or to the vertical). This can enable a (further) improved connection. Depending on the (final) geometry and/or design of the battery system, this also allows for an arrangement and/or extent of the recesses and/or connections that (overall) enables optimized (mechanical) robustness and/or (therefore) safety. This allows the battery cells and/or the battery system to exhibit particularly good robustness against external forces.

The above problem is further solved by a battery cell according to the invention, comprising a battery body for energy storage and an outer layer surrounding the battery body, wherein the outer layer has at least one recess which was produced by the method according to the first aspect.

This results in the same advantages with regard to a battery cell according to the invention as have already been described with regard to a method according to the invention.

The above problem is further solved by a battery system according to the invention, in particular for a vehicle, comprising at least one battery cell according to the second aspect.

This results in the same advantages with regard to a battery system according to the invention as have already been described with regard to a method and/or a battery cell according to the invention.

A battery system may also be provided, comprising at least one battery cell adjacent to the battery cell, which is arranged at least partially to and/or in a recess of the battery cell by being attached.

• 1 ein Verfahren und
• 2 eine Batteriezelle.

Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which several exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The drawings illustrate this by way of example.

• 1 a procedure and
• 2 a battery cell.

The figures use identical reference numerals for the same technical features, even for different embodiments.

• - Bereitstellen 110 einer Batteriezelle 100, aufweisend
  • ◯ einen Batteriekörper 10 zur Energiespeicherung,
  • ◯ eine den Batteriekörper 10 umgebende Außenschicht 20,
• - Definieren 120 einer Kontur K einer Ausnehmung 25 in der Außenschicht 20 durch Abfahren und Bestrahlen der Außenschicht 20 mit einem Laser,
• - Erwärmen 130 der Außenschicht 20 durch Abfahren und Bestrahlen mit dem Laser, in einem von der Kontur K definierten Bereich B, und
• - zumindest teilweises Ablösen 140 der Außenschicht 20 in dem von der Kontur K definierten Bereich B, um die Ausnehmung 25 in der Außenschicht 20 herzustellen.

1 discloses a method for producing a recess 25 in an outer layer 20, in particular an insulating layer 22 of the outer layer 20, of a battery cell 100, in particular for a battery system of a vehicle, comprising the method:

• - Providing 110 of a battery cell 100, comprising
  • ◯ a battery body 10 for energy storage,
  • ◯ an outer layer 20 surrounding the battery body 10,
• - Define 120 a contour K of a recess 25 in the outer layer 20 by scanning and irradiating the outer layer 20 with a laser,
• - Heating 130 of the outer layer 20 by scanning and irradiating with the laser, in an area B defined by the contour K, and
• - at least partial detachment 140 of the outer layer 20 in the area B defined by the contour K in order to create the recess 25 in the outer layer 20.

• - Herstellen 112 des Batteriekörpers 10 zur Energiespeicherung,
• - Herstellen 113 der Außenschicht 20, umfassend ein Gehäuse 21 und eine Isolationsschicht 22, auf einer nach außen weisenden Oberfläche des Batteriekörpers 10, umfassend:
  • ◯ Anordnen 114 des Gehäuses 21 an dem Batteriekörper 10, wodurch das Gehäuse 21 den Batteriekörper 10 vollumfänglich umgibt,
  • ◯ Anordnen 115 eines Trägersubstrats 22.1 auf dem Gehäuse 21 und
  • ◯ Auftragen 116 eines Klebstoffs 22.2 auf dem Trägersubstrat 22.1, um die Isolationsschicht 22, umfassend das Trägersubstrat 22.1 und den Klebstoff 22.2, zu erhalten.

Within the scope of the invention, it may be advantageous that the provision 110 comprises a manufacturing 111 of the battery cell 100, comprising:

• - Manufacturing 112 of the battery body 10 for energy storage,
• - Manufacturing 113 of the outer layer 20, comprising a housing 21 and an insulating layer 22, on an outward-facing surface of the battery body 10, comprising:
  • ◯ Arrange 114 of the housing 21 on the battery body 10, whereby the housing 21 fully surrounds the battery body 10,
  • ◯ Arranging 115 a carrier substrate 22.1 on the housing 21 and
  • ◯ Applying 116 of an adhesive 22.2 to the support substrate 22.1 to obtain the insulating layer 22, comprising the support substrate 22.1 and the adhesive 22.2.

Within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that when defining 120, the contour K has a self-contained shape on an outwardly facing surface of the outer layer 20, wherein the shape of the contour K is specific for the recess 25.

Within the scope of the invention, it may be provided that during the defining process 120 the contour K is burned into the outer layer 20, wherein the outer layer 20 is at least partially removed, in particular the insulating layer 22 is completely removed and the housing 21 is not removed.

It is also conceivable that, in particular before defining 120 and/or heating 130, a pretreatment 119 of the outer layer 20, in particular of the insulating layer 22, is carried out by a solvent which is designed to facilitate the defining 120 and/or heating 130.

It is also conceivable that the heating 130 of the outer layer 20 by scanning and irradiation includes an area B of the outer layer 20 framed by the contour K, wherein in particular the insulating layer 22, preferably the adhesive 22.2 in the insulating layer 22, is at least partially dissolved by the laser, wherein in particular the adhesive 22.2 is heated so strongly that it dissolves and/or is burned.

Within the scope of the invention, it is optionally possible that the at least partial removal 140 comprises a mechanical peeling off of at least an outwardly facing part of the outer layer 20, in particular the insulating layer 22, in the area B defined by the contour K.

Furthermore, it may be provided within the scope of the invention that the recess 25 is created by at least partial detachment 140, wherein an outwardly facing bottom 25.1 of the recess 25 is provided for binding 150, in particular fastening and/or gluing, to an adjacent battery cell, wherein in particular the bottom 25.1 has a surface structure, preferably having an increased surface roughness, which provides an increased adhesive force when binding 150.

With regard to the present invention, it is conceivable that when heating 130 the outer layer 20 by scanning and irradiating with the laser, the scanning and irradiation is carried out depending on an irradiation pattern, wherein the irradiation pattern is configured to heat the outer layer 20, in particular the insulating layer 22, preferably the adhesive 22.2, in such a way that a heating structure is formed therein, which is in particular specifically, preferably complementarily, designed to the surface structure that remains on the bottom 25.1 of the recess 25 after the at least partial removal 140.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the heating structure and/or surface structure has a varying thickness at least in sections, preferably through a multitude of depressions and elevations.

Within the scope of the invention, it may be advantageous that the defining 120 and/or heating 130, in particular the irradiation pattern, has a preferred direction, whereby the recess 25, and in particular the surface structure, provides an improved area moment of inertia, especially for connecting 150 to an adjacent battery cell.

• - einen Batteriekörper 10 zur Energiespeicherung und
• - eine den Batteriekörper 10 umgebende Außenschicht 20, wobei die Außenschicht 20 ein Gehäuse 21 und eine Isolationsschicht 22 aufweist.

2 shows a battery cell 100 (in a cross-section), exhibiting

• - a battery body 10 for energy storage and
• - an outer layer 20 surrounding the battery body 10, wherein the outer layer 20 comprises a housing 21 and an insulating layer 22.

The insulating layer 22 can comprise a carrier substrate 22.1 and an adhesive 22.2. The adhesive 22.2 can penetrate and/or surround the (e.g., mesh-like) carrier substrate 22.1 to form the insulating layer 22, particularly after curing. The insulating layer 22 can be composed of two parts and/or comprise a bond between the carrier substrate 22.1 and the adhesive 22.2.

The recess 25 can be arranged in the outer layer 20, in particular in the insulating layer 22. The contour K can encompass the edges of the recess 25. In this case, the insulating layer 22 was removed in area B by heating 130 and/or peeling 140. The housing 21 can remain.

The recess 25, in particular the floor 25.1 of the recess 25, may at least partially have the surface structure (not shown).

Reference symbol list

10

Battery body

20

outer layer

21

Housing

22

Insulation layer

22.1

carrier substrate

22.2

adhesive

25

Exclusion

25.1

Floor

100

Battery cell

110

Provide

111

Finishes

112

Produce

113

Produce

114

Arrange

115

Arrange

116

Apply

119

Pretreatment

120

Define

130

Heat

140

Replace

150

tie up

B

Area

K

contour

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2024/0014479 A1 [0002]
• CN 219203451 [0002]
• US 2022/0045406 A1 [0002]

Claims (14)

A method for producing a recess (25) in an outer layer (20), in particular an insulating layer (22) of the outer layer (20), of a battery cell (100), especially for a vehicle battery system, comprising: - providing (110) a battery cell (100) comprising ◯ a battery body (10) for energy storage and ◯ an outer layer (20) surrounding the battery body (10), - defining (120) a contour (K) of a recess (25) in the outer layer (20) by scanning and irradiating the outer layer (20) with a laser, - heating (130) the outer layer (20) by scanning and irradiating it with the laser in an area (B) defined by the contour (K), and - at least partially detaching (140) the outer layer (20) in the area (B) defined by the contour (K) to create the recess (25) in to produce the outer layer (20). Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the provision (110) comprises manufacturing (111) the battery cell (100), comprising: - manufacturing (112) the battery body (10) for energy storage and - manufacturing (113) the outer layer (20), comprising a housing (21) and an insulating layer (22), on an outwardly facing surface of the battery body (10), comprising: ◯ arranging (114) the housing (21) on the battery body (10), whereby the housing (21) fully surrounds the battery body (10), ◯ arranging (115) a support substrate (22.1) on the housing (21) and ◯ applying (116) an adhesive (22.2) to the support substrate (22.1) to bond the insulating layer (22), comprising the support substrate (22.1) and the adhesive (22.2), to receive, Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the defining (120) the contour (K) has a self-contained shape on an outwardly facing surface of the outer layer (20), wherein the shape of the contour (K) is specific for the recess (25). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the defining (120) the contour (K) is burned into the outer layer (20), wherein the outer layer (20) is at least partially removed, wherein in particular the insulating layer (22) is completely removed and the housing (21) is not removed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in particular before defining (120) and/or heating (130), a pretreatment (119) of the outer layer (20), in particular the insulating layer (22), is carried out by a solvent which is designed to facilitate the defining (120) and/or heating (130). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating (130) of the outer layer (20) comprises scanning and irradiating an area (B) of the outer layer (20) framed by the contour (K), wherein in particular the insulating layer (22), preferably the adhesive (22.2) in the insulating layer (22), is at least partially dissolved by the laser, wherein in particular the adhesive (22.2) is heated so strongly that it dissolves and/or is burned. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least partial removal (140) comprises a mechanical peeling off of at least an outwardly facing part of the outer layer (20), in particular the insulating layer (22), in the area (B) defined by the contour (K). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess (25) is formed by at least partial detachment (140), wherein an outwardly facing bottom (25.1) of the recess (25) is provided for binding (150), in particular fastening and/or gluing, to an adjacent battery cell, wherein in particular the bottom (25.1) has a surface structure, preferably having an increased surface roughness, which provides an increased adhesive force when binding (150). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when heating (130) the outer layer (20) by scanning and irradiating with the laser, the scanning and irradiation is carried out depending on an irradiation pattern, wherein the irradiation pattern is configured to heat the outer layer (20), in particular the insulating layer (22), preferably the adhesive (22.2), in such a way that a heating structure is formed therein, which is in particular specifically, preferably complementarily, designed to the surface structure that remains on the bottom (25.1) of the recess (25) after at least partial removal (140). procedure according to one of the preceding Claims 8 or 9 characterized by this , that the heating structure and/or surface structure has a varying thickness at least in sections, preferably by means of a plurality of depressions and elevations. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the defining (120) and/or heating (130), in particular the irradiation pattern, has a preferred direction, whereby the recess (25), and in particular the surface structure, provides an improved area moment of inertia, in particular for connecting (150) to an adjacent battery cell. Battery cell (100) comprising a battery body (10) for energy storage and an outer layer (20) surrounding the battery body (10), wherein the outer layer (20) has at least one recess (25) which was produced by the method according to one of the preceding claims. Battery system comprising at least one battery cell (100) according to the preceding claim. Battery system, in particular for a vehicle, comprising at least one battery cell adjacent to the battery cell (100), which is arranged at least partially to and/or in a recess (25) of the battery cell (100) by means of a connection (150).