DE102022125843A1 - Support device for round battery cells - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates, among other things, to a carrier device (14) for a plurality of round battery cells (12) of an electrical energy storage device (10) of a vehicle. The carrier device (14) has a plurality of carrier bodies (16 - 28) which are arranged parallel to one another and each have a plurality of receiving shells (30) arranged in a row. Two receiving shells (30) of adjacent carrier bodies (16 - 28) which are directly opposite one another together form a receiving chamber for a round battery cell (12). A plurality of detachable, mechanical connecting elements (34) detachably connect the plurality of carrier bodies (16 - 28) to one another.

Description

The invention relates to a carrier device for a plurality of round battery cells of an electrical energy storage device of a vehicle and an electrical energy storage device with a carrier device and round battery cells. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with a carrier device or an electrical energy storage device. The invention also relates to a method for producing an electrical energy storage device.

Hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fuel cell and electric vehicles have traction energy storage units that can be used to absorb electrical recuperation energy and provide electrical drive energy. Traction energy storage units can be based on accumulators, e.g. Li-ion batteries. Such traction energy storage units can, for example, be modular in design, with individual battery cells arranged in stacks or next to one another and electrically combined to form individual battery modules, which in turn are connected in series or parallel within a housing.

The DE 20 2018 005 411 U1 discloses a battery module consisting of round battery cells connected in parallel and series. The round battery cells are held by a plastic holding matrix with precisely fitting receptacles in the form of cylindrical cavities. This holding matrix represents the housing of the module on the four sides parallel to the round battery cells.

The EN 10 2009 011 656 A1 discloses a method for insulatingly bonding non-exactly cylindrical cells into one-sided and two-sided, precisely shaped half-shell receptacles to obtain rectangular blocks.

Conventional battery cell arrangements can have the disadvantage that they require a relatively large amount of installation space and thus the energy density is relatively low in relation to the required installation space volume. Furthermore, the modularization approaches known from practice have the disadvantage that the number of battery cells to be installed cannot be adjusted flexibly enough to be able to adapt the traction energy storage system as flexibly as possible to different performance requirements.

A further disadvantage of conventional techniques may be that they do not take into account, or only insufficiently take into account, that the battery cells themselves have comparatively large manufacturing tolerances, e.g. around 1 mm.

Another disadvantage of conventional techniques may be the insufficient consideration of recyclability at the end of the service life of the electrical energy storage device. For example, recyclability can already be impaired during disassembly due to many adhesive joints, etc.

The invention is based on the object of creating an improved technology for supporting round battery cells of an electrical energy storage device, which at least partially overcomes existing disadvantages, e.g. the disadvantages mentioned above.

The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims and the description.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a carrier device for a plurality of round battery cells of an electrical energy storage device of a vehicle. The carrier device has a plurality of, preferably elongated, carrier bodies. The carrier bodies are arranged parallel to one another. The carrier bodies each have a plurality of receiving shells, preferably receiving half-shells, arranged in rows (e.g. in the shape of a cylinder segment or a circular cylinder segment). Two receiving shells (of the plurality of receiving shells) of adjacent carrier bodies (of the plurality of carrier bodies) that are directly opposite one another together form a receiving chamber for a round battery cell. The receiving chambers thus formed are preferably arranged in a honeycomb structure. The carrier device has a plurality of detachable, mechanical connecting elements that detachably (e.g. in a force-fitting manner) connect the plurality of carrier bodies to one another, preferably clamp them.

In addition to its function of holding or retaining the round battery cells, the carrier device can also advantageously function as a thermal sink by allowing excess thermal energy to be conducted away through it. The carrier bodies can spatially separate the receiving chambers and thus the round battery cells. The overheating of an individual round battery cell, for example in the event of a thermal emergency, also known as thermal runaway, cannot therefore be transferred to the surrounding round battery cells to the same extent as would be the case without corresponding carrier bodies. The carrier device with its carrier bodies advantageously has a modular structure. By adapting a number of carrier bodies, carrier devices of different sizes can be formed in the manner of a modular system. This can advantageously be used to create carrier devices for both many round battery cells as well as for a few round battery cells. The detachability of the mechanical connecting elements can also advantageously promote recyclability because the round battery cells, the individual carrier bodies and the connecting elements can be separated easily and non-destructively. The connecting elements can also make it possible for the round battery cells to be held securely in the carrier bodies connected by the connecting elements despite their comparatively large manufacturing tolerances.

In one embodiment, the plurality of carrier bodies have a plurality of holes, preferably on the front side, preferably through holes. The plurality of connecting elements are held in the plurality of holes, preferably in two of the plurality of holes. This advantageously makes it possible to easily assemble and disassemble the connecting elements.

In a further embodiment, the multiple holes are additionally designed as cooling channels for a cooling liquid, preferably an immersion cooling system. The holes can thus advantageously combine several functions, namely the accommodation of the connecting elements and the cooling of the round battery cells.

In a further embodiment, the plurality of connecting elements are elastically deformable, preferably for applying a clamping force to hold the plurality of carrier bodies together. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of connecting elements are designed as clips, brackets or bracket springs. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of connecting elements are U-shaped. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of connecting elements are designed as clamping elements. This advantageously enables simple and reliable assembly of the carrier device and holder of the round battery cells. On the other hand, easy disassembly can also be supported, which can improve recyclability.

In a further embodiment, the multiple connecting elements releasably connect, preferably clamp, only the adjacent carrier bodies to one another. This advantageously allows the modular construction of the carrier device to be further supported with any number of carrier bodies.

In one embodiment, the plurality of connecting elements are arranged in a row or in several parallel rows.

In a further embodiment, the plurality of connecting elements each have at least one, preferably tab-shaped and/or projecting, hold-down section for holding down one of the plurality of round battery cells. The connecting elements can thus advantageously combine several functions, namely holding the carrier bodies together and thus securing the round battery cells and holding down the round battery cells.

In one embodiment, the plurality of connecting elements each have a receiving section, preferably on the top, for receiving or supporting an electrical conductor (e.g. busbar, busbar, cell connector, cell contact system). The connecting elements can thus advantageously combine several functions, namely holding the carrier bodies together and thus securing the round battery cells as well as supporting/holding additional components, e.g. on the top of the carrier device.

In a further embodiment, the multiple carrier bodies are connected to one another without adhesive. This advantageously enables easy disassembly, which improves recyclability.

In one design variant, the adjacent carrier bodies are spaced apart from each other by a gap (e.g. so that they do not touch each other). This advantageously compensates for the manufacturing tolerances of the round battery cells.

In a further embodiment, the plurality of carrier bodies have a first end side carrier body and a second end side carrier body. Optionally, the plurality of carrier bodies can also have at least one intermediate carrier body arranged between the first end side carrier body and the second end side carrier body. The carrier device can thus advantageously have a modular structure in which a number of intermediate carrier bodies is adapted to a desired number of parallel rows of the round battery cells, e.g. no intermediate carrier body => one row of round battery cells; one intermediate carrier body => two rows of round battery cells; two intermediate carrier bodies => three rows of round battery cells, etc.

In one embodiment, the first end side support body and the second end side support body are designed as identical parts. Preferably, the second end side support body is rotated by 180° relative to the first end side support body. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one intermediate support body has a plurality of intermediate intermediate carrier bodies that are designed as identical parts. Neighboring intermediate carrier bodies are preferably rotated by 180° relative to one another. This can advantageously further support the modular structure and further reduce costs through economies of scale and reduced storage costs, etc.

In a further embodiment, the receiving shells for each intermediate support body are arranged in two parallel rows on opposite sides of the respective intermediate support body. This advantageously enables a space-saving construction of the intermediate support bodies and further supports the modular structure.

In one embodiment, the first end side support body and/or the second end side support body has an inner side facing the at least one intermediate support body, and the receiving shells of the first end side support body and/or the second end side support body are arranged in a row on the inner side. This advantageously enables a space-saving construction of the end side support bodies and further supports the modular structure.

In a further embodiment, the first end side support body and/or the second end side support body has an outer side facing away from the at least one intermediate support body, and the outer side has a (e.g. rounded or angular) wave shape, preferably for continuing a honeycomb structure of the receiving chambers in a further support device that can be arranged on the outer side. This advantageously enables a space-saving construction of the end side support bodies and further supports the modular structure.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an electrical energy storage device for a vehicle. The electrical energy storage device has a carrier device as disclosed herein. The electrical energy storage device has a plurality of round battery cells, each of which is accommodated in one of the receiving chambers, so that a honeycomb structure of the plurality of round battery cells is preferably produced. Preferably, the plurality of carrier bodies can be supported on one another via the plurality of round battery cells (e.g. with a gap) at a distance from one another and held together, preferably clamped together, via the plurality of connecting elements. Alternatively or additionally, the electrical energy storage device can be designed for immersion cooling and holes for the plurality of connecting elements can be designed as cooling channels for cooling liquid of the immersion cooling. Advantageously, the electrical energy storage device can achieve the same advantages that have already been explained with reference to the carrier device.

In one embodiment, the electrical energy store further comprises a further carrier device as disclosed herein. The electrical energy store further comprises a plurality of further round battery cells, each of which is accommodated in one of the receiving chambers of the at least one further carrier device, so that preferably a honeycomb structure of the plurality of further round battery cells results, particularly preferably continued by a honeycomb structure of the plurality of round battery cells.

Optionally, the at least one further carrier device can be stacked with the carrier device or arranged next to the carrier device (e.g. with a corrugated outer side of a first end side carrier of the further carrier device on a corrugated outer side of a first or second end side carrier of the carrier device).

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a motor vehicle, preferably a commercial vehicle (e.g. truck or bus). The motor vehicle has at least one carrier device as disclosed herein. Alternatively, the motor vehicle has an electrical energy storage device as disclosed herein. The same advantages that have already been explained with reference to the carrier device can advantageously be achieved with the motor vehicle.

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for producing an electrical energy storage device as disclosed herein. The method comprises (e.g. mechanically or manually) positioning the plurality of carrier bodies and the plurality of round battery cells such that the plurality of round battery cells are inserted into the plurality of receiving chambers, wherein preferably a gap is formed between the adjacent carrier bodies. The method further comprises (e.g. mechanically or manually) connecting (e.g. holding or clamping together) the plurality of carrier bodies into which the plurality of round battery cells are inserted by means of the plurality of connecting elements, wherein preferably the respective gap is maintained to compensate for manufacturing tolerances of the plurality of round battery cells by supporting the adjacent carrier bodies on the inserted round battery cells. Optionally, the method can further comprise, for example, selecting a number of intermediate carrier bodies of the plurality of carrier bodies depending on a desired number of the plurality of round battery cells to be inserted into the receiving chambers of the carrier device. The method can advantageously achieve the same advantages as those already described with reference to the carrier device.

• 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Bereichs eines elektrischen Energiespeichers gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Offenbarung;
• 2 eine Detaildarstellung eines Abschnitts von 1;
• 3 eine Draufsicht auf den beispielhaften Bereich von 1;
• 4 eine Detaildarstellung eines Abschnitts von 3;
• 5 eine Schnittansicht entlang einer Linie A-A in 3.
• 6 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Bereichs eines elektrischen Energiespeichers gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Offenbarung;
• 7 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Trägervorrichtung für Batterierundzellen gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Offenbarung; und
• 8 eine Draufsicht auf die beispielhafte Trägervorrichtung von 7.

The preferred embodiments and features of the invention described above can be combined with one another as desired. Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

• 1 a perspective view of a portion of an electrical energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 2 a detailed view of a section of 1 ;
• 3 a top view of the exemplary area of 1 ;
• 4 a detailed view of a section of 3 ;
• 5 a sectional view along a line AA in 3 .
• 6 a perspective view of a portion of an electrical energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 7 a perspective view of a carrier device for round battery cells according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
• 8th a plan view of the exemplary carrier device of 7 .

The embodiments shown in the figures correspond at least partially, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals and for their explanation reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures in order to avoid repetition.

The 1 to 8 show areas of an electrical energy storage device 10 for a motor vehicle.

The motor vehicle is preferably designed as a commercial vehicle, e.g. a truck or a bus. For example, the truck can have a body (e.g. loading) or be designed as a tractor unit.

The motor vehicle is preferably electrically powered. The energy storage device 10 can be designed as a traction battery for providing electrical energy to drive the motor vehicle. For example, the motor vehicle can be powered by means of a central electric drive, by means of several electric wheel hub drives or several electric drives close to the wheels. The energy storage device 10 can be charged externally, for example, via an electrical charging cable connected to a charging socket of the motor vehicle and/or by means of recuperation.

The energy storage device 10 can preferably be attached to a vehicle frame of the motor vehicle. The vehicle frame can be designed, for example, as a lattice frame or preferably as a ladder frame. The energy storage device can preferably be arranged on the outside of a main longitudinal member of the ladder frame or between the two main longitudinal members of the ladder frame.

The energy storage device 10 has several round battery cells 12 and a carrier device 14. For the sake of better clarity, not all round battery cells 12 are provided with their own reference symbol in the figures.

The round battery cells 12 can be carried by the carrier device 14. The round battery cells 12 can be arranged by the carrier device 14 preferably in a (honey)comb arrangement. The round battery cells 12 can essentially have a circular cylindrical shape. The round battery cells 12 can each have electrical poles at one end region or at opposite end regions for conductively connecting the round battery cells 12. The round battery cells 12 can preferably be electrically connected in series. For example, two adjacent round battery cells 12 can each be electrically conductively contacted at their poles by means of a cell connector.

It is possible that the energy storage device 10 has several (e.g. two, three, four, etc.) carrier devices 14, 14B, 14C, 14D for battery round cells 12, as for example in 6 The plurality of carrier devices 14, 14B, 14C, 14D can preferably be designed as identical parts. The plurality of carrier devices 14, 14B, 14C, 14D can be arranged at least partially next to one another in a common alignment plane, as shown in 6 Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of carrier devices 14, 14B, 14C, 14D can be at least partially stacked on top of one another (not shown).

The carrier device 14 has several carrier bodies 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 and connecting elements 34. For the sake of better clarity, not all connecting elements 34 are provided with their own reference numerals in the figures.

The carrier bodies 16 - 28 are preferably elongated. The carrier bodies 16 - 28 are arranged parallel to one another. The respective longitudinal axes of the carrier bodies 16 - 28 can preferably run parallel to one another.

The carrier bodies 16 - 28 each have a plurality of receiving trays 30 arranged in rows for the round battery cells 12. For the sake of better clarity, not all receiving trays 30 are provided with their own reference symbol in the figures.

The receiving trays 30 are arranged in several rows. The rows preferably extend parallel to the longitudinal axes of the carrier bodies 16 - 28.

The receiving shells 30 can, for example, be in the shape of a cylinder segment, preferably in the shape of a circular cylinder segment. The receiving shells 30 are preferably designed as receiving half shells.

Two receiving shells 30 of adjacent carrier bodies of the plurality of carrier bodies 16 - 28 that are directly opposite one another together form a receiving chamber for a round battery cell 12. In the exemplary embodiment shown, for example, the carrier bodies 16 and 18, 18 and 20, 20 and 22, etc. are adjacent. For example, the directly opposite receiving shells 30 of the adjacent carrier bodies 16 and 18 can form several receiving chambers for the round battery cells 12, e.g. twelve receiving chambers each made up of twelve receiving shells 30 as shown in the figures.

The receiving chambers formed from two receiving shells 30 each can be arranged in a nested manner. The receiving chambers can preferably be arranged in a (honey) honeycomb structure.

The carrier body 16 can be a first end side or outer side carrier body. The carrier body 28 can be a second end side or outer side carrier body. The carrier bodies 16 and 28 can be arranged on opposite sides, preferably longitudinal outer sides, of the carrier device 14. The carrier bodies 16 and 28 can be outer or outside carrier bodies.

The carrier body 16 can preferably have a single row of receiving shells 30. The carrier body 16 can have the receiving shells 30 on an inner side of the carrier body 16. The receiving shells 30 can face the carrier body 18. An outer side of the carrier body 16 can preferably be corrugated. The outer side can be directed outwards with respect to the carrier device 14. The outer side can be directed away from the other carrier bodies 18 - 28. The corrugation can be rounded - as shown - or, for example, stepped or angular. The outer side and the inner side can be aligned opposite to one another.

The carrier body 28 can preferably have a single row of receiving shells 30. The carrier body 28 can have the receiving shells 30 on an inner side of the carrier body 28. The receiving shells 30 can face the carrier body 26. An outer side of the carrier body 28 can preferably be corrugated. The outer side can be directed outwards with respect to the carrier device 14. The outer side can be directed away from the other carrier bodies 16 - 26. The corrugation can be rounded - as shown - or, for example, stepped or square. The outer side and the inner side can be aligned opposite to one another.

The wave shape on the outside of the carrier body 16 and/or 28 can be used to continue a honeycomb structure of the receiving chambers in an adjacent, further carrier body. Such a development is, for example, in 6 shown, in which, purely by way of example, a further carrier device 14B with a wave-shaped outer side is arranged adjacent to, preferably adjacent to, the wave-shaped outer side of the carrier body 28 of the carrier device 14.

The carrier bodies 16 and 28 can preferably be designed as identical parts. The carrier bodies 16 and 28 can be rotated by 180° relative to one another, preferably about a vertical axis. The carrier bodies 18 and 28 can be aligned such that their rows of receiving shells 30 face one another.

The carrier bodies 18 - 26 can be optional intermediate carrier bodies or intermediate carrier bodies with a variable number. The carrier bodies 18 - 26 can be arranged between the carrier bodies 16 and 28. The carrier bodies 18 - 26 can be arranged inside the carrier bodies 16 and 28.

It is possible that no, one or more intermediate support bodies are included. A number of intermediate support bodies can be selected depending on a number of round battery cells 12 to be supported. For example, an additional row of round battery cells 12 can be supported per additional intermediate support. If no intermediate support is present, the support bodies 16 and 28, i.e. the end side support bodies, can be adjacent support bodies.

The carrier bodies 18 - 26 can each preferably have two parallel rows of receiving shells 30. The two rows can each be arranged on opposite sides of the respective carrier body 18 - 26. The receiving shells 30 of the two rows can be arranged offset from one another with respect to a longitudinal axis of the respective carrier body 18 - 26. The receiving shells 30 of the two rows can be arranged nested with respect to one another in a plan view of the respective carrier body 18 - 26, e.g. in a honeycomb structure.

The carrier bodies 18 - 26 can preferably be designed as identical parts. Adjacent carrier bodies of the carrier bodies 18 - 26 can be rotated by 180° relative to one another, preferably about a vertical axis.

The carrier bodies 16 - 28 can be made of steel or aluminum, for example. The carrier bodies 16 - 28 can preferably be designed as aluminum extrusions.

The support bodies 16 - 28 can each have several holes 32 for the connecting elements 34. For the sake of better clarity, not all holes 32 are provided with their own reference symbol in the figures.

The holes 32 are preferably designed as through holes. Alternatively, the holes 32 can be designed as blind holes, for example. The holes 32 can extend, for example, between an upper side of the respective carrier body 16 - 28 and an underside of the respective carrier body 16 - 28.

The holes 32 can be arranged at a distance from the receiving trays 30. The holes 32 can be arranged in groups around the receiving chambers for the round battery cells 12. The holes 32 can run parallel to the longitudinal axes of the receiving chambers for the round battery cells 12. Two holes 32 can form a pair into which one of the connecting elements 34 can engage. For example, each receiving tray 30 can include at least one hole 32.

It is possible that the holes 32 serve as cooling channels for a cooling liquid in addition to accommodating the connecting elements 34. For example, the electrical energy storage device 10 can be designed for immersion cooling. The carrier device 14, together with the round battery cells 12 carried therein, can be surrounded by cooling liquid or can be immersed in a cooling liquid bath. This cooling liquid can in particular also flow through the holes 32, which thus function as cooling channels.

The mechanical connecting elements 34 releasably connect the multiple carrier bodies 16 - 28 to one another and can thus hold them together, preferably by applying a clamping force. The connecting elements 34 preferably releasably connect adjacent carrier bodies 16 - 28 to one another. The connecting elements 34 are preferably designed as clamping elements.

Each pair of adjacent carrier bodies 16 - 28 can be connected and held together, preferably clamped together, by several of the connecting elements 34. For example, each receiving chamber can comprise at least one connecting element 34.

Depending on the number of carrier bodies 16 - 28, the connecting elements 34 can be arranged or aligned in one or more parallel rows. For example, with seven carrier bodies 16 - 28, there can be six rows of connecting elements 34, as shown. Preferably, a number of rows of connecting elements 34 can be one less than a number of carrier bodies 16 - 28. The rows can run parallel to the longitudinal axes of the carrier bodies 16 - 28.

The connecting elements 34 can be held in the holes 32, e.g. by clamping. Preferably, each connecting element 34 can be held in two holes 32 of adjacent carrier bodies 16 - 28.

One end leg of a connecting element 34 can be held in a hole 32. Another end leg of the connecting element 34 can be held in a further hole 32. The connecting elements 34 can preferably be designed as clips, brackets or bracket springs and/or have a U-shape.

Preferably, the connecting elements 34 can each apply a clamping force to hold the adjacent carrier bodies 16 - 28 together. The connecting elements 34 can, for example, be elastically deformable. Preferably, the carrier bodies 16 - 28 can be connected to one another without adhesive due to the connecting elements 34.

The connecting elements 34 can hold the carrier bodies 16 - 28 together via the round battery cells 12 carried in the receiving chambers. The carrier bodies 16 - 28 can therefore not be supported directly on one another or lie against one another. Instead, the carrier bodies 16 - 28 can be supported on one another via the round battery cells 12, with the connecting elements holding the carrier bodies per 16 - 28 and hold the battery cells 12 together.

Adjacent carrier bodies 16 - 28 can preferably be spaced apart from one another. Between adjacent carrier bodies 16 - 28, a gap S (only in the 2 , 4 , 5 and 8th provided with reference symbols). A size of the gap S can depend on a manufacturing tolerance of the round battery cells 12 and thus preferably compensate for this manufacturing tolerance. The gap S can be, for example, > 0 mm or ≥ 1 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the gap S can be, for example, ≤ 5 mm, ≤ 4 mm, ≤ 3 mm or ≤ 2 mm. The gap S can be a minimum distance between the adjacent carrier bodies 16 - 28.

Preferably, the connecting elements 34 can fulfil additional functions.

For example, the connecting elements 34 can be designed additionally to hold down the round battery cells 12. For example, the connecting elements 34 can each have one or more hold-down sections 36 (see e.g. 2 and 4 ). The hold-down sections 36 can press against a front side, preferably the top side, of the round battery cells 12 and thus preferably hold down the round battery cells 12. The hold-down sections 36 can be arranged outside the holes 32. The hold-down sections 36 can be arranged on the middle legs of the connecting elements 34, which are preferably designed in a U-shape and/or as clips, brackets or bracket springs. The hold-down sections 36 can be designed, for example, to be cantilevered and/or tab-shaped, as shown.

It is possible for the connecting elements 34 to each have hold-down sections 36 for simultaneously holding down two adjacent round battery cells 12. For example, the connecting elements 34 can each have two hold-down sections 36 on opposite longitudinal sides of a center leg of the respective connecting element 34.

The connecting elements 34 can also be used, for example, to support or hold electrical conductors. A busbar, a busbar, a cell connector or a cell contact system can be used as an electrical conductor. For example, the connecting elements 34 can each have a receiving section 38 (see, for example, 2 ). The receiving section 38 is preferably arranged on the top of the respective connecting element 34. The receiving section 38 can be arranged, for example, on the middle leg of the respective connecting element 34. An electrical conductor can be received or supported on the receiving section 38 (not shown in the figures).

The connecting elements 34 can also serve, for example, as spacers between support devices 14 stacked on top of one another (not shown in the figures).

It is possible for the carrier device 14 to be attached to a frame, a housing and/or a support structure of the electrical energy storage device 10. The attachment can be made, for example, by means of at least one fastening element 40. For the sake of better clarity, not all fastening elements 40 are provided with their own reference symbol in the figures.

The fastening element 40 can be a screw or a bolt, for example. The fastening element 40 can be inserted into a hole, e.g. a blind hole or through hole, in the support device 14. It can be particularly space-saving if the hole is formed jointly by adjacent support bodies 16 - 28. The hole can preferably be formed from two hole half-shells of adjacent support bodies 16 - 28, which are directly opposite one another. A respective gap S can go through the hole.

It is also possible that, for example, a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the round battery cells 12 is arranged below the support device 14 (not shown in the figures). The temperature control device can be, for example, a temperature control plate through which a cooling medium can flow. A so-called gap filler can preferably be arranged between the support device 14 and the temperature control device.

Preferably, the battery round cells 12 and the support device 14 can be assembled as explained below.

First, the carrier bodies 16 - 28 can be 8th shown. The round battery cells 12 can be inserted into the receiving chambers formed by the receiving half-shells 30. Alternatively, one of the carrier bodies 16 - 28 and a row of the round battery cells 12 can be added alternately.

The gap S can be created or maintained between adjacent carrier bodies 16 - 28. It is possible that the gap between the round battery cells 12 and the receiving shells 30 is filled with thermal paste or something similar.

The carrier bodies 16 - 28 can then be releasably connected to one another by means of the connecting elements 34. The respective gap S can be held together to compensate for manufacturing tolerances of the multiple round battery cells 12 by supporting the adjacent carrier bodies 16 - 28 on the inserted round battery cells 12.

The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a large number of variants and modifications are possible which also make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and the features of the subclaims independently of the claims referred to. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. In addition, the features of the subclaims are also disclosed independently of all features of independent claim 1 and, for example, independently of the features relating to the presence and/or configuration of the carrier bodies and/or the connecting elements of independent claim 1. All range specifications herein are to be understood as disclosed in such a way that all values falling within the respective range are disclosed individually, e.g. also as preferred narrower outer limits of the respective range.

List of reference symbols

10

Electrical energy storage

12

Battery round cell

14

Carrier device

16

(e.g. end side) carrier body

18

(e.g. intermediate) carrier body

20

(e.g. intermediate) carrier body

22

(e.g. intermediate) carrier body

24

(e.g. intermediate) carrier body

26

(e.g. intermediate) carrier body

28

(e.g. end side) carrier body

30

Holder

32

Hole

34

Connecting element

36

Hold-down section

38

Recording section

40

Fastener

S

gap

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. 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

• DE 202018005411 U1 [0003]
• DE 102009011656 A1 [0004]

Claims (15)

Support device (14) for several round battery cells (12) of an electrical energy storage device (10) of a vehicle, wherein the support device (14) has: several, preferably elongated, support bodies (16 - 28) which: - are arranged parallel to one another; - each have several receiving shells (30) arranged in rows, preferably receiving half-shells, wherein two receiving shells (30) of adjacent support bodies (16 - 28) which are directly opposite one another jointly form a receiving chamber for a round battery cell (12), wherein the receiving chambers thus formed are preferably arranged in a honeycomb structure; and several detachable, mechanical connecting elements (34) which detachably connect the several support bodies (16 - 28) to one another, preferably clamp them. Support device (14) according to Claim 1 , wherein: the plurality of carrier bodies (16 - 28) have a plurality of, preferably end-side, holes (32), preferably through holes; and the plurality of connecting elements (34) are held in the plurality of holes (32), preferably in two of the plurality of holes (32) each. Support device (14) according to Claim 2 , wherein: the plurality of holes (32) are additionally designed as cooling channels for a cooling liquid, preferably an immersion cooling system. Support device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the plurality of connecting elements (34) are elastically deformable, preferably for applying a clamping force to hold the plurality of support bodies (16 - 28) together; and/or the plurality of connecting elements (34) are designed as clips, brackets or bracket springs; and/or the plurality of connecting elements (34) are U-shaped; and/or the plurality of connecting elements (34) are designed as clamping elements. Support device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the plurality of connecting elements (34) each releasably connect, preferably clamp, only the adjacent support bodies (16 - 28) to one another; and/or the plurality of connecting elements (34) are arranged in a row or in several parallel rows. Support device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the plurality of connecting elements (34) each have at least one, preferably tab-shaped and/or projecting, hold-down section (36) for holding down one of the plurality of round battery cells (12); and/or the plurality of connecting elements (34) each have a, preferably upper-side, receiving section (38) for receiving or supporting an electrical conductor. Carrier device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the plurality of carrier bodies (16 - 28) are connected to one another without adhesive; and/or the adjacent carrier bodies (16 - 28) are each spaced apart from one another by a gap (S). Support device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the plurality of support bodies (16 - 28) comprise: a first end side support body (16); a second end side support body (28); and at least one intermediate support body (18 - 26) arranged between the first end side support body (16) and the second end side support body (28). Support device (14) according to Claim 8 , wherein: the first end side support body (16) and the second end side support body (28) are designed as identical parts, wherein preferably the second end side support body (28) is rotated by 180° relative to the first end side support body (16); and/or the at least one intermediate support body (18 - 26) has a plurality of intermediate support bodies (18 - 26) which are designed as identical parts, wherein preferably adjacent intermediate support bodies (18 - 26) are each rotated by 180° relative to one another. Support device (14) according to Claim 8 or Claim 9 , wherein: the receiving shells (30) for each intermediate carrier body (18 - 26) are arranged in two parallel rows on opposite sides of the respective intermediate carrier body (18 - 26). Support device (14) according to one of the Claims 8 until 10 , wherein: the first end side carrier body (16) and/or the second end side carrier body (28) has a facing inner side, and the receiving shells (30) of the first end side carrier body (16) and/or the second end side carrier body (28) are arranged in a row on the inner side; and/or the first end side carrier body (16) and/or the second end side carrier body (28) has an outer side facing away from the at least one intermediate carrier body (18 - 26), and the outer side has a wave shape, preferably for continuing a honeycomb structure of the receiving chambers in a further carrier device (14B) which can be arranged on the outer side. Electrical energy storage device (10) for a vehicle, comprising: a carrier device (14) according to one of the preceding claims; and a plurality of round battery cells (12), each of which is accommodated in one of the receiving chambers, so that a honeycomb structure of the plurality of round battery cells (12) is preferably obtained, wherein preferably: - the plurality of carrier bodies (16 - 28) are supported on one another via the plurality of round battery cells (12) at a distance from one another and are held together, preferably clamped together, via the plurality of connecting elements (34); and/or - the electrical energy storage device (10) is designed for immersion cooling and holes (32) for the plurality of connecting elements (34) are designed as cooling channels for coolant for the immersion cooling. Electrical energy storage (10) according to Claim 12 , further comprising: a further carrier device (14B, 14C, 14D) according to one of the Claims 1 until 11 ; and a plurality of further round battery cells (12), each of which is accommodated in one of the receiving chambers of the at least one further carrier device (14B, 14C, 14D), so that preferably a honeycomb structure of the plurality of further round battery cells (12) results, particularly preferably continued by a honeycomb structure of the plurality of round battery cells (12), wherein optionally: the at least one further carrier device (14B, 14C, 14D) is stacked with the carrier device (14) or is arranged next to the carrier device (14). Motor vehicle, preferably commercial vehicle, comprising: at least one carrier device (14) according to one of the Claims 1 until 11 ; or an electrical energy storage device (10) according to Claim 12 or Claim 13 . Method for producing an electrical energy storage device (10) according to Claim 12 or Claim 13 , comprising: positioning the plurality of carrier bodies (16 - 28) and the plurality of round battery cells (12) in such a way that the plurality of round battery cells (12) are inserted into the plurality of receiving chambers, wherein preferably a gap (S) is formed between the adjacent carrier bodies (16 - 28); connecting the plurality of carrier bodies (16 - 28) into which the plurality of round battery cells (12) are inserted by means of the plurality of connecting elements (34), wherein preferably the respective gap (S) is held to compensate for manufacturing tolerances of the plurality of round battery cells (12) by supporting the adjacent carrier bodies (16 - 28) on the inserted round battery cells (12); and optionally selecting a number of intermediate carrier bodies (18 - 26) of the plurality of carrier bodies (16 - 28) depending on a desired number of the plurality of round battery cells (12) to be inserted into the receiving chambers of the carrier device (14).

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