Battery module member, battery module assembly, battery pack, and vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a battery module member (1, 1 ') for a battery module assembly (2) of a battery pack (3), in which the battery module member (1, 1') has a longitudinal extension in a longitudinal direction (L), a width extension in a width direction (W) and a height extension in a height direction (H), and in which the battery module member (1, 1 ') is formed as a frame, the frame is configured to surround and hold a plurality of battery cells (21), as seen in a cross-sectional plane defined by a longitudinal direction (L) and a width direction (W). The present disclosure also relates to a battery module assembly (2), a battery pack (3) and a vehicle (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to batteries, i.e., energy storage systems. In particular aspects, the present disclosure relates to a battery module member, a battery module assembly, a battery pack, and a vehicle. The present disclosure may be applicable to heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses, and construction equipment, as well as other vehicle types. Although the present disclosure may be described with respect to a particular vehicle, the present disclosure is not limited to any particular vehicle. Background Art

[0002] A battery pack typically comprises a plurality of battery cells, i.e., electrochemical battery cells, electrically connected in series and / or in parallel. A battery pack may comprise one or more individual battery modules, wherein each module comprises a stack of battery cells. The battery cells may be cylindrical battery cells. Alternatively, the battery cells may be prismatic battery cells.

[0003] Due to trends such as with respect to electrification of vehicles, there are ongoing efforts to develop improved technologies related to battery packs and battery modules, such as to provide more cost-effective configurations that facilitate assembly and manufacturing. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module component for a battery module assembly of a battery pack is provided. The battery module component has a longitudinal extension in a longitudinal direction, a width extension in a width direction, and a height extension in a height direction. The battery module component is formed as a frame configured to surround and hold a plurality of battery cells, as seen in a cross-sectional plane defined by the longitudinal direction and the width direction, and the battery module component comprises:

[0005] - a first surface facing upwards in the height direction and a second surface facing downwards in the height direction,

[0006] - at least one first hole configured to receive a fastening member, the at least one first hole extending through the battery module member in a height direction, having a first opening on a first surface and a second opening on a second surface,

[0007] - at least one second hole extending in the height direction and having a third opening on the first surface,

[0008] Wherein the second hole is configured to receive and retain the fastening member by an interference fit between the fastening member and the inner surface of the second hole defining the second hole. The first aspect of the present disclosure may seek to provide a battery module component that is beneficial to the assembly and manufacture of a battery module assembly and / or a battery pack. Technical benefits may include that the battery module assembly and / or the battery pack may be constructed by using fewer types of different parts (such as, by one type of battery module component). For example, a battery module assembly and / or a battery pack may be constructed using more than one battery module component according to the first aspect of the present disclosure having the same or similar configuration. This may imply a configuration that is easy to scale in size in a cost-effective manner.

[0009] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the first hole is defined by a substantially smooth first hole inner surface. Technical benefits may include facilitating insertion of a fastening member into the first hole, wherein after insertion, the fastening member fully extends through the battery module member, such that the fastening member protrudes from the second surface and enters a fixing hole of another member below the second surface, thereby fixing the battery module member to the other member.

[0010] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the second hole inner surface includes threads for a fastening member. Technical benefits may include facilitating fixation to another member above the battery module member, thereby creating a robust interference fit between the fastening member and the threads.

[0011] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the diameter of the first hole is greater than the diameter of the second hole. Technical benefits may include that the same type of fastening member may be used for the first hole and the second hole. For example, the fastening member may include a first elongated section without any threads configured to be provided in the first hole, followed by a second elongated section with threads configured to be provided in the second hole. In some examples, once the fastening member has been inserted into the second hole, the diameters of the first hole and the second hole may be substantially the same. In some examples, the diameter of the second hole may be measured as the smallest diameter defined by the outer portion of the threads in the second hole.

[0012] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the first hole includes a first hole portion extending downward from the first surface toward the second surface and a second hole portion extending from the first hole portion to the second surface, wherein the first hole portion has a larger diameter than the second hole portion. Technical benefits may include that a fastening member head of a fastening member may be provided in the first hole portion so that the fastening member does not protrude from the first surface. In some examples, the first hole portion has a tapered profile, as seen in a cross-sectional view defined by a height direction and a direction perpendicular to the height direction. In other examples, the first hole portion has a substantially straight profile and / or a stepped profile, as seen in a cross-sectional view defined by a height direction and a direction perpendicular to the height direction.

[0013] Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the battery module component includes a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes, wherein the plurality of first and second holes are preferably arranged in a repeating pattern along the extension of the first surface. Technical benefits may include achieving a reliable and robust connection to another component.

[0014] Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the second hole is further defined by the bottom surface of the second hole of the battery module member. Technical benefits may include that fewer openings may be provided on the second surface. Fewer holes extending completely through the battery module member may produce a more cost-effective configuration. Another technical benefit may include that it is easier for a user to identify which of the first surface and the second surface is the upper surface and the bottom surface, respectively. This may facilitate the user's assembly operation of the battery module assembly / battery pack. The user may be a human and / or a robot.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module assembly for a battery pack is provided. The battery module assembly includes a first battery cell layer, the first battery cell layer including a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells being surrounded and held by a battery module member according to any one of the examples of the first aspect of the present disclosure. The second aspect of the present disclosure may seek to provide a battery module assembly that is beneficial to the assembly and manufacture of a battery module assembly and / or a battery pack. Technical benefits may include that a battery module assembly and / or a battery pack may be constructed by using fewer types of different parts (such as, by one type of battery module member). For example, a battery module assembly and / or a battery pack may be constructed using more than one battery module member according to the first aspect of the present disclosure having the same or similar configuration. This may imply a configuration that is easy to scale in a cost-effective manner in size. The longitudinal direction, width direction, and height direction of the battery module assembly correspond to the longitudinal direction, width direction, and height direction of the battery module member, respectively.

[0016] Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the battery module assembly includes a second battery cell layer provided on top of the first battery cell layer, as seen in the height direction, wherein the second battery cell layer includes a plurality of battery cells surrounded and held by an auxiliary battery module member according to any one of the examples of the first aspect of the present disclosure, and wherein the battery module assembly further includes at least one first fastening member connecting the battery module member of the first battery cell layer to the auxiliary battery module member of the second battery cell layer. Technical benefits may include providing a battery module assembly having several battery cell layers in a cost-effective manner (i.e., by using the same or similar type of battery module member for each battery cell layer).

[0017] Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, at least one first fastening member extends through at least one first hole of the auxiliary battery module member of the second battery cell layer and into at least one second hole of the battery module member of the first battery cell layer. Technical benefits may include providing a reliable and robust connection. Another technical benefit may include not requiring the use of an intermediate member between the two battery cell layers, thereby implying a more cost-effective configuration.

[0018] Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, each of the auxiliary battery module components of the second battery cell layer and the battery module components of the first battery cell layer includes a first side and a second side of the frame extending in the longitudinal direction and offset in the width direction and a third side and a fourth side of the frame extending in the width direction and offset in the longitudinal direction, wherein the first hole of at least one first hole is provided on the first side, and the second hole of at least one second hole is provided on the second side, wherein the first hole on the first side is provided at a first longitudinal distance from the third side, and the second hole on the second side is provided at a second longitudinal distance from the fourth side, and wherein the first longitudinal distance and the second longitudinal distance are substantially the same. A technical benefit may include that by rotating one of the battery module components relative to another of the battery module components, the first hole of one of the battery module components will be aligned with the second hole of another of the battery module components. This may imply a cost-effective configuration in which only one type of battery module component is used to construct several battery cell layers.

[0019] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the battery module assembly includes an intermediate spacer member provided between the battery module member of the first battery cell layer and the auxiliary battery module member of the second battery cell layer, wherein the intermediate spacer member includes:

[0020] - a third surface facing upward in the height direction and a fourth surface facing downward in the height direction,

[0021] - at least one third hole configured to receive a fastening member, the at least one third hole extending through the intermediate spacer member in a height direction, having a fourth opening on the third surface and a fifth opening on the fourth surface,

[0022] - at least one fourth hole extending in the height direction and having a sixth opening on the third surface,

[0023] The fourth hole is configured to receive and retain the fastening member through an interference fit between the fastening member and an inner surface of the fourth hole defining the fourth hole.

[0024] Technical benefits may include that a battery module assembly and / or battery pack may be constructed using fewer types of different parts, such as by using one type of battery module member and one type of intermediate spacer member.

[0025] Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, at least one first fastening member extends through a first hole of an auxiliary battery module component of a second battery cell layer and into a fourth hole of an intermediate spacer component, wherein the battery module assembly further comprises at least one second fastening member, and wherein at least one second fastening member extends through at least one third hole and into a second hole of a battery module component of the first battery cell layer.

[0026] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the intermediate spacer member is formed as a frame and / or includes at least two separate beam members. Forming as a frame implies that the intermediate spacer member is similar to a battery module member, and including at least two separate members can create more space for cables, cooling ducts, etc.

[0027] Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, at least one battery module member of the battery module assembly has a height that is less than the height of the battery cell surrounded and held by the at least one battery module member. Technical benefits may include facilitating stacking of battery cell layers on top of each other. Technical benefits may additionally or alternatively include enabling more space for cables, cooling ducts, etc.

[0028] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a battery pack is provided, the battery pack comprising a battery module assembly according to any one of the examples of the second aspect of the present disclosure. The advantages and effects of the third aspect of the present disclosure are similar to those of the first and second aspects of the present disclosure.

[0029] Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the battery pack further includes a housing defining an internal space for holding the battery module assembly.

[0030] Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the housing has a longitudinal extension in a longitudinal direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the battery module components of the first battery cell layer, a width extension in a width direction corresponding to the width direction of the battery module components of the first battery cell layer, and a height extension in a height direction corresponding to the height direction of the battery module components of the first battery cell layer, wherein the housing includes at least one flange near the bottom surface of the housing, wherein at least one flange includes a fifth hole having a seventh opening facing upward in the height direction, wherein the battery pack also includes at least one third fastening member, and wherein at least one third fastening member extends through at least one first hole of the battery module components of the first battery cell layer and into the fifth hole of at least one flange. Technical benefits may include achieving a reliable and robust connection to the housing.

[0031] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, at least one battery module member is attached to the housing by an auxiliary fastening member. Technical benefits may include achieving a more reliable and robust connection to the housing.

[0032] Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the battery pack further comprises at least one cooling element for cooling the battery cells in the battery pack.

[0033] Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the battery cell is a cylindrical cell and / or a prismatic cell.

[0034] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a battery module member according to any one of the examples of the first aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module assembly according to any one of the examples of the second aspect of the present disclosure, and / or a battery pack according to any one of the examples of the third aspect of the present disclosure.

[0035] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosed aspects, examples (including any preferred examples), and / or the accompanying claims may be appropriately combined with each other. Additional features and advantages are disclosed in the following description, claims, and drawings, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art or recognized by practicing the disclosure as described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Examples are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 is an illustrative vehicle in side view according to an example.

[0038] Figure 2a is an illustrative battery module component in a perspective view according to an example.

[0039] Figure 2b is an illustrative battery module component in schematic side view according to an example.

[0040] Figure 3 is an illustrative battery module assembly in a perspective view according to an example.

[0041] Figure 4 is an illustrative battery module assembly in cross-section according to an example.

[0042] Figure 5a is an illustrative intermediate spacer member in a perspective view according to an example.

[0043] Figure 5b is an illustrative intermediate spacer member in a schematic side view according to an example.

[0044] Figure 5c is an illustrative intermediate spacer member in a perspective view according to an example.

[0045] Figure 6a is an illustrative battery module assembly in schematic side view according to an example.

[0046] Figure 6b is an illustrative battery module assembly in schematic side view according to an example.

[0047] Figure 7 is an illustrative battery module component in top view according to an example.

[0048] Figure 8 is an illustrative battery pack in cross-section according to an example.

[0049] The accompanying drawings are schematic and may not necessarily be drawn to scale. Unless otherwise specified, similar reference numerals throughout the accompanying drawings refer to the same or similar elements. In some of the accompanying drawings, some reference numerals may be omitted for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The detailed description set forth below provides information and examples of the disclosed technology in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure.

[0051] The object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved battery module component, battery module assembly, battery pack and / or vehicle that alleviates one or more deficiencies of the prior art or at least provides a suitable alternative. For example, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery module assembly and / or battery pack that is easy to assemble, manufacture and / or cost-effective.

[0052] Figure 1 It is an illustrative vehicle 4 in a side view according to an example. In this example, vehicle 4 is a towing truck for towing one or more trailers (not shown). However, it should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to this particular vehicle, but any other vehicle may be used, such as another type of truck, bus, construction equipment, passenger car, marine vessel, etc. According to an example of the present disclosure, vehicle 4 includes a battery module member 1, a battery module assembly 2, and a battery pack 3. Therefore, vehicle 4 is an electric vehicle that uses electrical energy for propulsion. Vehicle 4 can be a pure electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. A hybrid vehicle may include another power source that is not electric, such as an internal combustion engine. Vehicle 4 may additionally or alternatively include a fuel cell for generating electrical energy. Electrical energy is stored in an electrochemical battery cell 21 of a battery pack 3. Battery pack 3 is typically a high-voltage battery pack, such as having a voltage level of at least 400V. Electrochemical battery cell 21 may be any type of cell, such as a lithium-ion cell. Battery pack 3 as disclosed herein may not necessarily be provided in a vehicle, but may be provided in any other unit instead, such as in any portable unit or any fixed unit of a building, for example.

[0053] Figure 2a 1 is an exemplary battery module component 1 of a battery module assembly 2 (not shown) for a battery pack 3 (not shown) in a perspective view according to an example. The battery module component 1 has a longitudinal extension in a longitudinal direction L, a width extension in a width direction W, and a height extension in a height direction H.

[0054] Figure 2b Yes Figure 2a Schematic side view of a battery module component 1 is shown in FIG.

[0055] The battery module member 1 is formed as a frame configured to surround and hold a plurality of battery cells 21 (not shown) as seen in a cross-sectional plane defined by a longitudinal direction L and a width direction W.

[0056] The battery module component 1 includes:

[0057] - a first surface 12 facing upward in the height direction H and a second surface 13 facing downward in the height direction H,

[0058] at least one first hole 14 configured to receive a fastening member, the at least one first hole 14 extending through the battery module member 1 in the height direction H, having a first opening 141 on the first surface 12 and a second opening 142 on the second surface 13 .

[0059] In the example shown, the battery module component 1 includes a plurality of first holes 14 .

[0060] The battery module member 1 further includes at least one second hole 15 extending in the height direction H and having a third opening 151 on the first surface 12. The second hole 15 is configured to receive and retain the fastening member through interference fit between the fastening member and a second hole inner surface 152 defining the second hole 15.

[0061] In the example shown, the battery module component 1 includes a plurality of second holes 15 .

[0062] For example, Figure 2b As shown in FIG, the first hole 14 may be defined by a substantially smooth first hole inner surface 143. For example, the smooth inner surface 143 may be a cylindrical surface for enclosing a fastening member such as a screw, a rivet, or a bolt.

[0063] For example, in contrast to a smooth surface, the second bore inner surface 152 may include threads for a fastening member. Figure 2b ) may include corresponding threads so that an interference fit between the fastening member and the second hole inner surface 152 can be achieved.

[0064] like Figure 2a to Figure 2b , the diameter of the first hole 14 may be greater than the diameter of the second hole 15. This configuration may exist at least before the fastening member has been inserted into the second hole 15. Therefore, in some examples, when the fastening member is inserted into the second hole so that an interference fit is achieved, the diameter of the second hole 15 may change, i.e., increase.

[0065] like Figure 2a As shown in FIG. 1 , the first hole 14 may include a first hole portion 144 extending downward from the first surface 12 toward the second surface 13 and a second hole portion 145 extending from the first hole portion 144 to the second surface 13, wherein the first hole portion 144 has a larger diameter than the second hole portion 145. Thus, the head of the fastening member may be received (such as, completely received) in the first hole portion 144 so that the fastening member does not protrude from the first surface 12.

[0066] As mentioned above, the battery module component 1 may include a plurality of first holes 14 and a plurality of second holes 15. Figure 2aAs shown in , a plurality of first holes 14 and second holes 15 may preferably be arranged in a repeating pattern along the extension of the first surface 12, for example one after another, and so on. In the example shown, the holes 14, 15 extend on the respective longitudinally extending sides of the frame 1 (i.e., the battery module component 1). It should be noted that other repeating patterns are also possible, such as two first holes followed by two second holes, and so on. In other words, in some examples, the repeating pattern may be defined as a first group of first holes followed by a second group of second holes along the extension of the first surface, and so on. Other patterns are also conceivable, such as a first group of first holes followed by a second group of second holes along the extension of the first surface.

[0067] like Figure 2b As shown in , the second hole 15 can be further defined by a second hole bottom surface 153 of the battery module component 1. Therefore, in this example, the second hole 15 does not extend through the battery module component 15, between the first surface 12 and the second surface 13, that is, the second hole does not completely extend through the battery module component 1.

[0068] Figure 3 An example of a battery module assembly 2 for a battery pack 3 is shown in a perspective view. The battery module assembly 2 includes a first battery cell layer L1, which includes a plurality of battery cells 21, which are surrounded and held by a battery module member 1 according to any one of the examples of the first aspect of the present disclosure. For example, the battery module member 1 may be as follows: Figure 2a to Figure 2b The battery module component 1 shown in FIG. Figure 3 The plurality of battery cells 21 schematically shown as boxes in the figure may be any type of battery cells, for example cylindrical battery cells or prismatic battery cells, such as 10-100 battery cells. Typically, the longitudinal extension of the battery cells may correspond to the height direction H. For example, if cylindrical battery cells are used, the central axis of the cylindrical battery cells may extend along the height direction H.

[0069] If you can Figure 3 As obtained in FIG. 1 , the plurality of battery cells 21 may have a greater extension in the height direction H than the extension of the battery module component 1 in the height direction H. For example, as shown, the plurality of battery cells 21 may protrude below the battery module component 1, and the top surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 21 may be arranged so that the top surfaces do not protrude upward from the first surface 12. This configuration has been shown to produce an improved stacking of several battery cell layers on top of each other in the height direction H.

[0070] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary battery module assembly 2 according to an example of the present disclosure is depicted. The cross-sectional view is defined by a height direction H and a width direction W. Figure 3In addition to the first battery cell layer L1 shown in Figure 4 The battery module assembly 2 in the embodiment further includes a second battery cell layer L2 provided on top of the first battery cell layer L1, as can be seen in the height direction H. The second battery cell layer L2 includes a plurality of battery cells 21, which are surrounded and held by the auxiliary battery module member 1' according to any one of the examples of the first aspect of the present disclosure. For example, the second battery cell layer L2 may be similar to Figure 3 The battery module assembly 2 further includes at least one first fastening member 22 that connects the battery module components 1 of the first battery cell layer L1 to the auxiliary battery module components 1' of the second battery cell layer L2.

[0071] exist Figure 4 In the example shown in , the battery module assembly 2 further includes an intermediate spacer member 23 provided between the battery module member 1 of the first battery cell layer L1 and the auxiliary battery module member 1 ′ of the second battery cell layer L2 .

[0072] Figure 5a to Figure 5c An example of an intermediate spacer member 23 is shown. For example, Figure 5a to Figure 5c The intermediate spacer member 23 shown in FIG. 1 may be used to Figure 4 In the battery module assembly 2 shown in .

[0073] Figure 5a and Figure 5b A perspective view of a corresponding example of an intermediate spacer member 23 is shown. Figure 5b A schematic side view of an intermediate spacer member 23 is shown. For example, Figure 5b The side view in can be Figure 5a The intermediate spacer member 23 shown in FIG. Figure 5c A side view of the intermediate spacer member 23 is shown in FIG.

[0074] References Figure 5a to Figure 5c , the intermediate spacer member 23 comprises:

[0075] - a third surface 231 facing upward in the height direction H and a fourth surface 232 facing downward in the height direction H,

[0076] at least one third hole 233 configured to receive the fastening member 24 , the at least one third hole 233 extending through the intermediate spacer member 23 in the height direction H, having a fourth opening 2331 on the third surface 231 and a fifth opening 2332 on the fourth surface 232 ,

[0077] - at least one fourth hole 234 extending in the height direction H and having a sixth opening 2341 on the third surface 231 ,

[0078] The fourth hole 234 is configured to receive and retain the fastening member 22 through an interference fit between the fastening member 22 and a fourth hole inner surface 2342 defining the fourth hole 234 .

[0079] The intermediate spacer member 23 may be as follows Figure 5a The intermediate spacer member 23 may include at least two separate beam members 235, 236. In the example shown, the longitudinal extension of the beam members 235, 236 extends in the longitudinal direction L. Figure 5c , is alternatively formed as a frame, for example, similar to battery module components 1 , 1 ′. It should be noted that the hole configuration of intermediate spacer member 23 may be similar to any of the example configurations of holes 14 , 15 of battery module components 1 , 1 ′ as disclosed herein.

[0080] The hole configuration of the intermediate spacer member 23 may be similar to the hole configuration of the battery module components 1 , 1 ′, and configured such that the intermediate spacer member 23 connects the battery module components 1 , 1 ′ to each other.

[0081] Figure 6a An example of a battery module arrangement 2 having such a connection is shown in a schematic side view. Figure 6a The battery module assembly 2 in the embodiment may be, for example, Figure 4 The battery module assembly shown in .

[0082] References Figure 6a , at least one first fastening member 22 can extend through the first hole 14 of the auxiliary battery module component 1' of the second battery cell layer L2 and enter the fourth hole 234 of the intermediate spacer member 23, wherein the battery module assembly 2 also includes at least one second fastening member 24, and wherein at least one second fastening member 24 extends through at least one third hole 233 and enters the second hole 15 of the battery module component 1 of the first battery cell layer L1.

[0083] Figure 6b An example of a battery module assembly 2 is shown having a further connection between two battery cell levels L1 , L2 . Figure 6b Also similar to Figure 6a Schematic side view of. In the example shown, at least one first fastening member 22 extends through at least one first hole 14 of the auxiliary battery module member 1' of the second battery cell layer L2 and into at least one second hole 15 of the battery module member 1 of the first battery cell layer L1. Therefore, in this example, there is no intermediate spacer member 23 between the two battery module members 1, 1'.

[0084] Figure 7 An example of a battery module component 1 , 1 ′ is shown in a plan view. Figure 7 The battery module components 1, 1' can be used, for example, as Figure 6b Each battery cell layer L1, L2 shown in , that is, when there is no intermediate spacer member 23. Each of the auxiliary battery module member 1' of the second battery cell layer L2 and the battery module member 1 of the first battery cell layer L1 includes a first side S1 and a second side S2 of the frame extending in the longitudinal direction L and offset in the width direction W, and a third side S3 and a fourth side S4 of the frame extending in the width direction W and offset in the longitudinal direction L. The first hole 14 of at least one first hole 14 is provided on the first side S1 and the second hole 15 of at least one second hole 15 is provided on the second side S2. The first hole 14 on the first side S1 is provided at a first longitudinal distance D1 from the third side S3, and the second hole 15 on the second side S2 is provided at a second longitudinal distance D2 from the fourth side S4. The first longitudinal distance D1 and the second longitudinal distance D2 are substantially the same. This results in the same hole configuration being used for each battery module member 1, 1'. The hole configuration may be a repeating pattern as disclosed herein, wherein the first holes 14 and the second holes 15 are configured as mentioned above, i.e., as mentioned above, each first hole 14 on the first side S1 has a corresponding second hole 15 on the second side S2 having substantially the same longitudinal distance. For example, as further shown, each first hole 14 on the first side S1 may be provided at a longitudinal position P1 corresponding to a longitudinal position P1 of the second hole 15 on the second side S2. Thus, each battery cell layer L1, L2 may have a battery module component 1, 1' having the same hole configuration as the battery module components of the other battery cell layers L2. The battery module components 1, 1' may be connected after rotating one of the battery module components 1, 1' by 180 degrees around an axis extending along the height direction H. The first distance D1 and the second distance D2 may be measured from the central axis of the corresponding hole to the longitudinal outermost end of the frame as shown.

[0085] Figure 8 An exemplary battery pack 3 in a cross-sectional view according to an example is shown. The battery pack 3 may include a battery module assembly 2 as disclosed herein as shown. In the example shown, the battery pack 3 includes three battery cell layers L1, L2, L3. Figure 8 The third battery cell layer L3 in the embodiment includes a battery module component 1 ″ as disclosed herein.

[0086] As shown, the battery pack 3 may further include a housing 31 defining an inner space 311 for holding the battery module assembly 2. It should be noted that the direction of the battery pack 3 corresponds to the above-mentioned directions L, W, H of the battery module assembly 2 and the battery module members 1, 1".

[0087] More specifically, in the example shown, the housing 31 has a longitudinal extension in a longitudinal direction L corresponding to the longitudinal direction L of the battery module component 1 of the first battery cell layer L1, a width extension in a width direction W corresponding to the width direction W of the battery module component 1 of the first battery cell layer L1, and a height extension in a height direction H corresponding to the height direction H of the battery module component 1 of the first battery cell layer L1. The housing 31 includes at least one flange 312 near the bottom surface 313 of the housing 31, as can be seen in the height direction H. The at least one flange 312 includes a fifth hole 314 having a seventh opening 315 facing upward in the height direction H. The battery pack 3 also includes at least one third fastening member 25 (see also Figure 6a ), and at least one third fastening member 25 extends through at least one first hole 14 of the battery module member 1 of the first battery cell layer L1 and into the fifth hole 314 of at least one flange 312. In the example shown, the housing 31 includes two flanges 312, one flange provided on one side of the housing 31 and the other flange provided on the other side, as seen in the width direction W.

[0088] As further shown, the battery cells 21 of the battery cell layer L1 at the bottom of the housing 31 protrude downwardly toward the bottom surface 313 below the battery module component 1 .

[0089] At least one battery module component 1 ″ may be attached to the housing 31 by an auxiliary fastening member 32. In the example shown, the battery module component 1 ″ provided at the top of the battery pack 3 is attached to the housing 31 by an auxiliary fastening member 32. The auxiliary fastening member 32 may be, for example, a bracket formed of metal and / or polymer, which is attached to the housing 31 by, for example, screws, rivets, bolts and / or welding. The auxiliary fastening member 32 may produce a more robust and reliable battery pack 3, thereby reducing the risk of any unwanted movement / vibration of the battery module assembly 2 in the housing 31.

[0090] The battery pack 3 may further include at least one cooling element 33 for cooling the battery cells 21 in the battery pack 3. The at least one cooling element 33 may be provided between two battery cell layers L2, L3 as shown. It should be noted that a cooling element may be provided between each battery cell layer L1, L2, L3. The at least one cooling element 33 may include a cooling circuit for a coolant.

[0091] In the following, possible features and feature combinations of the present disclosure are presented as a series of examples.

[0092] Example 1: A battery module component (1, 1') of a battery module assembly (2) for a battery pack (3), wherein the battery module component (1, 1') has a longitudinal extension in a longitudinal direction (L), a width extension in a width direction (W), and a height extension in a height direction (H), wherein the battery module component (1, 1') is formed as a frame, the frame being configured to surround and hold a plurality of battery cells (21), as seen in a cross-sectional plane defined by the longitudinal direction (L) and the width direction (W), and wherein the battery module component (1, 1') comprises:

[0093] - a first surface (12) facing upward in the height direction (H) and a second surface (13) facing downward in the height direction (H),

[0094] - at least one first hole (14), the at least one first hole being configured to receive a fastening member (22, 25), the at least one first hole (14) extending through the battery module member (1, 1') in the height direction (H), having a first opening (141) on the first surface (12) and a second opening (142) on the second surface (13),

[0095] - at least one second hole (15), extending in said height direction (H) and having a third opening (151) on said first surface (12),

[0096] The second hole (15) is configured to receive and retain the fastening member (22, 24) through interference fit between the fastening member (22, 24) and a second hole inner surface (152) defining the second hole (15).

[0097] Example 2: The battery module component (1, 1') according to Example 1, wherein the first hole (14) is defined by a substantially smooth first hole inner surface (143).

[0098] Example 3: The battery module component (1, 1') according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the second hole inner surface (152) includes threads for the fastening member (22, 24).

[0099] Example 4: The battery module component (1, 1') according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein a diameter of the first hole (14) is greater than a diameter of the second hole (15).

[0100] Example 5: A battery module component (1, 1') according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the first hole (14) includes a first hole portion (144) extending downward from the first surface (12) toward the second surface (13) and a second hole portion (145) extending from the first hole portion (144) to the second surface (13), wherein the first hole portion (144) has a larger diameter than the second hole portion (145).

[0101] Example 6: The battery module component (1, 1') according to any one of the preceding examples comprises a plurality of first holes (14) and a plurality of second holes (15), wherein the plurality of first and second holes (14, 15) are preferably arranged in a repeated pattern along the extension of the first surface (12).

[0102] Example 7: The battery module component (1, 1') according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the second hole (15) is further defined by a second hole bottom surface (153) of the battery module component (1).

[0103] Example 8: A battery module assembly (2) for a battery pack (3), comprising a first battery cell layer (L1), the first battery cell layer comprising a plurality of battery cells (21), the plurality of battery cells being surrounded and retained by a battery module component (1, 1') according to any one of the preceding examples.

[0104] Example 9: The battery module assembly (2) according to Example 8 includes a second battery cell layer (L2) provided on top of the first battery cell layer (L1), as visible in the height direction (H), wherein the second battery cell layer (L2) includes a plurality of battery cells (21), and the plurality of battery cells are surrounded and retained by an auxiliary battery module component (1') according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, and wherein the battery module assembly (2) also includes at least one first fastening component (22, 24), and the at least one first fastening component connects the battery module component (1) of the first battery cell layer (L1) to the auxiliary battery module component (1') of the second battery cell layer (L2).

[0105] Example 10: A battery module assembly (2) according to Example 9, wherein the at least one first fastening member (22) extends through the at least one first hole (14) of the auxiliary battery module member (1') of the second battery cell layer (L2) and enters the at least one second hole (15) of the battery module member (1) of the first battery cell layer (L1).

[0106] Example 11: A battery module assembly (2) according to Example 10, wherein each of the auxiliary battery module component (1') of the second battery cell layer (L2) and the battery module component (1) of the first battery cell layer (L1) includes a first side (S1) and a second side (S2) of the frame extending in the longitudinal direction (L) and offset in the width direction (W), and a third side (S3) and a fourth side (S4) of the frame extending in the width direction (W) and offset in the longitudinal direction (L), wherein at least one A first hole (14) of the at least one first hole (14) is provided on the first side (S1), and a second hole (15) of the at least one second hole (15) is provided on the second side (S2), wherein the first hole (14) on the first side (S1) is provided at a first longitudinal distance (D1) from the third side (S3), and the second hole (15) on the second side (S2) is provided at a second longitudinal distance (D2) from the fourth side (S4), and wherein the first and second longitudinal distances (D1, D2) are substantially the same.

[0107] Example 12: The battery module assembly (2) according to Example 9, further comprising an intermediate spacer member (23) provided between the battery module member (1) of the first battery cell layer (L1) and the auxiliary battery module member (1') of the second battery cell layer (L2), wherein the intermediate spacer member (23) comprises:

[0108] - a third surface (231) facing upward in the height direction (H) and a fourth surface (232) facing downward in the height direction (H),

[0109] - at least one third hole (233) configured to receive a fastening member (24), the at least one third hole (233) extending through the intermediate spacer member (23) in the height direction (H), having a fourth opening (2331) on the third surface (231) and a fifth opening (2332) on the fourth surface (232),

[0110] - at least one fourth hole (234), the at least one fourth hole extending in the height direction (H) having a sixth opening (2341) on the third surface (231),

[0111] The fourth hole (234) is configured to receive and retain the fastening member (22) through an interference fit between the fastening member (22) and a fourth hole inner surface (2342) defining the fourth hole (234).

[0112] Example 13: A battery module assembly (2) according to Example 12, wherein the at least one first fastening member (22) extends through the first hole (14) of the auxiliary battery module member (1') of the second battery cell layer (L2) and enters the fourth hole (234) of the intermediate spacer member (23), wherein the battery module assembly (2) also includes at least one second fastening member (24), and wherein the at least one second fastening member (24) extends through the at least one third hole (233) and enters the second hole (15) of the battery module member (1) of the first battery cell layer (L1).

[0113] Example 14: The battery module assembly (2) according to any one of Examples 12 to 13, wherein the intermediate spacer member (23) is formed as a frame and / or includes at least two separate beam members (235, 236).

[0114] Example 15: A battery pack (3) comprising a battery module assembly (2) according to any one of Examples 8 to 14.

[0115] Example 16: The battery pack (3) according to Example 15 further includes a housing (31) defining an internal space (311) for retaining the battery module assembly (2).

[0116] Example 17: A battery pack (3) according to Example 16, wherein the shell (31) has a longitudinal extension in the longitudinal direction (L) corresponding to the longitudinal direction (L) of the battery module component (1) of the first battery cell layer (L1), a width extension in the width direction (W) corresponding to the width direction (W) of the battery module component (1) of the first battery cell layer (L1), and a height extension in the height direction (H) corresponding to the height direction (H) of the battery module component (1) of the first battery cell layer (L1), wherein the shell (3 1) includes at least one flange (312) near the bottom surface (313) of the shell (31), wherein the at least one flange (312) includes a fifth hole (314) having a seventh opening (315) facing upward in the height direction, wherein the battery pack (3) also includes at least one third fastening member (25), and wherein the at least one third fastening member (25) extends through the at least one first hole (14) of the battery module member (1) of the first battery cell layer (L1) and enters the fifth hole (314) of the at least one flange (312).

[0117] Example 18: The battery pack (3) according to any one of Examples 16 to 17, wherein at least one battery module member (1, 1') is attached to the housing (31) by an auxiliary fastening member (32).

[0118] Example 19: The battery pack (3) according to any one of Examples 15 to 18 further includes at least one cooling element for cooling the battery cells (21) in the battery pack (3).

[0119] Example 20: A battery pack (3) according to any one of Examples 15 to 19, wherein the battery cell (21) is a cylindrical cell and / or a prismatic cell.

[0120] Example 21: A vehicle (4) comprising a battery module component (1, 1') according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, a battery module assembly (2) according to any one of Examples 8 to 14 and / or a battery pack (3) according to any one of Examples 15 to 20.

[0121] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific aspects and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "said" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It should also be understood that the terms "include" and / or "comprise" when used herein indicate the presence of stated features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their groups.

[0122] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. can be used to describe various elements in this article, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first element can be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element can be referred to as the first element.

[0123] Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another element, as shown in the figures. It should be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to cover different device orientations in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, the element may be directly connected or directly coupled to the other element, or there may be intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0124] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It should also be understood that, unless otherwise clearly defined herein, the terms used herein should be interpreted as meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of this specification and the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0125] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the aspects described above and shown in the accompanying drawings; rather, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims. In the drawings and description, various aspects have been disclosed for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, and the scope of the disclosure is set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery module component (1, 1') for a battery module assembly (2) of a battery pack (3), wherein the battery module component (1, 1') has a longitudinal extension in a longitudinal direction (L), a width extension in a width direction (W) and a height extension in a height direction (H), wherein the battery module component (1, 1') is formed as a frame, the frame being configured to surround and hold a plurality of battery cells (21), as seen in a cross-sectional plane defined by the longitudinal direction (L) and the width direction (W), and wherein the battery module component (1, 1') comprises: - a first surface (12) facing upward in the height direction (H) and a second surface (13) facing downward in the height direction (H), - at least one first hole (14), the at least one first hole being configured to receive a fastening member (22, 25), the at least one first hole (14) extending through the battery module member (1, 1') in the height direction (H), having a first opening (141) on the first surface (12) and a second opening (142) on the second surface (13), - at least one second hole (15), extending in said height direction (H) and having a third opening (151) on said first surface (12), The second hole (15) is configured to receive and retain the fastening member (22, 24) through interference fit between the fastening member (22, 24) and a second hole inner surface (152) defining the second hole (15).

2. The battery module component (1, 1') according to claim 1, wherein the first hole (14) is defined by a substantially smooth first hole inner surface (143).

3. The battery module component (1, 1') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second hole inner surface (152) comprises a thread for the fastening member (22, 24).

4. The battery module component (1, 1') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a diameter of the first hole (14) is greater than a diameter of the second hole (15).

5. A battery module component (1, 1') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first hole (14) includes a first hole portion (144) extending downward from the first surface (12) toward the second surface (13) and a second hole portion (145) extending from the first hole portion (144) to the second surface (13), wherein the first hole portion (144) has a larger diameter than the second hole portion (145).

6. The battery module component (1, 1') according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of first holes (14) and a plurality of second holes (15), wherein the plurality of first and second holes (14, 15) are preferably arranged in a repeating pattern along the extension of the first surface (12).

7. A battery module assembly (2) for a battery pack (3), comprising a first battery cell layer (L1), the first battery cell layer comprising a plurality of battery cells (21), the plurality of battery cells being surrounded and held by a battery module component (1, 1') according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. The battery module assembly (2) according to claim 7 comprises a second battery cell layer (L2) provided on top of the first battery cell layer (L1), as visible in the height direction (H), wherein the second battery cell layer (L2) comprises a plurality of battery cells (21), and the plurality of battery cells are surrounded and retained by an auxiliary battery module component (1') according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and wherein the battery module assembly (2) further comprises at least one first fastening component (22, 24), and the at least one first fastening component connects the battery module component (1) of the first battery cell layer (L1) to the auxiliary battery module component (1') of the second battery cell layer (L2).

9. A battery module assembly (2) according to claim 8, wherein the at least one first fastening member (22) extends through the at least one first hole (14) of the auxiliary battery module member (1') of the second battery cell layer (L2) and enters the at least one second hole (15) of the battery module member (1) of the first battery cell layer (L1).

10. The battery module assembly (2) according to claim 9, wherein each of the auxiliary battery module component (1') of the second battery cell layer (L2) and the battery module component (1) of the first battery cell layer (L1) includes a first side (S1) and a second side (S2) of the frame extending in the longitudinal direction (L) and offset in the width direction (W), and a third side (S3) and a fourth side (S4) of the frame extending in the width direction (W) and offset in the longitudinal direction (L), wherein at least one A first hole (14) of the at least one first hole (14) is provided on the first side (S1), and a second hole (15) of the at least one second hole (15) is provided on the second side (S2), wherein the first hole (14) on the first side (S1) is provided at a first longitudinal distance (D1) from the third side (S3), and the second hole (15) on the second side (S2) is provided at a second longitudinal distance (D2) from the fourth side (S4), and wherein the first and second longitudinal distances (D1, D2) are substantially the same.

11. The battery module assembly (2) according to claim 8, further comprising an intermediate spacer member (23) provided between the battery module member (1) of the first battery cell layer (L1) and the auxiliary battery module member (1') of the second battery cell layer (L2), wherein the intermediate spacer member (23) comprises: - a third surface (231) facing upward in the height direction (H) and a fourth surface (232) facing downward in the height direction (H), - at least one third hole (233) configured to receive a fastening member (24), the at least one third hole (233) extending through the intermediate spacer member (23) in the height direction (H), having a fourth opening (2331) on the third surface (231) and a fifth opening (2332) on the fourth surface (232), - at least one fourth hole (234), the at least one fourth hole extending in the height direction (H) having a sixth opening (2341) on the third surface (231), The fourth hole (234) is configured to receive and retain the fastening member (22) through an interference fit between the fastening member (22) and a fourth hole inner surface (2342) defining the fourth hole (234).

12. A battery pack (3), comprising the battery module assembly (2) according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

13. The battery pack (3) according to claim 12, further comprising a housing (31) defining an internal space (311) for holding the battery module assembly (2).

14. The battery pack (3) according to claim 13, wherein the shell (31) has a longitudinal extension in the longitudinal direction (L) corresponding to the longitudinal direction (L) of the battery module component (1) of the first battery cell layer (L1), a width extension in the width direction (W) corresponding to the width direction (W) of the battery module component (1) of the first battery cell layer (L1), and a height extension in the height direction (H) corresponding to the height direction (H) of the battery module component (1) of the first battery cell layer (L1), wherein the shell (3 1) includes at least one flange (312) near the bottom surface (313) of the shell (31), wherein the at least one flange (312) includes a fifth hole (314) having a seventh opening (315) facing upward in the height direction, wherein the battery pack (3) also includes at least one third fastening member (25), and wherein the at least one third fastening member (25) extends through the at least one first hole (14) of the battery module member (1) of the first battery cell layer (L1) and enters the fifth hole (314) of the at least one flange (312).

15. A vehicle (4) comprising a battery module component (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a battery module assembly (2) according to any one of claims 7 to 11 and / or a battery pack (3) according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

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