Battery and method for producing a battery

Abstract

The invention is directed to a battery (1) comprising at least a battery housing (2) and a plurality of battery cells (3) arranged therein, wherein each battery cell (3) has a dimensionally stable, cuboid-shaped cell housing (4); wherein the battery cells (3) are arranged next to one another in the battery housing (2) in a first row (7) and a second row (8), each along a longitudinal direction (9); wherein the rows (7, 8) are spaced from one another by at least one spacer element (10) in a width direction (11) running transversely to the longitudinal direction (9); wherein a first holding element (12), which is arranged between two battery cells (3) of the first row (7), extends from a first end (13) of the first holding element (12) beyond the first row (7) around the spacer element (10) to a second end (14). The invention is further directed to a method for producing a battery (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a battery and a method for producing a battery.

[0002] In particular, the battery is a secondary battery for a motor vehicle, which is intended at least to supply energy to at least one traction drive of the motor vehicle. Batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, but also sodium-ion batteries and others, are increasingly being used to power motor vehicles.

[0003] A motor vehicle has at least a plurality of wheels and a drive train designed to drive at least one of the wheels, including a traction drive and a battery. The motor vehicle is movable along a surface via the wheels, with the battery usually arranged with its greatest geometric extension parallel to the surface.

[0004] Batteries are usually composed of a large number of battery cells and / or battery modules comprising several battery cells.

[0005] Such a battery usually comprises a (dimensionally stable) battery housing and a plurality of battery cells arranged therein. Each of these battery cells has a dimensionally stable, cuboid-shaped cell housing (also referred to as a prismatic cell housing) with at least two electrical connections for electrically contacting electrodes arranged in the cell housing. The battery cells are arranged next to one another in the battery housing at least in a first row and a second row, each along a longitudinal direction. The rows are arranged spaced from one another, in particular in a width direction running transversely to the longitudinal direction. The battery is arranged in a motor vehicle in such a way that the longitudinal direction and the width direction run parallel to the ground.

[0006] Such batteries must exhibit a certain Z-stiffness, i.e., stiffness in a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and width directions, or to the substrate. The desire to arrange as many battery cells as possible within a battery housing creates a conflict of objectives, because structural elements that create stiffness must then make way for the battery cells. Therefore, space-saving solutions are sought to increase stiffness precisely in the Z-direction (vertical direction). Without sufficient stiffness, the battery cells within the battery will sway significantly relative to and apart from each other.

[0007] For example, it is known to provide cross members within the battery. Furthermore, the cell housings themselves can be designed to bear loads, or the cell housings can be connected to each other, e.g., via adhesive bonds. However, these measures require space within the battery housing, thus reducing the number of battery cells. Furthermore, considerable manufacturing effort is required to achieve the small tolerances that may be necessary, for example, in the housings. Furthermore, a repair solution for cell housings that are glued together is not known.

[0008] For this reason, removable adhesive connections or larger batteries (i.e. larger battery housings) were provided.

[0009] DE 10 2019 210 196 A1 discloses an energy storage module comprising a housing and a plurality of energy storage cells arranged therein. The housing is designed to absorb tensile and compressive forces by means of bracing means. This is intended to improve the stability of the housing, e.g., against changing internal pressure.

[0010] From DE 10 2018 129 018 A1 a battery pack is known in which a fastening structure is intended to resist a movement of the battery assemblies of the battery pack in a z-axis.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to at least partially solve the problems cited with reference to the prior art. In particular, a battery is to be proposed that, on the one hand, ensures high rigidity with respect to a vertical direction and, on the other hand, enables effective use of the space in the battery housing. Furthermore, a method for producing a battery is to be proposed, by means of which a battery of this design can be produced particularly simply and cost-effectively.

[0012] A battery having the features according to claim 1 and a method having the features according to claim 7 contribute to solving these problems. Advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims. The features listed individually in the claims can be combined with one another in a technologically expedient manner and can be supplemented by explanatory facts from the description and / or details from the figures, whereby further embodiments of the invention are shown.

[0013] A battery is proposed, at least comprising a battery housing and a plurality of battery cells arranged therein, e.g. at least 20 or at least 50. Each battery cell has a dimensionally stable, cuboid-shaped cell housing (i.e. in particular not an elastically deformable pouch cell, but in particular a cell housing that is essentially only plastically deformable) with at least two electrical connections for electrically contacting electrodes arranged in the cell housing. The battery cells are arranged next to one another in the battery housing in a first row and a second row, each along a longitudinal direction. The rows are spaced from one another by at least one spacer element in a width direction running transversely to the longitudinal direction.A first holding element, which is arranged between two battery cells of the first row, extends from a first end of the first holding element beyond the first row around the spacer element to a second end of the first holding element, so that a first force acting in the width direction, transmitted from the first row or from the battery housing to the first holding element and pointing away from the spacer element can be supported on the spacer element.

[0014] The battery, in particular, has a (dimensionally stable) battery housing. The battery cells enclosed by the battery housing have, in particular, a total capacity of at least 20 kWh [kilowatt hours], in particular of at least 50 kWh, preferably of at most 5,000 kWh, particularly preferably of at most 2,000 kWh.

[0015] The cell housing of a battery cell, in particular, is only plastically deformable. The cell housing is also referred to as a "hard case," and the battery cell, for example, as a prismatic (battery) cell. In particular, the cell housing is cuboid-shaped and has six side surfaces. However, the terms "prismatic" or "cuboid" can also encompass other, essentially cuboid-shaped housing shapes that, for example, have rounded edges.

[0016] Arranged within the cell housing are a plurality of layers at least stacked on top of one another, comprising at least one anode and at least one cathode as electrodes and a separator between the different electrodes.

[0017] The at least stacked, and possibly additionally wound or folded, cathodes, anodes, and separators form, in particular, a stack. Each electrode is connected to a conductor extending outward from the stack, so that an electrical current can be drawn from the stack or supplied to the stack. The conductors of the anodes and the conductors of the cathodes are, in particular, each electrically conductively connected to one another in order to electrically connect the respective electrodes in parallel. The conductors are connected to the terminals on the cell housing, so that an electrical current can be drawn from the battery cell or supplied to the battery cell. Multiple stacks can also be arranged in the battery cell.

[0018] The battery cells are arranged in the battery housing in at least a first row and a second row, each arranged next to one another along a longitudinal direction. In particular, the cell housings of the battery cells in a row are arranged in alignment with one another along the longitudinal direction. In particular, each row comprises at least 10 battery cells, preferably at least 20 battery cells.

[0019] The battery may also comprise a plurality of rows, e.g., three, four or more rows.

[0020] The battery cells of a row are arranged in a clamped manner, particularly within the battery housing. Clamped means, in particular, that a compressive force acting at least in the longitudinal direction acts on the battery cells from the outside. This compressive force is supported, in particular, by the battery housing. In particular, elastically deformable materials can be provided between the cell housings or between a row and the battery housing, so that a row can be clamped within the battery housing with an adjustable compressive force.

[0021] The rows (in particular two rows each) are spaced apart from one another by at least one spacer element in a width direction running transversely to the longitudinal direction. The spacer element is in particular an (only) plastically and / or (additionally) elastically deformable element or component, which is arranged between two rows arranged adjacent to one another, in particular along the width direction. In particular, the rows or the cell housings of the battery cells of the rows support one another via the spacer element when the rows are tilted relative to one another.

[0022] Such spacers are known for batteries, but they only ensure that a minimum distance is maintained between the rows when the rows are tilted relative to each other. The known arrangement of spacers cannot prevent an increase in the distance between the rows.

[0023] This problem arises particularly exacerbated with larger batteries or due to the required higher energy density, because a correspondingly large number of battery cells have to be arranged in a battery housing. This eliminates the space for structural elements that are intended to ensure the rigidity of the battery housing. As a result, the battery can rise and fall significantly in the vertical direction, particularly due to so-called Z-acceleration load cases, such as when a motor vehicle crosses a threshold. This is accompanied in particular by high stress on the material of the battery housing, on the components of the battery intended, for example, for temperature control or power conduction, as well as on any tensioning straps and / or so-called "gap fillers" (gap filler material).

[0024] To increase the rigidity of the battery or battery housing, the rocking or tilting of the rows or battery cells relative to and from each other should be reduced. The tilting of the rows occurs, in particular, around a tilt axis extending between the rows along the longitudinal direction. As a result of the tilting of the rows, for example, the distance between the rows increases at an upper end of the cell housing relative to the vertical direction, while simultaneously decreasing the distance at the lower end of the cell housing, and vice versa.

[0025] A (first or second) holding element is therefore proposed which is inserted in the battery or within the battery housing. The first holding element is arranged between two (adjacent) battery cells of the first row. The first holding element extends from a first end of the first holding element (and in particular along the width direction) beyond the first row (and along the longitudinal direction and the width direction) around the spacer element to a second end of the first holding element. As a result of this arrangement, a first force acting in the width direction, transmitted from the first row and / or from the battery housing to the first holding element and pointing away from the spacer element (in the width direction) can be supported on the spacer element.

[0026] The (first or second) holding element can thus be used to counteract, in particular, an increase in the distance between the rows, e.g. in the case of mutual tilting of the rows.

[0027] In particular, the retaining element extends along the height direction over at least 20%, preferably at least 50%, particularly preferably at least 75%, or even at least 90% of a maximum height of the cell housings in this height direction. In particular, the retaining element has a constant extension in the height direction between the first end and the second end. In particular, several retaining elements can also be arranged one above the other along the height direction.

[0028] In particular, the retaining element is made of a metallic material. In particular, the retaining element is a sheet metal that has been formed into the retaining element by forming or bending. Alternatively, the retaining element can be formed from another material, a plastic, in particular polypropylene and / or polyamide. The retaining element can, in particular, be formed partially from a metallic material and partially from a plastic material. Alternatively or additionally, the retaining element can be formed from a composite material, in particular a composite material with reinforcing fibers.

[0029] In particular, a second holding element is provided which is arranged between two battery cells of the second row and extends from a first end of the second holding element beyond the second row around the spacer element to a second end of the second holding element, so that a second force acting in the width direction, transmitted from the second row or from the battery housing to the second holding element and pointing away from the spacer element (in the width direction) can be supported on the spacer element.

[0030] The statements regarding the first holding element apply in particular equally to the second holding element and vice versa.

[0031] In particular, the first holding element and the second holding element form a receptacle for the spacer element at least with the (or their respective) second ends, so that the spacer element can be inserted into the receptacle along a height direction running transversely to the longitudinal direction and transversely to the width direction.

[0032] In particular, a single spacer element extends along the longitudinal direction over a maximum of 20%, in particular over a maximum of 10%, of the extension of the row in this longitudinal direction. In particular, the spacer element extends along the longitudinal direction over at least 1%, in particular over at least 2%, of the extension of the row in this longitudinal direction.

[0033] In particular, a single spacer element extends along the width direction over a maximum of 20%, in particular over a maximum of 10%, of the extension of the row or of a cell housing in this width direction. In particular, the spacer element extends along the width direction over at least 1%, in particular over at least 2%, of the extension of the row or of a cell housing in this width direction.

[0034] In particular, the spacer element extends along the height direction over at least 20%, preferably at least 50%, particularly preferably at least 75% or even at least 90% of a maximum height of the cell housings present in this height direction.

[0035] In particular, the holding elements extend around the spacer element starting from their first end in mutually different directions, so that the receptacle formed by the holding elements encompasses the spacer element along the longitudinal direction and along the width direction, in particular to at least 50% (of the extension of the sides of the spacer element in these directions), preferably to at least 75% or even to at least 90% (the receptacle then covers, for example, at least 50% of the extension of the sides of the spacer element in these directions).

[0036] In particular, a third force acting in the width direction, transmitted from the first row or from the battery housing to the first retaining element and directed toward the spacer element, can be supported on the spacer element. This allows a force acting toward the spacer element to be supported via the respective retaining element, thus ensuring the maintenance of a minimum distance between the rows.

[0037] In particular, the (respective) retaining element is connected to the two adjacently arranged battery cells at least in a force-locking manner, at least in the width direction (and possibly in the height direction). A force-locking connection can be created, for example, by clamping the retaining element through the cell housings. The clamping can be ensured, in particular, by bracing the battery cells of a row. In particular, elastically deformable materials can be arranged between at least individual battery cells of a row. If necessary, the retaining element can be glued or integrally connected (by welding or similar) to at least one cell housing.

[0038] In particular, the first holding element extends from the second end (in particular arranged on the spacer element) beyond the first row to the first end of the first holding element, wherein the first end of the first holding element is fastened to the first row or to the battery housing in such a way that at least the first force pointing away from the spacer element (in the width direction) can be supported at the first end of the first holding element.

[0039] A method for producing a battery is proposed, in particular for producing the battery described above. The battery comprises at least one battery housing and a plurality of battery cells arranged therein, each battery cell having a dimensionally stable, cuboid-shaped cell housing with at least two electrical connections for electrically contacting electrodes arranged in the cell housing. The battery cells are arranged next to one another in the battery housing in a first row and a second row, each along a longitudinal direction. The rows are spaced from one another (after step b)) by at least one spacer element in a width direction running transversely to the longitudinal direction.A first retaining element, arranged between two battery cells of the first row, extends from a first end of the first retaining element beyond the first row around the spacer element to a second end of the first retaining element. The method comprises at least the following steps: a) Providing the battery housing, the battery cells arranged therein and the first holding element (the spacer element is therefore not yet provided or arranged in the battery housing at this point in time); b) Providing the spacer element and inserting the spacer element along a height direction running transversely to the longitudinal direction and transversely to the width direction, so that the spacer element is arranged between the second end of the first holding element and the first row with respect to the width direction.

[0040] The above (non-exhaustive) division of the process steps into a) and b) is primarily intended to serve as a distinction and does not enforce any order and / or dependency. The frequency of the process steps can also vary (e.g., the rows of battery cells can also be carried out sequentially, with a spacer element being placed in between each row inserted). It is also possible for process steps to overlap one another, at least partially. In particular, steps a) and b) are carried out in the order listed.

[0041] The process can be carried out manually or semi-automatically or (fully) automatically in an assembly facility.

[0042] In particular, the battery housing is only closed after step b), e.g. by a cover element, so that access to the interior of the battery housing from outside the battery housing is only then prevented.

[0043] In particular, a second holding element is provided (i.e., is provided in step a)), which is arranged between two battery cells of the second row and extends from a first end of the second holding element beyond the second row (and, after step b)), around the spacer element to a second end of the second holding element. The first holding element and the second holding element form, at least with their (or their respective) second ends, a receptacle for the spacer element, so that the spacer element can be inserted or is inserted into the receptacle along the height direction during step b).

[0044] In particular, at least the first holding element (or also the second holding element or each holding element) is clamped by the two adjacently arranged battery cells (of a row) in step a) and is / is thus connected to the battery cells at least in a force-locking manner, at least with respect to the width direction.

[0045] A motor vehicle is proposed, comprising at least a plurality of wheels and a drive train designed to drive at least one of the wheels, with a traction drive and the described battery or with a battery manufactured by the described method. The motor vehicle is movable along a surface via the wheels. The battery is / will be arranged in the motor vehicle such that the longitudinal and width directions extend parallel to the surface.

[0046] The battery is therefore arranged in the motor vehicle in such a way that the height direction extends transversely to the ground or parallel to a z-axis of the motor vehicle.

[0047] In particular, at least one data processing system is provided, which has means that are suitably equipped, configured, or programmed to carry out the described method (e.g., in the case of automated battery production) or that execute the method. In particular, an assembly facility for producing the battery, for example, comprises the data processing system.

[0048] The means comprise, for example, a processor and a memory in which instructions to be executed by the processor are stored, as well as data lines or transmission devices which enable transmission of instructions, measured values, data or the like between the elements of such an assembly device.

[0049] The “means” may in particular comprise one or more of the following components: controller(s), microcontroller, data memory, data connection, display devices (such as a display), counter or timer, at least one further sensor, an energy source, etc.

[0050] A computer program is further proposed, comprising instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the described method or the steps of the described method.

[0051] Furthermore, a computer-readable storage medium is proposed, comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the described method or the steps of the described method.

[0052] The statements regarding the battery are particularly applicable to the method, the motor vehicle, the data processing system and / or the computer-implemented method (i.e. the computer program and the computer-readable storage medium) and vice versa.

[0053] The use of indefinite articles ("a," "an," "one," and "another"), particularly in the patent claims and the description reproducing them, is to be understood as such and not as a numeral. Terms or components introduced accordingly are therefore to be understood as appearing at least once and, in particular, as being able to appear multiple times.

[0054] As a precaution, it should be noted that the numbers used here ("first", "second", ...) primarily serve (only) to distinguish between several similar objects, quantities or processes, and therefore in particular do not necessarily specify any dependency and / or sequence of these objects, quantities or processes. Should a dependency and / or sequence be necessary, this is explicitly stated here or it will be obvious to the person skilled in the art upon studying the specifically described embodiment. If a component can occur multiple times ("at least one"), the description of one of these components can apply equally to all or part of the majority of these components, but this is not mandatory. If a plurality of components is referred to here, this also includes more than two components.

[0055] The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the invention is not intended to be limited by the exemplary embodiments cited. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts explained in the figures and combine them with other components and findings from the present description. In particular, it should be noted that the figures, and in particular the proportions shown, are only schematic. They show: Fig. 1: a known battery cell in a perspective view; Fig. 2: a known battery with a plurality of battery cells in section, in a perspective view; Fig. 3: the battery after Fig. 2 in another perspective view; Fig. 4: the battery after Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 in another perspective view; Fig. 5: another known battery with a spacer element in a perspective view; Fig. 6: the battery after Fig. 5 in a plan view along the height direction; Fig. 7: a battery with holding elements in a plan view along the height direction; Fig. 8: a detail of the battery after Fig. 7 in a perspective view; and Fig. 9: a motor vehicle in a side view.

[0056] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a known battery cell 3. The battery cell 3 has a rigid, cuboid-shaped cell housing 4 with two electrical terminals 5, 6 for electrically contacting electrodes (not shown separately) arranged in the cell housing 4.

[0057] Fig. Figure 2 shows a known battery 1 with a plurality of battery cells 3 (e.g. with battery cells according to Fig. 1) in section, in a perspective view. Fig. 3 shows the battery 1 after Fig. 2 in another perspective view. Fig. 4 shows the battery 1 after Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 in another perspective view. Fig. 5 shows another known battery 1 with a spacer element 10 in a perspective view. Fig. 6 shows the battery 1 after Fig. 5 in a plan view along the height direction 19. The Fig. 2 to 6 are described together below. The explanations for Fig. 1 is referred to.

[0058] The battery 1 comprises a battery housing 2 and a plurality of battery cells 3 arranged therein. Each battery cell 3 has a dimensionally stable, cuboid-shaped cell housing 4 with at least two electrical connections 5, 6 for electrically contacting electrodes arranged in the cell housing 4. The battery housing 2 has two subregions, wherein the battery cells 3 are arranged in each subregion of the battery housing 2 in a first row 7 and a second row 8, each arranged next to one another along a longitudinal direction 9.

[0059] The rows 7, 8 are spaced apart from one another by at least one spacer element 10 in a width direction 11 extending transversely to the longitudinal direction 9. The cell housings 4 of the battery cells 3 of a row 7, 8 are arranged in alignment with one another along the longitudinal direction 9.

[0060] The battery cells 3 of a row 7, 8 are clamped together within the battery housing 2. A compressive force acting at least in the longitudinal direction 9 from the battery housing 2 acts on the battery cells 3 of the respective row 7, 8.

[0061] The Fig. 2 to 5 show a deformation of the battery housing 2 of the battery 1 in so-called Z-acceleration load cases, such as when a motor vehicle 21 crosses a threshold-trough. The deformation is shown here in a greatly exaggerated manner.

[0062] Two rows 7, 8 are spaced apart from each other by spacer elements 10 in a width direction 11 running transversely to the longitudinal direction 9. The spacer elements 10 are very rigid, elastically only slightly deformable elements or components arranged between two rows 7, 8 arranged adjacent to each other along the width direction 11. The rows 7, 8 or the cell housings 4 of the battery cells 3 of the rows 7, 8 are supported against each other via the spacer elements 10 when the rows 7, 8 are tilted relative to each other.

[0063] Such spacer elements 10 are known for batteries 1. However, in the event of mutual tilting of the rows 7, 8, they only ensure the maintenance of a minimum distance 27 between the rows 7, 8. The known arrangement of spacer elements 10 cannot remedy an increase in the distance 27 between the rows 7, 8.

[0064] This problem is more pronounced with larger batteries 1 or due to the required higher energy density, because a correspondingly large number of battery cells 3 are to be arranged in a battery housing 2. This eliminates the installation space for structural elements that are intended to ensure the rigidity of the battery housing 2. As a result, a pronounced lifting and lowering of the battery 1 in the height direction 19 can occur (see Fig. 2 to 5). This is accompanied by a high load on the material of the battery housing 2, the components of the battery 1 intended, for example, for temperature control or power conduction, as well as on any tensioning straps and gap fillers provided.

[0065] In order to increase the rigidity of the battery 1 or the battery housing 2, the proposed holding elements 12, 16 can be used to reduce the rocking or tilting of the rows 7, 9 or the battery cells 3 relative to one another and apart. The tilting of the rows 7, 8 takes place about a tilt axis 29 extending between the rows 7, 9 along the longitudinal direction 9. As a result of the tilting of the rows 7, 8, a distance 27 between the rows 7, 8 increases at an upper end of the cell housing 4 relative to the height direction 19, while at the same time a distance 27 at the lower end of the cell housing 4 decreases (see, for example, Fig. 3 and Fig. 5), and vice versa (see e.g. Fig. 2 and Fig. 4).

[0066] Fig. 7 shows a battery 1 with holding elements 12, 16 in a plan view along the height direction 19. Fig. 8 shows a detail of the battery 1 after Fig. 7 in a perspective view. The Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are described together below. The explanations on the Fig. 1 to 6 is referred to.

[0067] The battery 1 comprises a battery housing 2 and a plurality of battery cells 3 arranged therein. Each battery cell 3 has a dimensionally stable, cuboid-shaped cell housing 4. The battery cells 3 are arranged in the battery housing 2 in a first row 7 and a second row 8, each arranged next to one another along a longitudinal direction 9. The rows 7, 8 are spaced apart from one another by spacer elements 10 in a width direction 11 running transversely to the longitudinal direction 9.A first holding element 12, which is arranged between two battery cells 3 of the first row 7, extends from a first end 13 of the first holding element 12 beyond the first row 7 around the respective spacer element 10 to a second end 14 of the first holding element 12, so that a first force 15 acting in the width direction 11, transmitted from the first row 7 or from the battery housing 2 to the first holding element 12 and pointing away from the spacer element 10 can be supported on the spacer element 10.

[0068] The first holding element 12 extends from a first end 13 of the first holding element 12 and along the width direction 11 beyond the first row 7 and along the longitudinal direction 9 and the width direction 11 around the spacer element 10 to a second end 14 of the first holding element 12. As a result of this arrangement, a first force 15 acting in the width direction 11, transmitted from the first row 7 and / or from the battery housing 2 to the first holding element 12 and pointing away from the spacer element 10 in the width direction 11 can be supported on the spacer element 10.

[0069] In addition to the first holding elements 12, second holding elements 16 are provided. The second holding elements 16 are each arranged between two battery cells 3 of the second row 8 and extend, starting from a first end 13 of the second holding element 16, beyond the second row 8 around the spacer element 10 to a second end 14 of the second holding element 16, so that a second force 17 acting in the width direction 11, transmitted from the second row 8 or from the battery housing 2 to the second holding elements 16 and pointing away from the respective spacer element 10 in the width direction 11 can be supported on the spacer element 10.

[0070] The spacer element 10 can be supported against these forces 15, 17 on the battery housing 2 or on each of the holding elements 12, 16. The holding elements 12, 16 can counteract an increase in the distance 27 between the rows 7, 8, e.g. in the event of a mutual tilting of the rows 7, 8.

[0071] Each of the holding elements 12, 16 extends along the height direction 19 over at least 90% of a maximum height of the cell housings 4 present in this height direction 19 (see Fig. 8). The holding element 12, 16 has a constant extension in the height direction 19 between the first end 13 and the second end 14.

[0072] The first holding element 12 and the second holding element 16 form with the (or their respective) second ends 14 a receptacle 18 for the spacer element 10, so that the spacer element 10 can be inserted into the receptacle 18 along a height direction 19 running transversely to the longitudinal direction 9 and transversely to the width direction 11.

[0073] A single spacer element 10 extends along the longitudinal direction 9 over at most 20% of the extension of the row 7, 8 in this longitudinal direction 9. The spacer element 10 extends along the longitudinal direction 9 over at least 1%, in particular over at least 2%, of the extension of the row in this longitudinal direction.

[0074] A single spacer element 10 extends along the width direction 11 over approximately 15% of the extension of the row 7, 8 or of a cell housing 4 in this width direction 11.

[0075] The holding elements 12, 16 extend from their first end 13 in mutually different directions 9, 11 around the spacer element 10 (see Fig. 7), so that the receptacle 18 formed by the holding elements 12, 16 encompasses the spacer element 10 along the longitudinal direction 9 and along the width direction 11 to at least 75% (the receptacle 18 then covers, for example, at least 75% of the extension of the sides of the spacer element 10 in these directions 9, 11).

[0076] In the arrangement of first and second holding elements 12, 16 according to Fig. 7, a third force 20 acting in the width direction 11, e.g., transmitted from the first row 7 or from the battery housing 2 to the first holding element 12 and directed toward the spacer element 10, can be supported on the spacer element 10. Thus, a force 20, 26 acting toward the spacer element 10 can be supported via the respective holding element 12, 16, thus ensuring the maintenance of a minimum distance 27 between the rows 7, 8.

[0077] Each of the holding elements 12, 16 is connected at least force-fittingly to the two adjacent battery cells 3 in the width direction 11 and in the height direction 19. A force-fitting connection can be created, for example, by clamping the holding element 12, 16 through the cell housings 4. The clamping can be ensured by bracing the battery cells 3 of a row 7, 8. In this case, elastically deformable materials can be arranged between at least individual battery cells 3 of a row 7, 8. If necessary, the holding element 12, 16 can be glued or integrally connected (by welding or similar) to at least one cell housing 4.

[0078] In Fig. 7 shows that a second holding element 16 extends from the second end 14 arranged on the spacer element 10 beyond the second row 8 up to the first end 13 of the second holding element 16, wherein the first end 13 of the second holding element 16 is fastened to the second row 8 in such a way that at least the second force 17 pointing away from the spacer element 10 in the width direction 11 can be supported on the first end 13 of the second holding element 16. The holding elements 12, 16 can thus counteract an increase in the distance 27 between the rows 7, 8, e.g. in the event of mutual tilting of the rows 7, 8.

[0079] In the method, according to step a), the battery housing 2, the battery cells 3 arranged therein, and the holding elements 12, 16 are provided. At this point in time, the spacer elements 10 are therefore not yet provided or arranged in the battery housing 2. According to step b), the spacer elements 10 are provided and the spacer elements 10 are inserted along a height direction 19 running transversely to the longitudinal direction 9 and transversely to the width direction 11, so that each spacer element 10 is arranged relative to the width direction 11, for example, between the second end 14 of the first holding element 12 and the first row 7 or between the second end 14 of the second holding element 16 and the second row 8.

[0080] The battery housing 2 is only closed after step b), e.g. by a cover element, so that accessibility to the interior of the battery housing 2 from outside the battery housing 2 is only then prevented.

[0081] If a second holding element 16 is provided, this is provided in step a). The second holding element 16 is arranged between two battery cells 3 of the second row 8 and extends from a first end 13 of the second holding element 16 beyond the second row 8 (and after step b)) around the spacer element 10 to a second end 14 of the second holding element 16. The first holding element 12 and the second holding element 16 form, at least with their respective second ends 14, a receptacle 18 for the spacer element 10, such that the spacer element 10 can be pushed into the receptacle 18 along the height direction 19 within the scope of step b).

[0082] The holding elements 12, 16 are clamped in step a) by the two adjacently arranged battery cells 3 (of a row 7, 8) and are thus at least non-positively connected to the battery cells 3 at least with respect to the width direction 11.

[0083] Fig. 9 shows a motor vehicle 21 in a side view, at least having a plurality of wheels 22 and a drive train 23 designed to drive at least one of the wheels 22, with a traction drive 24 and the described battery 1 or with a battery 1 produced by the described method. The motor vehicle 21 is movable via the wheels 22 along a ground 25. The battery 1 is arranged in the motor vehicle 21 such that the longitudinal direction 9 and the width direction 11 extend parallel to the ground 15.

[0084] The battery 1 is thus arranged in the motor vehicle 21 such that the height direction 19 extends transversely to the ground 25 or parallel to a z-axis 28 of the motor vehicle 21. List of reference symbols 1 battery 2 battery cases 3 battery cells 4 cell housings 5 first connection 6 second connection 7 first row 8 second row 9 Longitudinal direction 10 spacer element 11 Latitude direction 12 first holding element 13 first end 14 second end 15 first force 16 second holding element 17 second force 18 recording 19 Altitude direction 20 third force 21 Motor vehicle 22 wheels 23 Drivetrain 24 Traction drive 25 Underground 26 fourth force 27 distance 28 z-axis 29 Tilting axis QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2019 210 196 A1

[0009] DE 10 2018 129 018 A1

[0010]

Claims

[1] A battery (1), comprising at least one battery housing (2) and a plurality of battery cells (3) arranged therein, each battery cell (3) having a dimensionally stable, cuboid-shaped cell housing (4) with at least two electrical connections (5, 6) for electrically contacting electrodes arranged in the cell housing (4); wherein the battery cells (3) are arranged next to one another in the battery housing (2) in a first row (7) and a second row (8), each along a longitudinal direction (9); wherein the rows (7, 8) are spaced from one another by at least one spacer element (10) in a width direction (11) running transversely to the longitudinal direction (9);wherein a first holding element (12), which is arranged between two battery cells (3) of the first row (7), extends from a first end (13) of the first holding element (12) beyond the first row (7) around the spacer element (10) to a second end (14), so that a first force (15) acting in the width direction (11), transmitted from the first row (7) or from the battery housing (2) to the first holding element (12) and directed away from the spacer element (10) can be supported on the spacer element (10); [2] Battery (1) according to claim 1, wherein a second holding element (16) is provided which is arranged between two battery cells (3) of the second row (8) and extends from a first end (13) of the second holding element (16) beyond the second row (8) around the spacer element (10) to a second end (14), so that a second force (17) acting in the width direction (11), transmitted from the second row (8) or from the battery housing (2) to the second holding element (16) and directed away from the spacer element (10) can be supported on the spacer element (10). [3] Battery (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first holding element (12) and the second holding element (16) form a receptacle (18) for the spacer element (10) at least with the second ends (14), so that the spacer element (10) can be inserted into the receptacle (18) along a height direction (19) running transversely to the longitudinal direction (9) and transversely to the width direction (11). [4] Battery (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a third force (20) acting in the width direction (11), transmitting from the first row (7) or from the battery housing (2) to the first holding element (12) and pointing towards the spacer element (10) can be supported on the spacer element (10). [5] Battery (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding element (12, 16) is connected to the two adjacently arranged battery cells (3) at least in a force-locking manner at least with respect to the width direction (11). [6] Battery (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first holding element (12) extends from the second end (14) beyond the first row (7) to the first end (13), wherein the first end (13) is fastened to the first row (7) or to the battery housing (2) in such a way that at least the first force (15) pointing away from the spacer element (10) can be supported at the first end (13). [7] A method for producing a battery (1), wherein the battery (1) comprises at least one battery housing (2) and a plurality of battery cells (3) arranged therein, wherein each battery cell (3) has a dimensionally stable, cuboid-shaped cell housing (4) with at least two electrical connections (5, 6) for electrically contacting electrodes arranged in the cell housing (4); wherein the battery cells (3) are arranged next to one another in the battery housing (2) in a first row (7) and a second row (8), each along a longitudinal direction (9); wherein the rows (7, 8) are spaced from one another by at least one spacer element (10) in a width direction (11) running transversely to the longitudinal direction (9);wherein a first holding element (12), which is arranged between two battery cells (3) of the first row (7), extends from a first end (13) of the first holding element (12) beyond the first row (7) around the spacer element (10) to a second end (14); wherein the method comprises at least the following steps:; a) providing the battery housing (2), the battery cells (3) arranged therein and the first holding element (12); b) Providing the spacer element (10) and inserting the spacer element (10) along a height direction (19) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction (9) and transversely to the width direction (11), so that the spacer element (10) is arranged between the second end (14) and the first row (7) with respect to the width direction (11). [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein a second holding element (16) is provided, which is arranged between two battery cells (3) of the second row (8) and extends from a first end (13) of the second holding element (16) beyond the second row (8) around the spacer element (10) to a second end (14); wherein the first holding element (12) and the second holding element (16) form, at least with the second ends (14), a receptacle (18) for the spacer element (10), so that the spacer element (10) can be pushed into the receptacle (18) along the height direction (19) within the scope of step b). [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims 7 and 8, wherein at least the first holding element (12) is clamped by the two adjacently arranged battery cells (3) in step a) and is thus at least non-positively connected to the battery cells (3) at least with respect to the width direction (11). [10] Motor vehicle (21), at least comprising a plurality of wheels (22) and a drive train (23) designed to drive at least one of the wheels (22), with a traction drive (24) and a battery (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6 or a battery (1) produced by the method according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the motor vehicle (21) is movable along a ground (25) via the wheels (22), wherein the battery (1) is arranged in the motor vehicle (21) such that the longitudinal direction (9) and the width direction (11) extend parallel to the ground (25).

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