Modular system and method for manufacturing an electrical energy storage unit for motorized vehicles

Abstract

We provide devices that are suitable for improving upon conventional technologies. [Solution] A modular system for manufacturing an electrical energy storage unit 10-1;10-2 for a motorized vehicle includes cylindrical battery cells 1 arranged adjacent to each other in a plurality of cell rows, and support columns 2,3 respectively positioned between two of the plurality of cell rows, wherein in the first structural version of the electrical energy storage unit 10-1, the support columns 2,3 are configured only as cooling support columns 2, the cooling support columns 2 are provided with cooling passages extending in the longitudinal direction L for guiding a cooling medium, and in the second structural version of the electrical energy storage unit 10-2, the support columns 2,3 are configured alternately as cooling support columns 2 and spacer support columns 3, the spacer support columns 3 are formed in the longitudinal direction L without having cooling passages and / or as solid support columns.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a modular system for manufacturing an electrical energy storage unit for a vehicle with a prime mover, a method for manufacturing an electrical energy storage unit for a vehicle with a prime mover, an electrical energy storage unit, and / or a vehicle with a prime mover including the electrical energy storage unit.

Background Art

[0002] Due to the thermal power losses that occur during charging and discharging of an electrical energy storage unit of an electrically drivable vehicle with a prime mover, such as a traction battery, a cooling system is required to maintain the battery cells at a low temperature level even when a large amount of waste heat is generated for each electrical energy storage unit with as high performance as possible. For this purpose, it is required to cool as many sides of the battery cells as possible, for example, cooling on both sides where each cylindrical battery cell (or circular cell) is cooled from two sides (front and rear of the jacket surface). Such a structure leads to relatively high costs due to a large number of battery cells, cell rows, and cooling surfaces. On the other hand, cooling on one side (single side) can significantly reduce costs, but at the same time leads to a reduction in electrical output. However, across the entire product line-up of vehicle manufacturers, there are vehicles with a prime mover having different cost targets and performance requirements.

[0003] In known concepts, it is impossible to construct cooling on one side or cooling on two sides completely flexibly without changing the production process or the mounting (assembly) process. Only the cooling concept on one side is known. Compared with the known cooling on one side, the cooling on two sides needs to be constructed fundamentally differently in the production process. This is because both sides of the battery cells need to be adhered to the cooling device. This results in two fundamentally different system structures that bring different part number versions of components and different production facilities.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The objective of this disclosure is to provide devices suitable for improving upon the prior art, given the context of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The above issues are resolved by the features of the independent claim. The equivalent and dependent claims are intended to be further developments of the optional disclosure.

[0006] According to this, the above problem can be solved by a modular system for manufacturing electrical energy storage units for motorized vehicles, such as traction batteries.

[0007] The modular system includes cylindrical battery cells that can be arranged side-by-side in multiple cell rows (including, for example, all structural versions).

[0008] Each modular system includes a support column that can be positioned between two of several cell rows, or is positioned between two of them. The support columns can be positioned, or can be positioned, parallel to each other, for example.

[0009] In the first structural version of the electrical energy storage unit, the support columns are configured solely as cooling columns. Each cooling column has one cooling passage extending longitudinally (of the cooling column) that guides the cooling medium.

[0010] In the second structural version of the electrical energy storage unit, the support columns are configured alternately as cooling columns and spacer columns. In other words, in the second structural version, the support columns include cooling columns and spacer columns that can be arranged alternately between two of the multiple cell rows.

[0011] The spacer support section is formed without a cooling passage in the longitudinal direction and / or as a solid support section. The cooling support section and the spacer support section have at least partially, and optionally completely, the same external geometry (and / or the same external dimensions).

[0012] The modular system described above offers a series of advantages. In particular, it provides a concept that enables the flexible integration of one-sided and two-sided cooling for the battery cells of the electrical energy storage unit. The possibility of manufacturing the electrical energy storage unit using the same modular system and system architecture in either the first structural version (two-sided cooling) or the second structural version (one-sided cooling) is advantageous in that it is possible to selectively manufacture the first or second structural version at the lowest possible total cost compared to implementation through two separate production or installation (assembly) processes, while minimizing synergy losses. The selective manufacturing of one of the two structural versions can, for example, be integrated or implemented in the same production facility.

[0013] The following describes in detail possible developmental forms of the above-mentioned device.

[0014] The support columns (i.e., the cooling support columns and the spacer support columns) can be formed to be inelastic and / or bend-resistant (bending stiffness).

[0015] The cooling support column can be formed from a thermally conductive material, such as aluminum, or may be equipped with such a material.

[0016] The spacer support can be formed from or comprised of synthetic resin. The spacer support can be constructed without an additional insulating layer for electrical insulation. Alternatively, the spacer support can be formed from or comprised of a thermally conductive material, such as aluminum and / or the same material as the cooling support.

[0017] The support columns can be spaced apart from each other, or can be arranged so that the battery cell can optionally be bonded to or adhered to two of the support columns, respectively, so that the battery cell contacts two of the support columns. In the first structural version, the battery cell may be cooled on two sides by contact with two of the cooling support columns. In the second structural version, the battery cell may be cooled on one side by contact with one of the cooling support columns (and one of the spacer support columns). To hold the battery cell in place within the cell row, or to ensure a predetermined arrangement of the battery cell, such as a compact arrangement, the cooling support columns and spacer support columns can, advantageously, function as mechanical connectors for the battery cell in addition to the cooling function of the cooling support columns.

[0018] Each support column can have a single wavy longitudinal section. This wavy longitudinal section makes it possible to form a concave contact surface for each contact of one of the battery cells.

[0019] Each support column may have a first longitudinal side having a first set of concave contact surfaces and a second longitudinal side having a second set of concave contact surfaces in the longitudinal direction of the support column or one of each support column. The second longitudinal side may be located opposite the first longitudinal side.

[0020] The first set of concave contact surfaces and the second set of concave contact surfaces can be formed offset from each other in the longitudinal direction (of the support column, or of each of the support columns). Alternatively, or in addition to this, the first set of concave contact surfaces can be formed for contact with a first row of a plurality of cell rows, and the second set of concave contact surfaces can be formed for contact with a second row of a plurality of cell rows, and the first and second rows can be arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal direction (of the support column, or of each of the support columns), or can be arranged offset from each other. Advantageously, such an arrangement of battery cells can ensure a compact arrangement of the electrical energy storage and the most efficient use of structural space, for example, within a housing.

[0021] The cooling column section (and optionally the spacer column section) may be equipped with a (structurally identical) connecting device, which may or may be capable of mechanically and fluidly connecting at least one (common) guide passage, for example, two guide passages, for guiding the cooling medium.

[0022] In other words, in the first structural version, the cooling column section may be equipped with a coupling device (and / or each cooling column section may be equipped with one of the coupling devices).

[0023] In the second structural version, only the cooling column section may be equipped with a coupling device (and / or each cooling column section may be equipped with one coupling device). The spacer column section may be configured without a coupling device. Alternatively, both the cooling column section and the spacer column section may be equipped with a coupling device (and / or each cooling column section and the spacer column section may be equipped with one coupling device).

[0024] The connecting devices can each be arranged in the longitudinal end range of one of the support columns. The connecting devices can each be mechanically and fluidly connected to two other (and / or one each on opposite sides of the connecting device), or can be connected thereto.

[0025] The support columns can be arranged or can be arranged parallel to each other so that the connecting devices are arranged on the same side and / or adjacent to each other.

[0026] The connecting devices of the support columns can each be fluidly connected to each cooling passage. In other words, the cooling support columns each comprise one of the connecting devices (connected to each other) and a cooling passage.

[0027] The connecting devices can be mechanically and fluidly connected to each other or can be connected to form two guide passages for guiding the cooling medium. One of the guide passages can be fluidly connected to each first end of each cooling passage of the cooling support column (when the connecting devices are connected), and / or can be configured to introduce the cooling medium into each cooling passage of the cooling support column. The other one of the guide passages can be fluidly connected to each second end of each cooling passage of the cooling support column (when the connecting devices are connected), and / or can be configured to receive or discharge the cooling medium from each cooling passage of the cooling support column.

[0028] The connecting devices can each comprise at least one passage (for example, two passages) and one connecting pipe on each side of the at least one passage. The connecting pipes of the connecting devices can be formed identically in structure. To connect the connecting devices, for example, the two connecting pipes of two adjacent connecting devices can be coupled to each other using a sleeve (connector), or can be coupled. In the connected state, the passages and connecting pipes of the connecting devices and the sleeve can form at least one guide passage.

[0029] The connecting devices can each have two passages, which are directed in the same direction and are spaced apart from each other and can, for example, be formed overlapping each other. In the two passages, it is possible to form and / or arrange a first connecting pipe and a second connecting pipe, respectively. The first connecting pipe can be formed and / or arranged on the first side surface of each connecting device (among the connecting devices), and the second connecting pipe can be formed and / or arranged on the second side surface of each connecting device (among the connecting devices). The first side surface can be an extension of the first longitudinal side surface of each support part (among the support parts), and the second side surface can be an extension of the second longitudinal side surface of each support part (among the support parts). The first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe can be structurally identical.

[0030] To connect the connecting devices, for example, the first connecting pipes and the second connecting pipes of two adjacent connecting devices can be joined to each other using a sleeve or can be joined. In the connected state, the passages of the connecting devices and the (first and second) connecting pipes and the sleeve can form two guide passages (for guiding the cooling medium) that extend parallel to each other, for example.

[0031] The modular system can include, for example, structurally identical sleeves that connect two connecting pipes of two of the connecting devices. The sleeves can each have a length such that, in the connected state, one of each cell row is arranged to contact, for example, between two of the support parts. The length of the sleeve can, for example, correspond to approximately the diameter of one of the cylindrical battery cells.

[0032] Alternatively, in the second structural version, if only the cooling column section is equipped with a coupling device, the sleeve may have a length such that, when coupled, each of the multiple cell rows and the spacer column section (of the spacer column section) positioned between them are, for example, in contact with the two coupled cooling column sections. The length of the sleeve may correspond, for example, to approximately twice the diameter of one of the cylindrical battery cells and the width of one of the spacer column sections.

[0033] The modular system may include busbars. Busbars may or may be placed on the outermost cooling column sections (of the cooling columns), and may or may be bonded, for example. For this purpose, in the second structural version, the columns may be arranged alternately such that one of the outermost columns is one cooling column section.

[0034] The support column can be divided at least partially into two longitudinal halves. The two longitudinal halves can extend, for example, spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of each support column, or overlapping.

[0035] The modular system may include a housing (including a structural version) which may accommodate multiple cell rows and support columns (each positioned between two of the multiple cell rows), or which may contain such support columns.

[0036] The matters described above can be rephrased and summarized as follows regarding the specific components that may be disclosed, and the following explanation should not be interpreted restrictively regarding disclosure.

[0037] This disclosure describes a concept in which both one-sided and two-sided cooling systems are based on the same system architecture and can be constructed using the same production method.

[0038] For this purpose, the entire battery can be constructed from blocks made up of battery cells. The battery cells can be bonded to cooling devices (i.e., cooling support columns) on both sides. For batteries with lower performance requirements, every other cooling device (or every other cooling support column) can be replaced with a spacer (i.e., a spacer support column).

[0039] The spacer (i.e., the spacer support) can be constructed to be geometrically identical to the cooling device (i.e., the spacer support), but can be made of a more suitable material, such as synthetic resin. This may eliminate the need to separate the spacer, as the base material is already separated. In this case, the spacer can perform two functions: the passage of the cooling medium and the mechanical connection of the battery cells (via adhesive).

[0040] The connection of individual elements (cooling device / cooling device or cooling device / spacer) can be done, for example, by sleeves.

[0041] Another way to simplify the spacer may be by omitting the fluid passage function. This allows for the omission of the spacer's connecting device (also called a connecting assembly), and, for example, the use of an extended sleeve. This reduces the number of connection points, thereby lowering costs and improving the system's robustness. However, it slightly increases the complexity of the equipment technology and introduces additional part numbers.

[0042] The presence of cooling devices (i.e., cooling pillars) in the first and last rows of the battery allows these cooling devices to be used in both one-sided and two-sided cooling concepts to contact the busbars as well as the battery cells. This allows the busbars to be cooled as well, thereby improving battery performance.

[0043] Furthermore, in order to prevent further thermal events or heat transfer to adjacent cells, safety requirements stipulate that the heat generated by thermal events in a battery cell should be distributed to surrounding battery cells as much as possible. The outermost battery cell has only (very) few adjacent cells, and when cooling on one side, a spacer (made of a suitable material, e.g., synthetic resin) reduces good heat conduction to the adjacent cell. Therefore, it is possible to attach a thermally conductive spacer to the outermost battery cell. This thermally conductive spacer can be made of a material with good thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, similar to a cooling device (i.e., a cooling support), and thus can distribute heat well. However, unlike a cooling device, no cooling medium flows through the spacer in order to enable even cooling of the battery.

[0044] Furthermore, a method for manufacturing an electrical energy storage unit for a motorized vehicle is provided.

[0045] This method includes providing the modular system described above.

[0046] This method includes arranging cylindrical battery cells in adjacent rows of double-layered cells, and determining whether to manufacture the electrical energy storage unit using a first structural version or a second structural version.

[0047] This method includes selecting the support columns. If it is determined that an electrical energy storage unit will be manufactured in the first structural version, only the support columns configured as cooling support columns are selected. If it is determined that an electrical energy storage unit will be manufactured in the second structural version, both the support columns configured as cooling support columns and the support columns configured as spacer support columns are selected.

[0048] This method involves positioning and bonding selected support columns between two of a plurality of cell rows, wherein the cooling support columns and spacer support columns are alternately positioned and bonded in the second structural version.

[0049] The above points regarding modular systems also apply to methods, and vice versa.

[0050] Furthermore, an electrical energy storage unit for motorized vehicles is provided. The electrical energy storage unit is manufactured as a first structural version or a second structural version of the electrical energy storage unit using the modular system described above and / or the method described above.

[0051] The above points regarding modular systems also apply to electrical energy storage units, and vice versa.

[0052] Furthermore, a motorized vehicle is provided, which includes the aforementioned electrical energy storage unit.

[0053] Motorized vehicles may be private cars, especially automobiles, or commercial vehicles such as trucks.

[0054] A motorized vehicle may be an electrically driven motorized vehicle that can be driven at will.

[0055] The electrical energy storage unit can be configured as a traction battery for a motorized vehicle.

[0056] The above descriptions concerning modular systems, methods, and electrical energy storage units also apply to motorized vehicles, and vice versa.

[0057] The following describes an arbitrary embodiment in relation to Figures 1 to 7. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0058] [Figure 1]This figure schematically shows a portion of the electrical energy storage unit according to the disclosure in the first and second structural versions, manufactured using the modular system according to the disclosure. [Figure 2] This diagram schematically shows another part of the electrical energy storage unit in the first structural version. [Figure 3] This diagram schematically shows another part of the electrical energy storage section in the first structural version, which is equipped with busbars. [Figure 4] This figure schematically shows the cooling support column and the spacer support column according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This diagram schematically shows a portion of the electrical energy storage unit in a second structural version having different connection versions of the support columns. [Figure 6] This diagram schematically shows another part of the electrical energy storage unit in a second structural version with the thermal events shown in the illustration. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating the method according to this disclosure for manufacturing an electrical energy storage unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0059] Figure 1 schematically shows a portion of the electrical energy storage unit 10-1 in the first structural version and a portion of the electrical energy storage unit 10-2 in the second structural version manufactured using the modular system of this disclosure.

[0060] The modular system includes cylindrical battery cells 1 that can be arranged adjacent to each other in multiple cell rows, or that are arranged in such arrangements, and support columns 2 and 3 that can be arranged between two of the multiple cell rows, respectively.

[0061] In the first structural version, the support column is configured solely as a cooling support column 2, each of which is equipped with a longitudinally extending cooling passage that guides the cooling medium.

[0062] In the second structural version, the support sections are configured alternately as cooling support sections 2 and spacer support sections 3, the spacer support sections 3 having no cooling passages in the longitudinal direction and / or being formed as solid support sections. The cooling support sections 2 and spacer support sections 3 have, at least partially, optionally completely identical external geometry (and / or identical external dimensions).

[0063] Therefore, the electrical energy storage unit 10-1 in the first structural version includes a plurality of cell rows, with one cooling column 2 positioned between each of two adjacent cell rows. The cooling column 2 is equipped with a coupling device 2-1, which is mechanically and fluidly connectable to each other or connected in the manufactured electrical energy storage unit 10-1 to form at least one guide passage for guiding the cooling medium.

[0064] Each coupling device 2-1 is positioned within the longitudinal end range of one of the cooling column sections 2 and is mechanically and fluidly connectable to two other coupling devices 2-1, or connected at a manufactured electrical energy storage unit 10-1. Furthermore, each coupling device 2-1 can be fluidly coupled (connected) to each cooling passage of each cooling column section 2 in order to introduce cooling fluid from the at least one guide passage into the cooling passage, or to lead cooling fluid from the cooling passage into the at least one guide passage.

[0065] In Figure 1, a portion of the electrical energy storage unit 10-1 is only schematically shown for the sake of simplicity, and only a portion of each of the first cylindrical battery cells 1 in each cell row, a portion of each of the cooling column sections 2 arranged between the cell rows, and a connecting device 2-1 that connects adjacent cooling column sections 2 to each other. Here, the illustrated direction L represents the longitudinal or extension direction of the cooling column sections 2 and the cell rows.

[0066] In the second structural version, the electrical energy storage unit 10-2 similarly comprises multiple cell rows, where cooling column sections 2 or spacer column sections 3 are alternately arranged between two adjacent cell rows. Like the cooling column sections 2, the spacer column sections 3 also include a coupling device 3-1, which is mechanically and fluidly connectable together with the coupling device 2-1 of the cooling column sections 2 and forms the at least one guide passage for guiding the cooling medium in the manufactured electrical energy storage unit 10-2.

[0067] The connecting device 3-1 is positioned within the range of one longitudinal end of each spacer column 3, and can be formed structurally identical to the connecting device 2-1 of the cooling column 2, except that the spacer column 3 that does not have a cooling passage does not have a fluid connection to the cooling passage.

[0068] In Figure 1, a portion of the electrical energy storage unit 10-2 is shown only schematically for the sake of simplicity, including the first cylindrical battery cell 1 in each cell row, a portion of one of the cooling support columns 2 or spacer support columns 3 positioned between the cell rows, and the connecting devices 2-1 and 3-1. Here, the illustrated direction L represents the longitudinal or extension direction of the cooling support columns 2, spacer support columns 3, and cell rows.

[0069] Figure 2 schematically shows another part of the electrical energy storage unit 10-1 in the first structural version, illustrating, exemplarily, all the cell rows of the cylindrical battery cell 1 and the cooling support column 2 in a complete and compact arrangement.

[0070] Each cooling column 2 includes a connecting device 2-1 at its end, which, in this embodiment, forms two guide passages for the cooling medium when connected, such as a passage for supplying the cooling medium and another passage for discharging the cooling medium. Thus, the outermost connecting device 2-1 has two cooling connection parts 6, to which it is possible to attach, for example, a conduit, to introduce the cooling medium into one of the guide passages and guide it back out from the other.

[0071] Based on the compact arrangement of the cylindrical battery cell 1 and cooling column 2 shown, it can be seen that the battery cell 1 is in contact with two of the cooling column 2, and therefore in the first structural version shown, cooling is possible on both sides, or the cooling column 2 is spaced apart from each other to allow for cooling.

[0072] Similarly, the electrical energy storage unit 10-2 in the second structural version can also be configured such that the alternately arranged cooling column sections 2 and spacer column sections 3 are spaced apart from each other so that the battery cell 1 is in contact with one of the cooling column sections 2 and therefore can be cooled on one side or is cooled on one side.

[0073] Figure 3 shows another part of the electrical energy storage unit 10-1 in the first structural version, where the cell contact portion 7 is located on the battery cell 1. The busbar 6 is located in contact with the outermost cooling column portion 1 and can therefore be cooled by the cooling column portion 1. This arrangement of the coolable busbar 6 is also conceivable for the electrical energy storage unit 10-2 in the second structural version, where the columns 2 and 3 are arranged alternately such that the outermost rail (busbar) is the cooling column portion 2.

[0074] Figure 4 shows a cooling support column 2 and a spacer support column 3 according to an optional embodiment. Each of these cooling support column 2 and spacer support column 3 has a wavy longitudinal shape, and this wavy longitudinal shape forms concave contact surfaces 2-4 and 3-4 for each contact of one of the battery cells 1.

[0075] Due to the wavy longitudinal shape, the cooling column section 2 and the spacer column section 3 each have a first longitudinal side surface 2-3, 3-3 having a first set of concave contact surfaces 2-4, 3-4 in the longitudinal direction L, and a second longitudinal side surface on the opposite side of the first longitudinal side surface 2-3, 3-3 having a second set of concave contact surfaces. The first set of concave contact surfaces 2-4, 3-4 and the second set of concave contact surfaces are formed offset from each other in the longitudinal direction L.

[0076] A first set of concave contact surfaces 2-4, 3-4 can be formed for contact with a first row of multiple cell rows, and a second set of concave contact surfaces can be formed for contact with a second row of multiple cell rows, and the first and second rows can be arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal direction L, or are arranged offset from each other. This makes it possible to achieve a compact arrangement, for example, as shown in Figure 2.

[0077] Furthermore, Figure 4 shows that the connecting devices 2-1 and 3-1 of the cooling column section 2 or the spacer column section 3 may each be equipped with at least one passage (not shown) and one connecting pipe 2-2 and 3-2 on each side of the at least one passage. In order to connect the connecting devices 2-1 and 3-1, the two connecting pipes 2-2 and 3-2 of two of the connecting devices 2-1 and 3-1 may be able to be connected to each other using sleeves 4-1 and 4-2 (shown in Figure 5).

[0078] More precisely, the illustrated embodiments of the connecting devices 2-1,3-1 of the cooling column section 2 or the spacer column section 3 each have two passages, which are formed in the same direction and spaced apart from each other, or vertically. In each of the two passages, one connecting pipe 2-2,3-2 is formed and / or arranged on each side, so that two of the four connecting pipes are formed and / or arranged on each connecting device 2-1,3-1 (or the first longitudinal side of the column sections 2,3), and the other two of the four connecting pipes are formed and / or arranged on the opposite side of each connecting device 2-1,3-1 (or the second longitudinal side of the column sections 2,3). The connecting devices 2-1,3-1 can be connected to each other, for example using sleeves, to form two guide passages for the cooling medium, which are, for example, parallel to each other.

[0079] Figure 5 shows another part of the electrical energy storage unit 10-2 in a second structural version having different connection versions of the support columns 2 and 3.

[0080] In the connected version (a), in addition to the cooling column section 2, the spacer column section 3 also includes connecting devices 2-1, 3-1 that are mechanically and fluidly connectable to each other, or connected in a manufactured electrical energy storage section 10-2. Therefore, the connecting devices 2-1, 3-1 are directly connected to adjacent connecting devices 2-1, 3-1, and the connecting devices 2-1, 3-1 are structurally identical or at least have the same external dimensions.

[0081] Each connecting pipe 2-2 of the connecting device 2-1 of the cooling column section 2 may be connected to, or can be connected to, the connecting pipe 3-2 of the directly adjacent connecting device 3-1 of the spacer column section 3 using a sleeve 4-1. Each sleeve 4-1 may have a length that allows for the placement of a cell row of battery cells 1 between the cooling column section 2 and the spacer column section 3, which are connected to each other via the connecting devices 2-1 and 3-1, such that the battery cells 1 of the cell row are in contact with both column sections 2 and 3.

[0082] In the linked version (b), only the cooling column sections 2 are equipped with the linking device 2-1. Therefore, only the cooling column sections 2 are connectable to each other via their linking device 2-1, or are connected in the manufactured electrical energy storage units 10-2, but the spacer column sections 3 are not.

[0083] The connection can also be made using sleeve 4-2, and each connecting pipe 2-2 of the connecting device 2-1 of the cooling column section 2 can be connected to, or be made to be connected to, the nearest connecting pipe 2-2 of the connecting device 2-1 of the cooling column section 2 using sleeve 4-2. Due to the alternating arrangement of the cooling column sections 2 and spacer column sections 3 in the second structural version, each sleeve 4-2 can be positioned between the two cooling column sections 2, which are connected to each other, and the two cell rows of battery cells 1, each of which is in contact with the spacer column section 3 and one of the cooling column sections 2, respectively. Thus, the sleeve 4-2 of connection version (b) can be longer than the sleeve 4-1 of connection version (a), but have the same dimensions, for example, the same diameter.

[0084] As further shown in Figure 5, the cooling column 2 and the spacer column 3 can be divided at least partially into two longitudinal halves, the longitudinal halves of which are spaced apart vertically in the longitudinal direction of the cooling column 2 or the spacer column 3.

[0085] Figure 6 illustrates a portion of the electrical energy storage section 10-2 in a second structural version of the battery cell 1 having a thermal event. The indicated arrows represent the heat flow from the battery cell 1 having a thermal event to the adjacent battery cell 1. To optimally distribute the heat generated in the thermal event to the surrounding battery cell 1 and thus avoid further thermal events or heat propagation to the adjacent battery cell 1, the spacer support 3 can be formed of a thermally conductive material, such as aluminum, and / or the same material as the cooling support.

[0086] The electrical energy storage units 10-1, 10-2 may be manufactured, for example, in a first or second structural version, according to the method 100 shown in Figure 7.

[0087] In the first method step S1, a modular system is provided.

[0088] In the second method step S2, cylindrical battery cells 1 are arranged in a row in a series of cell rows.

[0089] In the third method step S3, it is determined whether the electrical energy storage units 10-1 and 10-2 are manufactured in the first structural version or in the second structural version.

[0090] In the fourth method step S4, support columns 2 and 3 are selected. If it is determined that the electrical energy storage unit 10-1 will be manufactured in the first structural version, only support column 2, which is configured as a cooling support column, is selected. If it is determined that the electrical energy storage unit 10-2 will be manufactured in the second structural version, both support column 2, which is configured as a cooling support column, and support column 3, which is configured as a spacer support column, are selected.

[0091] In the fifth method step S5, the selected support columns 2 and 3 are placed between two of the multiple cell rows and bonded together. For the second structural version, the cooling support columns 2 and spacer support columns 3 are placed alternately and bonded together. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 1. Cylindrical battery cell 2 Cooling strut section 2-1 Connecting device for the cooling column section 2-2 Connecting pipe of the cooling column coupling device 2-3 First longitudinal side of the cooling column 2-4 Concave contact surface of the cooling support column 3. Spacer support section 3-1 Connecting device for spacer support section 3-2 Connection pipe of the connecting device for the spacer support column 3-3 First longitudinal side of the spacer support 3-4 Concave contact surface of the spacer support 4 sleeves 5 Bus Bar 6. Cooling connection section 7 Cell contact area 10-1 Electrical energy storage unit according to the first structural version 10-2 Electrical energy storage unit according to the second structural version L Longitudinal direction 100 ways S1-S5 Method Steps

Claims

1. A modular system for manufacturing an electrical energy storage unit (10-1; 10-2) for a motorized vehicle, - A cylindrical battery cell (1) that can be arranged adjacent to each other in multiple cell rows, - The support columns (2, 3) can be positioned between two of the aforementioned rows of cells, or are positioned between two of the support columns (2, 3) In the modular system, which includes, - The support columns (2, 3) are configured solely as cooling support columns (2) in the first structural version of the electrical energy storage unit (10-1), and each of the cooling support columns (2) is provided with a cooling passage extending in the longitudinal direction (L) that guides the cooling medium. - The support columns (2, 3) are alternately configured as a cooling support column (2) and a spacer support column (3) in the second structural version of the electrical energy storage unit (10-2), wherein the spacer support column (3) is formed as a solid support column without a cooling passage in the longitudinal direction (L), and the cooling support column (2) and the spacer support column (3) have at least partially the same external geometry. A modular system characterized by the following features.

2. The support columns (2, 3) can be arranged spaced apart from each other so that two of the support columns (2, 3) are in contact with the battery cells (1), and the battery cells (1) - In the first structural version described above, cooling is possible on two sides by contacting two of the cooling support columns (2), - In the second structural version described above, cooling is possible on one side by contacting one of the cooling support columns (2). The modular system according to claim 1.

3. The modular system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support columns (2, 3) each have a wavy longitudinal shape, and the wavy longitudinal shape forms concave contact surfaces (2-4, 3-4) for each contact of one of the battery cells (1).

4. Each of the support columns (2, 3) has, in the longitudinal direction (L), a first longitudinal side surface (2-3, 3-3) having a first set of the concave contact surfaces (2-4, 3-4), and a second longitudinal side surface having a second set of the concave contact surfaces. - The first set of the concave contact surfaces (2-4, 3-4) and the second set of the concave contact surfaces are formed offset from each other in the longitudinal direction (L), and / or - The first set of the concave contact surfaces (2-4, 3-4) is formed to contact the first row of the plurality of cell rows, and the second set of the concave contact surfaces is formed to contact the second row of the plurality of cell rows, and the first row and the second row can be arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal direction (L), or are arranged in such a way. The modular system according to claim 3.

5. The modular system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cooling column portion (2) and the optional spacer column portion (3) are provided with connecting devices (2-1, 3-1), and the connecting devices are mechanically and fluidly connectable to each other or connected to form at least one guide passage for guiding a cooling medium.

6. - The connecting devices (2-1, 3-1) are each located within the longitudinal end range of one of the support columns (2, 3), and are mechanically and fluidly connectable to or connected to two other connecting devices (2-1, 3-1), and / or - The connecting device (2-1) of the cooling support column (2) is fluidly connected to each of the cooling passages. The modular system according to claim 5, characterized in that it is a modular system.

7. The modular system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein each connecting device (2-1, 3-1) comprises at least one passage and one connecting pipe (2-2, 3-2) on each side of the at least one passage, and two of the connecting pipes (2-2, 3-2) of each of the connecting devices (2-1, 3-1) are connectable to each other or connected using sleeves (4-1; 4-2).

8. A method (100) for manufacturing an electrical energy storage unit (10-1; 10-2) for a motorized vehicle, The method is - To provide a modular system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 (S1), - Arranging cylindrical battery cells (1) in multiple rows of cells arranged side by side (S2), - Determining whether the electrical energy storage unit (10-1; 10-2) is manufactured according to the first structural version or according to the second structural version (S3), - Selecting the support columns (2, 3) (S4) Includes, - If it is determined that the electrical energy storage unit will be manufactured in the first structural version, then only the support column (2) which is configured as a cooling support column will be selected. - If it is determined that the electrical energy storage unit will be manufactured in the second structural version, then the column (2) configured as a cooling column and the column (3) configured as a spacer column will be selected. - Further comprising positioning and bonding the selected support columns (2, 3) between two of the plurality of cell rows (S5), wherein the cooling support columns (2) and the spacer support columns (3) are alternately positioned and bonded for the second structural version. A method characterized by the following:

9. In an electrical energy storage unit (10-1; 10-2) for a motorized vehicle, An electrical energy storage unit characterized in that the electrical energy storage unit (10-1; 10-2) is formed as the first structural version or the second structural version of the electrical energy storage unit using the modular system described in any one of claims 1 to 7 and / or the method described in claim 8 (100).

10. A motorized vehicle characterized by including an electrical energy storage unit (10-1; 10-2) as described in claim 9.

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