An electric battery unit and a vehicle comprising an electric battery unit

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electric battery unit, the electric battery unit comprising two battery modules (401, 402, 403), each module comprises a frame (410_1, 410_2, 410_3); at least one interconnection end plate (421, 422), each interconnection end plate (421, 422) configured to interconnect with two (401, 402; 402, 403) of the at least two battery modules (401, 402, 403), by utilization of interconnection means (441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462) configured to interconnect with corresponding interconnection means of a first side (410_1_c, 410_2_a, 410_3_a) the two frames of the two battery modules; at least two support end plates (431, 432) arranged at each free end of a column of battery modules (401, 402, 403), each support end plate being configured to be attached to interconnection means (441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462) of a second side (410_1_a, 410_2_c, 410_3_c) of the frame of one of the at least two battery modules (401, 402, 403); and each of the support end plates (431, 432) is configured to withstand higher forces than each of the at least one interconnection end plates (421, 422).

Description

[0001] AN ELECTRIC BATTERY UNIT AND A VEHICLE COMPRISING AN ELECTRIC BATTERY UNIT

[0002] Technical field

[0003] Aspects of the invention relate to an electric battery unit comprising a plurality of electric battery modules, each module comprising a plurality of electric battery cells. Aspects of the invention also relate to a vehicle comprising an electric battery unit.

[0004] Background

[0005] The following background description does not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0006] An electric battery cell can be seen as a container configured for chemically storing energy. The electric battery cells may come in various forms and shapes. For example, electric battery cells may, e.g., have a cylindrical or a prismatic shape. The battery cells may be connected in series and / or in parallel, into an electric battery unit, which may be called an electric battery pack, in order to attain a desired total voltage and energy capacity. A conventional electric battery pack, or a plurality of battery packs, may form the complete enclosure or entity that delivers electric power to a product or equipment, for example an electric vehicle, such as a battery electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle.

[0007] In general, a conventional electric battery unit includes or contains electric battery cells, a control or management system, which may be called a battery management system (BMS) and may, for example, be implemented partly as software, and often also a cooling and / or heating system. The electric battery cells of an electric battery unit, or pack, may be arranged in two or more modules, where a conventional module may comprise a frame holding a plurality of electric battery cells, e.g., of a cuboid, cylindrical or prismatic design, and a conventional electric battery unit may be assembled by interconnecting the modules. Each battery module may comprise suitable electronics for monitoring the battery cells of the module.

[0008] The battery cells of a battery module may be interconnected using electrical conductors, such as busbars or cables, to provide for current distribution between the battery cells. Such busbars or cables may also be used to connect the battery cells toconnector poles of the battery module, and also to interconnect battery modules. Busbars or cables may also be used to provide connection between the modules and the connectors of the battery pack.

[0009] Summary

[0010] The battery cells of a battery unit are in often packed together in modules, where a battery unit may comprise a plurality of battery modules, and each battery module may comprise a plurality of battery cells being stacked together. Each battery module further comprises a frame holding together the battery cells of the battery module.

[0011] However, battery cells of the battery modules deteriorate as time and usage progress, with the result that the battery modules may swell and increase in size. Thus, battery cells may suffer from swelling, which may for example be caused by overcharging and / or deep discharging of the cells, by manufacturing defects or damages, and / or by ageing. This imposes requirements on a frame of a battery module, in particular at the ends that are subjected to forces arising from the swelling of the battery cells. The strength of such frame ends may therefore need to be reinforced to counteract swelling of battery cells, and to thereby counteract deformation of the battery modules.

[0012] The size increase may be taken into consideration when providing such ends of the frames of the battery modules with stronger, and thereby thicker, material to counteract undesired swelling. Such thicker frame ends may increase the overall size of the battery unit, for example if a plurality of battery modules are arranged in series in such a manner that sides of the frames being designed to withstand higher forces are arranged to face each other in the battery unit.

[0013] In many applications where battery units are utilized, such as for example in vehicle implementations, there is a general shortage of space available for the battery units.

[0014] It is an object of the invention to provide a battery unit that provides for a reduced overall size of the battery unit while still providing sufficient strength to withstand forces arising from battery cell swelling.According to a first aspect of the invention, the aforementioned and further objects are at least partly achieved through an electric battery unit comprising at least two battery modules configured to be interconnected, each of the battery modules comprising a plurality of electric battery cells having a rectangular cuboid shape; wherein

[0015] each of the battery modules comprises a frame configured to hold together the battery cells of the battery module;

[0016] at least one first side of each frame of the battery modules comprises interconnection means for interconnection with corresponding complementary interconnection means of an interconnection end plate;

[0017] at least one second side of each frame of the battery modules comprises interconnection means for interconnection with corresponding complementary interconnection means of a support end plate or comprises interconnection means for interconnection with corresponding complementary interconnection means of an interconnection end plate, the at least one second side of the frame being opposite to the at least one first side of the frame;

[0018] the electric battery unit further comprising:

[0019] at least one interconnection end plate, each interconnection end plate being configured to interconnect two of the at least two battery modules, the at least one interconnection end plate comprising interconnection means configured to interconnect the frames of the two battery modules through interconnection with the corresponding complementary interconnection means of the frames of the two battery modules, respectively;

[0020] at least two support end plates arranged at each free end of a column of battery modules, each support end plate being configured to be attached to the interconnection means of at least one second side of the frame of one of the at least two battery modules; and

[0021] each of the support end plates is configured to withstand higher forces than each of the at least one interconnection end plates.

[0022] Hereby, a flexible battery module packing concept is provided, which provides sufficient resistance against deformation by swelling, while simultaneously reducing, or at least not unnecessarily increasing, the overall size of the electric battery unit.The modular battery module packing principle presented herein makes it possible to easily compile and assemble electric battery units of essentially any required size, simply by attaching and connecting a suitable number of battery modules to each other by utilization of the interconnection end plates and corresponding interconnection means of the frames and the interconnection end plates, respectively.

[0023] The presented configuration concept for the battery modules, and their cells, results in an electric battery unit being more robust, flexible and space efficient than battery units according to conventional solutions. Specifically, stronger, and therefore also thicker, support end plates are only used where they are really needed in order to efficiently counteract possible swelling of the battery cells. Typically, such stronger, and therefore thicker, support end plates may then be arranged only at the free ends of a column of battery modules, and not between the battery modules in the column. This means that less strong, and therefore less thick, interconnection end plates may be utilized between the battery modules, where the battery modules themselves provide enough support to counteract the swelling anyway. Hereby, i.e. by utilizing thinner and less space consuming interconnection end plates between the battery modules, an electric battery unit of smaller physical dimensions is provided, which is still able to counteract swelling of the battery cells thanks to the stronger support end plates arranged at the free ends of the column.

[0024] Thus, each of the weaker and thinner interconnection end plates is arranged between two battery modules to interconnect those two battery modules, without adding unnecessarily to the size of the battery unit. This is possible since the bodies of the battery modules, that are facing each other, are themselves able to counteract swelling of the battery cells. The stronger, and also thicker, support end plates are arranged at the free ends of a column of battery modules in order to counteract the battery cell swelling. Hereby, a compact electric battery unit arranged for mitigating battery cell swelling is provided.

[0025] The support end plates may be optimized regarding wight and volume when the herein presented concept is utilized. If the available space for the battery unit is restricted / limited, more massive / heavy support end plates, i.e. higher density supportend plates, may be used. However, if there is ample available space for the battery unit, lower density support endplates taking up more space may be utilized.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the interconnection means utilized for interconnection with corresponding complementary interconnection means of an interconnection end plate and the interconnection means utilized for interconnection with corresponding complementary interconnection means of a support end plate have corresponding configurations and are configured to selectively be interconnected with an interconnection end plate and a support end plate, respectively.

[0027] Hereby, i.e. by the utilization of corresponding interconnection means, the frames of the modules are modular in the sense that they may be flexibly attached and connected to either of the interconnection end plates and the support end plates. Thus, the frames may be easily attached and connected to each other in order to form an electric battery unit of essentially any size and shape.

[0028] According to an embodiment,

[0029] each of the battery cells has an upper surface, and opposite front and rear surfaces,

[0030] the battery cells are arranged in the battery modules such that the front and rear surfaces of a battery cell abut against a rear or front surface of an adjacent battery cell of the battery module, or against the frame configured for holding together the battery cells of the battery module.

[0031] This constitution of the battery cells makes them easy to be space-efficiently packed in battery modules. To arrange the battery modules in columns with thinner interconnection end plates between them and with thicker support end plates only at the open ends of the columns makes it possible to design a compact and also robust battery unit.

[0032] It should be noted that, according to some embodiments of the invention, the battery unit is designed to be mounted in a vehicle with the upper surface formed by the upper surfaces of the battery modules, i.e. by the upper surfaces of the battery cells of the battery modules, in various different orientations in relation to a horizontal plane of the vehicle. Thus, the fact that the battery modules comprise upper surfacesdoes not necessarily mean that the battery unit is installed in, e.g., a vehicle with the upper surfaces of the battery modules facing upwards when the vehicle is in a horizontal position. Instead, the battery units may be inclined in relation to the horizontal axis of the vehicle. Still, the battery units will have a general upper surface when being assembled.

[0033] According to an embodiment,

[0034] each of the battery cells has a depth a, a width b and a height c; wherein the depth a is smaller than the width b; a < b;

[0035] the depth a is smaller than the height c; a < c; and

[0036] sides of the battery cells being delimited by the width b and the height c form the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell.

[0037] This design of the battery cells makes them easy to pack in battery modules, such that flexible, robust and space-efficient battery units are provided.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the interconnection means utilized for interconnection with corresponding complementary interconnection means of an interconnection end plate, and the interconnection means utilized for interconnection with corresponding complementary interconnection means of a support end plate are arranged on a frame such that they abut against a front or rear surface of a battery cell.

[0039] Hereby, short interconnection elements, such as for example short length busbars, may be utilized for connecting the battery modules to each other.

[0040] According to an embodiment,

[0041] the electric battery unit comprises at least three battery modules configured to be aligned in a column and to be interconnected through interconnection end plates; and

[0042] each of two free ends of frames in a direction of extension of the battery unit is configured to be provided with a support end plate.

[0043] To arrange the battery modules in at least one column of three or more battery modules with thinner interconnection end plates between them, and with thickersupport endplates only at the open ends of the column of battery modules provides for a compact and robust battery unit.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the electric battery unit further comprises at least one strengthening element, wherein

[0045] at least one third side of the frame comprises interconnection means for interconnection with the at least one strengthening element, respectively; and the at least one strengthening element is configured to interconnect with interconnection means of at least two adjacent battery modules.

[0046] Such strengthening elements are configured to hold modules together and to connect / couple them by interacting with the frames of the modules. The strengthening elements may for example be utilized for connecting one column of modules with another column of modules and then to also help absorbing tensions acting on the multiple modules. The strengthening elements may for example be configured as beams or plates being possible to connect / couple with recesses / notches in the module frames. The strengthening elements may be arranged between columns of modules and / or on the free sides of the columns.

[0047] According to an embodiment, the at least one third side of the frame interconnects the at least one first side and the at least one second side of the frame.

[0048] This design of the battery cells makes them easy to pack in battery modules, such that flexible and space-efficient battery units are provided

[0049] According to an embodiment,

[0050] the battery unit is configured to comprise at least one second column of battery modules being attached to a first column of battery modules;

[0051] battery modules of the at least one second column are attached to each other in a corresponding configuration as the battery modules of the first column are attached to each other; and

[0052] the at least one second column of battery modules comprises interconnecting end plates and support end plates being separate from the interconnecting end plates and support end plates of the first column of battery modules.Thus, individual first and at least one second columns of battery modules are arranged to have separate interconnecting end plates and support end plates for each column. Hereby, the electric battery unit may be flexibly built, column by column, into a suitable size and / or capacity to match essentially any implementation requirements.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the at least one strengthening element is further configured to interconnect frames of the first and the at least one second adjacent columns of battery modules.

[0054] Thus, the strengthening elements are utilized for attaching and connecting two or more adjacent columns of battery modules to each other, such that the electric battery unit may be built into a suitable size and / or capacity. Such strengthening elements are configured to hold modules together and to connect / couple them by interacting with the frames of the modules. The strengthening elements may for example be configured as beams or plates being possible to connect / couple with recesses / notches in the module frames.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the at least one interconnection end plate and / or the at least one support end plate are configured to withstand forces applied by the battery cells when subjected to swelling.

[0056] The thinner interconnection end plates, being arranged between the battery modules, takes help from the bodies of the battery modules facing each other to counteract the swelling. The thicker support end plates arranged at the open ends of each column of battery modules is designed with a suitable thickness to itself have enough strength to withstand the forces created by the swelling. A compact and also robust electric battery unit is therefore provided by utilization of the combination of interconnection end plates and support end plates.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the frames of the battery modules are configured to comprise protruding interconnection means for interconnection with the interconnection end plate such that, when two battery modules are positioned adjacent to each other in position for interconnection, a space is formed between the frames of the two battery modules, wherein the interconnection end plate providesinterconnection by being introduced in the space being formed by the adjacently positioned frames of the two battery modules, the introducing causing the interconnection end plate to interconnect with the protruding interconnection means of the frames of both of the two battery modules to thereby interconnect the two battery modules.

[0058] Hereby, an easy and fast interconnection of the two frames is provided simply by introduction of the interconnection end plate into the space created by the protruding interconnection means of the two frames.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the at least one interconnection end plate is configured to provide for interconnection by being introduced into the space between the adjacent frames through a sliding action from above or the side.

[0060] Thus, by sliding the interconnection end plate into the space created by the protruding interconnection means of the two frames, an easy, reliable and fast interconnection of the two frames is provided.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the at least two support end plates are configured to be attached to the at least one second side of two frames, respectively, through a sliding action where each of the at least two support end plates is slid into position to thereby lock the support end plate in position.

[0062] Thus, by sliding the support end plates and locking them in a suitable position at each free end of a column of modules, an easy, reliable and fast attachment of the support end plates is provided.

[0063] According to another aspect of the invention, aforementioned and further objectives are achieved through a vehicle comprising a battery unit according to any herein described aspects or embodiments of the invention.

[0064] The vehicle has corresponding advantages as mentioned above for the electric battery unit and its embodiments.Further advantageous aspects of the battery unit and the vehicle according to the present invention, as well as further advantages within the aspects and embodiments of the invention, will emerge from the following detailed description.

[0065] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0066] Aspects of the invention will now be illustrated, for exemplary purposes, in more detail by way of embodiments and with reference to the enclosed drawings, where similar references are used for similar parts, in which:

[0067] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary battery electric vehicle in which aspects and embodiments of the invention may be utilized;

[0068] Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary battery module of a battery unit according to the prior art;

[0069] Fig. 3A illustrates an exemplary interconnection of battery cells of a battery module;

[0070] Fig. 3B illustrates a frame of the battery module of Fig. 3A;

[0071] Fig. 3C illustrates a cell of the battery module of Fig. 3A;

[0072] Fig. 4A illustrates a conventional interconnection of a plurality of battery modules; Fig. 4B illustrates an interconnection of a plurality of battery modules according to some herein described aspects and embodiments;

[0073] Figs. 5A-C illustrate some exemplary interconnection means according to some embodiments;

[0074] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates an electric battery unit according to some herein described aspects and embodiments;

[0075] Fig. 7A schematically illustrates an electric battery unit according to some herein described aspects and embodiments;

[0076] Fig. 7B schematically illustrates an support end plate according to some herein described aspects and embodiments;Fig. 8 schematically illustrates an electric battery unit according to some herein described aspects and embodiments;

[0077] Detailed Description

[0078] With reference to Fig. 1, an embodiment of a vehicle 100 according to aspects of the invention is schematically illustrated. The vehicle 100 is illustrated as a tractor vehicle. However, for other embodiments, the vehicle 100 may, for example, be of any other kind of heavy vehicle, such as a bus or a truck. The vehicle may also, e.g., be a passenger car. The vehicle may also be another type of vehicle. Although not illustrated in Fig. 1, the vehicle 100 may be equipped with a trailer. The vehicle 100 comprises a powertrain configured as an electric vehicle (EV), for example a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) or a battery electric vehicle (BEV).

[0079] The vehicle 100 may further, as illustrated, be a vehicle comprising wheels 102, of which only wheels 102 of the left-hand side of the vehicle 100 are visible in Fig. 1. It is to be understood that the vehicle 100 may have fewer or more wheels than what is shown in Fig. 1.

[0080] The powertrain comprises at least one electrical machine 101 configured to apply a propulsive power and / or a braking power to one or more of the wheels 102 of the vehicle 100. The at least one electrical machine 101 may be arranged essentially anywhere, for as long as power is provided to one or more of the wheels 102 of the vehicle 100. Various applicable examples exist in the art.

[0081] The vehicle 100 is configured to comprise a one or more of electric battery units 103, 104, 105, such as battery stacks, and may also comprise further non-disclosed battery units. Each battery unit may be designed according to herein described aspects or embodiments of the invention. The battery units may form part of a battery arrangement 106 of the vehicle 100.

[0082] The components of the powertrain of the vehicle 100, as well as other components in the vehicle, may be controlled by a vehicle control system forming part of a vehicle electrical system via a control arrangement 120. The control arrangement 120 may be distributed on several control units configured to control different parts of thevehicle 100. The control arrangement 120 may, e.g., include a control unit for controlling the applying of a propulsive power and / or regenerative brake power of the electrical machine 101. The control arrangement may also comprise a control unit for diagnosing battery units and otherwise controlling use of the battery units. Such a control unit may for example be a part of a battery management system (BMS), which may be responsible for various functions involving the battery.

[0083] As is known in the art, the vehicle 100 may comprise a large number of control units and sensors for controlling various part of the vehicle. Fig. 1 , only illustrates units / devices / entities of the vehicle that are required for a general understanding of the herein presented solution. The presented solution does, however, not per se rely on use of such control units.

[0084] Further, as understood by a skilled person, the vehicle 100 may also comprise a large number of other devices, components and / or system than the ones shown in Fig. 1.

[0085] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a general principle of an exemplary battery module 200. The battery module 200 may form part of a battery unit comprising one or more battery modules 200. The battery module 200 comprises a plurality of battery cells, n according to the present example, denoted 201_1, 201_2, 201_3, ..., 201_n. The battery cells 201_1, ..., 201_n are interconnected by means of electrical connectors, such as busbars and / or cables 202. According to the illustrated example, and for information purposes only, each of the battery cells may comprise a cell fuse 204 in order to, for example, provide for a short-circuit and / or overvoltage protection. Such fuses may or may not be present.

[0086] The battery module 200 further comprises connectors 205, 206 to be connected either to further battery modules of an electric battery unit and / or to external connection terminals of the electric battery unit, where the connections of the connection terminals to the battery cells may also be realized through the use of electrical connector elements, such as e.g. busbars. According to the illustrated example, the battery module 200 further comprises a cell management controller (CMC) 210. The cell management controller 210 may, inter alia, be utilized to monitorthe battery cells of the battery module 200 through various connections 211. The general principle of operation for the battery module 200 shown in Fig. 2 is applicable for prior art battery modules as well as battery modules being configured according to aspects of the invention.

[0087] Fig. 3A illustrates a general principle according to the battery module 200 shown in Fig. 2 in a manner more representing the actual physical appearance of a battery module. The exemplary battery module 300 comprises a plurality of battery cells, such as four battery cells 301-304 according to the present example. Each of the electric battery cells 301-304 are of a rectangular cuboid shape and comprises a positive terminal and a negative terminal arranged at opposite ends regions of an upper surface of the battery cells, respectively. Such battery cells are also known as prismatic battery cells.

[0088] The positive terminal of the first battery cell 301 forms an external positive connection terminal 301 A of the battery module 300, which is intended for a connection to, e.g., a load such as an electrical machine or an external connection terminal, in general a negative external connection terminal of another battery module. Such a connection may be realized, e.g., at least in part by utilization of an electrical conductor, such as e.g. a busbar and / or a cable.

[0089] Similarly, the negative terminal of the fourth battery cell 304 forms a negative external connection terminal 304B of the module 300, which is similarly intended to be connected to a load or a positive external connection terminal of a further battery module.

[0090] Furthermore, the battery cells 301-304 of the battery module 300 are also interconnected using electrical connectors, such as e.g. busbars 305-307. According to the illustrated example of Fig. 3A, the negative terminal of the first battery cell 301 is connected to the positive terminal of the second battery cell 302 by using a first busbar 305. Similarly, the negative terminal of the second battery cell 302 is connected to the positive terminal of the third battery cell 303 by using a second busbar 306. Finally, the negative terminal of the third battery cell 303 is connected to the positive terminal of the fourth battery cell 304 by using a third busbar 307.Consequently, the external positive connection terminal 301 A and the negative external connection terminal 304B provides the aggregated cell voltages of the first to fourth battery cells 301-304 of the battery module 300.

[0091] However, the aggregated total cell voltage of the battery cells 301-304 of a battery module 300 is often not sufficient to provide the voltage that is required or desired, for example when used to supply electric energy in a battery electric vehicle. For this reason, a plurality of battery modules is in many applications interconnected in order to provide the desired voltage, as exemplified below with reference to Fig. 4.

[0092] Furthermore, Fig. 3A schematically illustrates the battery cells 301-304 of an example battery module 300. To facilitate the battery modules being assembled together to form a battery unit, such as a battery pack, the battery module in often comprises a frame being configured to hold the battery cells together.

[0093] Fig. 3B schematically illustrates a battery module 300 as shown in Fig. 3A, which further comprises the frame 310 of the battery module 300, i.e. the frame 310 arranged around the battery cells 301-304 of the module 300. The frame 310 comprises four sides, a first 310a, a second 310c, a third 310b and a fourth 31 Od side. Conventionally, as is schematically illustrated in Fig. 3B, the third 310b and fourth 31 Od sides are less thick than the first 310a and second 310c sides. Thus, the first 310a and second 310c sides are in conventional solutions thicker, i.e. more rigid / stabile, than the third 310b and fourth 31 Od sides. The reason for this is the tendency of the battery cells to swell when deteriorating as time progress.

[0094] The battery cells have an upper face, which is illustrated from above in the Fig. 3B, and opposite front 311a and rear 311c faces, pointing downwards and upwards in the figure. The battery cells 301-304 are arranged such that front and rear faces of a battery cell abut a front or rear face of an adjacent battery cell of the battery module, or the first 310a or second 310c sides of the frame 310 holding the battery cells of the battery module 300 together.

[0095] As illustrated in Fig. 3C, each battery cell 301-304 of the illustrated type has a depth a, a width b and a height c, wherein the depth a is smaller than the width b; a < b; the depth a is also smaller than the height c; a < c. The sides of the battery cell beingdelimited by the width b and the height c form the front 312_1_f and rear 312_1 _r faces of the battery cell. Fig. 3C only shows the first battery cell 301 illustrated in Figs. 3A-B. However, the second battery cell 302 comprises corresponding front 312_2_f and rear 312_2_r faces, the third battery cell 302 comprises corresponding front 312_3_f and rear 312_3_r faces, and so on.

[0096] In case battery cells 301 of the illustrated kind degrade, they will often swell, and hence deform, where in particular the front 312_1_f and rear 312_1_r surfaces of the battery cells 301 will be forced / urged in opposite directions, with the result that the battery module 300 may also deform. This is undesirable, since the battery module 300 may have a dedicated space allotted to it, wherefore any swelling may render it difficult to remove the battery module 300 in case needed, and / or the battery module 300 may risk damaging other components due to the swelling. There is also a considerable risk that a battery cell may crack in one or more of its joints due to the swelling, which could cause the cell interior to leak out with a severely damage cell as the result. Thicker, and hence stronger, sides 310a, 310b, 310c, 31 Od of the frame 310 of the battery module reduces, or even withstands completely such forces caused by swelling, such that the battery module may retain the overall dimensions. Thus, a thicker frame 310 may be more resistant to withstanding forces caused by such battery cell degradation, however at the expense of the overall increase in battery module dimensions.

[0097] The increase in battery module dimensions is, however, particularly problematic in the case when a plurality of battery modules is arranged in a column in a manner where thicker, and thereby stronger, sides of battery module frames are arranged face to face with each other. This is schematically exemplified in Fig. 4A, in which three conventional example battery modules 401-403 are shown. For simplicity, only the battery cells and external connection terminals, and the connections 405, 406 between battery modules 401, 402, 403 are schematically illustrated in Fig. 4A.

[0098] However, the connections between all individual battery cells described above are not shown. As shown in Fig. 4A, each border region between two adjacently located battery modules 401, 402 and 402, 403, respectively, comprises two thicker frame sides 411 _1_c, 411_2_a and 411_2_c, 411_3_a, respectively. Although making thesolution very robust, such a solution consumes valuable space and causes an unnecessary weight increase by providing excessive strength against deformation by swelling of the battery cells.

[0099] According to the invention, it is provided a solution that may reduce space from being unnecessarily consumed by the frames, while at the same time providing sufficient strength against forces arising from battery cell deformation. This is performed by using a battery module frame that does not in itself provide sufficient strength, but where the strength of the frame may be adapted to prevailing conditions using end plates of various kinds.

[0100] An exemplary embodiment comprising three frames 410_1 , 410_2, 410_3, each configured around a battery module 401 , 402, 403 of a battery unit 400 according to the invention is illustrated in Fig. 4B.

[0101] The electric battery unit 400 comprises at least two battery modules, e.g. the three battery modules 401 , 402, 403 shown in Fig. 4B. These battery modules 401 , 401 , 403 are configured to be interconnected. Each of the battery modules 401, 402, 403 comprises a plurality of electric battery cells, e.g. five battery cells having a rectangular cuboid shape as shown in Fig. 4B.

[0102] Each of the battery modules 401, 402, 403 comprises a frame 410_1 , 410_2, 410_3, which is configured around the battery cells of the battery module 401, 402, 403 in order to hold them together. Thus, in the example shown in Fig 4B, the electric battery unit 400 comprises three frames 410_1 , 410_2, 410_3, where each frame is arranged around a battery module.

[0103] At least one first side 410_1_c, 410_2_a, 410_3_a of each frame comprises interconnection means 441 , 442, 451 , 452, 461 , 462 for interconnection with corresponding complementary interconnection means 441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462 of an interconnection end plate 421, 422. Some non-limiting examples of such interconnection means 441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462 are shown in Figs. 5A-C.

[0104] At least one second side 410_1_a, 410_2_c, 410_3_c of each frame also comprises such interconnection means 441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462 for interconnection withcorresponding complementary interconnection means 441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462 of a support end plate 431 , 432, or comprises interconnection means 441 , 442, 451 , 452, 461, 462 for interconnection with corresponding complementary interconnection means 441 , 442, 451 , 452, 461 , 462 of an interconnection end plate 421 , 422. Here, the at least one second side 410_1_a, 410_2_c, 410_3_c of the frame is opposite to the at least one first side 410_1_c, 410_2_a, 410_3_a of the frame.

[0105] The electric battery unit 400 further comprises at least one interconnection end plate 421, 422. Each of the at least one interconnection end plate 421, 422 is configured to interconnect two of the at least two battery modules. For example, a first interconnection end plate 421 is arranged between the first 401 and second 402 battery modules in Fig. 4B, and a second interconnection end plate 422 is arranged between the second 402 and third 403 battery modules.

[0106] The at least one interconnection end plate 421 , 422 comprises interconnection means 441 , 442, 451 , 452, 461 , 462 configured to interconnect the frames of the two battery modules through interconnection with the corresponding complementary interconnection means 441 , 442, 451 , 452, 461 , 462 of the frames of the two battery modules 401 , 402; 402, 403, respectively, e.g. to interconnect the frame 410_1 of the first module with the frame 410_2 of the second module, or to interconnect the frame 410_2 of the second module with the frame 410_3 of the third module.

[0107] The electric battery unit 400 further comprises at least two support end plates 431 , 432, wherein each support end plate 431 , 432 is configured to be attached to the interconnection means 441 , 442, 451 , 452, 461 , 462 of at least one second side 410_1_a, 410_2_c, 410_3_c of the frame of one of the at least two battery modules 401, 402, 403.

[0108] According to an embodiment, the at least one interconnection end plate 421, 422 and / or the at least one support end plate 431 , 432 are configured to withstand forces applied / caused by the battery cells of the battery modules 401 , 402, 403 when subjected to swelling.

[0109] According to an embodiment, schematically illustrated in Fig. 4B, the electric battery unit 400 comprises at least three battery modules 401, 402, 403 configured to bealigned in a column and to be interconnected through interconnection end plates 421, 422 arranged between the at least three battery modules 401, 402, 403. Also, each of two free ends of frames in a direction of extension of the battery unit 400, i.e. the second side 410_1_a of the first battery module 401 and the second side 410_3_c of the third battery module 403, is configured to be provided with a support end plate 431. 432.

[0110] Thus, if three battery modules 401, 402, 403 are arranged in a column, as illustrated in the example of Fig. 4B, then the second battery module 402 is interconnected to the first battery module 401 by a first thin interconnection end plate 421 , and is interconnected to the third battery module 403 by a second thin interconnection end plate 422. Further, a first thick / strong / solid / robust support end plate 431 is arranged at the free second side 410_1_a of the first battery module 401 , and a second thick / strong / solid / robust support end plate 432 is arranged at the free second side 410_3_c of the third battery module 403.

[0111] According to an embodiment, each of the support end plates 431, 432 is configured to withstand higher forces than each of the at least two interconnection end plates 421 , 422 are configured to withstand. Thus, the support end plates 431 , 432 are thicker and in general more robust than the interconnection end plates 421 , 422. Hereby, a compact electric battery unit 400, which is also robust against battery cell swelling, is provided. The hereby provided electric battery unit only has thick end plates in the positions where they are needed, i.e. at the free ends of each column of battery modules.

[0112] According to an embodiment, schematically shown in Figs. 5A-C, the interconnection means 441 , 442, 451 , 452, 461 , 462 utilized for interconnection with corresponding complementary interconnection means 441 , 442, 451 , 452, 461 , 462 of an interconnection end plate 421, 422, and the interconnection means 441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462 utilized for interconnection with corresponding complementary interconnection means 441 , 442, 451 , 452, 461 , 462 of a support end plate 431 , 432 have corresponding configurations and are configured to selectively be interconnected with an interconnection end plate 421, 422 and a support end plate 431. 432, respectively.Thus, in other words, both of the interconnection end plate 421, 422 and the support end plate 431, 432 comprise corresponding complementary interconnection means 441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462. This means that also both of the interconnection means 441 , 442, 451 , 452, 461 , 462 configured to be connected to the interconnection end plate 421, 422 and the interconnection means 441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462 configured to be connected to the support end plate 431, 432 have corresponding configurations. Therefore, i.e. since corresponding interconnection means 441 , 442, 451 , 452, 461 , 462 are utilized for connection of modules / frames to both of the interconnection end plate 421 , 422 and the support end plate 431 , 432, the electric battery unit 400 may flexibly be built, essentially in any suitable size and shape. This is made possible by flexibly connecting modules to one another in columns of suitable lengths by utilizing thinner interconnection end plates 421, 422, and to start and end each column with a thick and robust support end plate 431 , 432

[0113] According to an embodiment, schematically shown in Figs. 5A-C, the interconnection means 441 , 442, 451 , 452, 461 , 462 utilized for interconnection with corresponding complementary interconnection means 441 , 442, 451 , 452, 461 , 462 of an interconnection end plate 421, 422, and the interconnection means 441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462 utilized for interconnection with corresponding complementary interconnection means 441 , 442, 451 , 452, 461 , 462 of a support end plate 431 , 432 are arranged on a frame 410 such that they abut against a front 312_1_f or a rear 312_1_r surface of a battery cell.

[0114] According to an embodiment, the frames 410_1 , 410_2, 410_3 of the battery modules, e.g. as shown in Fig. 4B, are configured to comprise protruding interconnection means 441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462, as shown schematically in Figs.

[0115] 5A-C. These comprise protruding interconnection means 441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462 are configured for interconnection with the at least one interconnection end plate 421 , 422 such that, when two battery modules 401 , 402; 402, 403 are positioned adjacent to each other in position for interconnection, a space 481 , 482 is formed between the frames of the two battery modules. The interconnection end plate 421, 422 the provides / achieves / causes interconnection by being introduced in the space 481 , 482 being formed by the adjacently positioned frames of the two batterymodules. For example, the introduction of the first interconnection end plate 421 here causes the first interconnection end plate 421 to interconnect with the protruding interconnection means 441 , 442, 451 , 452, 461 , 462 of both the first 410_1 and second 410_2 frames of the first 401 and second 402 battery modules, such that the two battery modules thereby interconnect. Correspondingly, the introduction of the second interconnection end plate 422 causes the second interconnection end plate 422 to interconnect with the protruding interconnection means 441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462 of both the second 410_2 and third 410_3 frames of the second 402 and third 403 battery modules.

[0116] According to an embodiment, at least one interconnection end plate 421 , 422 is configured to provide for interconnection by being introduced into the space 481, 482 between the adjacent frames 410_1 , 410 2, 410_3 of the battery modules through a sliding action from above or the side.

[0117] As schematically illustrated in Fig. 3C for one example battery cell 301 , the battery cell 301 may have an upper surface 312_1_u, and may have a front surface 312_1_f and rear surface 312_1_r being opposite to each other.

[0118] As schematically shown in Fig 3B, a number of the battery cells 301 , 302, 303, 304 are arranged in a battery module 300, such that the front 312_1_f and rear 312_1 _r surfaces of a battery cell abut against a rear or front surface of an adjacent battery cell 302 of the battery module, or against the frame 310 configured for holding together the battery cells 301, 302, 303, 304 of the battery module 300.

[0119] It should be noted that a battery module may have essentially any number of battery cells, and is thus not limited to the non-limiting example battery module 300 illustrated in Figs. 3A-B, which has four battery cells 301, 302, 303, 304. For example, the battery module may comprise and odd number of three or more battery cells, which may result in interconnection advantages.

[0120] According to an embodiment, each of the battery cells 301, 302, 303, 304 of the battery modules 300 has a depth a, a width b and a height c, where the depth a is smaller than the width b; a < b; the depth a is smaller than the height c; a < c; and thesides of the battery cells being delimited by the width b and the height c form the front 312_1_f and rear312_1_r surfaces of the battery cell 301, as illustrated in Fig. 3C.

[0121] According to an embodiment, the electric battery unit 400 further comprises at least one strengthening element 471 , 472. Such strengthening elements are schematically illustrated in figures 6 and 7A. Here, at least one third side 410_1_b, 410_2_b, 410_3_b of the frame, as illustrated in Fig. 4B, comprises interconnection means 441 , 442, 451 , 452, 461 , 462 for interconnection with the at least one strengthening element 471, 472, respectively. The at least one third side 410_1_b, 410_2_b, 410_3_b of the frame interconnects the at least one first side 410_1_c, 410_2_a, 410_3_a and the at least one second side 410_1_a, 410_2_c, 410_3_c of the frame.

[0122] The at least one strengthening element 471 , 472 is configured to interconnect with such interconnection means 441 , 442, 451 , 452, 461 , 462 of at least two adjacent battery modules, such as e.g. of the frame 410_1 of the first module 401 and of the frame 410_3 of the third module 403, or of the frame 410_2 of the second module 402 and the frame 410_4 of the fourth module 404, as shown in Fig 6. For example, a first column of modules 521 may hereby be interconnected with a second column or modules 522 by utilization of one or more such strengthening elements 471, 472.

[0123] The strengthening elements 471 , 472 may for example be in form of plates or beams arranged to be coupled / connected to interconnection means 441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462 of one or more battery module frame. The strengthening elements 471 , 472 may be utilized on one or both sides of a single column of battery modules. The strengthening elements 471 , 472 may also be utilized to couple / connect two or more columns of battery modules.

[0124] According to an embodiment schematically illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7, the battery unit 400 comprises at least one second column 522, 522’, 522” of battery modules being attached to a first column 521 of battery modules. The battery modules 403, 404; 403’, 404’; 403”, 404” of each of the at least one second column 522, 522’, 522” are attached to each other in a corresponding configuration as the battery modules 401 , 402 of the first column 521 are attached to each other.Further, the at least one second column 522, 522’, 522” of battery modules comprises interconnecting end plates 421_2, 421_2’, 421_2” and support end plates 431_2, 431_2’, 431_2”, 432_2, 432_2’, 432_2” being separate from the interconnecting end plates 421_1 and support end plates 431_1, 432_1 of the first column 521 of battery modules.

[0125] According to an embodiment, the at least one strengthening element 471, 472 is further configured to interconnect frames of the first 521 and the at least one second 522, 522’ 522” adjacent columns of battery modules.

[0126] According to the particular example of Fig. 6, the frames 410_1 , 410_2, 410_3, 410_4 of battery modules of a battery unit 400 comprising four battery modules 401 , 402, 403, 404 arranged in two columns 521, 522 are illustrated. The orientation of the battery cells within each battery module is schematically illustrated by dashed lines within the modules 401 , 402, 403, 404, where the dashed lines indicate the five individual battery cells in each battery module 401 , 402, 403, 404 in this example. As mentioned above, each of the battery modules 401, 402, 403, 404 may comprise essentially any number of battery cells.

[0127] It should be noted that, according to the example illustrated in Fig. 6, each of the five battery cells of each of the battery modules 401 , 402, 403, 404 are orientated in the same direction. There are hence two columns of battery modules, where the general forces arising from battery cell degradation swelling will be generated in the directions of the arrows 505-506. The battery cells are, however, capable to withstand forces in directions other than that of the arrows 505-506 to a considerably greater extent.

[0128] The frames 410_1 , 410_2, 410_3, 410_4 of the battery modules 401, 402, 403, 404 of Fig. 6 are in mutually relative positions to be interconnected with each other, although no actual interconnection has yet been carried out. The frames 410_1 , 410_2, 410_3, 410_4 according to the illustrated example are configured to comprise interconnection means for interconnection with end plates, where, as herein explained, interconnection end plates and support end plates are utilized.According to an embodiment illustrated in Fig. 7A, the two frames 410_1 , 410_2 of a first column 521 of battery modules, and the two frames 410_3, 410_4 of a second column 522 of battery modules of a battery unit 400 are schematically illustrated. Also, a further second column 522’ comprising support end palates 431 _2’ , 432_2’ and an interconnection end plate 421_2’ is schematically illustrated. Also, a yet further second column 522’ comprising support end palates 431_2”, 432_2” and an interconnection end plate 421_2” is schematically illustrated. At least one strengthening element 471 , 472 is arranged between columns of modules and / or interconnection and support end plates, and / or arranged on the free sides of the columns of modules and / or interconnection and support end plates. As is understood by a skilled person, each column may comprise, i.e. may be filled with, essentially any number of battery modules and / or battery cells. For visibility reasons, Fig. 7A illustrates a non-limiting example having columns of two frames.

[0129] Within each of the at least one second column 522, 522’, 522”in Fig. 7A, respective battery modules are to be attached to each other in a corresponding configuration as the two battery modules of the first column 521 are to be attached to each other. Thus, the two frames to be arranged in each of the at least one second column 522, 522’, 522”, respectively, are to be attached to each other in a corresponding configuration as for the first column 521 , and as described herein.

[0130] Further, the at least one second column 522, 522’, 522” of battery modules comprises interconnecting end plates 421_2, 421_2’, 421_2” and support end plates 431_2, 431_2’, 431_2”, 432_2, 432_2’, 432_2”, as illustrated in Fig. 7A. The interconnecting end plates 421 _2, 421 > 2’, 421_2” and support end plates 431_ 2, 431_2’, 431_2”, 432_2, 432_2’, 432_2” of each of the at least one second column 522, 522’, 522” are separate from those of the other at least one second column 522, 522’, 522” of modules, and are also separate from the interconnecting end plate 421_1 and the support end plates 431_ 1 , 432_1 of the first column 521 of modules.

[0131] According to an embodiment, the at least one strengthening element 471, 472 is further configured to interconnect frames of the first 521 and the at least one second 522, 522’ 522” adjacent columns.The frames 410_1 , 410_2; 410_3, 410_4 of the first column 521 and of the battery modules of the at least second column 522, 522’, 522” are in Fig. 7A mutually positioned relative to each other to be interconnected with each other, but no actual interconnection has yet been carried out. The frames 410_1 , 410_2; 410_3, 410_4 according to the illustrated example are configured to comprise interconnection means for interconnection with end plates, where, as herein explained, interconnection end plates and support end plates are utilized.

[0132] According to an embodiment, each of the herein described at least two support end plates 431, 432, 431_2, 431_2’, 431_2”, 432_2, 432_2’, 432_2” are configured to be attached to the at least one second side 410_1_a, 410_2_c, 410_3_c of a frame, respectively, through a sliding action. A non-limiting example of such a support end plate 431, 432, 431_2, 431_ 2’, 431_2”, 432_2, 432_2’, 432_2” is schematically illustrated in Fig. 7B. Each one of the at least two support end plates 431, 432, 431_2, 431 _2’, 431_2”, 432_2, 432_2’, 432_2” may then be slid into position to thereby lock the support end plate 431, 432, 431_2, 431_2’, 431_2”, 432_2, 432_2’, 432_2” in position.

[0133] Fig. 8 schematically illustrates an electric battery unit 400 comprising nine battery modules 401-409 configured in three columns with three battery modules in each column 401-403; 404-406; 407-409, respectively, and configured to be attached and connected to each other as herein described.

[0134] For example, an odd number of three or more columns of electric battery modules, exemplified as three columns in Fig. 8, where each module has an odd number of cells, may be arranged in different first and second configurations. Thus every column has a different module configuration than the columns next to it, and each column has alternating module configurations within the column, as illustrated in Fig.

[0135] 8. Hereby, identical interconnection elements may be used for connecting the modules between the columns to each other.

[0136] Essentially any size and shape of the electric battery unit 400 may be built based on the herein described principles. The electric battery unit 400 shown in Fig. 8 is one such example.According to an aspect, a vehicle 100 comprising a herein described electric battery unit 400 is presented. Such a vehicle is schematically illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0137] The invention is not limited to the above-described aspects and embodiments. Instead, the invention relates to, and encompasses all different aspects being included within the scope of the independent claims.

Claims

Claims1. An electric battery unit (400) comprising at least two battery modules (401 , 402, 403) configured to be interconnected, each of the battery modules (401 , 402, 403) comprising a plurality of electric battery cells (301, 302, 303, 304) having a rectangular cuboid shape; whereineach of the battery modules (401 , 402, 403) comprises a frame (410_1 , 410_2, 410_3) configured to hold together the battery cells (301, 302, 303, 304) of the battery module (401, 402, 403);at least one first side (410_1_c, 410_2_a, 410_3_a) of each frame of the battery modules comprises interconnection means (441, 442, 451, 452, 461 , 462) for interconnection with corresponding complementary interconnection means (441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462) of an interconnection end plate (421, 422);at least one second side (410_1_a, 410_2_c, 410_3_c) of each frame of the battery modules comprises interconnection means (441, 442, 451, 452, 461 , 462) for interconnection with corresponding complementary interconnection means (441 , 442, 451 , 452, 461 , 462) of a support end plate (431 , 432) or comprises interconnection means (441 , 442, 451 , 452, 461 , 462) for interconnection with corresponding complementary interconnection means (441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462) of an interconnection end plate (421, 422), the at least one second side (410_1_a, 410_2_c, 410_3_c) of the frame being opposite to the at least one first side (410_1_c, 410_2_a, 410_3_a) of the frame;the electric battery unit (400) further comprising:at least one interconnection end plate (421, 422), each interconnection end plate (421, 422) being configured to interconnect two (401, 402; 402, 403) of the at least two battery modules (401 , 402, 403), the at least one interconnection end plate (421, 422) comprising interconnection means (441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462) configured to interconnect the frames (410_1, 410_2, 410_3) of the two battery modules through interconnection with the corresponding complementary interconnection means (441, 442, 451, 452, 461 , 462) of the frames of the two battery modules (401 , 402; 402, 403),respectively;at least two support end plates (431 , 432) arranged at each free end of a column of battery modules (401, 402, 403), each support end plate (431, 432) being configured to be attached to the interconnection means (441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462) of at least one second side (410_1_a, 410_2_c, 410_3_c) of the frame of one of the at least two battery modules (401 , 402, 403); and each of the support end plates (431 , 432) is configured to withstand higher forces than each of the at least one interconnection end plates (421, 422).

2. An electric battery unit (400) according to claim 1, wherein the interconnection means (441 , 442, 451 , 452, 461 , 462) utilized for interconnection with corresponding complementary interconnection means (441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462) of an interconnection end plate (421, 422) and the interconnection means (441 , 442, 451 , 452, 461 , 462) utilized for interconnection with corresponding complementary interconnection means (441, 442, 451, 452, 461 , 462) of a support end plate (431 , 432) have corresponding configurations and are configured to selectively be interconnected with an interconnection end plate (421, 422) and a support end plate (431, 432), respectively.

3. An electric battery unit (400) according to any one of the claims 1-2, wherein each of the battery cells (301, 302, 303, 304) has an upper surface (312_1_u), and opposite front (312_1_f) and rear (312_1_r) surfaces,the battery cells (301, 302, 303, 304) are arranged in the battery modules (401, 402, 403) such that the front (312_1_f) and rear (312_1_r) surfaces of a battery cell abut against a rear or front surface of an adjacent battery cell (301, 302, 303, 304) of the battery module, or against the frame (310) configured for holding together the battery cells (301, 302, 303, 304) of the battery module (300).

4. An electric battery unit (400) according to claim 3, whereineach of the battery cells (301, 302, 303, 304) has a depth a, a width b and a height c;the depth a is smaller than the width b; a < b;the depth a is smaller than the height c; a < c; and sides of the battery cells being delimited by the width b and the height c form the front (312_1_f) and rear (312_1_r) surfaces of the battery cell.

5. An electric battery unit (400) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the interconnection means (441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462) utilized for interconnection with corresponding complementary interconnection means (441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462) of an interconnection end plate (421, 422), and the interconnection means (441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462) utilized for interconnection with corresponding complementary interconnection means (441 , 442, 451 , 452, 461 , 462) of a support end plate (431 , 432) are arranged on a frame (310) such that they abut against a front (312_1_f) or rear(312_1_r) surface of a battery cell.

6. An electric battery unit (400) according to any one of the claims 1-5, wherein the electric battery unit (400) comprises at least three battery modules (401, 402, 403) configured to be aligned in a column and to be interconnected through interconnection end plates (421, 422); andeach of two free ends (410_1_a, 410_3_c) of frames in a direction of extension of the battery unit is configured to be provided with a support end plate (431, 432).

7. An electric battery unit (400) according to any one of the claims 1-6, further comprising at least one strengthening element (471, 472), whereinat least one third side (410_1_b, 410_2_b, 410_3_b) of the frame comprises interconnection means (441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462) for interconnection with the at least one strengthening element (471, 472), respectively; andthe at least one strengthening element (471 , 472) is configured to interconnect with interconnection means (441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462) of at least two adjacent battery modules (401 , 403; 402, 404).

8. An electric battery unit (400) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one third side (410_1_b, 410_2_b, 410_3_b) of the frame interconnects the atleast one first side (410_1_c, 410_2_a, 410_3_a) and the at least one second side (410_1_a, 410_2_c, 410_3_c) of the frame.

9. An electric battery unit (400) according to any one of the claims 1-8, wherein the battery unit (400) is configured to comprise at least one second column (522) of battery modules being attached to a first column (521) of battery modules;battery modules (403, 404) of the at least one second column (522) are attached to each other in a corresponding configuration as the battery modules (401, 402) of the first column (521) are attached to each other; and the at least one second column (522) of battery modules comprises interconnecting end plates (421_2) and support end plates (431_2, 432_2) being separate from the interconnecting end plates (421_1) and support end plates (431 _1 , 432_1 ) of the first column (521 ) of battery modules.

10. An electric battery unit (400) according to claim 9 when dependent on claim 7 or 9, wherein the at least one strengthening element (471 , 472) is further configured to interconnect frames of the first (521) and the at least one second (522) adjacent columns of battery modules.

11. An electric battery unit (400) according to any one of the claims 1-10, wherein the at least one interconnection end plate (421 , 422) and / or the at least one support end plate (431, 432) are configured to withstand forces applied by the battery cells when subjected to swelling.

12. An electric battery unit (400) according to any one of the claims 1-11, wherein the frames (410_1 , 410_2, 410_3) of the battery modules are configured to comprise protruding interconnection means (441, 442, 451, 452, 461, 462) for interconnection with the interconnection end plate (421, 422) such that, when two battery modules (401, 402; 402, 403) are positioned adjacent to each other in position for interconnection, a space (481 , 482) is formed between the frames of the two battery modules, wherein the interconnection end plate (421, 422) provides interconnection by being introduced in the space (481, 482) being formed by the adjacently positioned frames of the two battery modules,the introducing causing the interconnection end plate (421, 422) to interconnect with the protruding interconnection means (441, 442, 451, 452, 461 , 462) of the frames of both of the two battery modules to thereby interconnect the two battery modules.

13. An electric battery unit (400) according to claim 12, wherein the at least one interconnection end plate (421 , 422) is configured to provide for interconnection by being introduced into the space (481, 482) between the adjacent frames through a sliding action from above or the side.

14. An electric battery unit (400) according to any one of the claims 1-13, wherein the at least two support end plates (431 , 432) are configured to be attached to the at least one second side (410_1_a, 410_2_c, 410_3_c) of two frames, respectively, through a sliding action where each of the at least two support end plates (431, 432) is slid into position to thereby lock the support end plate in position.

15. A vehicle (100) comprising an electric battery unit (400) according to any one of the claims 1-14.

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