Adjusting unit for battery cell

Abstract

The invention relates to a regulating unit (10) for a battery cell (100), comprising a pressure regulating unit (12), which is designed to adapt a pressure in the battery cell (100), and a logic unit (14), which is designed to detect a thermal breakdown of a battery cell (102) of the battery cell (100), the pressure regulating unit (12) being designed to adjust the pressure in the battery cell (100), and the logic unit (14) being designed to detect the thermal breakdown of the battery cell (102) of the battery cell (100). When a thermal breakdown is detected, the pressure of the battery cell (100) is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a regulating unit for a battery cell and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Many battery management systems already exist in current technology. Due to increasing demands for the safety and driving range of battery storage devices in transportation vehicles, the monitoring or control of these devices is becoming increasingly important. In particular, solid-state batteries are subjected to predetermined pressures for extended periods to minimize aging effects. A challenge arises: the pressure system must apply continuous pressure to the individual battery cells over a long period.

[0003] The aforementioned solutions known in the prior art cannot satisfactorily make full use of the technological possibilities of modern battery management systems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The objective of this invention is to satisfy the identified requirements described above.

[0005] To address the aforementioned task, a regulating unit for a battery cell is proposed. This regulating unit is particularly applicable to vehicles or transportation vehicles. Transportation vehicles are especially those that are at least temporarily electrically powered, such as cars, transport aircraft, trucks, airplanes, or ships. The regulating unit includes a pressure regulating unit and a logic unit. The pressure regulating unit is configured to adapt to the pressure within the battery cell. Additionally, the logic unit is configured to detect thermal breakdown of individual battery cells within the battery cell. The pressure regulating unit is configured to reduce the pressure within the battery cell when thermal breakdown is detected.

[0006] Because the pressure is reduced, the spacing between two battery cells within the battery cell can be increased. Due to pressure relief, the reaction of battery cells with thermal breakdown is significantly reduced. More preferably, because gaps are formed between battery cells based on pressure minimization, the propagation between adjacent battery cells is significantly slowed down and / or even avoided. Therefore, by reducing the pressure through the pressure applicator or pressure adjustment unit, thermal conductivity to adjacent battery cells can be reduced, which can significantly slow down or even stop the propagation.

[0007] In other words, when thermal breakdown is detected in a single cell within a battery cell, reducing the pressure within the battery cell slows down the thermal breakdown and prevents its propagation. For example, the battery cell may have a pressure applicator or a mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic pressure regulating device. Here, the pressure regulating unit is specifically configured to adapt a predetermined pressure within the battery cell, enabling it to respond to possible expansion of the battery cells due to different states of charge.

[0008] Here, the logic unit can, in particular, detect thermal breakdown of individual battery cells within the battery cell, for example, by connecting the logic unit to the battery management system of the vehicle or the battery management system of the battery cell. If thermal breakdown is detected, the pressure adjustment unit can suddenly and / or very quickly reduce the pressure in the battery cell, thereby increasing the spacing between the battery cells. Here, the pressure adjustment unit can, in particular, form or change the pressure in the battery cell itself, or the pressure adjustment unit can be connected to a pressure applicator (e.g., a lead screw drive with an electric motor).

[0009] The dependent claims demonstrate preferred extensions of the invention.

[0010] Preferably, the pressure adjustment unit is configured to reduce the pressure in the battery cell by means of a predetermined depressurization rate and / or over a predetermined time period when thermal breakdown is detected.

[0011] The advantage of this implementation is that, by virtue of the particularly rapid pressure drop within the battery cell, thermal breakdown can be further slowed down, and in particular, the propagation of thermal breakdown to other battery cells can be prevented. Here, a predetermined rate of pressure reduction can be established, which is significantly greater than the conventional rate of pressure reduction in regulated operation of battery management. More preferably, the pressure adjustment unit can be configured to reduce the pressure, particularly to substantially reduce the pressure to ambient pressure, over a predetermined time period, for example, between one millisecond and one second.

[0012] Preferably, the pressure adjustment unit is configured to space at least two individual cells of the battery cell apart by reducing the pressure.

[0013] The advantage of this implementation is that the pressure is chosen to be so low that the at least two battery cells are spaced apart from each other. Here, "spaced apart from each other" can mean that the at least two battery cells essentially no longer have contact area. Therefore, in particular, thermal breakdown propagation to adjacent battery cells can be avoided.

[0014] Preferably, at least one reset element is provided between the battery cells, the reset element being configured to space the two battery cells apart at a predetermined pressure in the battery cell.

[0015] The advantage of this implementation is that a reset element, such as a spring, can be positioned between individual battery cells and / or rows of battery cells to space the cells apart at a given pressure, or in other words, to ensure that the cells no longer form a contact area. Here, for example, the reset element can be configured such that, during normal operation of battery management, when the volume is adjusted due to different states of charge, the reset element is configured such that two adjacent battery cells can form a contact area and thus be placed side-by-side. However, if the pressure in the battery cells is reduced by the pressure adjustment unit, especially due to the detection of thermal breakdown, the predetermined pressure value is lowered, causing the reset element, such as a spring or the like, to space the at least two battery cells apart and therefore, in particular, no longer a contact area can exist between the two battery cells.

[0016] Further preferably, the battery cell has a first region and a second region, the pressure adjustment unit is configured to adapt to a first pressure in the first region independently of a second pressure in the second region, and the pressure adjustment unit is configured to reduce the pressure in the first region and / or the second region when thermal breakdown is detected.

[0017] The advantage of this implementation is that the vehicle can be additionally powered to facilitate possible rescue measures or the like, even though thermal breakdown is detected in one of the areas. Further preferably, the different areas, in particular, prevent the thermal breakdown from spreading to adjacent areas or adjacent battery cells.

[0018] Preferably, the pressure adjustment unit is configured to increase the pressure in the first region when thermal breakdown is detected in the second region.

[0019] The advantage of this implementation is that the spacing between the two battery cells can be further increased in the second region where thermal breakdown exists. This can be achieved by increasing the pressure in the first region to further compress the battery cells there. Therefore, the release point can be used in the second region to space the battery cells apart.

[0020] Preferably, the pressure adjustment unit is configured to adapt the pressure in the battery cell according to the charging state of the battery cell.

[0021] The advantage of this implementation is that the pressure adjustment unit can change the pressure not only for conventional battery management systems but also for thermal breakdown, which allows for a further reduction in the total number of components.

[0022] Further preferably, when the battery cell is substantially fully charged, the pressure adjustment unit has a first offset, and when thermal breakdown is detected by the logic unit, the pressure adjustment unit has a second offset, wherein the first offset is greater than the second offset.

[0023] The advantage of this implementation is that the offset during thermal breakdown is still less than the offset when the battery cell is fully charged. Here, when the battery cell is substantially fully charged, for example, greater than 95% charge or greater than 95% state of charge, the battery cell has an increased volume, causing the pressure regulating unit to have a first offset to compensate for the increased volume. When thermal breakdown is detected, the pressure regulating unit can offset to a second offset. With the aid of the second offset, the battery cells can be further spaced apart to slow down thermal breakdown.

[0024] Further preferably, the pressure adjustment unit has at least one actuator configured to compress and / or stretch at least a portion of the battery cell to adapt to pressure.

[0025] The advantage of this implementation is that, by means of actuators, such as electric motors and lead screw drives, the pressure in the battery cells can be set in a targeted manner, which can further improve the overall number of advantages.

[0026] Preferably, the pressure adjustment unit has a telescopic mechanism for spacing two individual battery cells of the battery cell, and the actuator is configured to drive the telescopic mechanism so as to space the at least two individual battery cells apart.

[0027] The advantage of this implementation is that the telescopic mechanism allows multiple battery cells to be spaced apart from each other, thereby further reducing the complexity of the system. More preferably, by activating the actuator, the telescopic mechanism allows all battery cells to be spaced apart simultaneously, thereby particularly reducing the diffusion of thermal breakdown to other battery cells.

[0028] Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle having an adjustment unit as described above and below. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. The drawings are as follows:

[0030] Figure 1 Displays the adjustment unit according to one embodiment;

[0031] Figure 2 Displays the adjustment unit according to one embodiment;

[0032] Figure 3 Displays the adjustment unit according to one embodiment;

[0033] Figures 4a-4c Displays an adjustment unit according to one embodiment; and

[0034] Figure 5This shows a vehicle according to one implementation method. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Preferably, all components, elements and / or steps are given the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0036] Figure 1 This illustrates an adjustment unit 10 according to one embodiment. The adjustment unit 10 includes a pressure adjustment unit 12 and a logic unit 14. Here, the adjustment unit 10 can be connected to the battery 100 in particular via a guide signal. More preferably, the battery cell 100 has at least one battery cell 102. More preferably, the battery cell 100 has at least one second battery cell 104. Preferably, the pressure adjustment unit 12 is configured to adapt to the pressure in the battery cell 100. Additionally, the logic unit 14 is configured to detect thermal breakdown of at least one battery cell 102 of the battery cell 100. Furthermore, the pressure adjustment unit 12 is configured to reduce the pressure of the battery cell 100 when thermal breakdown is detected.

[0037] Battery cell 100 in Figure 1 In a state of near-complete discharge, the pressure adjustment unit 12 exhibits a third offset 19. Here, the third offset 19 is greater than the first offset 16 and the second offset 18.

[0038] Figure 2 The display adjustment unit 10 includes a pressure adjustment unit 12 and a logic unit 14. Here, the battery unit 100 has at least one first battery cell 102 and one second battery cell 104. The first battery cell 102 and the second battery cell 104 can be disposed in a first region 108. Additionally, the battery unit 100 may have a second region 110. Here, the pressure adjustment unit 12 can be configured to change the pressure in the first region 108 independently of the second region 110. Further preferably, the adjustment unit 10 has an actuator 20. The actuator 20 is configured to change the pressure in the battery unit 100. Here, the actuator 20, or the pressure adjustment unit 12, in... Figure 2 The condition is shown in the following state: this state exists when the battery cell 100 is substantially fully charged. Therefore, the pressure adjustment unit 12 has a first offset 16 in particular.

[0039] Figure 3The battery cell 100 is shown with an adjustment unit 10, which reduces pressure by means of a pressure adjustment unit 12, thereby spacing the first battery cell 102 and the second battery cell 104 apart, for example, to slow down thermal breakdown or prevent the spread of thermal breakdown. Here, the pressure adjustment unit 12 has a second offset 18, which is preferably less than a third offset 19 and less than a first offset 16. More preferably, the adjustment unit 10 may include an actuator 20 that drives a telescopic mechanism 22 to space at least two battery cells 102, 104 of the battery cell 100 apart from each other.

[0040] Figure 4a The display adjustment unit 10 includes a pressure adjustment unit 12 and a logic unit 14. Additionally, the adjustment unit 10 may include an actuator 20 configured to change the pressure within the battery cell 100. Here, the actuator 20 or the pressure adjustment unit 12 has a third offset 19, which exists when the battery cell 100 is substantially fully discharged. Figure 4b Show and in Figure 4a It has the same structure as the battery cell 100, but the pressure adjustment unit 12, or actuator 20, has a first offset 16 when the battery cell 100 is substantially fully charged.

[0041] Figure 4c Show and in Figure 4a and 4b It has the same structure as the battery unit 100 or the regulating unit 10. Figure 4c At least one battery cell 102 was detected to have thermal breakdown. This thermal breakdown occurred during... Figure 4c The symbol is represented as lightning 11. When thermal breakdown is detected by means of logic unit 14, pressure adjustment unit 12 reduces the pressure in battery cell 100, causing at least two battery cells 102, 104 to be spaced apart from each other. Here, pressure adjustment unit 12 may have a second offset 18, which is smaller than the first offset 16. Here, pressure adjustment unit 12 may change the pressure in battery cell by means of actuator 20.

[0042] Figure 5 A vehicle 200 is shown, which has a pressure adjustment unit 10 as described above and below.

Claims

1. A regulating unit (10) for a battery cell (100), the regulating unit comprising a pressure adjustment unit (12) and a logic unit (14), the pressure adjustment unit (12) being configured to adapt a pressure in the battery cell (100), the logic unit (14) being configured to detect a thermal breakdown of a battery cell (102) of the battery cell (100), the pressure adjustment unit (12) being configured to reduce the pressure in the battery cell (100) upon detection of the thermal breakdown.

2. The conditioning unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein the pressure adjustment unit (12) being configured to reduce the pressure in the battery cell (100) upon detection of the thermal breakdown by means of a predetermined pressure reduction rate and / or over a predetermined time period.

3. The conditioning unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure adjustment unit (12) being configured to distance at least two battery cells (102, 104) of the battery cell (100) by reducing the pressure.

4. The conditioning unit (10) according to claim 3, wherein At least one reset element (106) is provided between the battery cells (102, 104), the reset element being configured to distance the two battery cells (102, 104) upon a predetermined pressure in the battery cell (100).

5. The conditioning unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The battery cell (100) has a first region (108) and a second region (110), the pressure adjustment unit (12) being configured to adapt a first pressure in the first region (108) independently of a second pressure in the second region (110), the pressure adjustment unit (12) being configured to reduce the pressure in the first region (108) or in the second region (110) upon detection of the thermal breakdown.

6. The conditioning unit (10) of claim 5, wherein, The pressure adjustment unit (12) is configured to increase the pressure in the first region (108) when the thermal breakdown is detected in the second region.

7. The conditioning unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The pressure adjustment unit (12) is configured to adapt the pressure in the battery cell (100) depending on a state of charge of the battery cell (100).

8. The conditioning unit (10) according to claim 7, wherein The pressure adjustment unit (12) has a first offset (16) when the battery cell (100) is substantially fully charged, the pressure adjustment unit (12) having a second offset (18) when the thermal breakdown is detected by the logic unit (14), the second offset (18) being smaller than the first offset (16).

9. The conditioning unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The pressure adjustment unit (12) has at least one actuator (20) configured to compress and / or stretch at least a portion of the battery cell (100) in order to adapt the pressure.

10. The conditioning unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The pressure adjustment unit (12) has a telescopic mechanism (22) for distancing two battery cells (102, 104) of the battery cell (100), the actuator (20) being configured to drive the telescopic mechanism (22) in order to distance the at least two battery cells (102, 104).

11. A vehicle (200) having a regulating unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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