Battery module, motor vehicle and method for manufacturing a battery module

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery module (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a cell stack (12) with at least two battery cells (14) arranged adjacent to each other in a stacking direction (x), each cell having a cell underside (14a) in which a releasable cell degassing opening (20) is arranged, wherein the cell stack (12) has a stack underside (12a) comprising the respective cell undersides (14a), wherein the battery module (10) comprises an intermediate space (16) between the two battery cells (14), comprising a first space area (16a) adjoining the stack underside (12a) and a second space area (16b) arranged above the first space area (16a), and comprising a cell separator element (18) arranged in the intermediate space (16) and a support plate (22) arranged below the cell stack (12).The cell separating element (18) is arranged in the second space area (16b), and the battery module (10) includes a shielding element (26) which is arranged at least partially in the first space area (16a) and adjoins the carrier plate (22).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a battery module for a motor vehicle, wherein the battery module comprises a cell stack having at least two battery cells arranged adjacent to each other in a stacking direction, each with a cell underside defined with respect to a second direction in which a releasable cell vent is arranged, wherein the cell stack has a stack underside with respect to the second direction that comprises the respective cell undersides. Furthermore, the battery module comprises a space between the two battery cells, comprising a first space area adjacent to the stack underside and a second space area arranged above the first space area with respect to the second direction, a cell separator arranged in the space between the two battery cells, and a support plate arranged below the cell stack with respect to the second direction.Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with such a battery module and a method for manufacturing a battery module.

[0002] Between the battery cells of a battery module, such as in automotive batteries, cell separators, also known as cell spacers, are typically used. These can perform various functions depending on the requirements. For example, they can provide thermal insulation between the battery cells or compensate for swelling, which refers to the expansion of the battery cells as they age or during charging. Battery cells also often have a vent, which allows for controlled outgassing of the battery cell in the event of thermal runaway. This vent can be, for example, a rupture membrane.In the event of thermal runaway in a battery cell and the resulting outgassing, it is ideal to ensure that the hot gas escaping from the cell cannot come into contact with neighboring cells. This could damage the neighboring cells or cause them to thermally runaway as well, ultimately resulting in thermal propagation. However, this requirement can usually only be met, if at all, with enormous effort.

[0003] DE 10 2018 122 080 A1 describes a battery module with a carrier and a plurality of battery cells, which are connected to the carrier by means of a thermal potting compound, wherein a venting channel is provided in the thermal potting compound for the removal of gases from a failed battery cell. Furthermore, the potting compound is intended to ensure good thermal connection to the carrier.

[0004] However, the use of a potting compound has several disadvantages. Firstly, it makes disassembling the battery cells during repairs very difficult and time-consuming, as the potting compound bonds the cells together over a large area and with great strength. Furthermore, the potting compound must be able to withstand the high temperatures of the gas flow. In the event of degassing, the potting compound's good thermal conductivity is also a disadvantage, as it thermally couples the thermally leaked battery cell to the remaining, still intact battery cells, thus promoting thermal propagation.

[0005] DE 10 2021 104 939 A1 describes a method for introducing a thermally conductive material into a free space in a battery module, which comprises a module housing and a cell pack arranged therein. The free space is located between the cell pack and a first housing side of the module housing.

[0006] Here too, the thermal conductivity serves only to ensure the best possible thermal connection of the cell pack to the housing side.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a battery module, a motor vehicle and a method that enable the most efficient possible protection of neighboring cells in the event of thermal runaway of a battery cell.

[0008] This problem is solved by a battery module, a motor vehicle, and a method with the features according to the respective independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims, the description, and the figures.

[0009] A battery module according to the invention for a motor vehicle comprises a cell stack with at least two battery cells arranged adjacent to each other in a stacking direction, each cell having a cell underside defined with respect to a second direction, in which a releasable cell degassing opening is arranged, wherein the cell stack has a stack underside with respect to the second direction that comprises the respective cell undersides. Furthermore, the battery module comprises a space between the two battery cells, comprising a first space area adjacent to the stack underside and a second space area arranged above the first space area with respect to the second direction, a cell separator arranged in the space between the two battery cells, and a support plate arranged below the cell stack with respect to the second direction.The cell separator element is located in the second space area, and the battery module includes a shielding element that is located at least partially in the first space area and borders the carrier plate.

[0010] The shielding element extends from the carrier plate into the space between two battery cells, specifically into the first compartment of this space. Above this first compartment is the second compartment, in which the cell separator element is located. The shielding element thus advantageously provides protection between the two battery cells, particularly in the event of outgassing of one of these two battery cells.The invention is based on the understanding that, in the event of degassing, the side surfaces of the cell casing adjacent to the bottom of the cell are particularly susceptible to partial burn-through. This means that the gas escaping from the battery cell not only exits through the designated degassing vent but can also leak laterally through the damaged areas of the cell casing in a lower region and reach neighboring cells. Furthermore, conventional cell separators either do not provide sufficient protection in this case because they are optimized for other functions and are therefore, for example, not sufficiently heat-resistant and / or abrasion-resistant, or, even if they were sufficiently heat-resistant and abrasion-resistant, they would no longer be able to fulfill the aforementioned functions, such as swelling compensation.Furthermore, conventional cell separators or cell stacks suffer from the problem that, due to manufacturing tolerances, they often do not completely fill the space between the battery cells. This can result in gaps or at least small cracks in this lower area, allowing gas to easily penetrate. By providing a separate shielding element adjacent to the carrier plate and extending into the space between the cells, it is advantageously possible to fill and seal this lower area between the battery cells, thus preventing or significantly hindering gas penetration.By including such a shielding element in addition to, for example, a conventional cell separator between the cells, it is possible to optimize the cell separator for other tasks, such as thermal insulation between the cells and / or swelling compensation, while the shielding element can be optimized for its shielding function. Separating the shielding element from the cell separator also makes it easier to compensate for manufacturing tolerances. For example, the shielding element can be positioned adjacent to the carrier plate, and the carrier plate can then be arranged with the shielding element in relation to the cell stack in such a way that the shielding element projects into the first area of ​​the space between the cells.The cell separator, located in the second compartment above it, can contact the shielding element, but this is not mandatory. Due to tolerances, a small gap may exist, but this has no adverse effect, as the shielding element prevents any gas from penetrating this gap. Thus, the shielding element provides significantly more efficient and effective protection for adjacent cells in the event of thermal runaway in a battery cell.

[0011] The terms "top" and "bottom," as well as directional terms derived from them, such as "above," "below," and / or directional or orientational terms relating to components or component parts, such as "top" and "bottom," and specifically the cell bottoms and the stack bottom, are intended solely for better illustration and simpler description without limiting generality. They can be defined in relation to a defined coordinate system or in relation to a specific direction, referred to here as the second direction, which can represent one of the direction vectors spanning the defined coordinate system. This coordinate system or the specific second direction can be fixed in relation to the battery module. This specific second direction can, for example, be defined as pointing upwards. With regard to a standard or preferred installation position in a motor vehicle, this specific direction can, for example, be defined as...correspond to a vehicle's vertical direction or vertical axis. Nevertheless, the battery module can also be oriented differently, or installed differently in a vehicle, for example with its defined top side facing downwards or with the stack's bottom side facing upwards in relation to a direction of gravity and / or in relation to a vehicle coordinate system.

[0012] The second direction can be defined, in particular, perpendicular to the stacking direction of the cell stack defined above. Furthermore, the third direction, defined later, can also be defined perpendicular to both the stacking direction and the second direction.

[0013] The battery cells can be, for example, lithium-ion cells. In particular, the battery cells can be prismatic or pouch cells. Preferably, the battery cells are designed as prismatic cells. The undersides of the cells face the carrier plate. The battery cells can be arranged with their undersides in contact with the carrier plate or at a distance from the carrier plate, as described in more detail later.

[0014] The space between the two battery cells can be divided into two spatial areas. In other words, the space can consist of the first spatial area and the second spatial area. The two spatial areas can therefore be directly adjacent to each other in the second direction.

[0015] The battery cells are preferably arranged in the cell stack with their largest surface areas facing each other. The cell separator can be bounded in the stacking direction by two outer surfaces that may abut, and in particular may lie flat against, the cell sides of the battery cells facing the cell separator. The cell separator can, in particular, be a substantially cuboid component with a thickness in the stacking direction that is significantly less than its height in the second direction and its width in the third direction. The cell separator can be a rigid component or it can be flexible and / or elastic. Furthermore, the cell separator can also be made of multiple parts, for example, with several layers, e.g., with different properties. The cell separator can also completely fill the space in the stacking direction but not in the second direction.In particular, the cell divider element is limited to the second spatial region with respect to the second direction and may optionally fill this region completely, but need not. The cell divider element therefore does not project into the first spatial region, in which at least part of the shielding element is located. The second spatial region may have a height with respect to the second direction that is less than the height of the first spatial region. In particular, the first spatial region may extend over at least a large proportion of the height of the gap in the second direction.

[0016] The portion of the shielding element located in the first compartment borders directly on the two battery cells and can be pressed into this compartment. Preferably, the shielding element forms a fluid-tight seal with these two adjacent battery cells. This provides a highly effective seal between the battery cells. The shielding element can also be arranged to seal against the carrier plate. This prevents any gas from passing between the shielding element and the carrier plate.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the shielding element has a higher heat resistance and / or abrasion resistance than the cell separation element.

[0018] The shielding element thus provides a particularly high heat and / or abrasion barrier, especially in the area between two battery cells, which is particularly susceptible to potential gas leakage in the event of outgassing from a battery cell during thermal runaway. The shielding element provides a heat and / or abrasion protection barrier precisely in this area, while simultaneously stabilizing the adjacent cell casing wall. This reduces the likelihood of damage to the cell casing wall, and should damage nevertheless occur, the second section effectively shields the escaping gas from contact with neighboring cells.

[0019] The cell separator, on the other hand, can be optimized with regard to other requirements, for example, with regard to the best possible thermal insulation and / or the best possible swelling compensation, i.e., the compensation for changes in the thickness of the battery cells due to charging-related and / or aging-related swelling. The increased heat barrier and / or abrasion barrier of the shielding element thus advantageously provides significantly better protection for neighboring cells of a thermally continuous battery cell, without negatively affecting other properties or functions of the cell separator during normal operation or under normal operating conditions.

[0020] The fact that the shielding element has a higher heat resistance than the cell separator can mean that heat-induced failure of the shielding element occurs at higher temperatures than of the cell separator and / or occurs at the same temperature but later than of the cell separator. Abrasion resistance refers specifically to mechanical resistance to abrasion. Abrasion in this context refers specifically to abrasive wear, which causes material loss in a particular component due to a rubbing or grinding influence, such as the particles contained in the escaping gas during thermal runaway of a battery cell. Higher abrasion resistance can be achieved, for example, by using a material of higher hardness and / or strength for the shielding element.The material of the shielding element can therefore have a higher hardness and / or strength than the material from which the cell separator element is made.

[0021] Accordingly, it remains advantageous if the shielding element is made of a different material than the cell separator element. This allows for the simple implementation of different thermal and / or mechanical properties for the shielding element compared to the cell separator element.

[0022] For example, the cell separator element may be made of a material that has lower hardness and / or lower stiffness and / or lower strength and / or higher flexibility and / or higher elasticity than the material from which the shielding element is made. The first material, from which the cell separator element is made, may also have lower temperature resistance than the second material, from which the shielding element is made.

[0023] Materials that are highly heat-resistant and / or abrasion-resistant, and therefore suitable for use as shielding material, are well known. Examples include ceramics, mica, metals, and also plastics, e.g., with heat-resistant and / or abrasion-resistant fillers, particularly those made from the aforementioned heat-resistant materials, and / or with reinforcing fibers, or similar materials.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the carrier plate has at least one recess which is directly opposite the gap in the second direction, wherein the shielding element is arranged in the recess with a first element end facing the carrier plate. The recess can be understood as a depression in the surface of the carrier plate facing the cell stack. The arrangement of the shielding element in such a recess has several advantages: Firstly, this allows for a particularly simple seal between the shielding element and the carrier plate. Furthermore, the shielding element can simultaneously be fixed to the carrier plate by its arrangement in the recess. The shielding element can, for example, be glued into the recess or simply held in place by friction and / or form-fitting, for example, by being inserted and / or pressed in.This simplifies the assembly of the battery module. Especially when the shielding element is glued into the recess, the adhesive used is then in a protected position in the event of a cell gas leak, so that it does not lose or reduce its adhesive strength during such a leak. This ensures an even more reliable seal between the shielding element and the carrier plate in the event of degassing.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the gap has a width in a third direction, and the shielding element extends across the entire width of the gap in this third direction. The gap can be essentially as wide as the adjacent battery cells. This allows for a seal to be provided by the shielding element across the entire width of the battery cells. It is also conceivable that the shielding element extends beyond the gap in the third direction, although this is not strictly necessary. A shorter design is also possible, although it may not be as effective. For example, especially with very wide battery cells, a shielding element that is only located near the cell vent, but does not extend across the entire width, is conceivable.

[0026] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the recess is designed as an elongated groove extending in the third direction, which in particular extends over at least the entire width of the gap, and the first element end of the shielding element also extends over the entire width of the gap.

[0027] In particular, the shielding element can also be an essentially cuboid component, which, in the stacking direction, can also have a thickness that is less than the height of the shielding element in the second direction and / or the width of the shielding element in the third direction. The shielding element can therefore also extend across the entire width of the gap and the adjacent battery cells, as well as the groove-shaped recess in which the first end of the shielding element is located. This ensures a reliable seal between battery cells across the entire width of the battery cells.

[0028] The features of the invention and its embodiments described above are not limited to a cell stack with two battery cells and an intermediate cell separator and a corresponding shielding element, but are fundamentally applicable to cell stacks of any size with any number of battery cells arranged side by side in the stacking direction. This will be described in more detail below.

[0029] Accordingly, it is a further advantageous embodiment of the invention if the cell stack comprises several, in particular more than two, battery cells arranged side by side in a stacking direction, each with a cell underside defined with respect to the second direction, each of which is part of the stack underside, wherein there is an intermediate space between each pair of battery cells arranged adjacent to one another in the stacking direction, the intermediate space comprising a first spatial area adjacent to the stack underside, and a second spatial area arranged above the first spatial area with respect to the second direction, wherein the battery module comprises an associated cell separator element for each of the intermediate spaces, which is arranged in the second spatial area of ​​the associated intermediate space, and wherein the battery module comprises an associated shielding element for each of the intermediate spaces.which is located at least partially in the first spatial area of ​​the assigned intermediate space and borders the support plate.

[0030] The features described with regard to the shielding element, the spacer, the cell separator, and the battery cells can apply analogously to the optional additional shielding elements, spacers, cell separators, and battery cells. Thus, the battery cells of a cell stack can advantageously be shielded from each other via the respective shielding elements, especially in the event of degassing.

[0031] Accordingly, a further highly advantageous embodiment of the invention is provided that the carrier plate has an associated recess for each of the spaces, which is directly opposite the respective associated space with respect to the second direction, wherein the shielding element associated with a respective space is arranged with a respective first element end in the opposite recess, in particular a groove, associated with the space. This has the same advantages as already described above with regard to the shielding element, the recess, and the carrier plate.

[0032] In the event of thermal runaway in a battery cell, the cell's vent opens, allowing gas to escape. The underside of the cell, where this vent is located, faces the carrier plate, as described. Gas venting from the battery cell can then be achieved in various ways. For example, the carrier plate can have a predetermined breaking point or a predetermined passage area and / or an opening that is directly opposite the vent of the respective battery cell in the second direction. Such a predetermined breaking point or passage area can, for example, be designed as a material weakening and / or with a perforated circumferential contour around this passage area, or similar.In the event of gas escaping from a battery cell, it encounters the opposite designated passage area and, for example, causes this area to open if it is not already designed as a through-hole. This allows, for instance, gas to pass through the carrier plate during degassing. Regarding the second direction, below the carrier plate and thus on the other side of the cell stack, a gas vent channel can be provided. The gas passing through the carrier plate can be vented via this channel. The design as predetermined breaking points or designated passage areas has the advantage over a design as permanent openings that the gas vented via the vent channel cannot re-penetrate the carrier plate elsewhere and thus come into contact with other intact battery cells.

[0033] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cell undersides are spaced away from the carrier plate, with a free space between each cell underside and the carrier plate. This free space is bounded in and against the stacking direction by a respective shielding element, which is at least partially arranged in the space adjacent to the battery cell encompassing the respective cell underside in and against the stacking direction. If the cell stack comprises, for example, more than two battery cells, several free spaces are created correspondingly between the respective cell undersides and the carrier plate. These free spaces are separated from one another in the stacking direction by the respective shielding elements and, in particular, are sealed from one another. The gas entering such a free space thus advantageously cannot reach the nearest free space in or against the stacking direction.Furthermore, it is also conceivable that such a free space is sealed in both directions. This seal can be provided, for example, by the side walls of a module housing or battery housing. Thus, the gas entering this free space cannot escape laterally. Providing such a free space also has the advantage of allowing particularly easy opening of the relevant cell vent. This vent is then not blocked by other components directly adjacent to the underside of the cell or by other parts. This facilitates gas escape.

[0034] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a battery with a battery module according to the invention or one of its embodiments. The battery can, for example, be a high-voltage battery or a medium-voltage battery. The battery can also comprise several such battery modules.

[0035] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle with a battery module according to the invention or one of its embodiments. The motor vehicle can also comprise several such battery modules. The battery modules can, for example, be part of a battery of the motor vehicle, such as a traction battery.

[0036] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle. The motor vehicle can also be an electric vehicle.

[0037] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a battery module for a motor vehicle, wherein a cell stack is provided comprising at least two battery cells arranged adjacent to each other in a stacking direction, each with a cell underside defined with respect to a second direction in which a releasable cell degassing opening is arranged, wherein the cell stack has a stack underside with respect to the second direction that comprises the respective cell undersides. The cell stack also has a space between the two battery cells, comprising a first space area adjacent to the stack underside and a second space area arranged above the first space area with respect to the second direction, and a cell separator arranged in the space between the two battery cells.Furthermore, a support plate is provided and positioned below the cell stack with respect to the second direction. The cell separator element is located in the second spatial region, and a shielding element is positioned adjacent to the support plate. The support plate with the shielding element is positioned below the cell stack in such a way that at least part of the shielding element is located in the first spatial region.

[0038] This allows for a particularly simple manufacturing process for such a battery module.

[0039] When the carrier plate with the shielding element is positioned on the underside of the cell stack, the shielding element can be inserted, or in particular pressed, into the space between the two battery cells of the cell stack with its upper end. The fire protection material provided by the shielding element can be pressed in, in particular between the battery cells, to the thickness of the cell separator material, i.e., the cell divider. The thickness of the separator material and the fire protection material can be defined with respect to the stacking direction.

[0040] The advantages described for the battery module according to the invention and its embodiments apply equally to the method according to the invention.

[0041] The invention also includes further developments of the method according to the invention, which have features already described in connection with the further developments of the battery module according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the method according to the invention are not described again here.

[0042] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0043] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a battery module according to an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 2 A schematic representation of a carrier plate with shielding elements arranged on it for a battery module according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0044] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0045] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0046] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The battery module 10 comprises a cell stack 12 with several battery cells 14 arranged side by side in a stacking direction x. Between each pair of battery cells 14 arranged side by side in the stacking direction x there is a space 16 in which a cell separator 18 is arranged.

[0047] Each battery cell 14 has a cell bottom 14a and a releaseable cell vent 20 arranged on or in this cell bottom. The cell stack 12 has a stack bottom 12a that encompasses the cell bottoms 14a. The cell bottoms 14a can essentially lie in the same plane as the stack bottom 12a. The cell bottoms 14a and the stack bottom 12a are defined here with respect to the z-direction shown, which corresponds to the aforementioned second direction and can correspond to a vehicle vertical direction with respect to a preferred installation position in a motor vehicle.

[0048] The space 20 between two battery cells 14 is divided in the z-direction into two spatial regions: a first spatial region 16a, which adjoins the bottom of the stack 12a, and a second spatial region 16b located above it in the z-direction, in which the cell separator 18 is arranged. A support plate 22 is also arranged below the cell stack as part of the battery module 10. Furthermore, the battery module 10 includes two end plates 24, for example, aluminum plates 24, which delimit the cell stack 12 in and against the stacking direction x.

[0049] For each space 16, the battery module 10 advantageously includes a shielding element 26. This shielding element is arranged adjacent to the carrier plate 22 and projects at least partially into the first space 16a of the space 16. The shielding element can, for example, have a first element end and a second element end 26b opposite it with respect to the z-direction. The shielding element 26 is thus arranged with its first element end 26a on the carrier plate 22, while the second element end 26b is arranged within the first space 16a of the space 16. It is also very advantageous if the carrier plate 22 has recesses 28, for example in the form of grooves extending in the y-direction, which are directly opposite the respective spaces 16 of the cell stack 12 with respect to the z-direction. The respective shielding elements 26 can then be arranged with their respective first element ends 26a in these grooves 28.This allows the shielding elements 26 to be fixed to the carrier plate 22 and also provides a very advantageous seal between the shielding elements 26 and the carrier plate 22. The portion of each shielding element 26 located in the first spatial regions 16a of the spaces 16 can directly abut or lie flat against the battery cells 14 adjacent in and against the stacking direction x and, in particular, also seal fluid-tight. Thus, a very advantageous barrier between the battery cells 14, especially in the lower region of the battery cells 14 where the accessible cell degassing openings 20 are located, can be provided by means of such a shielding element 26.

[0050] Furthermore, the cell stack 12 can be arranged with respect to the carrier plate 22 such that the cell undersides 14a each have a distance D from the carrier plate 22. This provides a free space 30 between the respective cell undersides 14a and the carrier plate 22, which is limited in and against the x-direction by respective shielding elements 26. In particular, these respective free spaces 30 can be limited on both sides by the described shielding elements 26 and thus sealed from each other. In the event of gas escaping from a releasable cell degassing opening 20, the gas penetrating this free space 30 cannot therefore enter a free space 30 adjacent in or against the x-direction. The battery cells 14 are thus particularly well sealed from each other and therefore protected. Sealing elements 26' can also be provided between the aforementioned end plates 24 and the carrier plate 22.These can be designed, for example, like the shielding elements 26, or differently. In particular, these sealing elements 26' are also preferably made of a material that is as heat-resistant and / or abrasion-resistant as possible, just like the shielding elements 26. In particular, they can be made of the same material.

[0051] In contrast, it is preferred that the cell separating elements 18 have different properties than the shielding elements 26, in particular different material properties. These may, for example, be less heat-resistant and / or abrasion-resistant and instead be, for example, well thermally insulating and / or elastic or similar.

[0052] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the carrier plate 22 with the shielding elements 26 arranged on it in a top view according to an embodiment of the invention. The carrier plate 22 and the shielding elements 26 can be arranged as before. Fig. The shielding elements 26 are described in Figure 1. As can be seen, they preferably extend in the y-direction over the entire width B of the space 16 between the battery cells. This provides shielding between the battery cells 14 across their entire width B. Furthermore, the present illustration shows predetermined breaking points 32 or predetermined penetration areas 32 of the carrier plate 22. Each such area 32 is located directly opposite a respective releasable cell degassing opening 20 with respect to the z-direction. Such an area 32 can, for example, be designed with a perforated contour 34. The contour 34 can also be designed as a different material weakening, for example as a groove or similar feature.In the event of a gas escape from the releasable cell degassing opening 20 located above, this area 32 is released, for example by tearing, bursting, separating or similar means, and the gas can penetrate the carrier plate 22 at this point and, for example, enter a degassing channel 36 located below the carrier plate 22 (see, for example, . Fig. 1) arrive.

[0053] Overall, the examples show how the invention can provide a fire protection material, in particular in the form of the shielding element, pressed between the cells to protect against propagation.

[0054] This fire-resistant material, which can be provided in the form of one or more shielding elements, advantageously allows for the construction of "firewalls" between the cells below the vents. These firewalls are preferably recessed into the base plate, for example, the support plate. Furthermore, this base plate can be perforated to allow it to open in the event of degassing, particularly cold degassing. The fire-resistant material can be pressed in, in particular, between the cells to the thickness of the cell separator material, i.e., the cell divider. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 10 2018 122 080 A1

[0003] DE 10 2021 104 939 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Battery module (10) for a motor vehicle, wherein the battery module (10) comprises: - a cell stack (12) with at least two battery cells (14) arranged adjacent to each other in a stacking direction (x) with a respective cell underside (14a) defined with respect to a second direction (z) in which a releasable cell degassing opening (20) is arranged, wherein the cell stack (12) has a stack underside (12a) with respect to the second direction (z) which comprises the respective cell undersides (14a), - an intermediate space (16) between the two battery cells (14), comprising a first space area (16a) adjacent to the bottom of the stack (12a), and a second space area (16b) arranged above the first space area (16a) with respect to the second direction (z), - a cell separator element (18) arranged in the space (16) between the two battery cells (14), and - a support plate (22) which is arranged below the cell stack (12) with respect to the second direction (z), characterized by , that the cell separating element (18) is arranged in the second space area (16b), and the battery module (10) comprises a shielding element (26) which is arranged at least partially in the first space area (16a) and adjoins the carrier plate (22). [2] Battery module (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the shielding element (26) has a higher heat resistance and / or abrasion resistance than the cell separating element (18). [3] Battery module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the carrier plate (22) has at least one recess (28) which is directly opposite the space (16) with respect to the second direction (z), wherein the shielding element (26) is arranged in the recess (28) with a first element end (28a) which faces the carrier plate (22). [4] Battery module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the gap (16) has a width (B) in the third direction (y) and the shielding element (26) extends over the entire width (B) of the gap (16) in the third direction (y). [5] Battery module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the recess (28) is formed as an elongated groove (28) extending in the third direction (y), which in particular extends over at least the entire width (B) of the space (16) and the first element end (28a) also extends over the entire width (B) of the space (16). [6] Battery module (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the cell stack (12) comprises several, in particular more than the two, battery cells (14) arranged next to each other in one stacking direction (x) with a respective cell underside (14a) defined with respect to the second direction (z), each of which is part of the stack underside (12a), - wherein between each pair of battery cells (14) arranged adjacent to each other in the stacking direction (x) there is an intermediate space (16) comprising a first space area (16a) which adjoins the bottom of the stack (12a) and a second space area (16b) which is arranged above the first space area (16a) with respect to the second direction (z), - wherein the battery module (10) comprises an associated cell separator (18) for each of the spaces (16) which is arranged in the second space area (16b) of the associated space (16), - wherein the battery module (10) comprises an associated shielding element (26) for each of the spaces (16), which is arranged at least partially in the first space area (16a) of the associated space (16) and adjoins the carrier plate (22). [7] Battery module (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the carrier plate (22) has an associated recess (28) for each of the spaces (16), which is directly opposite the respective space (16) with respect to the second direction (z), wherein the shielding element (26) associated with a respective space (16) is arranged with a respective first element end (28a) in the recess (28), in particular groove (28), opposite the space (16). [8] Battery module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the cell undersides (14a) have a distance (D) to the carrier plate (22), wherein a free space (30) is located between a respective cell underside (14a) and the carrier plate (22), which is bounded in and against the stacking direction (x) by a respective shielding element (26), which is arranged at least partially in the space (16) adjacent to the battery cell (14) comprising the respective cell underside (14a) in and against the stacking direction (x). [9] Motor vehicle with a battery module (10) according to any of the preceding claims. [10] Method for manufacturing a battery module (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising the steps: - Providing a cell stack (12) with • at least two battery cells (14) arranged adjacent to each other in a stacking direction (x) with a respective cell underside (14a) defined with respect to a second direction (z) in which a releasable cell degassing opening (20) is arranged, wherein the cell stack (12) has a stack underside (12a) with respect to the second direction (z) which comprises the respective cell undersides (14a), • an intermediate space (16) between the two battery cells (14), comprising a first space area (16a) adjacent to the bottom of the stack (12a) and a second space area (16b) located above the first space area (16a) with respect to the second direction (z), • a cell separator element (18) which is arranged in the space (16) between the two battery cells (14), - Providing a support plate (22), and - Arranging the support plate (22) with respect to the second direction (z) below the cell stack (12), characterized by , that the cell separating element (18) is arranged in the second space area (16b), and a shielding element (26) is arranged adjacent to the carrier plate (22), and the carrier plate (22) with the shielding element (26) is arranged below the cell stack (12) such that at least a part of the shielding element (26) is arranged in the first space area (16a).

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