Energy storage battery, energy storage device, motor vehicle and energy storage battery manufacturing method

Abstract

The invention relates to an energy storage cell (10) comprising a cell housing (12) defining an inner region (14) of the energy storage cell (10), an electrode assembly (16) arranged in said inner region (14) together with an electrolyte (15), and a support element (20) arranged between a surface (18) of the energy storage cell (10) and at least one portion of the electrode assembly (16), and a support element (20) which is in contact with the surface (18) and with the portion of the electrode assembly (16), the support element (20) having a bearing portion and a filling material (24) held by the bearing portion, the support element (20) being provided for at least partially discharging the filling material (24) into the electrolyte (15) and thereby decreasing in a direction transverse to the surface (18). The invention further relates to an energy storage device having the energy storage cell, to a motor vehicle having the energy storage cell or the energy storage device, and to a method for producing an energy storage cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an energy storage battery, an energy storage device having the energy storage battery, a motor vehicle having the energy storage battery or the energy storage device, and a method for manufacturing the energy storage battery. Background Art

[0002] Modern energy storage cells for motor vehicle drive batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries (also referred to in the literature as lithium-ion secondary batteries), usually have an electrode assembly, which includes an anode, a cathode and a separator arranged between the anode and the cathode, and is arranged together with an electrolyte in a cell housing of the energy storage cell. The anode or cathode includes a corresponding, usually metallic electrode (copper on the anode side, for example; aluminum on the cathode side, for example), which is coated with an active material (graphite on the anode side, for example; lithium manganese oxide on the cathode side, for example). The cell housing, also referred to as a can (English: Can) in cylindrical energy storage cells, may be coated with an insulator on the outside. The separator should conventionally be an ion conductor (especially lithium ions can pass through), but otherwise electrically insulates the anode from the cathode.

[0003] During the service life of such energy storage batteries, the electrode assembly, especially the active material on the anode side, expands with each charging cycle. Therefore, the size of the energy storage battery housing is usually selected in the following way, that is, to provide expansion space for the electrode assembly. The smaller the space occupied by the electrode assembly in the battery housing (that is, the smaller the packaging ratio of the energy storage battery), the easier it is to form sponge-like or dendritic lithium metal deposition in the electrode assembly (so-called "lithium plating").

[0004] In order to minimize lithium deposition, it is known in the prior art to subject the positive and / or negative electrodes of lithium batteries to a corona treatment. For this purpose, for example, document DE 10 2014 218 143 A1 discloses a method for manufacturing lithium batteries, in which a granular active material and a coating containing a binder are applied to a metal foil to form a positive or negative electrode. The corresponding electrodes are then pressed. After the separator is placed between the electrodes, a liquid electrolyte is added to the battery housing. Before being soaked with the liquid electrolyte, the positive and / or negative electrode is subjected to a corona treatment so that the liquid electrolyte penetrates into the pores of the electrode. Summary of the invention

[0005] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide an energy storage battery which is characterized by a long service life and can store energy reliably. In addition, the object of the present invention is to provide a corresponding energy storage device, a corresponding motor vehicle and a corresponding method for manufacturing an energy storage battery.

[0006] This object is achieved by an energy storage cell according to claim 1 , an energy storage device having the features of claim 10 , a motor vehicle according to claim 11 and a method for producing an energy storage cell having the features of claim 12 .

[0007] The energy storage cell is preferably provided for a vehicle drive battery, such as a lithium-ion battery (so-called lithium-ion secondary battery), and comprises: a battery housing which defines an inner region of the energy storage cell; an electrode assembly which is arranged in the inner region together with an electrolyte; and a support element which is arranged between a surface of the energy storage cell and at least one part of the electrode assembly and which is in contact with the surface and the part of the electrode assembly. The support element has a support portion and a filling material which is held by the support portion (at least temporarily, in particular in the initial state of the support element). In addition, the support element is provided to cause the filling material to at least partially discharge into the electrolyte and thereby become smaller in a direction transverse to the surface, that is, to shrink in this direction. The direction is preferably a radial direction of the energy storage cell.

[0008] In other words, the support element can be disassembled and, by discharging part of its own mass (or reducing its volume), simultaneously frees up space in the inner region of the battery housing for the electrode assembly, into which space the electrode assembly can expand due to the operating conditions. The expansion of the electrode assembly can thus be compensated. Thus, it is possible to produce energy storage cells with a relatively large initial effective packaging ratio of support element and electrode assembly to the entire inner volume of the battery housing, that is, the inner region can be filled as much as possible already during the production of the energy storage cell.

[0009] Afterwards, the electrode assembly can be accommodated in the battery housing in such a way that an anode, a separator and a cathode of the electrode assembly are in contact with each other over a relatively large area. Thus, by means of a collaborative approach, the risk of lithium plating can be reduced and the service life of the energy storage battery can be extended. A constant squeezing force will help to divert gas from the electrode assembly (i.e., ensure that as few bubbles as possible remain between the electrodes). Since the support element is designed to shrink in the direction, it is actually recessed, so that the battery housing will stretch outwards ("expand") to a lesser extent during its service life even if the electrode assembly expands. As a result, the energy storage battery is advantageously able to maintain its external dimensions for a longer period of time, so that it can be better and more permanently accommodated in the energy storage battery module housing or in the energy storage battery housing.

[0010] The electrode assembly preferably comprises an anode, a cathode and a separator (single or composed of several parts) arranged between the anode and the cathode. The anode or cathode preferably comprises a corresponding metal electrode (copper on the anode side, for example; aluminum on the cathode side, for example), which is coated with an active material. The anode material of the electrode assembly advantageously contains silicon, in particular silicon oxide or a silicon-carbon composite material. This can effectively increase the energy density of the energy storage battery. The electrode assembly can be configured as a winding type (so-called jelly roll) or a stacked type (such as a so-called Z-stack). In particular, but not exclusively, in the latter case, the anode, cathode and / or separator can preferably be configured as consisting of several parts, respectively.

[0011] Preferably, the support element is not a component of the electrode assembly. In particular, the support element may be neither an electrode nor a separator of the electrode assembly. More precisely, the support element is preferably a separate component, which may be configured to be separate from the electrode assembly and / or the battery housing. In the initial state of the support element, the filling material is a component of the support element and is therefore held on the support part, and the support element in its initial state does not promote the electrochemical reaction of the energy storage battery, that is, it is inert to the electrochemical reaction.

[0012] In the context of the present application, the term "filling material" generally refers to a material (i.e. a chemical substance, in particular a pure substance or a mixture) with which a part of the support element is at least partially filled. The filling material can in principle be in any state. The filling material is preferably solid (in particular powdered) or liquid. In the context of the present application, the term "filling material" refers to the entire filling material of the support element (unless otherwise specified). The filling material can include a plurality of parts, each in the form of a chemical substance.

[0013] The support element is preferably inserted in a form-locking and / or force-locking manner between the part of the electrode assembly in the energy storage cell and the surface of the energy storage cell. If the support element is inserted in a form-locking manner, by definition, (substantially) no normal force can act between the support element and the surface of the energy storage cell in the direction. The force-locking variant, on the other hand, presupposes that the support element is clamped between the surface of the energy storage cell and the at least one part of the electrode assembly (and is clamped by the surface of the energy storage cell and the at least one part of the electrode assembly). Therefore, this latter variant presupposes a normal force between the support element and the electrode assembly. The force can be evenly distributed on the contact surface.

[0014] In this case, the load path extends from the surface of the energy storage cell via the support element and further via the boundary between the support element and the electrode assembly to another surface of the energy storage cell opposite to the surface of the energy storage cell in contact with the support element, wherein this other surface is preferably also the wall of the battery housing. In other words, the electrode assembly is supported on the other surface, (slightly) prestressed, and the (also slightly prestressed) support element is pressed onto the surface of the energy storage cell in contact with the support element. The thickness of the support element in the initial state along the direction R can be 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0015] In order to be able to advantageously and repeatedly realize the installation state, the battery housing is preferably configured to be rigid (solid). Therefore, the energy storage battery is preferably configured as a prismatic battery or a cylindrical battery. Therefore, in particular, the energy storage battery is preferably not a pouch battery. The surface of the energy storage battery in contact with the support element can preferably be flat against the side of the support element opposite to the part of the electrode assembly. The surface of the energy storage battery in contact with the support element can be the inner surface of the battery housing, in particular the inner surface of the battery housing wall of the energy storage battery.

[0016] Observing the support element along the direction, the contour of the support element can correspond to the contour of the electrode assembly. If the energy storage battery is configured as a prismatic battery, the battery housing wall can preferably be the longitudinal wall of the battery housing (i.e., the battery housing wall with the largest dimension (length)). In other words, the electrode assembly can be supported on the longitudinal wall of the battery housing by the support element in this case. Therefore, the first contact surface between the support element, in particular the support portion and the inner surface is preferably substantially flat (flat) in this case. On the second side of the support element, opposite to the first contact surface and facing the electrode assembly, the second contact surface between the support element and the electrode assembly is preferably also substantially flat. The configuration of this second contact surface is preferably determined by the surface geometry of the end face of the electrode assembly facing the support element; the end face is preferably harder than the support element on the second contact surface.

[0017] On the other hand, if the energy storage battery is a cylindrical battery, the inner surface is preferably the (entire) inner circumference of the battery housing. In this variant, the support element is preferably configured essentially as a hollow cylinder. In this case, the (wound) electrode assembly can be arranged at least partially inside the hollow cylinder. The outer circumference of the electrode assembly is therefore in contact with the inner circumference of the hollow cylinder. Therefore, the support element can be supported on the inner circumference of the battery housing with its outer circumference, and the electrode assembly can be clamped (compressed) radially inwardly by the inner circumference of the support element. Therefore, the anode, cathode and separator are advantageously squeezed together.

[0018] As an alternative, the surface of the energy storage cell in contact with the support element can be the surface of the separator of the electrode assembly. In this case, the support element is preferably arranged - in particular clamped - between the first section and the second section of the electrode assembly. In this variant, the part of the electrode assembly can therefore be the second section of the electrode assembly. The surface of the first or second section of the electrode assembly, respectively facing away from the support element, is preferably in (direct) contact with the wall of the battery housing. In this alternative, the energy storage cell can also be designed as a cylinder or a prismatic shape.

[0019] Preferably, the filling material is encapsulated or wrapped on or in the support element. The support element can be designed in particular as a capsule filled (at least partially) with at least a portion of the filling material. That is to say, the support part can have at least one envelope, which (respectively) defines an inner space, wherein the filling material is at least partially contained in the inner space. The inner space can also be divided into a plurality of independent (i.e. non-interconnected) chambers, in particular a first chamber, a second chamber and / or a third chamber. A partition or a plurality of partitions between adjacent chambers can be made of the same material as the envelope. Each partition can be configured as a diaphragm (so-called bursting membrane). The main surface of the chamber advantageously extends substantially parallel to the surface of the energy storage cell in contact with the support element. The filling material can be at least partially contained in the first chamber, the second chamber and / or the third chamber, respectively. In other words, the first part of the filling material can be contained in the first chamber, the second part of the filling material can be contained in the second chamber and / or the third part of the filling material can be contained in the third chamber.

[0020] The envelope is preferably configured as a membrane (film). The membrane may be permeable to the filling material; however, it is preferably not permeable to the filling material. Preferably, the membrane is flexible, in particular elastically deformable. Therefore, the support element can be reduced in the direction transverse to the surface due to the expansion of the energy storage battery, and at the same time expand in another direction. In the first case, the filling material can be at least partially discharged into the electrolyte through the at least one envelope. In this case, the support element can be squeezed almost like a sponge. This function can also be achieved by configuring the support part to be at least partially porous. The filling material can therefore be at least partially embedded in the pores of the support part. In this structural design, the support part is preferably a porous matrix / matrix, in particular a polymer matrix. The support part, in particular the base section or polymer matrix of the support part, can be composed of a polymer. The polymer can contain or be polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and / or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), for example.

[0021] In the second case, the expansion of the envelope in the other direction has the effect that the envelope (preferably irreversibly) opens, in particular is stretched beyond its yield point and thus tears (that is, is crushed between the surface of the energy storage cell and the electrode assembly). As a result, the filler material originally held on the support part can escape from the interior space and be discharged into the electrolyte. Thus (even long after the energy storage cell has been formed or shaped), useful filler material, which will be described in further detail below, can be added to the electrolyte. At the same time, the support element can advantageously be reduced in a coordinated manner in the direction transverse to the surface, so that the energy storage cell is not easily expanded.

[0022] If the support element has a first and a second chamber, the support portion can be configured so that the first chamber opens toward the immediate surroundings of the support element when the pressure exerted on the support element by the portion of the electrode assembly is smaller than that of the second chamber. In other words, when a first pressure threshold of the pressure that clamps the support element between the surface of the energy storage battery and the portion of the electrode assembly is exceeded, the first chamber opens, while the second chamber does not open. This causes a temporary drop in the stress of the support element. Due to the further expansion of the electrode assembly, the pressure (stress) acting on the support element rises again as the energy storage battery continues to operate. The second chamber then opens after a second pressure threshold that is higher than the first pressure threshold is exceeded. If the support element also includes a third chamber, the third chamber (similarly due to the further expansion of the electrode assembly) opens after a third pressure threshold greater than the first pressure threshold and / or the second pressure threshold is exceeded.

[0023] In a variant, the support portion can be fiber-reinforced. In addition, the support portion can be at least partially configured as a textile, in particular as a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric. Preferably, the support portion has a plurality of envelopes, wherein each envelope and the filling material portion contained therein together constitute a capsule. These capsules can be embedded between the fabric fibers in the fabric and thus retained by the fabric. As an alternative, the capsules / envelopes can be connected to each other by material locking, and optionally connected to the base section of the support portion. The base section can be rigid here to give the support element rigidity. Therefore, the base section can be a rigid plate in the case of a prismatic battery, or a rigid hollow cylinder in the case of a cylindrical battery. Here, the plate can be arranged on the side of the envelope / capsule facing the surface of the energy storage battery in contact with the support element.

[0024] The capsule can have the above-mentioned features of the chamber, thereby forming a chamber in the sense of the above description. The capsule can be configured as a small capsule. That is, the support part can have a plurality of first envelopes, a plurality of second envelopes and / or a plurality of third envelopes, in which a first portion of filling material, a second portion of filling material or a third portion of filling material is contained. Here, each envelope together with the portion of filling material wrapped by it constitutes a corresponding (first / second / third) capsule. Preferably, the first capsule is larger (in terms of volume, in particular in terms of its inner diameter) than the second capsule and / or smaller than the third capsule. Most preferably, all first capsules are arranged at a first spacing from each other according to the first grid. The corresponding content can be applied to the second and third capsules, which are therefore arranged at a second or third spacing according to the second or third grid. This arrangement can also be achieved by the above-mentioned fiber-reinforced variant of the support part. Preferably, the first portion of the filling material and the second portion of the filling material are different from each other. If there is a third portion of the filling material, this third portion of the filling material can also be different from the first portion of the filling material and / or the second portion of the filling material.

[0025] The (entire) filling material is preferably at least partially soluble in the electrolyte. Most preferably, the filling material, in particular the first part of the filling material, the second part of the filling material and / or the third part of the filling material, has (liquid or solid) electrolyte additives (for the anode and / or cathode), lithium conductive salts, scavengers and / or reaction inhibitors. The electrolyte additive may contain one or more of the following substances: fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), vinylene carbonate (VC), dimethyl vinylene carbonate (OCF), 3 (DMVC-OCF 3 ), allyl ethyl carbonate (AEC), tetrachloroethylene (TCE), 2-vinyl pyridine (VP), butyl sulfite (BS), 1,3-propane sultone (PS). In addition, ionic additives, isocyanate-based additives, borate esters and / or boron oxide esters can also be considered as electrolyte additives. Lithium conductive salts can include one or more of the following substances: lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF 6 ), lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF 4 ), lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSi), lithium bis(oxalate)borate (LiBOB), LiMOB, lithium fluoride (LiF). In addition, the lithium conductive salt may also include: phosphate, borate, imide salt, heterocyclic anion salt and / or aluminate.

[0026] A scavenger (acceptor) by definition can be a chemical substance that is added to the mixture to remove impurities and unintended reaction products such as oxygen or to inactivate them, thereby ensuring that they do not undergo unintended reactions. The scavenger or reaction inhibitor may contain a hydrogen fluoride scavenger (e.g. DMVC-OTMS). In order to prevent overcharging (cathode or anode), the filler material or the first, second and / or third part of the filler material may contain one or more of the following substances: phenothiazine, TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl oxide), artificial interface, polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). These substances can extend the service life of the energy storage battery.

[0027] The energy storage device proposed here is provided for installation in a motor vehicle. The (motor vehicle) energy storage device can be, in particular, a drive battery of a motor vehicle. The energy storage device comprises at least one - preferably a plurality - of the energy storage cells described in detail above. The energy storage cells are preferably accommodated side by side in the housing of the energy storage device in such a way that their supporting elements are oriented substantially parallel to one another. This allows the energy storage cells to be permanently retained in the housing of the energy storage device. In addition, the energy storage device can have a plurality of structurally separated storage modules, each of which comprises a group of a plurality of energy storage cells. In this case, each storage module can be covered by a module housing.

[0028] The motor vehicle proposed here can be in particular an air, water or land vehicle. Preferably, the motor vehicle is a passenger car or a commercial vehicle. The motor vehicle has the above-mentioned energy storage device. The energy storage device is preferably configured as a flat energy storage device. The energy storage device can be arranged in particular between two adjacent axles (in particular the front axle and the rear axle) of the motor vehicle in the chassis area of ​​the motor vehicle.

[0029] The method proposed here is used to manufacture an energy storage battery, in particular the energy storage battery described in detail above, and comprises the following steps preferably performed in the following order: providing a battery housing; arranging, in particular introducing, an electrode assembly into an inner area of ​​the energy storage battery; arranging, in particular introducing a support element between a surface of the energy storage battery and at least one portion of the electrode assembly, so that the support element is in contact with the surface and the portion of the electrode assembly; and forming / molding the energy storage battery.

[0030] It is also conceivable to introduce the support element into the inner region simultaneously with the electrode assembly. Preferably, the support element is accommodated substantially form-fittingly between the surface and the portion of the electrode assembly before the forming. Most preferably, the support element is clamped between the surface of the energy storage cell and the portion of the electrode assembly during the forming. Thus, the support element can be clamped more strongly between the surface and the portion of the electrode assembly after the forming than before the forming.

[0031] Any, in particular all, of the features described above in conjunction with the energy storage battery can be implemented in the energy storage device, in the motor vehicle and in the method for producing the energy storage battery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Preferred embodiments of an energy storage cell, an energy storage device, a motor vehicle and a method for producing an energy storage cell will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying schematic diagrams, which are not to scale.

[0033] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a variant of an energy storage cell is shown, wherein the support element of the energy storage cell is in its initial state, in which the filling material is completely held on the support part;

[0034] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A detailed illustration of the energy storage battery together with the support element in the initial state;

[0035] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an energy storage cell in FIG. 1 , wherein the support element is in its reduced state after partial discharge of the filling material into the electrolyte;

[0036] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 The energy storage battery in the Figure 3 A detailed illustration of a support element in a reduced state;

[0037] Figure 5 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of another variant of an energy storage cell, wherein the support element of the energy storage cell is in its initial state;

[0038] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 The energy storage battery in the device together with the supporting element in a reduced state;

[0039] Figure 7 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of a support element with a plurality of chambers according to another variant of an energy storage cell, wherein the support element is in its initial state;

[0040] Figure 8 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of a support element with a plurality of capsules according to another variant of an energy storage cell, wherein the support element is in its initial state;

[0041] Fig. 9 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of a support element according to another variant of the energy storage cell, the support element having a plurality of capsules held by a woven fabric, wherein the support element is in its initial state;

[0042] Fig.10 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of another variant of an energy storage cell, in which a support element is arranged between two sections of an electrode assembly;

[0043] Fig.11 Shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the energy storage battery in FIG.

[0044] Fig.12 A perspective view of another variant of an energy storage cell is shown, wherein the energy storage cell is configured as a cylindrical cell;

[0045] Fig.13 A cross-sectional view of an energy storage device is shown, which has multiple Figures 1 to 12 The energy storage battery shown in any of the figures;

[0046] Fig.14 A motor vehicle is shown having Fig.13 Energy storage devices in; and

[0047] Fig.15 A method for manufacturing an energy storage battery is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Figures 1 to 4 An energy storage battery 10 is shown, which is configured to be installed in Fig.14 In the energy storage device 100 of the motor vehicle 300 shown (here: passenger car). Here, the energy storage cell 10 is designed as a prismatic cell, for example (see Fig.11 ), and includes a rigid battery housing 12. The longitudinal sides (longitudinal walls) of the battery housing 12 extend parallel to each other and are Figures 1 to 4 extends perpendicular to the drawing plane, so Figures 1 to 4 The viewing direction is the longitudinal direction. The main plane of the prismatic cell (central longitudinal plane) extends parallel to these longitudinal sides.

[0049] The battery housing 12 defines an inner region 14 of the energy storage cell 10 and seals the inner region 14 from the surroundings of the energy storage cell 10 for the electrolyte 15 in the inner region 14. The electrode assembly 16 of the energy storage cell 10 is arranged in the inner region 14 together with the electrolyte 15 and the support element 20 to be described in detail below. Here, the electrode assembly 16 is configured as a stack, for example. However, the present application is also applicable to the wound electrode assembly 16 accordingly. The electrode assembly 16 includes a separator 50 composed of several parts, an anode 52 composed of several parts, and a cathode 54 composed of several parts, wherein a section of the separator 50 is respectively provided between a section of the anode 52 and a section of the cathode 54 adjacent to it. The sections of the anode 52, the cathode 54 and the separator 50 are all configured in a planar manner and are oriented substantially parallel to each other. The separator 50 is therefore flat against the support element 20. The anode 52 may contain a silicon-carbon composite material. As an alternative, the positive electrode 52 may contain graphite.

[0050] The support element 20 has a support portion 22 and at least (at Figure 1 and 2 In the initial state of the support element 20 (shown in FIG. 1 ), the filler material 24 is held by the support part 22. Here, the support element 20 is arranged, in particular clamped, between the surface 18 of the energy storage cell 10 and the electrode assembly 16 and is designed in a plate shape. The surface 18 is a longitudinal wall (in Figures 1 to 4 Conversely, the support element 20 has a first contact surface, with which the support element is supported on the surface 18 and, if the support element 20 is provided with a filling material 24, presses the electrode assembly 16 against the inner surface (second contact surface) of the battery housing 12 that is opposite to the surface 18.

[0051] The support part 22 of the support element 20 is in the present case (in the initial state) a sleeve, in particular an elastic membrane, which defines the interior space of the support part 22. As long as the sleeve is intact (closed) and the support element 20 is in its initial state, the filling material 24 cannot penetrate the sleeve. In addition, the sleeve is flexible and can be opened / torn by the pressure applied by the electrode assembly 16. In addition, in Figure 1 In the variant shown in the figure, as long as the support element 20 is in its initial state, the entire filling material 24 is present in the inner space, i.e. surrounded by the envelope; in other variants described below, multiple envelopes can together constitute the supporting part 22 of the support element 20 and respectively wrap a part of the filling material 24.

[0052] When the electrode assembly 16 moves along Figure 2When the support element 20 expands in the direction R transverse to, in particular perpendicular to, the surface 18, as indicated in the figure, the support element 20 is compressed along the direction R, i.e. the clamping force (pressure) acting on the support element 20 increases. When a predetermined expansion of the electrode assembly 16 along the direction R or a predetermined pressure threshold for compressing the support element along the direction R is exceeded, the support portion 22 opens and the filling material 24 is discharged into the electrolyte 15. The above-mentioned opening is achieved in that the support element 20 expands perpendicularly to the direction R, i.e. along the surface 18. If necessary, this can be done as in Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , in one of the electrode assemblies 16 ( Figure 1 A portion of the inner region 14 is reserved outside the upper middle end. When the envelope is opened, the yield point of the envelope is exceeded. In addition, gradual decomposition (due to temperature / pressure / byproducts generated during the cycle of the energy storage battery) and catalytic decomposition are also expected.

[0053] As the filler material 24 is discharged into the electrolyte 15, the support element 20 becomes smaller in the direction R, so that its Figure 3 and 4 The portion of the filler material 24 schematically shown in the figure that is discharged into the electrolyte 15 can be mixed with the electrolyte 15 (for example dissolved therein) and can thereafter be used for the electrochemical reaction of the energy storage cell 10. The greater the expansion of the electrode assembly 16 in the direction R, the more filler material 24 is detached from the support element 20. In this case, it is advantageous if the filler material 24 is a lithium salt, although as an alternative it can also have a scavenger and / or a reaction inhibitor.

[0054] In one variant, it is conceivable that the envelope is not open but is permeable (permeable) to the filling material 24. In this case, the filling material 24 can be at least partially pressed ("squeezed") through the envelope due to the expansion of the electrode assembly 16, in particular outside the second contact surface.

[0055] Figure 5 and 6 Another energy storage battery 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4 The energy storage cell 10 shown in FIG. 1 differs in that the support part 22 has a plurality of pores 36 (i.e. is porous). In this case, the filler material 24 is embedded in the pores 36 of the support part 22. In this embodiment, the support part 22 is in particular designed as a polymer matrix (which is made of polyethylene terephthalate in this case). The pores 36 have a sheath having the above-described characteristics on their inner surface. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the support element 20 is in its initial state, while in Figure 6In the embodiment, the support element 20 is in its reduced state. Therefore, when the electrode assembly 16 is moved in the direction R (refer to Figure 2 ) increases, the filler material 24 is continuously pressed out of the pores 36 to enter the electrolyte 15 when the envelope is broken. Figure 5 and 6 The energy storage battery 10 shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 4 All features of the energy storage battery 10 shown in FIG.

[0056] exist Figures 7 to 9 , a support element 20 of another energy storage cell 10 is shown, in which the (entire) filling material 24 comprises a plurality of parts. These parts of the filling material 24 are composed of different chemical substances. That is, the filling material 24 may include a first part in the form of a first chemical substance, a second part in the form of a second chemical substance, and a third part in the form of a third chemical substance. For example, the first part of the filling material 24 may contain a lithium salt. The second part of the filling material 24 may contain an electrolyte additive (wherein the electrolyte may also contain the same electrolyte additive when the corresponding support element 20 is in its initial state). The third part of the filling material 24 may contain a scavenger.

[0057] exist Figure 7 In the variant shown, the support part 22 (in particular the inner space) is divided into at least one first chamber 30, a second chamber 32 and a third chamber 34. A first portion of the filling material 24 is contained in the first chamber 30. A second portion of the filling material 24 is contained in the second chamber 32. A third portion of the filling material 24 is contained in the third chamber 34. The second chamber 32 can open when a second pressure threshold is reached, which is greater than a first pressure threshold for opening the first chamber 30 and / or less than a third pressure threshold for opening the third chamber 34.

[0058] exist Figure 8 In the variant shown, the support part 22 comprises a base section 38 constructed as a more rigid plate, to which a plurality of capsules are connected (preferably in a material-locking manner) and on which the filling material 24 is distributed. In this variant, the capsules can include a first capsule 42, a second capsule 44 and a third capsule 46. Figure 7 Similarly, the illustrated variation may contain a first portion of the filler material 24 in the entire first capsule 42, a second portion of the filler material 24 in the entire second capsule 44, and / or a third portion of the filler material 24 in the entire third capsule 46. The second capsule 44 may have an internal volume that is smaller than the first capsule 42 and / or larger than the third capsule 46.

[0059] Fig. 9The variant of the support element 20 shown in FIG. Figure 8 The support element 20 shown in FIG. 2 is different in that its bearing part 22 is fiber-reinforced. Here, the base section 38 is not configured as a more rigid sheet material, but as a textile 40 (woven fabric). The fibers of the woven fabric extend through between the first, second and / or third capsules 42, 44, 46. This makes it possible to impart rigidity to the support element 20.

[0060] In addition, with the basis Figures 7 to 9 The energy storage battery 10 of the support element 20 has Figure 1 All features of the energy storage battery 10 shown in FIG.

[0061] Fig.10 Another energy storage battery 10 shown in Figure 1 The energy storage cell 10 shown in FIG. 1 differs in that the surface 18 of the energy storage cell 10 is not a cell housing wall, but a surface of a separator 50 . The electrode assembly 16 is therefore divided into two sections, which are each supported directly on the outside (in the transverse direction) on the inner surface of the cell housing 12 . On the inside, the support element 20 is clamped between the first and second sections of the electrode assembly 16 . The middle longitudinal plane of the prismatic cell thus extends through the support element 20 . In addition, Fig.10 The energy storage cell 10 shown has Figure 1 All features of the energy storage battery 10 shown. In addition, Fig.10 The energy storage cell 10 shown may also have Figures 5 to 9 Any features of the energy storage cell 10 shown.

[0062] Fig.12 The energy storage battery 10 shown is Figure 1 (and Fig.11 ) is different in that it is configured as a cylindrical battery. The cylindrical shape of this energy storage battery defines the geometry of the electrode assembly 16 and the support element 20. Therefore, the support element 20 is currently configured as a hollow cylinder. The surface 18 of the energy storage battery 10 is the (preferably entire) inner circumference of the battery housing 12. That is, the support element 20 is clamped between the outer circumference of the electrode assembly 16 and the inner circumference of the battery housing 12. If the energy storage battery 10 is configured as a prismatic battery and the electrode assembly 16 is wound (a so-called jelly roll), the support element 20 can also be configured as a substantially hollow cylinder and rest against the outer circumference of the electrode assembly 16. In addition, Fig.12 The energy storage cell 10 shown also has Figure 1 All features of the energy storage battery 10 shown. In addition, Fig.10 The energy storage cell 10 shown also has Figures 5 to 9 Any features of the energy storage cell 10 shown.

[0063] Fig.13 The energy storage device 100 shown in the greatly simplified form includes multiple Figures 1 to 12 The energy storage battery 10 of any of the figures. The energy storage batteries 10, in particular the support elements 20, can be oriented parallel to each other. In addition, the energy storage batteries 10 can also be combined into a plurality of energy storage battery groups, each of which constitutes a storage module. Fig.14 In the simplified representation of motor vehicle 200 , it can be installed in the chassis region between the front axle and the rear axle of motor vehicle 200 .

[0064] The energy storage battery 10 can be Fig.15 300 is made in a simplified manner. Here, the battery housing 12 is first prepared in a first step 302. Then, in step 304, the electrode assembly 16 and in step 306, the support element 20 are arranged in the inner region of the energy storage battery 10. Here, the electrode assembly 16 and the support element 20 can be installed in the battery housing 12 together or (in any order) one after another. Therefore, as an alternative, step 306 can be at least partially performed before step 304. Preferably, the support element 20 and the electrode assembly 16 together in the direction R are shorter than the inner region 14, so that they fit into the inner region without being clamped. In the next step 308, the energy storage battery 10 is formed / shaped. In this case, the electrode assembly 16 can (slightly) expand in the direction R without expelling the filling material 24 held in the support element 20. Here, the support element 20 is advantageously kept in its initial state. Therefore, the support element 20 provides a further synergistic additional function by making the installation of the electrode assembly 16 simpler. Therefore, the energy storage cell 10 can not only be manufactured efficiently, but also can be operated efficiently for a longer time. The support element 20 does not need to be removed again after the shaping. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the energy storage cell 10 being opened later and the electrodes being displaced.

[0065] For reasons of readability, the expression "at least one" is partially omitted in the present application for the purpose of simplification. If a feature is described in the singular or in an indefinite number (e.g. the / a supporting element, etc.), a plurality of such features are also disclosed (e.g. the at least one supporting element, i.e. the one supporting element or the plurality of supporting elements). At least partially / partially currently means partially / partially or entirely. The term "substantially" in the context of the present application includes, respectively, an exact property or an exact value, as well as deviations which are insignificant for the function of the property / value, respectively, such as deviations caused by manufacturing tolerances.

[0066] The above description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the purpose of the present invention. Various changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention and its equivalents.

Claims

1. Energy storage battery (10), comprising a battery housing (12) defining an interior area (14) of the energy storage battery (10), an electrode assembly (16) arranged together with an electrolyte (15) in the inner region (14), and a support element (20) arranged between a surface (18) of the energy storage cell (10) and at least a portion of the electrode assembly (16), the support element being in contact with the surface (18) and the portion of the electrode assembly (16), The support element (20) has a support portion (22) and a filling material (24) held by the support portion (22), and The support element (20) is provided to at least partially expel the filler material (24) into the electrolyte (15) and thereby taper in a direction (R) transverse to the surface (18).

2. The energy storage battery (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The support element (20) is clamped between the surface (18) of the energy storage battery (10) and the at least one portion of the electrode assembly (16).

3. The energy storage battery (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The support portion (22) has at least one envelope defining an interior space and a filler material (24) at least partially contained within the interior space.

4. The energy storage battery (10) according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one envelope is configured as an elastic membrane, and / or The at least one envelope is designed to open due to expansion of the electrode assembly (16) in a direction (R) transverse to the surface (18), and / or The support element (20) is configured to allow the filler material (24) to pass through the at least one envelope or to at least partially discharge into the electrolyte (15) by opening the at least one envelope so as to become smaller in a direction (R) transverse to the surface (18), and / or The inner space is divided into at least one first chamber (30) and one second chamber (32), and the filling material (24) is at least partially contained in the first and / or second chamber (30, 32), respectively.

5. The energy storage battery (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The support part (22) is at least partially porous, and / or The filling material (24) is at least partially embedded in the pores (36) of the support portion (22).

6. The energy storage battery (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The support portion (22) is fiber reinforced, and / or The carrier part (22) is designed at least in sections as a textile (40), in particular as a woven or nonwoven fabric.

7. The energy storage battery (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The filler material (24) is at least partially soluble in the electrolyte (15), and / or The filling material (24) contains liquid or solid electrolyte additives, lithium conductive salts, scavengers and / or reaction inhibitors.

8. The energy storage battery (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The surface (18) of the energy storage battery (10) is the inner surface of the battery housing (12) or the surface of the separator (50) of the electrode assembly (16), and / or The surface (18) of the energy storage cell (10) bears flat against the side of the support element (20) opposite to the portion of the electrode assembly (16).

9. The energy storage battery (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The battery housing (12) is rigid, and / or The energy storage battery (10) is a prismatic battery or a cylindrical battery, and / or The anode material of the electrode assembly (16) contains silicon, in particular silicon oxide or a silicon-carbon composite material.

10. Energy storage device (100) comprising at least one energy storage cell (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. A motor vehicle (200) comprising an energy storage battery (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or an energy storage device (100) according to the preceding claim.

12. A method for manufacturing an energy storage battery (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the following steps: Providing (302) a battery housing (12); Arranging (304) an electrode assembly (16) in an interior region (14) of an energy storage cell (10); Arranging (306) a support element (20) between a surface (18) of the energy storage cell (10) and at least a portion of the electrode assembly (16) such that the support element (20) is in contact with the surface (18) and the portion of the electrode assembly (16); and An energy storage cell (10) is formed (306).

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