Electrical energy store for motor vehicle, motor vehicle and method for producing such electrical energy store

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical energy store (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a store housing (2) which delimits a receiving space (8) in which a store cell (9) for storing electrical energy is arranged, and a support structure (12), which is arranged in the receiving space (8), divides the receiving space (8) into a receiving region (13), in which the storage cell (9) is arranged, and a venting region (14), and is arranged at least partially between the receiving region (13) and the venting region (14), the invention relates to a device (10) for separating gas from a respective reservoir cell (9), comprising a support structure (10), which has a venting region (14), via which gas flowing out of the respective reservoir cell (9) can be discharged from the respective reservoir cell (9), the reservoir cells (9) being supported on the support structure in the direction of the venting region (14), the respective reservoir cell (9) having at least one respective separating element (23), by means of the separating element, the support structure (12) is cut in or cut off at at least one respective location (S1) arranged between the receiving region (13) and the venting region (14).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle, in particular for an automobile, according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle, in particular an automobile, having at least one such electrical energy storage device. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such an electrical energy storage device according to the preamble of claim 10. Background Art

[0002] It is known from WO2022 / 073684A1 to infer an electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle having at least two housing parts. Furthermore, DE102008013188A1 discloses an electrochemical battery having a plurality of primary cells. Furthermore, a battery module is known from US2020 / 0067045A1. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide an electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle, a motor vehicle having at least one such electrical energy storage device, and a method for manufacturing such an electrical energy storage device, such that the electrical energy storage device can be manufactured particularly advantageously.

[0004] According to the present invention, the object is solved by an electrical energy storage device having the features of claim 1, by a motor vehicle having the features of claim 9, and by a method having the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention relates to an electrical energy storage for a motor vehicle, which is also simply referred to as a vehicle. As will be explained in more detail below, electrical energy can be stored (especially electrochemically) by means of the electrical energy storage, i.e., in the electrical energy storage. A motor vehicle, preferably configured as an automobile, especially a passenger car, has an electrical energy storage in its fully manufactured state. For example, a motor vehicle in its fully manufactured state also has at least one electric motor, by means of which the motor vehicle can be driven (especially purely) electrically. Thus, the motor vehicle can be configured, for example, as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, especially as a battery electric vehicle (BEV). For example, the electric motor can be supplied with electrical energy stored in the electrical energy storage, whereby the electric motor can operate in a motor mode and thus operate as an electric motor. By means of the electric motor, the motor vehicle can be driven (especially purely) electrically. Thus, the electric motor is also referred to as a traction machine, and the electrical energy storage is also referred to as a traction storage. In particular, the energy storage is configured, for example, as a battery, especially a secondary battery, and the electrical energy storage can especially be configured as a lithium-ion battery. Preferably, the electrical energy storage is a high-voltage component, the voltage of which, especially the operating voltage and the rated voltage, is preferably greater than 50 volts, especially greater than 60 volts and very preferably several hundred volts. Thus, the electrical energy storage is also referred to as a high-voltage battery. In addition, preferably, the electric motor is configured as a high-voltage component, the voltage of which, especially the operating voltage and the rated voltage, is preferably greater than 50 volts, especially greater than 60 volts and quite preferably several hundred volts. The electrical energy storage has a storage housing, which is also simply referred to as a housing, and the storage housing (especially directly) delimits a receiving space. In particular, the receiving space is delimited (especially directly) by the circumferential surface of the inner circumference of the storage housing. The electrical energy storage also has storage cells for storing (especially electrochemically) electrical energy. Thus, electrical energy can be stored or is stored by means of the storage cells. In other words, electrical energy is stored or can be stored in the storage cells. The storage cells are arranged in the receiving space and thus in the storage housing, and the storage cells are also referred to as cells. In particular, the storage cells are individual cells, so the storage cells are configured as parts that are preferably configured separately from each other. For example, the storage cells are electrically connected to each other.

[0006] The energy storage also has a support structure. For example, the support structure is made of plastic. In particular, the support structure is configured as a foam element, such that the support structure can be made of foam material and / or made of plastic. For example, the support structure is made of a non-conductive material, in particular plastic. The receiving space is divided by the support structure into a receiving area, also referred to as a receiving chamber or single-cell receiving space, and an exhaust area, also referred to as an exhaust space, wherein the support structure is at least partially arranged between the receiving area and the exhaust area. Thus, the memory cell is arranged in the receiving area such that the support structure is at least partially arranged between the memory cell and the exhaust area. In particular, it is provided that the respective memory cell is arranged at least mostly and thus at least more than half in terms of its respective volume in the receiving area. The gas flowing out of the respective memory cell can be discharged from the respective cell via the exhaust area. If, for example, a thermal event occurs at or in at least one or exactly one of the memory cells, in particular due to a short circuit (wherein the at least one or exactly one memory cell at or in which the thermal event occurs is also referred to as the event cell (Ereigniszelle)), then there is strong heating of the event cell. Due to the strong heating, the mentioned gas can be generated in the event cell, in particular by the electrolyte of the event cell, which is usually very hot and thus has a very high temperature. As a result, for example, there is a pressure increase in the event cell, and the event cell fails in a targeted manner, for example, at at least one or exactly one predetermined fracture site, also referred to as a predetermined failure site. Thereby, for example, an outflow opening is formed at the predetermined fracture site, and the gas can flow out of the event cell via the outflow opening. For example, the predetermined fracture site includes a diaphragm, also referred to as a venting diaphragm. The outflow of gas from the event cell is also referred to as venting, exhausting, or discharging (Venting). The gas flowing out of the venting cell can (in particular directly) flow into the exhaust area and be discharged from the venting cell and in particular also from the remaining memory cells via the exhaust area, so that it is possible to avoid the spread (this spread is also referred to as transfer) of the thermal event from the venting cell to other memory cells, where no thermal event occurs at or in the other memory cells. Thereby, it is possible to avoid the spread of the thermal event, that is, to avoid the spread of the thermal event from the event cell to other memory cells, wherein this spread is also referred to as propagation or heat propagation. Thus, by means of the exhaust area, it is possible to avoid or at least delay heat propagation in time, so that particularly high safety can be achieved. In particular, it is conceivable here that the predetermined fracture site is arranged in the exhaust area and / or the formed outflow opening leads directly into the exhaust area.

[0007] The memory cell is supported at the support structure in the direction towards the exhaust region, that is to say in the direction (especially directly) away from the direction in which the respective memory cell points and towards the exhaust region. The direction mentioned, which is also referred to as the support direction, points for example away from the respective memory cell and towards a wall region of the memory housing, which is especially configured as a solid, especially configured as a solid, wherein the receiving space is delimited (especially directly) by the wall region in the support direction. In the installation position of the electrical energy storage (which occupies its installation position in the fully assembled state of the motor vehicle having the electrical energy storage), for example, the receiving region is arranged above the exhaust region in the vehicle height direction of the motor vehicle, especially above the support structure, such that the exhaust region is connected to the receiving region downward in the vehicle height direction. Furthermore, it is hereby specified, for example, that in the installation position of the energy storage, the support structure is connected to the receiving region downward in the vehicle height direction. Thus, for example, the support direction mentioned in the installation position of the electrical energy storage points downward in the vehicle height direction. In its fully assembled state, the motor vehicle has, for example, an interior space also referred to as the passenger compartment or passenger cabin, in which a person, for example the driver of the motor vehicle, can stay during the driving of the motor vehicle. It is especially specified that the interior space is connected upward to the receiving region in the vehicle height direction, such that the exhaust region and especially the support structure are also arranged, for example, on the side of the memory cell that points downward in the vehicle height direction and thus away from the interior space. Thereby, gas can be guided away from the memory cell as well as from the interior space, so that a particularly high level of safety can be achieved.

[0008] Furthermore, the support structure can, for example, be used as, act as, or be configured as a deformation element, especially an energy absorption element. If, for example, the electrical energy storage collides with an object, for example arranged on the lane along which the motor vehicle travels, during the driving of the motor vehicle, such that a force acts on the electrical energy storage from the object upward in the vehicle height direction from below, then hereby, for example, the wall region can be deformed especially plastically or elastically, and hereby, for example, the support structure is deformed especially plastically or elastically. Thereby, an intrusion into the receiving space occurs, wherein the memory cell can be protected from excessive loads due to the deformation of the support structure. Especially the collision energy generated by the impact of the object and / or the collision onto the electrical energy storage can be converted into deformation energy, especially by the fact that the support structure is deformed due to the impact of the object and / or the collision onto the electrical energy storage, whereby the memory cell can be protected from excessive loads.

[0009] For the purpose of manufacturing an electrical energy storage device in a particularly simple, time- and cost-effective manner at present, according to the present invention, the corresponding memory cell has a corresponding at least one separating element, and the support structure is either cut into at least one corresponding part, especially at a part arranged between the receiving area and the exhaust area when viewed in the said direction, and thus reduced in its wall thickness, or the support structure is completely cut off, i.e., completely severed, at the said part by means of the separating element. The fact that the support structure is cut into at the said part by means of the separating element should be understood to mean that the support structure is not completely cut off, i.e., not completely severed, at the said part by means of the separating element when viewed in the said direction, but rather the support structure is only cut into at the said part by means of the separating element, especially when viewed in the said direction, i.e., only reduced in its wall thickness, so that a cut, also called a concave cut, of the support structure is constructed at the said part by means of the separating element, such that when viewed in the said direction (support direction), the remaining wall area of the support structure, especially constructed as solid and not cut off, also called the remaining wall area, is connected to the concave cut. In other words, for example, the support structure has a first wall thickness, also called the first thickness, especially extending in the said direction, at a part directly connected to the part also called the separation part and especially at the connection part connected to the separating element, wherein the cut constructed at the separation part does not extend over the entire first thickness when viewed in the said direction, but only over an extension, also called the cut depth, smaller than the first thickness, and wherein the remaining wall area is connected to the cut and thus to the cut depth when viewed in the said direction. For example, the remaining wall area extends in a second wall thickness, especially smaller than the first wall thickness, when viewed in the said direction, and for example, the second wall thickness and the cut depth add up to or are equal to the first wall thickness. Therefore, the support structure is not completely cut off at the separation part, but rather weakened especially relative to the connection part. The fact that the support structure is cut off, i.e., completely severed, at the separation part by means of the separating element should be understood to mean that the support structure is completely cut open, i.e., completely severed, at the separation part by means of the separating element in the said direction and thus has a cut, also called a cut-off cut (Durchtrennungsschnitt), at the separation part, which cut completely penetrates the support structure especially in the said direction. Thereby, the support structure is also weakened especially relative to the connection part at the separation part. This means that the support structure is weakened at the separation part and thus has a weakened part, especially relative to the connection part. From this, especially the following advantage results: Since the corresponding separating element is an integral part of the corresponding memory cell, when the corresponding memory cell is installed and thus arranged in the receiving space, the corresponding separating element is installed and thus arranged in the receiving space.When installing the corresponding memory cell, the support structure is cut or severed at the corresponding location by means of the corresponding separation element, whereby the corresponding memory cell can be simply, precisely and definitely oriented, positioned and held in the corresponding position relative to the support structure, in particular without additionally providing a separate positioning step or positioning element for this purpose. Thereby, the number of parts, the weight and the cost of the electrical energy storage can be kept low, and the electrical energy storage can be manufactured particularly simply and thus time- and cost-effectively. On the other hand, for example, when gas flows out of the corresponding memory cell and in particular directly towards the support structure here, such that pressure or force acts on the support structure, by means of the pressure or by means of the force, a particularly advantageously large flow-through opening can be formed starting from the cut provided at the separation location of the support structure and thus constructed by means of the separation element, through which the gas can flow, such that the gas can flow into the exhaust region and is then discharged from the memory cell via the exhaust region. Therefore, in the case of installing the corresponding memory cell or by installing the corresponding memory cell, an advantageous exhaust possibility, also referred to as discharge or discharge possibility, in particular in the form of a cut, can be achieved, so that the exhaust possibility can be achieved in a particularly simple and thus cost-effective manner. It has proven particularly advantageous here that the corresponding previously mentioned predetermined breaking location of the corresponding memory cell is arranged on the side of the corresponding memory cell facing the support structure and in particular pointing in that direction. The corresponding memory cell can alternatively be constructed as a prismatic cell, which is constructed as prismatic on the outer peripheral side.

[0010] In order to be able to manufacture the electrical energy storage particularly simply, it is preferably provided that the corresponding memory cell is constructed as a corresponding circular cell, such that for example the corresponding memory cell is constructed as cylindrical on the outer peripheral side.

[0011] Here, the present invention is in particular based on the following considerations and insights: In the case of manufacturing an electrical energy storage device, in particular one having memory cells configured as circular monomers, the derivation of gas from the memory cells and, advantageously, the positioning of the memory cells relative to one another and / or relative to a support structure can only be carried out very expensively and thus time- and cost-intensively. If, for example, the respective memory cells are connected to the support structure by bonding and thus by means of an adhesive, it cannot be ensured or can only be ensured with a very high and thus cost-intensive effort that the respective memory cells and / or the support structure are sufficiently wetted by the adhesive. Due to the lack of wetting with the adhesive and thus due to the insufficient connection of the respective memory cells to the support structure, it can occur that, in the case of a thermal event, the gas is not guided to the exhaust area as desired, but instead flows directly on a short path to the memory cell adjacent to the event cell, also referred to as the adjacent cell, thereby igniting the adjacent cell. This means that a thermal event occurs in or at the adjacent cell, although no or no thermal event occurs individually in the adjacent cell. Furthermore, for example, when manufacturing a memory cell and a cooling element into an electrical energy storage device, a heat-conducting substance, for example configured as a heat-conducting paste, is used, the main task of which is to advantageously transfer heat between the respective memory cell and the respective cooling element. A secondary task of the heat-conducting substance is to mechanically connect the memory cell to the respective cooling element and thus fix it to the respective cooling element. Due to the influence of the positioning accuracy of the respective monomers during production and the influence during the crosslinking of the heat-conducting substance, the final dimensional accuracy of the memory cells relative to one another fluctuates, so that the subsequent positioning of the memory cells together with the cooling element on and / or relative to the support structure can be overdetermined. This overdetermination can lead to optimization problems, in which some of the memory cells are only insufficiently positioned or positioned relative to the support structure. Now, the above problems and disadvantages can be avoided by the present invention. On the one hand, as described previously, it can be ensured that gas is advantageously derived from the respective memory cells into the exhaust area, and thus advantageous degassing or exhaust, also referred to as evacuation, of the respective memory cells is ensured. On the other hand, it can be ensured in a particularly simple manner that the respective memory cells are advantageously, precisely, and reliably positioned relative to the support structure. When installing the respective memory cells, the respective separating elements penetrate into the support structure at the respective locations, whereby the support structure is cut into at the respective locations and thus reduced in its wall thickness or completely cut through. Thus, the respective memory cells cooperate form-locked with the support structure via their respective separating elements, whereby the respective memory cells are precisely positioned relative to the support structure and held in position.Furthermore, starting from the weakening section, when the gas flows out of the corresponding memory cell, the previously described advantageous flow-through openings can be formed in the support structure, such that the gas flowing out of the corresponding memory cell (especially directly) flows into the exhaust region and does not flow, for example, via a short path to an adjacent cell.

[0012] In order to be able to manufacture the electrical energy storage particularly advantageously, especially in terms of time and cost, in one embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the corresponding memory cell has a corresponding cell housing, in which a memory element for storing electrical energy electrochemically, in particular, is received. The first memory element among the memory elements is, for example, the electrolyte described above. The second memory element among the memory elements is, for example, the first electrode. The third memory element among the memory elements is, for example, the second electrode. The electrode and the electrolyte are in contact, especially directly. A positive electrode is formed, for example, by one of the electrodes, and a negative electrode is formed, for example, by the other electrode. Here, the corresponding memory cell also has a corresponding separation element arranged outside the cell housing. Thereby, the support structure can be cut or severed particularly advantageously at the corresponding location.

[0013] Here, in order to achieve particularly simple manufacturing, it has proven to be particularly advantageous that the corresponding separation element is constructed separately from the corresponding cell housing and is connected (especially directly) to the corresponding cell housing. Thereby, the corresponding memory cell itself can be manufactured particularly advantageously in terms of time and cost. In addition, a particularly advantageous and in particular gas-tight connection can be achieved between the corresponding cell housing and the corresponding separation element, such that an undesired flow of gas can be avoided and the gas can be guided (especially directly) onto the support structure and via the support structure into the exhaust region.

[0014] Here, it has proven to be particularly advantageous that the corresponding separation element is pressed against the corresponding cell housing. For example, the corresponding separation element is pressed onto the corresponding cell housing. Thereby, the corresponding separation element can be fixedly connected to the corresponding cell housing and is in particular gas-tightly connected, such that an undesired gas flow can be avoided. In addition, the corresponding separation element and the corresponding cell housing can be connected to each other advantageously in terms of time and cost.

[0015] In order to be able to keep the number of parts and thus the cost particularly low, in another design of the present invention it is provided that the corresponding separation element is constructed integrally with the corresponding cell housing. This is to be understood as meaning that the corresponding cell housing and the corresponding separation element are formed by a single component, such that the corresponding separation element and the corresponding cell housing are formed or constructed as a monoblock.

[0016] In order to be able to achieve a particularly favorable exhaust of the corresponding monomers in a particularly cost-effective manner and thus achieve particularly high safety, in another design of the present invention, it is provided that the corresponding part (separation part) is arranged between two corresponding, in particular solid, wall regions of the support structure, also called wall parts, wherein the corresponding wall regions (wall parts) of the support structure are connected to each other at another part connected to the separation part, which is also called the first part. Here, it has proven particularly advantageous that the support structure is completely cut through at the corresponding separation part and thus completely cut open. This means that the corresponding wall regions of the support structure are separated from each other at the corresponding separation part and thus not connected to each other, but the corresponding wall regions are connected to each other at the said other part, in particular such that the wall regions are integrally formed with each other and thus consist of a single component. In other words, therefore, by means of the cut-in part or cut-off part of the support structure provided at the said part, it is not stipulated that a corresponding part of the support structure or one of the two corresponding wall regions of the support structure is completely separated from the rest of the support structure or the other of the corresponding wall regions. In other words, when installing the corresponding memory monomer, the support structure is not cut into or cut off at the corresponding separation part by means of a separation element such that the corresponding component of the support structure is separated from the rest of the support structure, but the corresponding wall regions remain and are connected to each other, in particular in such a way that the corresponding wall regions are integrally formed with each other. This particularly results in the following advantages: If a thermal event occurs on the corresponding memory monomer such that gas flows out of the corresponding memory monomer and towards the support structure, in particular towards the first wall region of the corresponding wall regions, it is feasible through the cut-in part or cut-off part of the support structure provided at the corresponding separation part that the first wall region pivots or flips relative to the second wall region, in particular pivots or flips in the direction towards the exhaust region and completely, in particular pivots or flips into the exhaust region, such that the first wall region releases a through-opening through which the gas can flow (in particular directly) into the exhaust region. In particular, the through-opening is the previously mentioned flow-through opening. The pivoting or flipping of the first wall region relative to the second wall region is particularly caused by the fact that the gas (in particular directly) flows towards the first wall region and thereby exerts the previously mentioned pressure or the previously mentioned force on the first wall region, by means of which pressure or force the first wall region pivots or flips relative to the second wall region. Therefore, the gas-induced or gas-causing flipping of the first wall region relative to the second wall region is particularly caused by the fact that the gas flows towards the first wall region in the direction towards the exhaust region, so that the pressure or the force acts on the first wall region and acts in the direction towards the exhaust region here.If the gas is now discharged from the event cell and in particular also from the other remaining memory cells by means of the exhaust region, where the gas flowing out of the event cell flows towards the first wall region and causes the first wall region (which has been at least partially separated from the second wall region by means of the separating element of the event cell) to flip or pivot, then for example the gas flowing through the exhaust region acts on the other first wall region belonging to the other remaining memory cells and at least partially separated from the corresponding remaining other second wall region by means of the separating element of the other remaining memory cells from the side facing the exhaust region and away from the memory cells, such that the pressure or force acting in the direction towards the receiving region from the exhaust region acts on the other first wall regions. Thereby, the other first wall regions are kept closed or prevented from flipping in the direction towards the exhaust region and in particular from flipping into the exhaust region, such that the gas flowing through the exhaust region cannot flow from the exhaust region into the receiving region and possibly ignite the other remaining memory cells. Thereby, a particularly high safety can be ensured in a particularly simple and thus cost-effective manner.

[0017] Another embodiment is characterized in that the respective separating element has a respective defined, i.e., determined, cutting piece. This is to be understood as meaning that the cutting piece is a cutting piece that is manufactured and in particular processed in a targeted manner, by means of which the support structure can be cut into or cut off in a targeted and defined manner at the respective separation site.

[0018] In order to be able to manufacture the electrical energy storage particularly time- and cost-effectively, in another design of the present invention it is provided that the respective memory cell is not adhesively bonded to the support structure. Such adhesive bonding can be dispensed with compared to traditional solutions, since the memory cell can be simply and precisely aligned relative to the support structure and held in place by means of the separating element. Furthermore, by means of the present invention it is also possible to ensure that gas does not undesirably flow from the event cell to the other memory cells and ignite the other memory cells when the memory cell is not adhesively bonded to the support structure, but instead flows into the exhaust region and can be discharged from the memory cell by means of the exhaust region.

[0019] The second aspect of the present invention relates to a motor vehicle, also simply referred to as a vehicle, which is preferably configured as an automobile, in particular a passenger car, and has at least one electrical energy storage according to the first aspect of the present invention. The advantages and advantageous designs of the first aspect of the present invention can be regarded as the advantages and advantageous designs of the second aspect of the present invention, and vice versa.

[0020] For example, the corresponding separating element is a corresponding stamping element, and the support structure is, by means of said stamping element, only partially stamped into at the corresponding separating location and thus not completely punched through, or the support structure is completely punched through at the corresponding separating location by means of the corresponding stamping element. For example, the corresponding separating element, in particular the corresponding stamping element, is configured as a separating ring, in particular a stamping ring, which completely and thus closedly surrounds in the circumferential direction thereof, wherein it is preferably provided that the corresponding cutting piece of the corresponding separating element extends not completely but only partially around in the circumferential direction of the corresponding separating element, such that the support structure is cut into or cut off at the corresponding separating location arranged between the corresponding wall regions, however the corresponding wall regions are still connected to one another at the corresponding other locations. If, for example, the support structure is not completely cut off but only partially cut into at the corresponding separating location and gas then acts on the corresponding first wall region, the result is, for example, that a crack completely penetrating the support structure is formed at the corresponding separating location, such that the corresponding two wall regions are separated from one another at the corresponding separating location but are still connected to one another at the corresponding other locations. As a result, the corresponding first wall region can be flipped (in particular flipped away) or pivoted (in particular pivoted away) relative to the corresponding second wall region, in particular in the direction towards the exhaust region and completely in particular into the exhaust region, whereby the through-opening is released. If, for example, the corresponding support structure is completely cut off by means of the separating element at the corresponding separating location and thus completely cut open, such that the support structure has a corresponding incision completely penetrating the support structure at the corresponding separating location, then, for example, when gas acts on the support structure, the support structure can be further torn starting from the corresponding incision at the corresponding separating location, and subsequently, for example, the corresponding first wall region can be flipped or pivoted relative to the corresponding second wall region, in particular in the direction towards the exhaust region and completely in particular into the exhaust region. Thereby, the through-opening can also be advantageously released. However, if, for example, a pressure or force acting from the exhaust region in the direction towards the receiving region acts on the corresponding first wall region, it is possible, for example, to avoid the corresponding first wall region being flipped or pivoted relative to the corresponding second wall region, in particular by the fact that, for example, the corresponding first wall region is supported, in the direction towards the receiving region, in particular towards the receiving region, at least indirectly, in particular directly, at the corresponding memory cell. Thereby, it can be avoided that a corresponding through-opening is constructed due to gas and thus force or pressure acting from the exhaust region in the direction towards the receiving region on the wall region. Thereby, a reliable and defined guiding of the gas out of the memory cell can be ensured.

[0021] For example, especially when the corresponding separating element is constructed separately from the corresponding monomer housing, a corresponding fit, especially a transition fit or an interference fit or a clearance fit, is constructed between the corresponding separating element and the corresponding monomer housing, wherein the corresponding separating element and the corresponding monomer housing are fixedly connected by the corresponding fit, especially such that relative movement between the corresponding separating element and the corresponding monomer housing is prevented. By means of this fit, it can be ensured that when gas is discharged from the corresponding memory monomer (hot particles may be contained in the gas), no hot particles and gas flow through between the corresponding memory monomer and the support structure.

[0022] If the corresponding separating part is arranged between two corresponding wall regions (the wall regions are connected to each other at a corresponding further part), the support structure is only partially separated at the corresponding separating part by means of the corresponding separating element, and thus is only partially cut and thus only incised and not completely severed. Therefore, the support structure is weakened at the corresponding separating part. In other words, the corresponding separating part is a corresponding predetermined fracture site of the support structure, which fails at the corresponding separating part, for example, especially when the support structure is not completely severed but only partially incised at the corresponding separating part when gas flows to the support structure. As a result, the corresponding through-opening is released, such that gas can advantageously flow into the exhaust region. In other words, the hot gas and the hot particles possibly contained in the hot gas open the support structure especially along the separating part at the separating part, whereby a defined and targeted gas flow can be ensured.

[0023] For example, the separating element is made of a metallic material, especially of steel or aluminum or aluminum alloy or configured such that preferably the previously mentioned ring structure is a metal ring, in particular a steel ring. Most preferably, the mentioned cutting piece is an asymmetrical cutting piece, in particular an asymmetrical cutting blade, whereby the support structure can be cut or severed particularly advantageously at the corresponding separation site. Another advantage of the present invention is that compared to traditional solutions, tight tolerances do not have to be maintained when positioning the respective memory monomers accordingly, such that the support structure does not have to be provided with positioning elements for positioning the memory monomers. Thereby, the support structure itself can be manufactured cost-effectively. Nevertheless, a defined, precise and simple positioning of the memory monomers relative to one another and / or relative to the support structure can be ensured, since the separating element cuts or severs the support structure at the separation site when the memory monomers are installed. Thus, the corresponding flow path, also referred to as the discharge path, is only constructed on the support structure when the memory monomers are installed and positioned, and the gas flows along the flow path and is guided in a targeted manner. Compared to traditional solutions, a time-consuming, costly and overly precise positioning of the memory monomers on the support structure does not have to be carried out, but rather the memory monomers are simply pressed or squeezed against the support structure. Thereby, the support structure is cut or severed at the separation site, thereby achieving a precise and defined positioning of the memory monomers in a particularly simple and thus cost-effective manner.

[0024] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle, in particular according to the first aspect of the present invention. In the method, a memory housing is provided, which directly delimits a receiving space, in particular. In the method, memory monomers for electrochemically storing electrical energy, in particular, are arranged in the receiving space. Furthermore, a support structure is arranged in the receiving space, which divides the receiving space into a receiving area and an exhaust area and is thus at least partially arranged between the receiving area and the exhaust area, and the memory monomers are arranged in the receiving area, and the gas flowing out of the respective memory monomers can be discharged from the respective memory monomers via the exhaust area, and the memory monomers are supported at the support structure towards the exhaust area. The steps of the method according to the invention do not necessarily have to be carried out in the order in which they are listed.

[0025] In order to be able to manufacture an electrical energy storage device in a particularly time - and cost - advantageous manner and at the same time achieve particularly high safety, it is provided in the method according to the invention that the respective memory cell has at least one respective separating element, by means of which, when arranging the respective memory cell in a receiving space and a support structure, the support structure is only partially cut into and thus not completely cut off at at least one respective location, also referred to as a separating site, which is arranged between a receiving region and an exhaust region, or the support structure is completely cut off at the respective separating site by means of the respective separating element of the respective memory cell. The advantages and advantageous design solutions of the first and second aspects of the invention can be regarded as the advantages and advantageous design solutions of the third aspect of the invention, and vice versa. Description of the Drawings

[0026] Other details of the invention result from the following description of the preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawings. Here:

[0027] Figure 1 shows a schematic and sectional side view of an electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle;

[0028] Figure 2 partially shows another schematic side view of the electrical energy storage device;

[0029] Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of a separating element according to a first embodiment;

[0030] Figure 4 shows according to Figure 3 a schematic top view of the separating element;

[0031] Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of a separating element according to a second embodiment; and

[0032] Figure 6 shows according to Figure 5 a schematic top view of the separating element. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0033] In the drawings, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0034] Figure 1An electrical energy storage device 1 for a motor vehicle, also simply referred to as a vehicle, is shown in a schematic and sectional side view. The electrical energy storage device 1 has a storage housing 2 which, in the embodiment shown in the figures, has two housing parts 3 and 4. The housing parts 3 and 4 are, for example, constructed separately from one another and are in particular connected to one another via corresponding joining flanges 5. Here, the housing parts 3 and 4 are sealed relative to one another by means of at least one seal 6. In the installation position of the electrical energy storage device 1 (which, in the fully assembled state of the motor vehicle having the electrical energy storage device 1, occupies its installation position shown in Figure 1 ), the housing parts 3 and 4 follow one another in the vehicle height direction of the motor vehicle, such that in the present case the housing part 4 is connected to the housing part 3 downward in the vehicle height direction. The vehicle height direction is shown by the double arrow 7.

[0035] A receiving space 8 is delimited (especially directly) by the storage housing 2. The energy storage device 1 has storage cells 9, which are also simply referred to as cells. Electrical energy is stored or can be stored (especially electrochemically) by means of the storage cells 9, that is to say in the storage cells 9. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the respective storage cells 9 are constructed as respective circular cells, such that in the present case the respective storage cells 9 are constructed cylindrically on the outer peripheral side. This especially means that the respective storage cells 9 have respective cell housings 10 which have respective outer peripheral side surfaces 11, where the respective outer peripheral side surfaces 11 are constructed cylindrically.

[0036] Furthermore, the electrical energy storage device 1 has a support structure 12, for example made of plastic, especially of foam material, which divides the receiving space 8 into a receiving region 13 and an exhaust region 14 and is in particular arranged between the receiving region 13 and the exhaust region 14 in the vehicle height direction. The receiving region 13 and the exhaust region 14 follow one another in the vehicle height direction, such that the exhaust region 14 is arranged below the receiving region 13 in the vehicle height direction. Here, the storage cells 9 are arranged at least mainly in the receiving region 13.

[0037] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the electrical energy storage device 1 includes a cooling device 15, also referred to as a cooler, which in the present case is arranged in the receiving area 13. The cooling device 15 has, for example, at least one or more cooling elements. The cooling device 15 can be flowed through by a cooling medium, in particular a liquid, by means of which the memory cells 9 can be cooled via the cooling device 15. For this purpose, the cooling device 15 at least partially and preferably directly contacts the outer peripheral surface 11, for example. Furthermore, the electrical energy storage device 1 has a cell contact-making system 16, also referred to as a contact-making device. The memory cells 9 are electrically connected to one another by means of the cell contact-making system (ZKS). For this purpose, the respective memory cells 9 have respective connection means 17, also referred to as terminals, via which the respective memory cells 9 are electrically connected to the cell contact-making system 16. Thus, the memory cells 9 are electrically connected to one another via their terminals. It can be seen that in the installation position of the electrical energy storage device 1 the respective terminals are arranged on the respective upper sides OS of the respective memory cells 9, in particular of the respective cell housings 10, which point upwards in the vehicle height direction. Thus, the cell contact-making system 16 is arranged on the upper side OS of the memory cells 9. Furthermore, the respective memory cells 9 have respective lower sides US which point away from the respective upper sides OS of the respective memory cells 9 and which point downwards in the vehicle height direction in the installation position of the electrical energy storage device 1. The housing parts 3 and 4 are constructed as solids, wherein the housing part 4 has a wall region referred to as the bottom 18, by means of which the receiving space 8 is bounded downwards, in particular directly, in the vehicle height direction in the installation position of the electrical energy storage device 1. It can be seen that the respective lower sides US of the memory cells 9 or the cell housings 10 face the bottom 18. Here, the support structure 12 is arranged at least partially, in particular in the vehicle height direction, between the memory cells 9 and the exhaust area 14.

[0038] The corresponding lower side US is also referred to as the exhaust side or discharge side. In particular, it should be understood in this regard that the corresponding memory cell 9, in particular the corresponding cell housing 10 of the corresponding memory cell 9, has a corresponding predetermined breaking point on the corresponding lower side US. The corresponding predetermined breaking point is constituted, for example, by a bursting diaphragm which is also simply referred to as a diaphragm. If, for example, due to a short circuit in particular, a thermal event occurs at or in one of the memory cells 9, where the memory cell in which the thermal event occurs is also referred to as the event cell, then in particular hot gas is generated in the cell housing 10 of the event cell. This causes a pressure increase in the cell housing 10 of the event cell. If the pressure present in the cell housing 10 of the event cell exceeds a limit due to the pressure increase, then the cell housing 10 of the event cell fails first and preferably only at the predetermined breaking point, in particular by the bursting diaphragm rupturing. As a result, a flow-through opening is formed at the predetermined breaking point, and the gas can flow out of the cell housing 10 of the event cell via the flow-through opening. As will be explained in more detail below, the gas flowing out of the cell housing 10 of the event cell flows in particular directly into the exhaust region 14 and is guided away from the exhaust cell and also away from the other remaining memory cells 9 by means of the exhaust region 14. The memory housing 2, in particular the first wall region W1 of the housing part 3 which directly delimits the receiving region 13, and the memory housing 2, in particular the second wall region W2 of the housing part 4 which partially and directly delimits the exhaust region 14, each have at least one valve 19 which is also referred to as an exhaust valve. The valve is constituted, for example, by a bursting diaphragm or is configured as a bursting diaphragm and thus, for example, constitutes the corresponding predetermined breaking point of the memory housing 2. Via the corresponding valve 19, for example, gas can be discharged from the receiving region 13 or the exhaust region 14 and thus from the memory housing 2 as a whole and discharged as a whole to the surroundings 20 of the memory housing 2, in particular of the electrical energy storage 1.

[0039] It can be seen particularly well from Figure 1 that the corresponding memory cell 9 is supported, in particular directly supported, at the support structure 12 along a support direction which is illustrated by the arrow 21 and which is also simply referred to as a direction. It can be seen that the support direction illustrated by the arrow 21 extends or points from the corresponding memory cell 9 towards the exhaust region 14, such that the corresponding memory cell 9 is supported (in particular directly) at the support structure 12 towards the exhaust region 14. In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the support direction illustrated by the arrow 21 extends downwards in the vehicle height direction in the installation position of the electrical energy storage 1.

[0040] The thermal event at or in the event cell is shown particularly schematically in Figure 2 and is denoted by E. In Figure 2in which the arrow 22 illustrates the corresponding flow of the following gas, which gas flows out of Figure 2 the event unit denoted by EZ in

[0041] and in particular out of its unit housing 10, flows into the exhaust region 14 and is discharged from the event unit EZ and also from the other remaining memory units 9 via the exhaust region 14. In order to now be able to achieve in a particularly cost - advantageous manner the particularly advantageous exhaust of the respective memory units 9 and to achieve a particularly simple, time - and cost - advantageous manufacture of the electrical energy storage 1, the respective memory units 9, in particular at their respective lower sides US, have respective separating elements 23, by means of which the support structure 12 is either only partially cut into at a first location S1, also referred to as the separating location, and thus reduced in its wall thickness, or is however completely cut through. If the support structure 12 is not completely cut through at the respective separating location by means of the respective separating element 23, but is only partially cut into and thus reduced in its wall thickness, the support structure 12 has a respective cutout constructed by the respective separating element 23 at the respective separating location. The respective cutout arranged at the respective separating location and constructed by the respective separating element 23 does not completely, but only partially, penetrate the support structure 12 in the support direction and thus, for example, has a cutout depth extending in the support direction. At the location of the respective cutout of the support structure 12 arranged at the respective separating location and constructed by the respective separating element 23, there is connected in the support direction a wall region of the support structure 12, also referred to as the remaining wall region or remaining wall part. The respective remaining wall region is constructed as a solid and has a wall thickness, also referred to as the remaining wall thickness, extending in the support direction. The cutout depth extending in the support direction and the remaining wall thickness of the respective remaining wall region extending in the support direction add up, for example, to a total wall thickness, and the remaining wall region is directly connected to the respective cutout in the support direction. Here, the support structure 12 has a wall thickness equal to the total wall thickness, for example, at at least one further location (where the support structure 12 is, for example, not cut through) directly connected to the respective separating location. However, if, for example, the support structure 12 is completely cut through at the respective separating location by means of the respective separating element 23 and thus completely severed, the support structure 12 has a respective cutout, also referred to as a cut - through or cut - off part, constructed by the respective separating element 23 at the respective separating location, which cutout completely penetrates the support structure 12 in the support direction. Here, the respective memory unit 9 is provided with a respective cutout which is constituted or has been constituted by the respective separating element 23 of the memory unit. The cutout assigned to the event unit EZ is also referred to as the event cut (Ereignisschnitt).

[0042] by Figure 2It can be seen particularly clearly in the case of the event unit EZ that the corresponding first part S1 (separation part) is arranged between two corresponding wall regions WA1 and WA2 of the support structure 12, where the wall region WA1 is also referred to as the first wall region and the wall region WA2 is also referred to as the second wall region. For example, if the corresponding cut completely penetrates the support structure 12, then, for example, the wall regions WA1 and WA2 are separated from each other at the corresponding part S1, that is, they are not connected to each other. The corresponding wall regions WA1 and WA2 are connected to each other at a further part S2 of the support structure 12 which is directly connected to the corresponding first part S1, in particular such that the wall regions WA1 and WA2 are integrally formed with each other and thus consist of a single component.

[0043] For example, the corresponding second wall region WA2 at least partially surrounds the corresponding first wall region WA1. Furthermore, for example, it is provided that the support structure 12 has a wall thickness at the corresponding further part S2 which is greater than the remaining wall thickness and, for example, equal to the total wall thickness.

[0044] If now, as shown in Figure 2 , gas flows out of the unit housing 10 of the event unit EZ, then, for example, the gas flowing out of the event unit EZ (in particular directly) flows to the first wall region WA1 assigned to the event unit EZ. Thereby, a force acts on the first wall region WA1 assigned to the event unit EZ, where the force acts in the direction towards the exhaust region 14. By means of this force, the wall region WA1 pivots, that is, flips, relative to the wall region WA2, more precisely pivots in the direction towards the exhaust region 14 and in particular pivots into the exhaust region 14. Thereby, the through-opening 24 is released and the gas flowing out of the event unit EZ can flow through the through-opening, whereby the gas can flow into the exhaust region 14. For example, the support structure 12 tears starting from the corresponding cut, in particular such that the cut increases in its length extending perpendicular to the cut depth, and / or such that when a remaining wall region is connected to the cut, the cut increases in its cut depth, such that, for example, the initially retained or remaining remaining wall region tears and thus the support structure 12 subsequently tears at the corresponding separation part. In other words, the cut which initially ends at the remaining wall region when viewed in the support direction thus further forms a cut or a crack which completely penetrates the support structure 12 at the corresponding separation part. It can be seen that the corresponding cut forms a corresponding weakening of the support structure 12, where, when the gas (in particular directly) flows to the wall region WA1, due to the weakening, the wall region WA1 pivots relative to the wall region WA2 and thus releases the through-opening 24. Thereby, a defined gas discharge path is formed along which the gas of the event unit EZ can flow into the exhaust region 14, by means of which the gas can be discharged from the event unit EZ and the remaining other memory units 9.

[0045] The support structure 12 is constructed separately from, for example, the memory housing 2 and is (in particular directly) connected to the memory housing 2. The support structure 12 has, for example, an intermediate wall 25, and the exhaust region 14 is divided into corresponding chambers by means of the intermediate wall, for example. The chambers are, for example, honeycomb-shaped, in particular hexagonal. The chambers can be fluidically connected to one another such that gas can flow through the chambers and can thus advantageously be discharged from the memory cell 9.

[0046] by Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can be seen that at least one or exactly one of the wall regions WA1 and WA2, in particular the wall region WA1 and preferably also the wall region WA2, faces the receiving region 13 and thus supports or can support at least indirectly, in particular directly, in the direction of abutment which is opposite to the support direction, illustrated by the arrow 26 and which in the present case points upwards in the vehicle height direction, at the respective memory cell 9, in particular at the respective cell housing 10 of the respective memory cell 9, to which the respective two wall regions WA1 and WA2 are assigned. Thus, if gas flows through the exhaust region 14 from the event cell EZ and thus flows below the remaining other memory cells 9 provided in addition to the event cell EZ, the gas flowing through the exhaust region 14 acts on the wall regions WA1 and WA2 assigned to the other remaining memory cells 9 in the direction of abutment, such that, for example, a force acts on the respective first wall region WA1 assigned to the other remaining memory cells 9, the force acting from the exhaust region 14 in the direction towards the receiving region 13. However, since the respective wall region WA1 supports or can support at least indirectly at the respective memory cell 9 facing the receiving region 13, when a force acting in the direction towards the receiving region 13 acts on the respective wall region WA1, the respective first wall region WA1 does not pivot, at least not in such a way that a through-opening of the support structure 12 is formed through which the gas flowing through the exhaust region 14 can flow from the exhaust region 14 into the receiving region 13. Thereby, a defined and reliable guidance of the gas can be ensured and thus a particularly reliable and defined exhaust can be ensured.

[0047] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first embodiment of the separating element 23 is shown. In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the separating element 23 is constructed as a ring which, along its Figure 4The circumferential direction illustrated by the double arrow 27 completely and thus closedly surrounds. Here, the circumferential direction extends around the vehicle height direction. The ring has a void 28, which is particularly central and in the present case is configured as a through-opening, and the void is, for example, configured circularly. For example, at least one length region of the respective cell housing 10 of the respective memory cell 9 is arranged in the void 28. For example, the respective separating element 23 is pressed against the respective cell housing 10, in particular such that the respective separating element 23 is press-fitted onto the respective cell housing 10. In other words, the respective cell housing 10 is, for example, pressed into the respective void 28 and thus into the respective separating element 23. Alternatively or additionally, the respective separating element 23 is adhesively bonded to the respective cell housing 10.

[0048] It can be seen particularly well from Figure 3 and Figure 4 that the separating element 23 according to the first embodiment has (in particular exactly one) defined, that is to say determined, cutting piece 29, and the incision is constructed by means of the cutting piece. In particular, the following can be provided: The support structure 12 is only partially cut or completely cut at the respective first location S1, while the support structure 12, for example, may not be cut and thus not severed at the respective other location S2, or the support structure 12 is cut not only at the respective first location S1 but also at the respective other location S2, for example such that the support structure 12 is only partially cut or completely cut at the location S1, while the support structure 12 is only cut at the respective other location S2, however less strongly cut than at the respective first location S1, or the support structure 12 is completely cut at the respective first location S1 and only partially cut at the respective other location S2. This can be achieved by correspondingly designing the cutting piece 29.

[0049] Figure 5 and Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the separating element 23. In the second embodiment, the separating element 23 has (in particular exactly) two defined, that is to say determined, cutting pieces 29 and 30, which are in particular spaced apart from each other. Compared with the second embodiment, the first embodiment is configured for less force transmission in the vehicle height direction (which is also referred to as the z-direction). In particular, a particularly high safety against a chain reaction also referred to as heat propagation can be ensured by means of the second embodiment of the separating element 23.

[0050] List of reference signs

[0051] 1 Electrical energy storage

[0052] 2 Memory housing

[0053] 3 housing components

[0054] 4 housing components

[0055] 5 joining flange

[0056] 6 seal

[0057] 7 double arrow

[0058] 8 receiving space

[0059] 9 memory unit

[0060] 10 unit housing

[0061] 11 peripheral circumferential surface

[0062] 12 support structure

[0063] 13 receiving area

[0064] 14 exhaust area

[0065] 15 cooling device

[0066] 16 unit contact-making system

[0067] 17 connecting device

[0068] 18 bottom

[0069] 19 valve

[0070] 20 surroundings

[0071] 21 arrow

[0072] 22 arrow

[0073] 23 separating element

[0074] 24 through-opening

[0075] 25 intermediate wall

[0076] 26 arrow

[0077] 27 double arrow

[0078] 28 void portion

[0079] 29 cutting piece

[0080] 30 cutting piece

[0081] E thermal event

[0082] EZ event unit

[0083] OS upper side

[0084] S1 First part

[0085] S2 Another part

[0086] US Lower side

[0087] W1 Wall area

[0088] W2 Wall area

[0089] WA1 First wall area

[0090] WA2 Second wall area

Claims

1. An electrical energy storage device (1) for a motor vehicle, the electrical energy storage device having a memory housing (2), the memory housing delimiting a receiving space (8), in which memory cells (9) for storing electrical energy are arranged, and the electrical energy storage device having a support structure (12) arranged in the receiving space (8) and dividing the receiving space (8) into a receiving region (13) and an exhaust region (14) and at least partially arranged between the receiving region (13) and the exhaust region (14), the memory cells (9) being arranged in the receiving region, gases flowing out of the respective memory cells (9) being able to be discharged from the respective memory cells (9) via the exhaust region, the memory cells (9) being supported at the support structure towards the exhaust region (14). It is characterized in that The respective memory cells (9) have at least one respective separating element (23), and the support structure (12) is cut or severed at at least one respective location (S1) arranged between the receiving region (13) and the exhaust region (14) by means of the separating element.

2. The electrical energy storage device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The respective memory cells (9) have respective cell housings (10) and respective separating elements (23) arranged outside the cell housings (10), and memory elements for storing electrical energy are received in the cell housings.

3. The electrical energy storage device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The respective separating elements (23) are constructed separately from the respective cell housings (10) and are connected to the respective cell housings (10).

4. The electrical energy storage device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The respective separating elements (23) are pressed against the respective cell housings (10).

5. The electrical energy storage device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The respective separating elements (23) are constructed integrally with the respective cell housings (10).

6. The electrical energy storage device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The respective location (S1) is arranged between two respective wall regions (WA1, WA2) of the support structure (12), and the respective wall regions (WA1, WA2) of the support structure (12) are connected to each other at respective further locations (S2) of the support structure connected to the respective location (S1).

7. The electrical energy storage device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The respective separating elements (23) have respective, defined cutting elements (29, 30).

8. The electrical energy storage device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The respective memory cells (9) are not adhesively bonded to the support structure (12).

9. A motor vehicle having at least one electrical energy storage device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. A method for manufacturing an electrical energy storage device (1) for a motor vehicle, in which method: - a memory housing (2) delimiting a receiving space (8) is provided; - memory cells (9) for storing electrical energy are arranged in the receiving space (8); and - Arrange the support structure (12) in the receiving space (8), the support structure divides the receiving space (8) into a receiving area (13) and an exhaust area (14) and is at least partially arranged between the receiving area (13) and the exhaust area (14), arrange the memory unit (9) in the receiving area, the gas flowing out from the corresponding memory unit (9) can be led out from the corresponding memory unit (9) via the exhaust area, and support the memory unit (9) towards the exhaust area (14) at the support structure. It is characterized in that The corresponding memory unit (9) has at least one corresponding separating element (23), when arranging the corresponding memory unit (9) in the receiving area (8) and at the support structure (12), the support structure (12) is cut into or cut off at at least one corresponding part (S1) arranged between the receiving area (13) and the exhaust area (14) by means of the separating element.

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