Battery system and electric vehicle including the same

Abstract

A battery system and an electric vehicle including the same are provided. The battery system includes: a plurality of battery cells arranged in a stacking direction, each battery cell having an exhaust gas outlet for discharging an exhaust gas flow on an exhaust gas side thereof; and a cover member covering the exhaust side of the battery cell to protect the battery cell from the exhaust airflow. The cover element includes a plurality of individual cell covers respectively covering respective ones of the battery cells. Adjacent ones of the individual cell covers in the cover element are separated from each other by a slit extending through the cover element such that each of the cell covers is configured to be individually torn off from a corresponding battery cell by an exhaust gas flow discharged from a corresponding one of the exhaust gas outlets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this disclosure relate to battery systems. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, vehicles using electricity as a power source for transporting goods and people have been developed. Such electric vehicles are automobiles that are permanently or temporarily propelled by an electric motor using energy stored in rechargeable batteries. Electric vehicles can be powered solely by batteries (so-called battery electric vehicles "BEVs"), or they can include a combination of an electric motor and, for example, a conventional internal combustion engine (so-called plug-in hybrid electric vehicles "PHEVs"). BEVs and PHEVs use high-capacity rechargeable batteries designed to provide propulsion for a continuous period of time.

[0003] Generally, a rechargeable (or secondary) battery cell includes an electrode assembly comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the electrodes. A solid or liquid electrolyte allows ions to move during the charging and discharging of the battery cell. The electrode assembly is located (e.g., housed in) a casing, with electrode terminals located outside the casing establishing conductive connections to the electrodes. The casing may have, for example, a cylindrical or rectangular shape.

[0004] A battery module is formed by connecting multiple battery cells together in series or parallel. For example, a battery module is formed by interconnecting the electrode terminals of multiple battery cells in a number and configuration depending on the desired power amount to provide a high-power rechargeable battery.

[0005] Battery modules can be constructed using either a block design or a modular design. In a block design, each battery cell is integrated into a common current collector structure and a common battery management system, and the cells are arranged within a housing. In a modular design, multiple battery cells are connected together to form sub-modules, and several sub-modules are connected together to form a battery module. In automotive applications, battery systems typically consist of multiple battery modules connected in series to provide the desired voltage.

[0006] A battery pack is a collection of any number (typically identical) battery modules or individual battery cells. To provide desired voltage, capacity, and / or power density, battery modules can be configured in series, parallel, or a combination of both, or individual battery cells can be configured individually in series, parallel, or a combination of both. The components of a battery pack include individual battery modules and interconnections that provide conductivity between the battery modules.

[0007] The exothermic decomposition of a single cell component can lead to what is known as thermal runaway. Generally, thermal runaway describes a process accelerated by rising temperatures, releasing energy that further increases in temperature. Thermal runaway occurs when conditions change in a way that causes a further increase in temperature, often resulting in destructive consequences. In rechargeable battery systems, thermal runaway is associated with a strongly exothermic reaction accelerated by rising temperatures. During thermal runaway, the temperature of a single cell rises extremely rapidly, and the stored energy is released very suddenly. In extreme cases, thermal runaway can cause a single cell to explode and ignite a fire. In rare cases, it can damage a single cell beyond repair.

[0008] When a battery cell is heated above a critical temperature (e.g., above approximately 150°C), it can enter thermal runaway. Generally, temperatures outside the safe zone on the low or high side can cause irreversible damage to the battery cell, potentially triggering thermal runaway. Thermal runaway can also occur due to internal or external short circuits within the battery cell or due to poor battery maintenance. For example, overcharging or fast charging can lead to thermal runaway.

[0009] During thermal runaway, the faulty battery cell can reach temperatures exceeding approximately 700°C. Furthermore, large amounts of hot gases are ejected from the inside of the faulty cell through vents in the cell casing into the battery pack. The main components of the emitted gases are H2, CO2, CO, electrolyte vapor, and other hydrocarbons. Therefore, the emitted gases are flammable and potentially toxic. The emitted gases also cause an increase in internal gas pressure within the battery pack. In the worst-case scenario, the high temperature causes this process (e.g., thermal runaway) to spread to adjacent cells and lead to a fire within the battery pack. At this stage, the fire is difficult to extinguish.

[0010] The conventional venting design for battery modules involves allowing the exhaust gas from the individual battery cells to expand into the battery casing and escape to the outside (e.g., to the environment surrounding the battery casing) through a casing vent valve. However, this design causes the exhaust gas to heat components inside the battery casing, such as other battery cells. Furthermore, particles from the exhaust gas can deposit on the battery cells, which can lead to heat propagation and potentially trigger thermal runaway in adjacent battery cells. To protect the battery cells, a cover element can be provided that covers the venting side of the battery cells.

[0011] Such a cover element may include a venting opening in the form of a through-hole, aligned with the vent outlet of a battery cell, to allow vent gas flow through the cover element in the event of thermal runaway in one of the covered battery cells. After passing through the cover element, particles of the discharged vent gas flow can deposit on the cover element. However, these particles can also pass through another venting opening in the cover element aligned with the vent outlet of another battery cell, thus entering that other battery cell. This can lead to heat propagation to that other battery cell, and in the worst case, trigger thermal runaway in that other battery cell.

[0012] To address this issue, a cover element can be provided that is thin enough to rupture at a section aligned with and corresponding in shape to the exhaust outlet of the covered battery cell when exposed to the high pressure of the exhaust gas flow from a battery cell affected by thermal runaway. Furthermore, the cover element may include a perforation corresponding to the exhaust outlet at the section aligned with the exhaust outlet to provide a fracture point (e.g., a predetermined fracture point) that can rupture upon exposure to the high pressure of the exhaust gas flow.

[0013] However, these solutions carry the risk that, before the cover element ruptures, the pressure of the exhaust gas flow may cause it to bend outwards, lifting it from the adjacent battery cell. This allows exhaust gas to potentially flow beneath the cover element into the adjacent battery cell. This could lead to heat propagation within the adjacent battery cell, and in the worst-case scenario, trigger thermal runaway within that adjacent cell. Summary of the Invention

[0014] According to embodiments of the present invention, a battery system is provided that can more safely handle thermal runaway in one or more of its battery cells.

[0015] This disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. The following description is subject to this limitation. Any disclosure outside the scope of the claims and their equivalents is intended for illustrative and comparative purposes.

[0016] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a battery system includes: a plurality of battery cells arranged in a stacking direction, each battery cell having an exhaust outlet on its exhaust side for discharging an exhaust gas flow; and a cover element covering the exhaust side of the battery cells to protect the battery cells from the exhaust gas flow. The cover element includes a plurality of individual cell covers respectively covering corresponding battery cells in the battery cells. Adjacent individual cell covers in the cover element are separated from each other by a slit extending through the cover element, such that each individual cell cover is configured to be individually torn off from the corresponding battery cell by an exhaust gas flow discharged from the corresponding exhaust outlet in the exhaust outlet.

[0017] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the cover element can be formed from a sheet into a single piece, and the individual single cover can be formed in the sheet by slitting.

[0018] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the cover element may be a mica sheet.

[0019] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the cover element may have an end that extends around the electrode terminals of the battery cell and connects the individual cell covers to each other.

[0020] According to embodiments of this disclosure, each individual cell cover may extend more than 50% above the venting side of the corresponding battery cell.

[0021] According to embodiments of this disclosure, each individual cell cover may have a material-weakened portion aligned with the exhaust outlet of the corresponding battery cell.

[0022] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the weakened portion of the material may include perforations.

[0023] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the battery system may further include a cell carrier element that fixes the cover element against the venting side of the battery cell.

[0024] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, an electric vehicle including the battery system described above is provided.

[0025] Further aspects and features of this disclosure may be learned from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The aspects and features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective exploded view of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic top view of the cover element of the battery system shown.

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The schematic cross-sectional view of the battery system shown illustrates some battery cells and cover elements. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Description of embodiments will now be given in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Aspects and features of this disclosure and methods of implementation thereof will be described with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments shown herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey to those skilled in the art the aspects and features of this disclosure.

[0031] Therefore, processes, elements, and techniques that are not considered necessary for a person skilled in the art to have a full understanding of the aspects and features of this disclosure may be omitted or only briefly described. It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, "connected" to another element or layer, or "bonded" to another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly bonded to the other element or layer, or one or more intermediary elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on" another element or layer, "directly connected" to another element or layer, or "directly bonded" to another element or layer, there are no intermediary elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being "bonded" or "connected" to a second element, the first element may be directly bonded or connected to the second element, or the first element may be indirectly bonded or connected to the second element via one or more intermediary elements.

[0032] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. The same reference numerals denote the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of this disclosure." Expressions such as "at least one of" and "any one of" modify the entire list of elements when following it, without modifying any individual element of the list. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, or c" means only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof. As used herein, the terms "use," "using," and "being used" may be considered synonymous with the terms "utilize," "exploit," and "be exploited," respectively.

[0033] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another element, component, region, layer, or segment. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0034] For ease of description, spatial relation terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “above” are used herein to describe the relationship of an element or feature to other elements or features as shown in the figures. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, spatial relation terms are also intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will be oriented “above” or “above” said other elements or features. Therefore, the term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relation descriptions used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0035] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to be limiting of it. As used herein, the singular form “a” is also intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “including,” and / or “containing” indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0036] In view of the whole of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that each suitable feature of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be combined in part or in whole, or combined with each other, and may be technically linked and operated in a variety of suitable ways, and each embodiment may be implemented independently of or in combination with each other in any suitable way, unless otherwise stated or implied.

[0037] As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than as terms of degree, and are intended to describe the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, if the term “substantially” is used in combination with a feature that can be expressed numerically, the term “substantially” indicates a range of + / - 5% centered on that value.

[0038] Electronic or electrical devices and / or any other related devices or components according to embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. Furthermore, various components of these devices can be implemented on flexible printed circuit films, tape-on packages (TCPs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), or formed on a substrate. The electrical connections or interconnections described herein can be implemented, for example, by wires or conductive elements on a PCB or another circuit carrier. Conductive elements may include metallization, such as surface metallization and / or pins, and / or may include conductive polymers or ceramics. Furthermore, electrical energy may be transmitted via wireless connections, for example, by using electromagnetic radiation and / or light.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will also be understood that terms (such as those defined in common dictionaries) shall be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and / or in the context of this specification, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0040] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a battery system includes a plurality of battery cells. The battery cells may be housed within a battery casing of the battery system. The battery cells may be arranged or stacked along a stacking direction to form one or more cell stacks. The battery cells may be interconnected via electrical connectors (e.g., busbars) contacting the respective electrode terminals of the battery cells to form one or more battery modules / packs. The battery cells may be arranged to form one or more battery modules, and within each battery module, the battery cells may be electrically interconnected, for example, in series and / or in parallel. A plurality of these battery modules may form a battery pack. The battery cells may be, for example, prismatic cells.

[0041] Each battery cell includes an exhaust outlet on the exhaust side of the battery cell, which may be the terminal side of the battery cell where the electrode terminals of the battery cell are located. Each exhaust outlet is configured to allow exhaust gas flow to be discharged from the battery cell during thermal runaway of the respective battery cell. An exhaust valve may be provided at (or in) the exhaust outlet, which may open when a reference pressure (e.g., a predetermined pressure) is exceeded.

[0042] The battery system further includes a heat-resistant cover element or sheet arranged to cover the plurality of battery cells on the venting side of the battery cells. For example, the cover element may cover the top side of the battery cells. In some embodiments, the cover element covers all of the battery cells in the plurality of battery cells; for example, the cover element extends over the venting side of all of the battery cells in the plurality of battery cells.

[0043] The cover element comprises multiple individual cell covers. The cell covers are individual because exactly one cell cover is provided for each of the battery cells covered by the cover element. Therefore, each of the individual cell covers is arranged to cover one of the multiple battery cells in a one-to-one relationship. For example, in some embodiments, each battery cell has its own individual cell cover. However, all individual cell covers are part of the cover element. The individual cell covers are separated from each other by slits. For example, adjacent individual cell covers are separated from each other by slits that penetrate (or extend through) the cover element. In other words, the individual cell covers are formed from the cover element by forming slits in the cover element. These slits are longitudinal cuts or openings extending through the cover element. Therefore, slits can be provided (or formed) by cutting / slitting the cover element. Slits can be provided by cutting / slitting the cover element between adjacent battery cells. Slits can be distributed along the stacking direction (e.g., adjacent along the stacking direction) and extend perpendicular to the stacking direction. Each slit can extend along the longitudinal side of the battery cell. Slits can extend between the electrode terminals of the battery cells. Individual caps can be interconnected via the ends of cap elements (e.g., portions where the slit does not extend). Cap elements are heat-resistant and can be made or constructed of heat-resistant materials, thus the individual caps of the cap elements are heat-resistant and can be made or constructed of heat-resistant materials.

[0044] If one of the battery cells is affected by thermal runaway, the exhaust gas flow is released from the affected battery cell through the exhaust outlet of the affected battery cell. Because the exhaust outlet of the affected battery cell is covered by a separate cell cover, pressure builds up due to the exhaust gas flow until the separate cell cover can no longer withstand the pressure. Therefore, the separate cell cover is torn off (e.g., bursts or breaks) due to the exhaust gas flow. Due to the slits, the separate cell covers are configured to be individually torn off or blown away from the affected battery cell by the pressure of the exhaust gas flow leaving the covered exhaust outlet of the affected battery cell. The separate cell covers can be torn off individually such that they do not affect adjacent separate cell covers during the process, i.e., they do not carry (or tear or break) adjacent separate cell covers along with them. In other words, the separate cell covers are separated or decoupled from each other via the slits such that each separate cell cover can be torn off by the exhaust gas flow leaving the exhaust outlet of the corresponding battery cell covered by that separate cell cover without affecting adjacent separate cell covers (e.g., not lifted from adjacent separate cell covers). Therefore, only the individual cell cover covering the cell that has experienced thermal runaway is removed, while the individual cell covers covering the other cells in a group are not removed. Thus, exhaust gas flow cannot enter between the cover element and another cell. The cover element, with its remaining individual cell covers, protects the other cells from the exhaust gas flow. Therefore, the cover element shields the covered cells from exhaust gases and byproducts emitted by the affected cell.

[0045] Therefore, as the individual cell caps are torn off separately, the cap element according to the embodiment of this disclosure reduces the risk of the cap element bending outward due to the pressure of the exhaust gas flow, thus preventing the exhaust gas flow from flowing to adjacent battery cells below the cap element. This effectively prevents heat propagation, and thus prevents thermal runaway of other battery cells.

[0046] According to the embodiment, the cover element is formed from a sheet as a single piece / as a single piece, and the individual single-piece cover is formed in the sheet by slitting. That is, the cover element can be formed from a single sheet with slits, and therefore, the individual single-piece cover is formed by slitting or cutting the cover element. This provides a simple manufacturing process for the cover element.

[0047] According to the embodiment, the cover element is a mica sheet. That is, the sheet can be a mica sheet. In other words, the cover element can be formed from a mica sheet into a single sheet. Therefore, the cover element can include mica, and thus individual single-unit covers can include mica. Mica refers to mica silicate minerals. Slits can be formed by cutting / splitting the mica sheet. Therefore, individual single-unit covers can be made of mica. The mica sheet is heat-resistant, allowing the cover element to withstand any particle deposition from the exhaust gas flow onto the cover element. Moreover, the mica sheet can be a suitable material that allows individual single-unit covers to be torn off by the exhaust gas flow.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the cover element has ends surrounding the electrode terminals of a battery cell and connecting individual cell covers to each other. The electrode terminals of the battery cells can be arranged at opposite ends of the venting side of the respective battery cells. The cover element can cover the venting side surrounding the area where the electrode terminals are located with its ends. The electrode terminals are not covered by the cover element, but extend through the cover element (or are exposed through the cover element), for example, via through-holes (or openings) in the cover element. Through-holes for the electrode terminals can be cut into the cover element. Individual cell covers can be disposed between opposite ends of the cover element and can be interconnected by the ends, which are portions to which the slits do not extend. Thus, the cover element can protect the entire (top) side of the battery cell, including the area surrounding the electrode terminals.

[0049] According to an embodiment, each individual cell cover covers a major part (e.g., a majority) of the exhaust side of the corresponding battery cell. For example, each individual cell cover may cover approximately 50%, approximately 60%, approximately 70%, or approximately 80% of the exhaust side (e.g., top side) of the corresponding battery cell. For example, each individual cell cover may cover the entire exhaust side or top side of the corresponding battery cell, except for electrode terminals that may be located at opposite ends of the exhaust side of the battery cell. The individual cell cover covering a major part of the exhaust side of the corresponding battery cell protects the corresponding battery cell and allows a large area of ​​the exhaust side of the corresponding battery cell to be exposed when the individual cell cover is torn off by the exhaust airflow leaving the exhaust outlet of the corresponding battery cell.

[0050] According to one embodiment, each of the individual cell covers has a material-weakened portion opposite (e.g., aligned with) the exhaust outlet of the battery cell covered by the individual cell cover. According to another embodiment, the material-weakened portion is (or includes) a perforation. Therefore, the individual cell cover may include a material-weakened portion (such as a perforation) corresponding to the exhaust outlet in the section opposite to the exhaust outlet to provide a fracture point (e.g., a predetermined fracture point) that can break when exposed to the high pressure of the exhaust gas flow. The material-weakened portion may have a shape corresponding to the exhaust outlet below. Such a material-weakened portion ensures that the exhaust gas flow can exit (or leave) from the battery cell below affected by thermal runaway. The exhaust gas flow can cause the material-weakened portion of the individual cell cover covering the affected battery cell to break, and may also at least partially tear off the individual cell cover. However, due to the slit, the exhaust gas flow will not be lifted from adjacent individual cell covers, and therefore, the exhaust gas flow cannot reach adjacent battery cells.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the battery system further includes a cell carrier element that secures the cover element against the venting side of the battery cell. The cell carrier element can be connected to the battery frame and / or battery housing of the battery system and can provide structural stability. The cell carrier element can cover both the cover element and the battery cell. The cell carrier element can press the cover element against the venting side of the battery cell to ensure a reliable connection between the cover element and the venting side of the battery cell during thermal runaway. Additional elements can be disposed between the cell carrier element and the cover element, such as, for example, flexible printed circuitry and / or touch protection elements for providing external electrical connections to the battery cell.

[0052] Embodiments of this disclosure also provide electric vehicles that include battery systems as described herein, for example, as traction batteries.

[0053] Figure 1 A battery system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, comprising a plurality of battery cells 12 arranged along a stacking direction d to form a cell stack. Each battery cell 12 includes, on its exhaust side, an exhaust gas flow V for discharging exhaust gas in the event of thermal runaway (see, for example...). Figure 3 The battery cell 12 has an exhaust outlet 14. Each exhaust outlet 14 may include an exhaust valve. The exhaust side of the battery cell 12 may be the top side 13 of the battery cell 12. Each battery cell 12 includes electrode terminals 16 at opposite ends of the top side 13. The electrode terminals 16 of different battery cells 12 may be interconnected via a busbar 18. A flexible circuit 34 may be connected to the busbar 18 to provide outward (or external) electrical connection. In addition, a touch protection element 32 may be disposed on the busbar 18 and the electrode terminals 16. Multiple battery cells 12 and additional components may be arranged inside the battery housing.

[0054] A heat-resistant cover element 20, which can be made into a single-piece mica sheet, is disposed on the venting side of the battery cell 12. Figure 2 The cover element 20 is shown from above. The cover element 20 covers a plurality of battery cells 12 on the top side 13 and can be pressed onto the battery cells 12 via a cell carrier element 30 connectable to the battery housing. The cover element 20 includes a plurality of individual cell covers 22, each individual cell cover 22 being arranged to cover one of the plurality of battery cells 12. Thus, each battery cell 12 has its own individual cell cover 22. The individual cell cover 22 covers a larger portion (e.g., most or most) of the top side 13 of the battery cell, which is, for example, larger than about 60% of the top side 13 and includes an exhaust outlet 14.

[0055] Individual caps 22 are separated from each other by slits 24 that penetrate (e.g., extend through) the cap element 20. The slits 24 may be distributed along the stacking direction d and may extend perpendicular to the stacking direction d, such as... Figure 3 As shown. Slit 24 can be provided by cutting / splitting the mica sheet constituting cover element 20. Individual cell covers 22 are formed in cover element 20 by cutting slit 24 in monolithic cover element 20. Cuts forming through holes 26 are formed at the ends 23 of cover element 20, through which the electrode terminals 16 of battery cell 12 are exposed (or protruded). Thus, ends 23 surround the electrode terminals 16 of battery cell 12 and connect the individual cell covers 22 to each other.

[0056] In the event of thermal runaway in one of the battery cells 12, the exhaust gas flow V exits (e.g., departs) from the exhaust outlet 14 on the top side 13 of the battery cell 12 affected by the thermal runaway (i.e., the affected battery cell 12a) (see example). Figure 3 The exhaust gas flow V thus applies pressure to the individual cell caps 22 disposed above the exhaust outlet 14, causing the individual cell caps 22 to be individually torn off (e.g., individually ruptured) from the affected battery cell 12a. Figure 3 The diagram schematically illustrates that during this process, individual cell covers 22 can be torn into pieces. The exhaust gas flow V is then free to diffuse (e.g., flow) into the exhaust channel above the cover element 20. Due to the slit 24, only a single individual cell cover 22 covering the affected battery cell 12a is torn off, while other individual cell covers 22 covering adjacent battery cells 12 remain untorn. The other individual cell covers 22 remain in place and can continue to protect the covered battery cells 12 from the exhaust gas flow V. For example, particles from the exhaust gas flow V can deposit on the other individual cell covers 22 without damaging the underlying battery cells 12.

[0057] Each of the individual cell caps 22 may include a perforation 28 (see example) as a material-weakened portion disposed opposite (e.g., aligned) to the vent outlet 14 of the battery cell 12 covered by the individual cell cap 22. Figure 2 These perforations 28 can rupture above the affected battery cell 12a due to the exhaust gas flow V, which can facilitate (or improve) the flow of the exhaust gas flow V. However, the individual cell cap 22 can be at least partially torn off by the exhaust gas flow V.

[0058] Some figure labels

[0059] 12 battery cells

[0060] 12a Affected battery cells

[0061] 13 Top side of the battery cell

[0062] 14 Exhaust outlet

[0063] 16 electrode terminals

[0064] 18 busbars

[0065] 20 Cover Components

[0066] 22 Individual single caps

[0067] 24 Slits

[0068] 26 Through holes for receiving electrode terminals

[0069] 28 piercings

[0070] 30 Monomeric carrier elements

[0071] 32 Touch protection elements

[0072] 34 Flexible Circuits

[0073] 100 Battery System

[0074] V exhaust airflow

Claims

1. A battery system, comprising: Multiple battery cells are arranged along a stacking direction, and each battery cell has an exhaust outlet on its exhaust side for discharging exhaust gas flow. as well as A cover element covers the exhaust side of the battery cell to protect the battery cell from the exhaust airflow. The cover element comprises a plurality of individual cell covers, each covering a respective battery cell within the battery cell. In this embodiment, adjacent individual cell covers in the individual cell covers of the cover element are separated from each other by extending through a slit in the cover element, such that each individual cell cover in the individual cell covers is configured to be individually torn off from the corresponding battery cell by the exhaust gas flow emitted from the corresponding exhaust outlet in the exhaust outlet.

2. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein, The cover element is formed from a sheet into a single piece, and The individual monomer cap is formed in the sheet by slitting.

3. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein, The cover element is a mica sheet.

4. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein, The cover element has an end that extends around the electrode terminals of the battery cell and connects the individual cell covers in the cell cover to each other.

5. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the individual cell caps extends more than 50% above the venting side of the corresponding battery cell.

6. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the individual cell caps has a material-weakened portion aligned with the exhaust outlet of the corresponding battery cell.

7. The battery system according to claim 6, wherein, The weakened portion of the material includes perforations.

8. The battery system according to claim 1, further comprising a cell carrier element, the cell carrier element fixing the cover element against the venting side of the battery cell.

9. An electric vehicle comprising a battery system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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