Battery housing protection device

Abstract

Protective device (1) for a housing (10), in particular for a battery housing, for dissipating excess pressure from the inside of the housing (10), wherein the protective device comprises: a closure element (2) for sealing an opening (8) of the housing (10) in a first operating state, wherein the closure element (2) is arranged to be displaceable relative to the housing (10) and is designed to be displaced non-destructively into a second operating state and a bearing element (4) for guiding the locking element (2), wherein the closure element (2) preferably comprises at least partially a membrane (6) with a predetermined permeability and wherein the locking element (2) releases the opening (8) of the housing (10) in the second operating state, the protective device (1) further comprises: at least one clamping element (12), wherein the at least one clamping element (12) is coupled to the locking element (2) in the first operating state in order to position the locking element (2) on the housing (10), and wherein the at least one clamping element (12) is decoupled from the locking element (2) in the second operating state, so that the at least one clamping element (12) does not exert any force on the locking element (2) in the second operating state.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a protective device for a housing, a housing comprising such a protective device, a battery system comprising such a housing with a protective device, and a vehicle with such a battery system.

[0002] To protect certain components, especially batteries, from external environmental influences, these components can be housed in a casing and / or container, which is preferably essentially hermetically sealed. Optionally, a protective atmosphere, especially consisting of a specific gas, can prevail inside the casing and / or container.

[0003] However, due to temperature fluctuations or changes in ambient pressure, or a defect, especially a short circuit, in the battery, a relative pressure may develop in such a gas-filled housing sealed from the environment.

[0004] As a result of the relative pressure, a mechanical stress is placed on the housing, which can lead to bursting and / or collapse, for example.

[0005] To compensate for this relative pressure, membranes have been used for years in the walls of housings, allowing air to pass into and / or out of the interior of the housing while simultaneously protecting the interior of the housing from the ingress of, for example, water and dirt.

[0006] However, such membranes typically have a limited flow rate. If the relative pressure buildup, e.g., due to heating and / or thermal decomposition of the contents, exceeds the membrane's flow rate, the membrane can no longer protect the container from excessive stress, leading to a further increase in relative pressure.

[0007] Therefore, it is advisable to provide a protective device in conjunction with the interior of the housing, which, in the event of impermissibly high internal pressure, opens a flow cross-section from the interior of the housing to the surroundings / atmosphere, through which a reduction of the relative pressure can then occur in the event of a very rapid build-up of the relative pressure inside the housing.

[0008] DE 102011 109 243 A1 describes a battery which is arranged in a battery housing on which a device for reducing an internal pressure is arranged, wherein the device is designed as a leaf spring-loaded valve.

[0009] In engineering, rupture discs are also known as protective devices. These rupture when a certain relative pressure is exceeded, creating a flow cross-section through which the relative pressure can be relieved. A disadvantage of this design is that the opening pressure of individual rupture discs cannot be controlled before rupture. Therefore, very high manufacturing costs are necessary to ensure that the discs rupture at a predetermined pressure. Another disadvantage of such rupture discs is that they only function once and are destroyed after activation. Consequently, if the system is to be used again, a new rupture disc with seals must be installed, a very complex process. An additional disadvantage is that rupture discs can only be adapted to changing activation pressures through extensive testing.

[0010] It is advantageous to develop a protective device that can be tested for its actual opening pressure at the end of the manufacturing process and only then attached to a housing. This test could, for example, be a 100% inspection performed at the manufacturer's facility at the end of the production process.

[0011] For reasons of installation space, weight and / or manufacturing costs, it is particularly advantageous to combine a membrane and a protective device in one unit.

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a protective device which protects the interior of a housing and can reliably and quickly reduce the relative pressure inside the housing. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a housing with such a protective device, a battery system with such a housing with a protective device, and a vehicle with such a battery system.

[0013] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0014] A first aspect of the invention relates to a protective device for a housing, in particular for a battery housing, for dissipating excess pressure from inside the housing, wherein the protective device comprises: a closure element for essentially sealing an opening in the housing in a first operating state, wherein the closure element is arranged to be displaceable relative to the housing and is designed to be displaced non-destructively into a second operating state and a bearing element for guiding the locking element, wherein the closure element advantageously comprises at least in some areas a membrane with a predetermined permeability and wherein, in the second operating state, the locking element essentially completely, or at least predominantly, releases the opening in the housing.

[0015] Preferably, the closing element is designed such that it substantially seals and / or covers the opening in the housing. The bearing element can be integrally formed with the housing and / or attachable to the housing. Furthermore, the bearing element can cover part of the opening in the housing.

[0016] The locking element and / or the protective device is preferably in the first operating state if and / or as long as a relative pressure inside the housing compared to the environment does not exceed a first limit value.

[0017] The locking element and / or the protective device is preferably in the second operating state when and / or after a relative pressure inside the housing has exceeded a first limit value.

[0018] Preferably, the locking element is configured and arranged to be displaced by overpressure inside the housing. In particular, the protective device is configured such that an overpressure inside the housing exerts a force on the locking element, which is directed away from the interior of the housing.

[0019] The described protective device offers the advantage that, after it has been triggered, the protective device can be easily moved and / or brought back to its first operating state, in particular without tools and / or replacement of components, so that repeated triggering of the protective device is possible.

[0020] Advantageously, the membrane, preferably arranged on the closure element, has a predetermined permeability to gases, which is suitable to compensate for a pressure difference commonly occurring in the automotive sector, in particular a pressure equalization of approximately ±0.2 bar due to temperature and / or altitude differences.

[0021] Alternatively, a membrane can be located only on the closure element, or additionally on the housing, or only on the housing. In particular, a membrane can essentially close and / or cover another opening of the housing.

[0022] Preferably, the membrane is essentially dustproof, for example according to protection class IP6X, to prevent the ingress of foreign objects into the interior of the housing. It is advantageous if at least one side of the membrane is essentially waterproof, for example according to protection class IPX6K, IP6KX, IPX7, IPX9K, or IPX8. A membrane with protection class IP67 is particularly advantageous. Furthermore, the membrane is preferably arranged on the sealing element in such a way that the ingress of water into the interior of the housing through the membrane is essentially prevented. For example, the membrane consists of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) with micropores or has a structure with corresponding properties. Alternatively and / or additionally, the membrane advantageously has an air permeability of between approximately 1 and approximately 25 l / (dm³). 2 *min), further preferably between about 2.5 and about 10 l / (dm³) 2*min), on (especially at a pressure drop of about 200 Pa - for example according to DIN EN ISO 9237). Preferably, the membrane has a thickness between about 0.1 and about 0.5 mm, more preferably between about 0.13 and about 0.18 mm, and particularly a thickness of about 0.14 mm.

[0023] Advantageously, the protective device further comprises at least one clamping element, wherein the at least one clamping element is coupled to the locking element in the first operating state in order to essentially position and / or fasten and / or lock and / or hold the locking element on the housing.

[0024] Advantageously, the clamping element can be dimensioned and / or designed and / or positioned in such a way that the protective device is triggered at a desired trigger pressure and / or a predetermined relative pressure inside the housing.

[0025] Preferably, at least part of the clamping element is coupled to the housing and / or the bearing element, so that the clamping element exerts a force on the locking element. This ensures that the clamping element essentially prevents, or at least significantly reduces, any displacement of the locking element relative to the housing and / or the opening in the first operating state, particularly if the pressure inside the housing does not exceed a first limit value. The at least one clamping element should therefore advantageously be configured to exert a force on the locking element and essentially lock and / or hold the locking element in position in the first operating state and / or essentially prevent, or at least make it more difficult, for the locking element to displace from the first operating state.

[0026] It is further preferred that the clamping element is designed and coupled to the locking element in such a way that, for example due to a relative pressure inside the housing, the locking element is displaced relative to the bearing element and / or the housing and / or the opening, and thereby at least a part of the clamping element is displaced and / or at least temporarily deformed.

[0027] In the second operating state, it is advantageous that at least one clamping element is decoupled from the locking element, so that the clamping element exerts no force on the locking element in this state. Preferably, there is no coupling between the clamping element and the locking element in this second operating state, or at least no coupling that would make it difficult or impossible for the locking element to move away from the housing and / or the opening.

[0028] In particular, the protective device is designed such that, at a relative pressure inside the housing of approximately 0.3 to approximately 0.8 bar, the locking element is displaced in such a way that the clamping element is decoupled from the locking element and the opening of the housing is released. Preferably, the protective device is designed such that the locking element is displaced from the first operating state to the second operating state at a relative pressure inside the housing between approximately 0.3 and approximately 0.5 bar.

[0029] For example, the clamping element can comprise one or more torsion springs having no, one, or a multitude of coils. The clamping element can, in particular, comprise strips and / or wires made of steel and / or spring steel and / or copper alloys, such as beryllium copper, and / or nickel and / or titanium alloys, and / or plastic and / or rubber. Alternatively and / or additionally, the clamping element can comprise one or more spring-loaded, elastic, and / or deformable elements that can interact with the locking element in a suitable manner.

[0030] Preferably, the closing element and / or the bearing element closes the opening of the housing. Preferably, the bearing element is designed and arranged around and / or on the opening of the housing such that the bearing element radially surrounds at least part of the closing element in the first operating state.

[0031] In particular, the bearing element can have a substantially cylindrical section in which the locking element is arranged to be displaceable in the axial direction of the cylindrical section in the first operating state.

[0032] The sealing element is preferably arranged to fit essentially precisely in a passage opening of the bearing element and closes this passage opening in a fluid-tight manner, so that pressure equalization can only take place through the optional membrane of the sealing element.

[0033] Preferably, the closure element and / or the bearing element has one or more outlet openings through which fluid, in particular gas, can escape from the interior of the housing when the closure element is in a third operating state, for example, when the closure element has been moved from the first operating state to a position in which the opening has not been substantially fully released. In particular, the third operating state corresponds to a position of the closure element between the first and second operating states. Advantageously, the one or more outlet openings allow for a limited release of the opening, so that the relative pressure inside the housing is not suddenly reduced, but is first partially relieved and / or lowered through the outlet opening(s).

[0034] Preferably, the sum of the areas of the one or more outlet openings is smaller, preferably by 30%, more preferably by 50%, more preferably by 80%, than the fully exposed opening of the housing.

[0035] Outlet openings can be designed in particular as rectangular, round, oval and / or conical shapes and / or be provided essentially symmetrically on the closure element and / or on the bearing element.

[0036] Preferably, the protective device includes a locking element to limit the movement of the locking element beyond the position of the second operating state and / or to prevent decoupling between the locking element and the housing. A locking element can, for example, comprise a locking cable and / or strap and / or belt that connects the locking element to the housing and / or the bearing element. Alternatively and / or additionally, a bracket (see Fig. 10) and / or a stop element may be provided to prevent the locking element from shifting beyond a certain position, so that the locking element is not separated and / or decoupled from the housing and / or the bearing element. Advantageously, the locking element is formed integrally with the locking element and / or the bearing element. Alternatively and / or additionally, the locking element may be formed in one or more parts.

[0037] Advantageously, the protective device includes a seal which is arranged between the locking element and the bearing element and / or the housing, preferably on an upper free edge area of ​​the bearing element, in order not to make it difficult and / or hinder the movement of the locking element from the first operating state to the second operating state.

[0038] Further aspects of the invention relate to a housing, in particular a battery housing, comprising the protective device described in the preceding paragraph, and to a battery system comprising such a housing with a battery storage unit located therein for storing electrical energy. A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a road vehicle, comprising such a battery system.

[0039] The following section describes, by way of example, individual embodiments for solving the problem, illustrated by the figures. Some of the described embodiments exhibit features that are not strictly necessary for carrying out the claimed subject matter, but which provide desirable properties in certain applications. Thus, embodiments that do not possess all the features of the embodiments described below are also considered to be disclosed within the scope of the described technical teaching. Furthermore, to avoid unnecessary repetition, certain features are mentioned only in relation to some of the embodiments described below. It should therefore be noted that the individual embodiments should not only be considered individually, but also in combination.From this overview, the person skilled in the art will recognize that individual embodiments can also be modified by incorporating one or more features from other embodiments. It should be noted that a systematic combination of individual embodiments with one or more features described in relation to other embodiments may be desirable and useful, and should therefore be considered and also be regarded as covered by the description. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a protective device with a locking element in a first operating state; Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary design of the protective device of the Fig. 1 with a displaced locking element in a second operating state; Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of the exemplary protective device of the Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 4 shows a section along line AA in the Fig. 3 of the exemplary protective device of the Fig. 3; Fig. 5 shows a section along line BB in the Fig. 3 of the exemplary protective device of the Fig. 3; Fig. Figure 6 shows a section along line AA in the Fig. 3 of the exemplary protective device with a displaced locking element; Fig. Figure 7 shows a section along line AA in the Fig. 3 of the exemplary protective device with a displaced locking element in a third operating state; Fig. Figure 8 shows a top view of the exemplary protective device of the Fig. 2 with a displaced locking element in the second operating state; Fig. Figure 9 shows a section along line AA in the Fig. 8 of the exemplary protective device; Fig. Figure 10 shows an exemplary protective device with a further exemplary safety element. Detailed description of the drawings

[0040] The Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a protective device 1 with a locking element in a first operating state. The protective device 1 shown advantageously comprises a bearing element 4, which is configured to be connected and / or coupled to a shell of the housing 10. In the preferred embodiment of the protective device 1 shown, the bearing element 4 has a substantially cylindrical section in which the locking element 2 is arranged to be axially displaceable.

[0041] In Fig. Figure 1 shows the protective device 1 in its first operating state, i.e., the closing element is positioned such that it substantially seals and / or closes and / or covers the opening 8 of the housing 10. In the first operating state, the protective device 1 is configured to close the opening 8 (see, among others, Figure 1). Fig. 4) to close and / or seal the housing 10 in such a way that fluid, in particular gas, can escape from the interior of the housing 10 through the opening 8 and / or enter the interior of the housing 10 essentially only through a membrane 6 optionally arranged on the closing element 2.

[0042] The one in Fig. The closure element 2 shown in Figure 1 is piston-shaped. In particular, the closure element 2 is designed such that it can be arranged to fit essentially exactly in the bearing element 4 and can be displaced within it.

[0043] Alternatively and / or additionally, the bearing element 4 can also be integrally formed with the housing 10. For example, the shell of the housing 10 can have structures suitable for supporting and / or guiding the locking element 2.

[0044] The sealing element 2 of the protective device 1 preferably comprises the membrane 6, wherein the membrane 6 is preferably designed such that fluid, in particular gas, can flow and / or diffuse through the membrane 6 into the interior of the housing 10, but water and / or dirt and / or dust are substantially prevented and / or blocked by the membrane and thus prevented from penetrating the interior of the housing 10. The membrane 6 is particularly preferably designed according to the requirements of protection class IP6X and / or IPX6-IPX8. For example, the membrane can comprise a PTFE film with micropores.

[0045] The diaphragm 6 is preferably arranged on the closure element 2 such that, when the closure element 2 and / or the protective device 1 is in the first operating state, pressure equalization can occur between the interior of the housing 10 and the atmosphere surrounding the housing 10. In other words, the closure element 2 is preferably arranged such that fluid can flow into and out of the housing 10 through the opening 8 and the diaphragm 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure element includes a web 28 which supports the diaphragm 6. It is advantageous for the surface area of ​​the diaphragm 6 to be as large as possible in order to achieve the greatest possible pressure equalization capacity.

[0046] More preferably, the protective device 1 comprises at least one clamping element 12, which is designed to fix and / or hold in position and / or lock the locking element 2 essentially in the first operating state. In the exemplary embodiment of the protective device 1, the clamping element 12 has a torsion spring comprising at least one, preferably a pair, spring legs 20. The at least one torsion spring preferably comprises a nickel and / or titanium alloy. The at least one torsion spring is preferably supported relative to the housing 10 and / or the bearing element 4 such that the spring leg 20 is elastically deformed and pre-tensioned in the first operating state and exerts a force towards the housing 10 on the locking element 2 in order to fix and / or hold the locking element 2 at least temporarily in the first operating position. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the bearing element 4 preferably has a support element 22 for each spring leg 20, against which the spring legs 20 are supported in the first operating position.

[0047] The clamping element 12 and the support elements 22 are preferably arranged and / or designed and / or dimensioned such that a coupling of the clamping element 12 with the locking element 2 exists and is maintained in a first operating position as long as a force acting on the locking element 2 due to an overpressure from inside the housing 10 is less than the force exerted by the clamping element 12 on the locking element 2 in the opposite direction.

[0048] Preferably, one or more support elements 22 are positioned and / or designed such that the clamping element 12, in particular the spring leg 20, bears against them, thus assisting the clamping element 12 in holding the locking element 2 in position. Advantageously, the at least one support element 22 prevents a spring leg 20, preferably pre-tensioned in the direction of the locking element 2 and / or radially outwards, from assuming a substantially unpre-tensioned position and / or from being decoupled from the locking element 2 in the first operating state. In particular, in the illustrated preferred embodiment, the radially inwardly oriented sides of the support elements 22, i.e., the opposite and / or mutually oriented sides, can be conical and / or graduated and / or curved.In this way, resistance can be created and / or increased by the support elements 22 when the spring arms 20 are moved away from the housing 10, by increasing the preload of the spring arms 20 in a radially inward direction and essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spring arms 20. This is particularly advantageous because such a progressive displacement of the locking element 2 requires an increased relative pressure inside the housing 10.

[0049] Alternatively, at least part of the radially inwardly oriented side of the support element 22 can be designed to slope radially outward and / or recede. This is advantageous because it supports and / or accelerates the displacement of the spring legs 20 and thus also of the locking element 2. In this way, decoupling of the clamping element 12 from the support elements 22 can be promoted and / or supported in order to accelerate the release of the opening 8.

[0050] In these and similar ways, the decoupling of the clamping element 12 from the support elements 22 and from the locking element 2 and the resulting release of the opening 8 by the locking element 2 can be advantageously adjusted and / or defined.

[0051] The protective device 1 can, as an alternative to the clamping element 12 shown, also comprise one or more differently designed clamping elements 12, for example in the form of one or more springs and / or one or more spring-loaded and / or elastically deformable elements. In particular, one or more spring legs 20 can be angled and / or bent, at least partially, radially outwards and / or away from each other. This advantageously increases the force exerted by the one or more spring legs 20 on the locking element 2.Alternatively and / or additionally, an advantageous decoupling of the one or more spring legs 20 from the locking element 2 can be achieved when the locking element 2 is moved, for example, since the one or more spring legs 20 are thus decoupled from the locking element 2 essentially instantaneously at a certain position of the locking element 2 between the first operating state and the second operating state.

[0052] The Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary design of the protective device 1 in Fig. 1 in a second operating state. In the second operating state shown, the locking element 2 is displaced relative to the housing 10 and / or the bearing element 4 such that the locking element 2 substantially completely releases the opening 8 of the housing 10. In particular, the locking element 2 is then positioned relative to the bearing element 4 and / or the housing 10 such that the locking element 2 substantially no longer covers, closes, and / or seals the opening 8 of the housing 10. In the preferred embodiment of the protective device 1 shown in the second operating state, the locking element 2 is displaced substantially in an axial direction of the cylinder formed by the bearing element 4 and away from the housing 10.

[0053] The second operating state of the protective device 1 and / or the closure element 2 is defined in particular such that an opening between the housing 10 and / or the bearing element 4, relative to the closure element 2, allows a fluid flow of preferably greater than approximately 1 l / s, more preferably greater than approximately 30 l / s, more preferably greater than approximately 90 l / s, and / or more preferably greater than approximately 50 grams of gas per second, more preferably greater than approximately 120 grams of gas per second. In the second operating state, the protective device 1 is preferably configured to rapidly, preferably within one second, and more preferably essentially immediately, reduce any overpressure present in the housing 10 relative to the surroundings and / or atmosphere through the opening 8.

[0054] As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the spring arms 20 of the locking element 16 are not coupled to the locking element 2, meaning that no force is exerted by the clamping element 12 on the locking element 2. In the Fig. Sections 3-9 show in detail the transition between the first operating state and the second operating state, and explain it further below.

[0055] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the protective device 1 further preferably comprises a locking element 16, which limits the displacement of the locking element 2 beyond the position of the second operating state and / or prevents the locking element from completely decoupling from the bearing element and / or the housing 10. The locking element 16 preferably comprises a rope, a band and / or a belt.

[0056] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of the exemplary protective device of the Fig. 1 in the first operating position. In the first operating position, preferably at least a part of the clamping element 12 is coupled to the locking element 2 and exerts a force on the locking element 2 to hold the locking element 2 in the first operating position. As shown, the clamping element 12 comprises a torsion spring with two spring legs 20. In the preferred embodiment of the protective device 1 shown, the torsion spring is arranged on the housing 10 and / or the bearing element 4 such that, in the first operating state, the spring legs 20 are biased in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the opening 8 of the housing 10 and simultaneously biased towards each other in a radial direction of the bearing element 4 and / or the locking element 2, i.e., in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the opening 8.Preferably, one or more support elements 22 are provided on the housing 10 and / or the bearing element 4, against which the spring legs 20 are supported. In this way, the locking element 2 is essentially fixed and / or locked in the position of the first operating state.

[0057] The Fig. Figure 4 shows a section of the exemplary protective device 1 along line AA as shown in the Fig. Figure 3 shows. Preferably, at least a part of the closure element 2 is arranged and / or positioned substantially precisely within at least a part of the bearing element 4. In particular, a substantially fluid-tight and / or fluid-impermeable fit of the closure element 2 in the bearing element 4 is preferred. To achieve such a tightness, one or more seals 24 can be provided, in particular, between the bearing element 4 and the closure element 2 and / or between the closure element 2 and the housing 10 and / or between the bearing element 4 and the housing 10.

[0058] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the displacement of the locking element 2 towards the housing 10 is prevented by one or more protrusions 26 of the locking element 2, which are supported on the bearing element 4.

[0059] A seal 24 is particularly advantageous if it acts essentially axially to the locking element 2 and / or orthogonally to the opening 8 and / or the housing 10, for example, a seal 24 arranged between a circumferential bulge 26 of the locking element 2 and the bearing element 4. In particular, the seal 24 can thus be arranged at the upper free edge region of the bearing element 4, advantageously circumferentially. Such a seal 24 enables improved sealing in the first operating state, since the seal 24 is deformed and / or pre-tensioned by the force exerted by the clamping element 12 on the locking element 2. Furthermore, such a seal 24 does not exert any force on the locking element 2 that would hinder or prevent its movement from the first to the second operating state.

[0060] The spring arms 20 of the clamping element 12 are coupled to the locking element 2 in the first operating position and hold the locking element 2 in position, so that the escape of fluids, especially gases, from the interior of the housing 10 through the opening 8 is prevented, or at least significantly reduced.

[0061] As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the safety element 16 is preferably in a substantially relaxed and / or compressed and / or folded state in the first operating state. As an alternative to the safety element 16 shown in the form of a safety rope and / or strap, the safety element 16 can in particular be a shackle (see Figure 4). Fig. 10) and / or be trained as stoppers.

[0062] Preferably, the bearing element 4 is coupled to and / or attached to the housing 10 by means of one or more fastening elements 18. In the exemplary embodiment shown, two screws are provided, each of which engages with a thread in the housing 10.

[0063] The Fig. Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the exemplary protective device of the Fig. 1 along line BB in Fig. 3. As shown, the spring legs 20 of the clamping element 12 lie on the upper surface of the locking element 2, which is peripheral to the housing 10, and exert a force on the locking element 2 in the direction of the housing 10.

[0064] The protective device 1 is in the Fig. 1, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows the first operating state. In this first operating state, the opening 8 of the housing 10 is sealed and / or fluid-tight, so that pressure equalization between the interior of the housing 10 and the atmosphere can only occur via the optional membrane 6, in particular through the flow of air and / or gas through the membrane 6.

[0065] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the radially inward-facing sides of the support elements 22 are essentially straight. Alternatively, these sides can have one or more structures, in particular grooves or depressions, which influence, in particular hinder, the displacement of the spring legs 20 in a desired manner. Alternatively and / or additionally, the sides can have a radially inward slope, so that the spring legs 20 of the clamping element 12 are further pre-tensioned when displaced away from the opening before the support elements 22 release the spring legs 20 radially outward.

[0066] The Fig. Figure 6 shows the protective device 1 in a state in which the locking element 2 is displaced compared to the first operating state, for example, due to overpressure inside the housing 10. As shown, the locking element 2 is positioned further away from the housing 10 compared to the first operating state. In the shown state of the locking element 2, the clamping element 12 is coupled to the locking element 2, so that the clamping element 12 exerts a force on the locking element 2 in the direction of the housing 10. In this state, the relative pressure inside the housing 10, and thus the force acting on the locking element 2 from inside the housing 10, is below a first limit value.

[0067] In this state, the opening 8 of the housing 10 is sealed and / or closed, just as in the first operating state of the protective device 1 and / or the locking element 2.

[0068] The Fig. Figure 7 shows the protective device 1 with the locking element 2 in an optional, third operating state. The third operating state is preferably characterized such that the locking element 2 has been displaced to a position in which the protective device 1 no longer completely seals and / or substantially closes the opening 8 of the housing 10. In the third operating state, the locking element 2 is in a position between the first and second operating states.

[0069] In the third operating state, fluid, in particular gas, can flow through one or more outlet openings 14 of the closure element 2 through the opening 8 from the interior of the housing 10 into the atmosphere and / or environment. The one or more outlet openings 14 are preferably formed laterally in and / or on the closure element 2 to allow a substantially radial release of the fluid.

[0070] To reach this state, the relative pressure inside the housing 10, and thus the force acting on the locking element 2 from inside the housing 10, must exceed the first limit value. The first limit value and the design of the protective device 1 are preferably coordinated such that fluid escapes due to displacement of the locking element 2 only when the first limit value is exceeded. In particular, the force exerted by the clamping element 12 on the locking element 2 is designed such that, when a certain overpressure is present inside the housing 10, the locking element 2 is displaced to the position of the third operating state.

[0071] This third operating state is particularly preferred to enable a gradual and / or staged pressure reduction inside the housing 10. Instead of a sudden and essentially complete opening of the opening 8 of the housing 10 and a corresponding sudden pressure drop inside the housing 10, a gradual and therefore advantageous, material-friendly release and / or reduction of excess pressure from inside the housing 10 through the opening 8 can be achieved by means of one or more outlet openings 14. In particular, the sum of the areas of the released sections of the outlet openings 14 is smaller than the area of ​​the opening 8.

[0072] The one or more outlet openings 14 in the closure element 2 can be designed, shaped, and / or positioned such that an advantageous pressure drop within the housing 10 is achieved. In particular, an outlet opening 14 can be round, oval, rectangular, and / or trapezoidal. Alternatively and / or additionally, one or more outlet openings 14 can be arranged on the bearing element 4 to allow a gradual and / or staged outflow of fluid from the interior of the housing 10.

[0073] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, in the third operating state, the clamping element 12 is decoupled from the locking element 2, so that the clamping element 12 no longer exerts a force on the locking element 2. This is particularly advantageous so that the locking element 2 can be moved further without force being exerted by the clamping element 12.

[0074] Alternatively, in the third operating state shown, the clamping element 12 can remain coupled to the closing element 2. This has the particular advantage that, in the event of a pressure drop inside the housing, the clamping element 12 allows the closing element 2 to return to its first operating state through the released areas of the outlet openings 14. This allows the protective device 12 to return to a substantially sealing and / or closing state.

[0075] For this purpose, it is particularly advantageous if the support elements 22 are designed such that the spring legs 20, displaced by the locking element 2, are supported and / or pre-tensioned radially inwards by the support elements 22 in the third operating state. Only when the locking element 2 and the spring legs 20 are displaced beyond the position of the third operating state do the spring legs 20 decouple and / or release from the support elements 22, causing the spring legs 20 to move apart and radially outwards, thus releasing the coupling with the locking element 2. The locking element 2 can now be moved further away from the opening 8 of the housing 10 essentially unhindered.

[0076] The Fig. Figure 8 shows a top view of the exemplary protective device 1 in the second operating state, as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows that in the second operating state, the closure element 2 was displaced such that the opening 8 in the housing 10 was essentially released and / or open, allowing fluid, in particular gas, to flow through the opening 8 essentially unhindered.

[0077] In the second operating state, the clamping element 12, in particular the spring legs 20, is preferably essentially decoupled from the locking element 2. Specifically, the spring legs 20 of the clamping element 12 are displaced by the locking element 2 due to the relative pressure inside the housing 10, such that the spring legs 20 are no longer radially inwardly biased by the support elements 22, thus displacing the spring legs 20 radially outward and decoupling them from the locking element.

[0078] In the second operating state, the clamping element 12 is preferably in a substantially relaxed and / or untensioned state. In particular, unlike in the first operating state, the spring arms 20 of the clamping element 12 are not pre-tensioned inwards in the radial direction of the bearing element 4 and / or the locking element 2. Preferably, the spring arms 20 are located on the radially outward-facing sides of the support elements 22. Optionally, the spring arms 20 are locked in the second operating position to hold them in a specific position.

[0079] Preferably, the protective device 1 is designed to be moved from the second operating state to the first operating state essentially without damage, in particular manually and / or by hand. For this purpose, the locking element 2 is positioned in the bearing element 4 and / or the opening 8 of the housing 10, and the clamping element 12, in particular the spring legs 20, is brought into contact with the locking element 2 via the support elements 22. This allows the protective device 1 to be moved into its functional first operating state after it has been triggered, for example, during testing and / or inspection, and then put into operation, for example, in a battery system.

[0080] The Fig. 9 shows a section along line AA of the Fig. Figure 8 of the exemplary protective device 1 in the second operating state with a locking element 2 displaced in the axial direction. In the exemplary embodiment, the locking element 2 is in a position in which it is not guided and / or supported by the bearing element 4. The locking element 16 prevents complete decoupling and / or detachment of the locking element 2 from the protective device 1, in particular from the bearing element 4, and / or from the housing 10.

[0081] In the second operating state, as an alternative to the exemplary embodiment shown, the locking element 2 can be coupled to and / or guided by the bearing element 4, at least in part. This is particularly advantageous if further displacement of the locking element 2 needs to be controlled, for example, to prevent collisions with another component. Alternatively and / or additionally, the locking element 16 can be configured to guide the locking element 2.

[0082] The Fig.Figure 10 shows an exemplary protective device 1 arranged on a housing 10, with an exemplary locking element 16 designed as a bracket. The bracket is preferably arranged on the bearing element 4 and / or the housing 10 such that displacement of the locking element 2 after reaching the position of the second operating state is prevented. More preferably, the bracket is configured to guide and / or direct and / or stabilize the locking element 2 during its displacement. Reference symbol list 1 protective device 2 locking element 4 bearing element 6 Membran 8 Opening 10 cases 12 clamping elements 14 Outlet opening 16 safety element 18 Fastening element 20 spring legs 22 Support element 24 Seal 26 bulge 28 Bridge

Claims

Protective device (1) for a housing (10), in particular for a battery housing, for dissipating excess pressure from the interior of the housing (10), wherein the protective device comprises: a closure element (2) for sealing an opening (8) of the housing (10) in a first operating state, wherein the closure element (2) is arranged to be displaceable relative to the housing (10) and is configured to be displaced non-destructively into a second operating state, and a bearing element (4) for guiding the closure element (2), wherein the closure element (2) preferably comprises at least partially a membrane (6) with a predetermined permeability, and wherein the closure element (2) releases the opening (8) of the housing (10) in the second operating state, wherein the protective device (1) further comprises: at least one clamping element (12), wherein the at least one clamping element (12) is coupled to the closure element (2) in the first operating state.to position the locking element (2) on the housing (10), and wherein the at least one clamping element (12) is decoupled from the locking element (2) in the second operating state, so that the at least one clamping element (12) does not exert any force on the locking element (2) in the second operating state. Protective device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the clamping element (12) comprises one or more leg springs (20). Protective device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing element (4) is arranged around the opening (8) on the housing (10) and radially surrounds at least a part of the closure element (2) in the first operating state. Protective device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing element (4) has a substantially cylindrical section in which the locking element (2) is arranged to be displaceable in the axial direction in the first operating state. Protective device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element (2) has one or more outlet openings (14) through which fluid can escape from the interior of the housing (10) when the closure element (2) is in a third operating state. Protective device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a locking element (16) for limiting the displacement of the locking element (2) beyond the position of the second operating state and / or for preventing decoupling between the locking element (2) and the housing (10). Protective device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a seal (24) which is arranged between the locking element (2) and the bearing element (4) and / or the housing (10), preferably on an upper free edge area of ​​the bearing element (4) in order not to make it difficult and / or to hinder the movement of the locking element (2) from the first operating state to the second operating state. Housing (10), in particular a battery housing, comprising the protective device (1) according to one of the preceding claims. Battery system comprising the housing (10) according to claim 8 and at least one battery storage device for storing electrical energy. Vehicle, in particular a road vehicle, comprising the battery system according to claim 9.

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