Electrical energy storage for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle

Abstract

Electrical energy storage device (1) for storing electrical energy for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (2), several storage cells (6) designed for storing electrical energy, which are arranged in the housing (2) in such a way that, in the event of an accident-related force (7) applied to the electrical energy storage device (1), at least one first storage cell (6) is displaceable relative to at least one second storage cell (6) and relative to the housing (2) into a deflection area (AB) specifically provided in the housing (2), and a contacting device (9) comprising a connection area (10) and respective contact elements (K1) electrically connected to the respective storage cells (6), via which the storage cells (6) are electrically connected to the connection area (10), thereby electrically connecting the storage cells (6) to each other via the contacting device (9).wherein at least the contact element (K1) electrically connected to the first memory cell (Z1) is biased, whereby the contact element (K1) electrically connected to the first memory cell (Z1) is configured to move away from the first memory cell (Z1) and towards the connection area (10) or away from the connection area (10) and towards the first memory cell (Z1) as a result of the electrical connection between the first memory cell (Z1) and the connection area (10) being disconnected due to the accidental displacement of the first memory cell (Z1) relative to the second memory cell (Z2), relative to the housing (2) and relative to the connection area (10) of the contacting device (9), characterized in that the contact element (K1) electrically connected to the first memory cell (Z1) engages in a recess (12) of the first memory cell (Z1) and is configured by the biasing to do so,to move away from the connection area (10) and towards the first memory cell (Z1) and into the recess (12) as a result of the separation.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with at least one such electrical energy storage device.

[0002] WO 2015 / 049215 A1 discloses a battery module with a battery module housing that encloses a battery module interior. The battery module has recesses for a specified number of battery cells. Furthermore, the battery module interior provides, in addition to the recesses, a clearance area that is dimensioned and arranged such that at least one battery cell held in a recess can be at least partially displaced into the clearance area.

[0003] DE 10 2005 054 435 A1 discloses a battery unit for a motorized vehicle as known. The battery unit comprises at least one row of a plurality of interconnected, separate battery cells, each of which has parallel, opposing main limiting curves. Furthermore, it is provided that a battery cell located at one end of each row rests on a fixed deflecting ramp. Additionally, DE 10 2010 033 806 A1 discloses a battery pack with a plurality of battery elements packed side by side in at least one packing layer. It is provided that, at least in some areas within a packing layer, at least one deformation element is arranged between at least two adjacent battery elements, wherein, under an external force, the battery elements are displaceable by deformation of the deformation elements.

[0004] US patent 2015 / 0155543 A1 discloses a system for storing electrical energy in a vehicle. A detachable modular connection is known from US patent 2013 / 0089990 A1. A battery unit for a motorized vehicle is known from German patent DE 10 2005 054 435 A1. Furthermore, US patent 2020 / 0099024 A1 discloses a battery module. A battery system is also known from US patent 2016 / 0133899 A1.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to create an electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle with at least one such electrical energy storage device, so that a particularly high level of safety can be achieved.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by an electrical energy storage device with the features of claim 1 and by a motor vehicle with the features of claim 7. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention relates to an electrical energy storage device for storing electrical energy or electric current, particularly electrochemically, for a motor vehicle. This means that the motor vehicle, preferably designed as a motor vehicle, especially a passenger car, in its fully manufactured state, comprises the electrical energy storage device, also simply referred to as the storage device, in or by means of which electrical energy or electric current, particularly electrochemically, is to be stored or stored. The electrical energy storage device comprises a housing, also referred to as the storage housing, which, for example, directly defines or forms a receiving space. Furthermore, the electrical energy storage device comprises several storage cells arranged in the housing, particularly in the receiving space.Electrical energy, particularly electrochemically, is stored or stored by means of storage cells, also simply referred to as cells. Thus, the storage cells are designed for storing electrical energy. The storage cells are preferably individual cells, meaning cells designed separately from one another, which can, for example, be arranged side by side or sequentially within the housing. Preferably, the electrical energy storage device is a high-voltage component whose electrical voltage, in particular its operating or nominal voltage, is preferably greater than 50 volts, particularly greater than 60 volts, and preferably several hundred volts. This allows for particularly high electrical power outputs, especially for purely electric propulsion of the motor vehicle.For example, the motor vehicle is designed as a hybrid or electric vehicle, in particular as a battery electric vehicle (BEV). Thus, the motor vehicle, in its fully manufactured state, comprises at least one electric machine by means of which the motor vehicle can be driven, in particular purely electrically. It is preferably provided that the electric machine is designed as a high-voltage component whose electrical voltage, in particular its operating or nominal voltage, is greater than 50 volts, in particular greater than 60 volts, or is several hundred volts. To drive the motor vehicle, in particular purely electrically, by means of the electric machine, the electric machine is supplied with the electrical energy stored in the electrical energy storage device and thus in the storage cells.

[0008] The storage cells are arranged in the housing or receiving space in such a way that, in the event of an accidental impact on the electrical energy storage device and thus on the housing, at least one of the storage cells can be displaced relative to at least one other storage cell and relative to the housing into a specifically provided evasive area within the housing, which is free of any storage cells. In other words, such a displaceable arrangement of at least the first storage cell is provided, or the storage cells are specifically arranged in the housing in such a way that, if the electrical energy storage device is subjected to an accidental impact, at least the first storage cell is displaced relative to the housing and relative to at least the second storage cell, and thereby shifted into the free evasive area, which is a sub-area of ​​the receiving space.The features that the storage cells are specifically arranged within the housing and that the displacement area is specifically provided within the housing are understood to mean that a deliberate or desired arrangement, in particular a mounting, of the storage cells within the housing is provided, whereby this arrangement of the storage cells within the housing allows, in the event of an accidental force being applied to the electrical energy storage device, a specifically targeted displacement of the first storage cell into the displacement area relative to the housing and at least relative to the second storage cell. This displacement of the first storage cell does not occur randomly or arbitrarily as a result of the accidental force being applied, but is specifically permitted or enabled by a corresponding design of the energy storage device, in particular by a targeted arrangement of the storage cell within the housing.Furthermore, the displacement area is not an arbitrary or random sub-area into which the first storage cell is randomly or arbitrarily shifted when subjected to an accidental force. Rather, the storage area is deliberately and intentionally maintained so that, in the event of an accidental force, at least the first storage cell is shifted into the displacement area. This prevents excessively high stress on the storage cells resulting from the accidental force, thus avoiding undesirable effects such as excessive deformation of the respective storage cell and / or a thermal event.Of course, it is conceivable that, particularly in the case of larger energy storage systems or larger storage packages formed by the storage cells, several of the first storage cells can be displaced in the event of an accidental force being applied to the electrical energy storage system and thus to the housing, relative to at least one second storage cell or relative to several second storage cells and relative to the housing, into the specifically provided escape area in the housing, which is free of a storage cell, that is, free of storage cells for storing electrical energy.For example, the first storage cells form at least one first cell row or several, in particular arranged consecutively and, for example, parallel to each other, wherein the at least one cell row or the first cell rows are displaceable relative to the at least one second storage cell or relative to the second storage cells. For example, the second storage cells form at least one second cell row or several, in particular arranged consecutively and, for example, parallel to each other, wherein the at least one cell row or the first cell rows are displaceable relative to the at least one second cell row or relative to the second cell rows.

[0009] A thermal event in a battery cell is defined as a situation where the battery cell experiences significant heating. This thermal event can result, for example, from a short circuit caused by an accidental impact. The intense heating can cause a hot gas to form from the electrolyte (especially a liquid one) within the battery cell, which then escapes. This gas can heat at least one other battery cell, potentially triggering a thermal event in that cell even if it was not initially exposed solely to the impact caused by the accidental impact.The propagation of a thermal event from one memory cell to at least one other memory cell, or to several other memory cells, or to all other memory cells, is also referred to as thermal propagation. The thermal event is also called thermal runaway of the memory cell.

[0010] Since, in the invention, the first storage cell can be displaced into the evasive area in the event of an accidental force, whereby, for example, the first storage cell slides off the housing and / or the second storage cell, the first storage cell can evade the accidental force and / or any resulting deformation of the housing, thus preventing excessive stress on the storage cells. This significantly reduces the probability of a thermal event occurring in one of the storage cells.

[0011] The electrical energy storage device also includes a contacting device, also referred to as a contacting unit, contacting system, or cell contacting system (CCS). The contacting device electrically connects the storage cells to one another. Preferably, the contacting device is arranged in the housing or in the receiving space. The contacting device comprises a connection area, also referred to as the base area, and individual contact elements electrically connected to the respective storage cells. The contact elements are electrically contacted or connected to the connection area. It is conceivable that the contact elements are integrally formed with the connection area. At least one of the contact elements is assigned to the first storage cell, such that the first contact element is electrically connected to the first storage cell.Thus, the contact element electrically connected to the first memory cell is called the first contact element. At least one other contact element is electrically connected to the second memory cell, so the second contact element is assigned to the second memory cell. Therefore, the contact element electrically connected to the second memory cell is called the second contact element. The memory cells are electrically connected to the connection area via the contact elements, thereby electrically connecting the memory cells to each other via the contacting device, i.e., via the contact elements and the connection area. For example, the contact elements protrude from the connection area, particularly towards the memory cells. Each memory cell has, for example, at least one connection, which is also called a terminal.For example, each contact element is electrically connected to the respective storage cell to which it is assigned, such that the contact element is electrically contacted or connected to the respective terminal of the storage cell. The storage cells can then provide the stored electrical energy via their terminals, allowing the energy storage device to supply the stored electrical energy. Furthermore, it is conceivable to supply the storage cells with electrical energy via the contact device, which can then be stored in them.

[0012] In order to achieve a particularly high level of safety for the electrical energy storage device and thus for the motor vehicle as a whole, the invention provides that at least the first contact element, i.e., at least the contact element electrically connected to the first storage cell, is pre-tensioned, in particular mechanically, whereby the first contact element is designed to move as a result of the electrical connection between the first storage cell and the connection area being disconnected due to the displacement of the first storage cell relative to the second storage cell, relative to the housing and relative to the connection area of ​​the contacting device, namely from the first storage cell away from the first storage cell and towards the connection area or from the connection area away from the first storage cell.In other words, the memory cells and the contacting device are arranged and designed in such a targeted manner within the housing that at least the first memory cell is electrically isolated from the connection area, meaning that the electrical connection between the first memory cell and the connection area is broken or eliminated when the first memory cell is displaced relative to the housing, relative to the second memory cell, and also relative to the connection area due to the force applied in the accident.At least the first storage cell is thus specifically arranged in the housing in such a way that the displacement of the first storage cell resulting from the accident-related force, and occurring relative to the housing and relative to the second storage cell, also occurs relative to the connection area, resulting in the electrical connection between the first storage cell and the connection area being terminated or separated.

[0013] In a state also referred to as normal or normal operating condition, in which the first memory cell is electrically connected to the connection area via the first contact element, the first contact element is preloaded, in particular mechanically. The preload is released by disconnecting the electrical connection between the first memory cell and the connection area. The preload is, for example, generated by or encompassing a force, in particular a spring force, whereby the preload is understood to mean, in particular, that the first contact element is held in a first position against the force. In the first position, for example, the first memory cell is electrically connected to the connection area via the first contact element.

[0014] The electrical connection between the first storage cell and the connection area is broken or disconnected, for example, due to the force applied during an accident. This occurs when the force causes the first storage cell to shift relative to the housing, the second storage cell, and the connection area, thereby disengaging or disconnecting the first contact element from the connection area or the first storage cell. By breaking or disconnecting the electrical connection between the first storage cell and the connection area, the force then causes the contact element to move from its first position to a second position that differs from the first.During this movement of the first contact element from the first position to the second position, the first contact element moves away from the first storage cell and towards the connection area, or the first contact element moves away from the connection area and towards the first storage cell. This ensures that the first storage cell is reliably and precisely electrically isolated from the connection area and thus from at least the second storage cell, or from several or all other storage cells, thereby providing a particularly high level of energy storage safety.

[0015] By strategically and appropriately arranging the memory cells (also referred to simply as cells) within the housing, such that in the event of an impact, at least the first memory cell is shifted relative to at least the second memory cell and relative to the housing into the deflection zone, it is possible to prevent the memory cells from immediately jamming upon impact, but rather allowing them to slide past each other, for example. This prevents excessive stress on the individual memory cells.The memory cells are interconnected in such a way—that is, electrically connected to each other and to the contacting device—that the displacement of the first memory cell, caused by an accident relative to the housing and the second memory cell, also occurs relative to the connection area. This disconnects the first memory cell from the connection area and thus from the circuit to which the memory cells are electrically connected via the contacting device in normal operating conditions. Since the first memory cell is displaced or pushed into the displacement area during an accident, it is also referred to as a "pushed cell."Because the first contact element moves away from the connection area and towards the first storage cell, or away from the first storage cell and towards the connection area, due to the preload or the preload released by the separation of the electrical connection between the first storage cell and the connection area, the pushed cell is separated from the circuit or the connection area particularly reliably, so that the probability of short circuits can be kept particularly low.

[0016] The electrical energy storage device according to the invention is therefore particularly robust and tolerant of intrusions. An intrusion is understood to mean, in particular, that the housing is deformed due to an impact force, such that, for example, a wall section of the housing moves into an area where it was not previously located and where, for example, the first storage cell was located. Such an intrusion pushes the first storage cell and thus displaces it relative to the housing, the second storage cell, and the connection area into the displacement area, thereby interrupting or breaking the electrical connection between the first storage cell and the connection area.The preload, or the resulting preload, causes the first contact element to move away from the connection area and towards the first memory cell, or vice versa, away from the first memory cell and towards the connection area, so that the first memory cell can be safely disconnected from the circuit.

[0017] The invention is based in particular on the following findings: Depending on the chemistry and energy content of storage cells, such as those designed as battery cells, mechanical stress and deformation of the storage cells can lead to so-called thermal runaway. To prevent this, storage cells of an energy storage system, such as a high-voltage storage system, are protected from undesirable stresses and / or damage in the event of an accident. This is conventionally achieved through complex mechanical measures. These measures include, in particular, a strong and robust design of the structural components surrounding the energy storage system to prevent excessive deformation. Furthermore, the housing, for example, designed as a high-voltage storage housing, is typically designed to withstand high accidental loads. This results in high weight, high costs, and a large installation space requirement for the energy storage system.

[0018] The aforementioned disadvantages and problems can now be avoided by the invention, since at least the first storage cell can evade the impact force or the resulting deformation of the housing, such that the first storage cell is thereby displaced into the evasive area. Particularly high safety can be achieved because, as a result of the impact-induced displacement of the first storage cell, the preload of the first contact element is released or eliminated, thereby moving the first contact element as described. This reliably disconnects the first storage cell from the circuit.

[0019] Furthermore, it is provided that the first contact element, which is electrically connected to the first memory cell, engages in a recess of the first memory cell, in particular of a cell housing of the first memory cell, and is designed by the preload to move away from the connection area and towards the first memory cell and into the recess as a result of the separation of the connection between the first memory cell and the connection area. This allows the first contact element to be positioned particularly far from the connection area and thus, in particular, protected from coming into electrical contact with the connection area and / or other components. This keeps the probability of short circuits particularly low, thus enabling a particularly high level of safety.

[0020] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one sliding projection is provided, extending from a wall of the housing towards the storage cells and, in particular, into the receiving space. This projection allows the first storage cell to be pushed along the sliding projection as a result of the impact force or a deformation of the housing resulting from the impact force, particularly by sliding the first storage cell along the projection. This movement allows the first storage cell to be displaced relative to the second storage cell, the housing, and the connection area into the clearance zone. In other words, the impact force causes deformation of the housing and, consequently, of the wall, such that, for example, the sliding projection is moved into the receiving space.The push-in projection can be supported or is supported on the first storage cell, so that the push-in projection pushes the first storage cell at least indirectly, in particular directly, and thereby shifts it into the escape area.

[0021] It is particularly conceivable that the first memory cell could slide off the push-in projection, thereby, for example, causing a targeted movement of the first memory cell into the escape zone. This allows the first memory cell to be moved in such a targeted manner relative to the connection area that the electrical connection between the first memory cell and the connection area is severed. This ensures a particularly high level of safety.

[0022] Another embodiment is characterized by the fact that the push-on projection is convexly curved on its outer circumference. In particular, the push-on projection is spherical or segment-shaped on its outer circumference. This allows the first storage cell to be pushed on particularly advantageously and, for example, to slide particularly well off the push-on projection, so that a defined and targeted movement of the first storage cell can be achieved as a result of the force applied in the accident.

[0023] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the push-in projection has at least one sliding ramp, over which the first storage cell can be pushed by means of the push-in projection as a result of the impact force, sliding along the ramp and thereby being displaced relative to the second storage cell, relative to the housing, and also relative to the connection area into the escape area. This allows a defined and controlled movement of the first storage cell, particularly relative to the connection area, so that the electrical and preferably also the mechanical connection between the first storage cell and the connection area can be selectively and quickly severed. This enables a particularly high level of safety for the electrical energy storage device.

[0024] It is conceivable that the first contact element is pre-tensioned by means of a spring element, in particular a mechanical one, which is formed separately from and additionally provided to the first contact element, in particular by the fact that the spring element is, for example, elastically deformed and thereby provides the aforementioned force, in particular as a spring force, which is at least indirectly applied to the contact element and against which the first contact element is held in the first position. By means of the spring force, when the electrical connection between the first storage cell and the connection area is broken, the first contact element is moved as described.

[0025] It has proven particularly advantageous, however, if the first contact element is pre-stressed by being elastically deformed, thus enabling it to spring back upon separation of the electrical connection between the first memory cell and the connection area, particularly with at least partial release of the elastic deformation of the first contact element. This allows the first contact element to move away from the first memory cell and towards the connection area, or vice versa. The springback is accompanied, for example, by a reduction in the length of the first contact element or by a reduction in its footprint along a specific direction, particularly by at least two sections of the first contact element moving towards each other, i.e., springing towards each other.This allows the number of parts, and therefore the costs, weight, and installation space required for the energy storage device, to be kept particularly low. In particular, it is conceivable that the first contact element, due to its electrical and preferably also mechanical connection with the connection area on the one hand and with the first storage cell, especially with the terminal of the first storage cell, on the other, is held elastically deformed. The term "releasing or disconnecting the electrical connection between the first storage cell and the connection area" refers specifically to the fact that, for example, the electrical and preferably also mechanical connection of the first contact element with the connection area or with the first storage cell is released, allowing the first contact element to at least partially relax and spring back accordingly.This allows the first storage cell to be safely disconnected from the circuit, thus ensuring a particularly high level of safety.

[0026] In order to achieve a particularly advantageous displacement capability of at least the first storage cell and thus a particularly high level of energy storage safety, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the respective storage cell is designed as a cylindrical cell. This means that the respective storage cell is completely round on its outer circumference, i.e., it has the shape of a right circular cylinder.

[0027] A second aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle, preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car, which has at least one electrical energy storage device according to the first aspect of the invention. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention and vice versa.

[0028] Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1. Partially a schematic and cutaway top view of a first embodiment of an electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle in a normal state before an accident-related force is applied to the energy storage device; Fig. 2. A schematic and sectioned top view of the first embodiment of the energy storage device during or after the accident-related force application; Fig. 3. Partially a schematic and cutaway top view of a second embodiment of the energy storage device in the normal state before the accident-related force application; Fig. 4. Partially a schematic and cutaway top view of the second embodiment during or after an accidental force application to the energy storage device; Fig. 5. A schematic and sectioned side view of the energy storage device in its normal state before the accident-related force application; and Fig. 6. A schematic and cutaway side view of the energy storage device during or after the accident-related force applied to the energy storage device.

[0029] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are marked with the same reference symbol.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic and cutaway top view of an electrical energy storage device 1 for storing electrical energy or electrical current for a motor vehicle. Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of the energy storage device 1. In its fully manufactured state, the motor vehicle comprises the electrical energy storage device 1 and at least one electric machine by means of which the motor vehicle, preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car, can be driven, in particular purely, electrically. For this purpose, the electric machine is supplied with the electrical energy that is stored by means of or in the energy storage device 1. The energy storage device 1 has a housing 2 which, in particular directly, defines a receiving space 3. Fig. Figure 1 illustrates two opposing wall sections 4 and 5 of the housing 2, wherein the receiving space 3 is directly bounded by wall sections 4 and 5, respectively. Wall sections 4 and 5 are also referred to as the walls of the housing 2. The electrical energy storage device 1 also comprises several storage cells 6, also simply referred to as cells, by means of or in which the electrical energy is stored, in particular electrochemically. Fig. Figure 1 shows that the memory cells 6 are located in the receiving space 3 and thus in the housing 2. The memory cells 6 are separate, individual cells, also referred to as individual cells. Furthermore, the memory cells 6 are separate from the housing 2.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows the energy storage device 1 in a normal state shortly before a change occurs. Fig. Figure 1, illustrated by arrow 7, depicts the accidental force applied to the energy storage device 1 and, consequently, to the housing 2. Arrow 7 indicates that the accidental force acts on the energy storage device 1 and, in turn, on the housing 2, such that the force is directed from wall region 5 towards wall region 4. This force can, for example, cause an intrusion, in which wall region 5, and thus the housing 2, is deformed in such a way that at least part of wall region 5 moves into the receiving space 3, meaning that, with deformation of the housing 2, it is moved into an area where this part of wall region 5 was not previously located.

[0032] Fig. Figure 2 shows the energy storage device 1 after or during the impact. The storage cells 6 are arranged in the receiving space 3 and thus in the housing 2 in such a way that, during the impact on the electrical energy storage device 1, the first storage cell 6, designated Z1, is oriented relative to the second storage cell 6, designated Z2, and relative to the housing 2 along a respective path running obliquely or perpendicular to the impact and in Fig. 2 are moved in the direction illustrated by the respective arrow 8 and thereby shifted into a specific, designated escape zone AB within the housing 2. The respective escape zone AB is a sub-area of ​​the receiving space 3. In the normal state, the escape zone AB is free, allowing the memory cells Z1 to be pushed into the respective, free escape zone AB as a result of the impact force. This allows the memory cells Z1 to escape the impact force or intrusion, thus preventing excessive stress on the memory cells 6. Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows that the memory cells Z1 slide past the second memory cells Z2 when they are moved into the respective alternative area AB. This prevents the memory cells 6 from becoming blocked.

[0033] Out of Fig. 5 and Fig. It is evident from Figure 6 that the energy storage device 1 has a contacting device 9 arranged in the housing 2. The contacting device 9 has a connection area 10, which is a common connection area of ​​the contacting device 9 for the storage cells 6. At least one contact element of the contacting device 9 is assigned to each storage cell 6, wherein the respective contact element assigned to each storage cell 6 is electrically connected to the respective storage cell 6 to which the respective contact element is assigned. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 is one of the first memory cells Z1 identifiable. Using the example of the in Fig. 5 and Fig. The first memory cell Z1, which is electrically connected to and thus assigned to the first memory cell Z1, is identified as K1 in the contact element of the contacting device 9. The respective second contact element, electrically connected to the respective memory cell Z2, is not visible in the figures. The contact element K1, which is electrically connected to the respective first memory cell Z1, is also referred to as the first contact element K1. The contact elements are electrically connected to the connection area 10. In particular, the contact elements are integrally formed with the connection area 10. It is evident that the contact elements, especially towards the memory cells 6, protrude from the connection area 10.The memory cells 6 are electrically connected to the connection area 10 via the contact elements, so that the memory cells 6 are electrically connected to each other via the contacting device 9, i.e. via the contact elements and via the connection area 10 common to the memory cells 6.

[0034] In order to achieve a particularly high level of safety for the electrical energy storage device 1, at least the first contact element K1 is pre-tensioned, in particular mechanically, whereby the contact element K1 is designed to move away from the connection area 10 and towards the respective first storage cell Z1 as a result of the electrical connection between the respective first storage cell Z1 and the connection area 10 being separated due to an accident-related displacement of the respective first storage cell Z1 relative to the respective second storage cell Z2, relative to the housing 2 and relative to the connection area 10 of the contacting device 9.In other words, during the impact caused by the accident, the memory cell Z1 is displaced relative to the housing 2 and relative to the second memory cell Z2, and thus moved into the evasive area AB, whereby the memory cell Z1 is also displaced relative to the connection area 10. This results in the following: Fig. 5 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the electrical connection between the memory cell Z1 and the connection area 10 is released, separated, or terminated by electrically and mechanically releasing or separating the contact element K1 from the connection area 10, in particular while the contact element K1 remains electrically and mechanically connected to the memory cell Z1.

[0035] At the in Fig. 5 and Fig. In the embodiments shown in Figure 6, the contact element K1 is pre-stressed by being elastically deformed. This means, in particular, that the contact element K1 is elastically deformed and, more importantly, held in this elastically deformed state in its normal condition, in which it is mechanically and electrically connected to both the connection area 10 and the storage cell Z1. This results in a force acting on the contact element K1, particularly in the form of a spring force, against which the contact element K1 elastically deforms and is thus held in a Fig. The first position shown in Figure 5 is maintained. If, as a result of the accident-induced displacement of storage cell Z1, storage cell Z1 is separated from the connection area 10, which in this case occurs when the contact element K1 is released or separated from the connection area 10, the initially elastically deformed contact element K1 can at least partially relax, such that the contact element K1 springs back and thereby moves away from the connection area 10 and towards the first storage cell Z1. This ensures that storage cell Z1 is reliably separated from the connection area 10 and thus from the other storage cells 6 as a result of its accident-induced displacement, so that undesirable effects resulting from the accident-induced force, such as short circuits, can be avoided.

[0036] Looks especially good Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows that the memory cell Z1, in particular its cell housing 11, has a recess 12. The contact element K1 engages in the recess 12. Fig. 1 and Fig. The normal state shown in Figure 5 is entered into the recess 12. By disconnecting the electrical connection between the memory cell Z1 and the connection area 10, that is, in this case by disconnecting the contact element K1 from the connection area 10, the contact element K1 relaxes in such a way that it springs back and thereby moves at least partially, and in particular at least predominantly or completely, into the recess 12. This allows the contact element K1 to be particularly well protected from electrical contact with the connection area 10 and / or other components, thus ensuring a particularly high level of safety.

[0037] Fig. 3 and Fig.Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the energy storage device 1. In this second embodiment, the energy storage device 1 has push-on projections 13 that extend from the wall area 5 of the housing 2 towards the storage cells 6 and project into the receiving space 3. By means of the push-on projections 13, the first storage cells Z1 are pushed forward by the impact force in such a way that the storage cells Z1 are pushed into the evasive area AB. At least one of the first storage cells Z1 slides off the respective push-on projection 13, in particular directly. Arrows 8 indicate that the push-on projections 13 can be used to deliberately push the storage cells Z1 into the evasive area AB.

[0038] In the second embodiment, the respective sliding projection 13 is convexly curved on its outer circumference, and in the second embodiment, the respective sliding projection 13 is designed as a spherical segment on its outer circumference. Furthermore, the memory cells 6 are designed as cylindrical cells. The sliding projections 13 act as sliding ramps, which enable controlled movement and thus controlled displacement of the memory cells Z1, particularly when an unfavorable arrangement of the memory cells 6 has been chosen. In addition, the contacting device 9 is designed and arranged such that, in the event of an accident-related displacement of the memory cells Z1, a specifically defined failure occurs at the contact elements. This opens an electrical circuit such that the respective memory cell Z1 is disconnected from the electrical circuit or from the other memory cells 6.The contact element K1 is mechanically pre-tensioned so that when it is separated from the connection area 10 as a result of the accident-related displacement, it retracts and moves into the recess 12.

Claims

[1] Electrical energy storage device (1) for storing electrical energy for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (2), several storage cells (6) designed for storing electrical energy, which are arranged in the housing (2) in such a way that, in the event of an accident-related force (7) applied to the electrical energy storage device (1), at least one first storage cell (6) is displaceable relative to at least one second storage cell (6) and relative to the housing (2) into a deflection area (AB) specifically provided in the housing (2), and comprising a contacting device (9) which has a connection area (10) and respective contact elements (K1) electrically connected to the respective storage cells (6), via which the storage cells (6) are electrically connected to the connection area (10), whereby the storage cells (6) are electrically connected to each other via the contacting device (9),wherein at least the contact element (K1) electrically connected to the first memory cell (Z1) is biased, whereby the contact element (K1) electrically connected to the first memory cell (Z1) is designed to move away from the first memory cell (Z1) and towards the connection area (10) or away from the connection area (10) and towards the first memory cell (Z1) as a result of the electrical connection between the first memory cell (Z1) and the connection area (10) being disconnected due to the accidental displacement of the first memory cell (Z1) relative to the second memory cell (Z2), relative to the housing (2) and relative to the connection area (10) of the contacting device (9). characterized by, that the contact element (K1) electrically connected to the first memory cell (Z1) engages in a recess (12) of the first memory cell (Z1) and is designed by the preload to move away from the connection area (10) and towards the first memory cell (Z1) and into the recess (12) as a result of separation. [2] Electrical energy storage device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by at least one sliding projection (13) extending from a wall (5) of the housing (2) towards the storage cells (6), by means of which the first storage cell (Z1) can be pushed as a result of the accident-related force (7) and thereby be displaced relative to the second of the storage cells (Z2) and relative to the housing (2) and relative to the connection area (10) into the escape area (AB). [3] Electrical energy storage device (1) according to claim 2, characterized by, that the push-in projection (13) is convexly curved on its outer circumference. [4] Electrical energy storage device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that the push-in projection (13) has a sliding ramp, over which the first storage cell (Z1) can be pushed along the sliding ramp as a result of the accident-related force application (7) and thereby be displaceable relative to the second storage cell (Z2) and relative to the housing (2) and relative to the connection area (10) into the avoidance area (AB). [5] Electrical energy storage device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the contact element (K1) electrically connected to the first memory cell (Z1) is pre-stressed by the fact that the contact element (K1) electrically connected to the first memory cell (Z1) is elastically deformed, whereby the contact element (K1) electrically connected to the first memory cell (Z1) is designed to spring back as a result of the separation of the electrical connection between the first memory cell (Z1) and the connection area (10) and thereby move away from the first memory cell (Z1) and towards the connection area (10) or from the connection area (10) away from and towards the first memory cell (Z1). [6] Electrical energy storage device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the respective storage cell (6) is designed as a cylindrical cell. [7] Motor vehicle, comprising at least one electrical energy storage device (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

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