Electrical energy storage device having a cover plate with structurally weakened plate areas

Abstract

Electrical energy storage device (10) for a vehicle, preferably a commercial vehicle, comprising: a plurality of battery cells (12a-s), each having a degassing element (14a-s) for cell degassing; and a cover plate (16) covering the plurality of battery cells (12a-s) and the degassing elements (14a-s) and having a plurality of structurally weakened plate regions (18a-s), wherein the structurally weakened plate regions (18a-s) - are arranged correspondingly, preferably in alignment, to the degassing elements (14a-s); and - are designed to yield when pressurized by cell degassing, wherein the cover plate (16) has predetermined bending points (22a-s) arranged adjacent to the structurally weakened plate regions (18a-s), and the structurally weakened plate regions (18a-s) are designed to pivot open about the predetermined bending points (22a-s) when pressurized, characterized in that that the cover plate (16) comprises a wool material and / or a mineral wool material and / or a nonwoven material; and that the electrical energy store (10) has a degassing line (20) for discharging substances escaping from the respective degassing element (14a-s) during cell degassing, wherein the structurally weakened plate regions (18a-s) separate the degassing line (20) from the degassing elements (14a-s), wherein the degassing line (20) is arranged within a support plate (21a) which is arranged on a side of the cover plate (16) opposite the plurality of battery cells (12a-s) and which has a plurality of passages (27) which are arranged corresponding to the structurally weakened regions.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical energy storage device and a motor vehicle comprising the electrical energy storage device.

[0002] Regarding the prior art, reference is first made to document DE 10 2021 111 160 A1. This document shows a battery pack comprising a housing that can accommodate multiple battery units. The battery pack comprises a first insulation layer and a second insulation layer located within the housing and at least partially spaced apart from each other, wherein the first insulation layer is closer to the housing than the second insulation layer, and wherein the second insulation layer comprises at least one weakened region that can be broken under a first preset pressure.

[0003] Document US 2013 / 0095356 A1 describes batteries housed in a casing, each of which includes an opening portion for discharging gas. The casing has a receiving portion configured to receive the batteries. The casing has an exhaust passage configured to direct gas released from at least one of the opening portions of the batteries to the outside of the casing, the opening portions of the batteries communicating via sealed connecting channels. The casing has a one-way opening valve configured to open only in one direction from the opening portion of the battery to the exhaust passage, provided in an intermediate portion or at one end of each of the connecting channels.

[0004] Vehicle batteries known from practice, such as those used, for example, as energy storage or as traction batteries in hybrid vehicles or electric vehicles, typically have one or more battery cell stacks in which a plurality of battery cells arranged one above the other are arranged.

[0005] In particular, when using lithium-ion battery cells, external influences or a fault in one of the battery cells (e.g., an internal short circuit) can lead to internal thermal runaway. This is to be understood as an overheating of a storage cell due to a self-reinforcing, heat-producing process.

[0006] The temperature of the gas can reach peak values ​​of several hundred °C and even exceed 1000 °C. Furthermore, the gas stream can also contain conductive particles, which can potentially cause a short circuit in live components. This can lead to chain reactions (thermal propagation) in the energy storage system, which can ultimately destroy the entire energy storage system.

[0007] In order to divert the gas flow from battery cells as controlled as possible in the event of a fault, the provision of appropriate pressure relief or safety valves, so-called "safety vents," on the battery cells is known in the art. Reference is made to US 2006 / 0292437 A1 as an example. To prevent damage to other battery components, the corresponding gas flow should be diverted from the electrical energy storage device, which can be achieved, for example, via appropriate duct systems.

[0008] There is a risk that the hot gas stream will reach neighboring battery cells and / or their safety valves, thus damaging previously unaffected battery cells in a chain reaction.

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing an improved electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle. A preferred object of the invention is to provide a solution that is as simple as possible and can reduce the risk of thermal propagation.

[0010] These objects can be achieved with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and applications of the invention are subject to the dependent claims and are explained in more detail in the following description, with partial reference to the figures.

[0011] A basic idea is to provide mechanical protection of the venting elements of neighboring battery cells from hot particles and gases from the outside, while at the same time allowing unhindered degassing in the event of an internal thermal runaway.

[0012] According to a first aspect, an electrical energy storage device for a vehicle (e.g., a commercial vehicle) is provided. The electrical energy storage device comprises a plurality of battery cells and a cover plate.

[0013] The plurality of battery cells each have a degassing element for cell degassing. The cover plate covers the plurality of battery cells and the degassing elements. The cover plate further has a plurality of structurally weakened plate regions. The structurally weakened plate regions are arranged correspondingly (e.g., aligned) to the degassing elements. The structurally weakened plate regions are designed to yield when subjected to pressure (e.g., in a predetermined manner) by cell degassing.

[0014] For example, the structurally weakened plate areas can be designed to yield when a certain compressive force threshold is reached. Preferably, the structurally weakened plate areas form a perforated venting protection.

[0015] Preferably, the weakened plate regions are arranged in a main body region of the cover plate (e.g., in the region that forms the plate shape of the cover plate). In other words, the weakened plate regions can be integrally formed with the cover plate in one piece. In still other words, the cover plate and the weakened plate regions can be a single component (i.e., not separate components from each other).

[0016] It is conceivable that each of the weakened plate regions is arranged corresponding (e.g., in alignment) to each of the degassing elements.

[0017] Preferably, the plurality of battery cells are prismatic battery cells.

[0018] One advantage may be that the structurally weakened plate areas are allowed to break in the event of degassing, while the structurally weakened plate areas of non-continuous battery cells are not breached. If cell degassing of the thermally continuous battery cell breaks through the corresponding plate area, the cover plate can protect neighboring non-continuous battery cells and / or their venting openings. Neighboring battery cells can thus remain undamaged. Propagating thermal runaway can thus be prevented or mitigated. Overall, the service life of the electrical energy storage device can be increased in this way.

[0019] The electrical energy storage device has a degassing line for removing substances escaping from the respective degassing element during cell degassing. The structurally weakened plate areas separate the degassing line from the degassing elements.

[0020] The vent line can form a flow channel for the escaping gas. Advantageously, the escaping gas can be quickly removed. This can further reduce the damaging effects of the escaping gas on neighboring battery cells.

[0021] In one embodiment, the vent line can be arranged within the cover plate. Alternatively, the vent line can run within the cover plate. Since the escaping gas is guided within the cover plate, it cannot reach surrounding components of the electrical energy storage device. This can further reduce the damaging effect of the escaping gas on surrounding components.

[0022] The degassing line is arranged within a support plate. The support plate is located on a side of the cover plate opposite the multiple battery cells. The support plate has several passages arranged correspondingly (e.g., aligned) to the structurally weakened areas. The support plate can thus be advantageously used for cell degassing.

[0023] For example, the multiple passages can each be arranged correspondingly (e.g. aligned) to one of the structurally weakened areas.

[0024] Alternatively, the vent line can be formed by a cavity that is at least partially delimited by the cover plate and a support plate spaced apart from the cover plate. The cavity can thus serve as a receiving space for the escaping gas, allowing the gas escaping from the battery cell under pressure to expand.

[0025] Alternatively, the degassing line can be formed by a cavity defined by a recess on the cover plate and a support plate. The support plate can be located on a side of the cover plate opposite the degassing elements. This represents a particularly compact embodiment.

[0026] Preferably, the support plate is designed to support at least one additional battery cell. The at least one additional battery cell is arranged, for example, above the plurality of battery cells. However, it is also conceivable for the support plate to be a housing cover. This allows components of the mechanical structure to be advantageously used for cell degassing.

[0027] In one embodiment, the degassing line can comprise multiple line sections. The line sections can each have an end that is closed by one of the structurally weakened plate regions. The line sections can thus be thermally decoupled from one another, which can further reduce the risk of propagation of thermal runaway.

[0028] In one embodiment, the degassing line can be configured to collect substances escaping from the multiple battery cells via the degassing elements. Alternatively or additionally, the degassing line can be configured to conduct substances escaping from the electrical energy storage device via the degassing elements. This allows the hot gas to be quickly removed from the energy storage device, which can further reduce its damaging effects.

[0029] In one embodiment, the degassing line can have a hollow profile section. The hollow profile section can have a wall that is partially formed by the structurally weakened plate regions. Alternatively or additionally, the hollow profile section can extend at least partially along a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells. This can enable direct degassing into the degassing line, which can reduce the flow path of the hot gas and thus mitigate its damaging influence.

[0030] In one embodiment, the degassing line can be fluidically connected to an external area surrounding the electrical energy storage device. Alternatively, the degassing line can be fluidically connected to an external area surrounding the electrical energy storage device. This allows the escaping gas to be directed into the external environment, thus reducing the risk of damage to components of the electrical energy storage device.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, the electrical energy storage device can have at least one outlet valve (e.g., arranged on a housing of the electrical energy storage device). The outlet valve can be fluidically connected to the degassing line. This allows the escaping gas to be discharged from the electrical energy storage device in a controlled manner.

[0032] In one embodiment, the structurally weakened plate regions can be configured to tear in a predetermined manner when pressure is applied. Alternatively or additionally, the structurally weakened plate regions can be configured to deform in a predetermined manner when pressure is applied. Alternatively or additionally, the structurally weakened plate regions can be configured to open in a predetermined manner when pressure is applied.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, the structurally weakened plate areas can be designed to yield individually to substances escaping from the degassing element arranged underneath during cell degassing.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, the structurally weakened plate regions can be designed to yield only when pressure is applied in a direction from the respective degassing element towards the respective structurally weakened plate region.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, the structurally weakened plate areas can each be designed to open a passage through the cover plate when pressure is applied.

[0036] For example, the structurally weakened plate regions can be designed to yield less easily when pressurized in a direction from the degassing line toward the respective structurally weakened region than when pressurized in a direction from the respective degassing elements toward the respective structurally weakened plate region. This can prevent unwanted yielding of the structurally weakened plate regions in a direction from the degassing channel toward the degassing elements of non-continuous battery cells. This can prevent hot gas from reaching the intact degassing elements.

[0037] The cover plate has predetermined bending points. The predetermined bending points are located adjacent to the structurally weakened plate areas. The structurally weakened plate areas are designed to pivot open around the predetermined bending points (e.g., like a hinge) when pressure is applied.

[0038] Preferably, the desired bending points can each be arranged adjacent to one of the structurally weakened plate areas.

[0039] For example, the structurally weakened plate regions can be configured to form guide flaps for the substances escaping from the respective degassing element during cell degassing when pressurized. Preferably, the escaping substances can be guided into the degassing line by means of the guide flaps in a respective, unidirectional flow direction. More preferably, the flow direction is directed toward an outlet valve and / or an outlet of the degassing line. This allows the escaping gas to be directed in a predetermined direction, thereby shortening the path traveled by the escaping gas.

[0040] In one embodiment, the structurally weakened plate regions can each have at least one (e.g., cross-shaped) slit. Alternatively or additionally, the structurally weakened plate regions can have at least one (e.g., cross-shaped) perforation. Alternatively or additionally, the structurally weakened plate regions can have at least one material thinning. This represents an embodiment that is technically simple to implement.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, the structurally weakened plate areas can essentially completely cover and / or overlap the respective degassing elements as long as they have not yet given way.

[0042] The cover plate comprises a wool material and / or a mineral wool material and / or a nonwoven material (e.g., as a main component of the cover plate). Preferably, the wool material and / or the mineral wool material and / or the nonwoven material is compressed.

[0043] Preferably, the wool material and / or the mineral wool material and / or the nonwoven material is heat-resistant. Further preferably, the cover plate consists essentially entirely of the wool material and / or the mineral wool material and / or the nonwoven material. This allows the technical complexity and weight of the energy storage device to be reduced.

[0044] In one embodiment, the electrical energy storage device can have a degassing line for discharging substances escaping from the respective degassing element during cell degassing. The structurally weakened plate regions can separate the degassing line from the degassing elements. The degassing line can run through the wool material, the mineral wool material, and / or the nonwoven material.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, the degassing line may be partially or completely surrounded or limited by the wool material, the mineral wool material and / or the fleece material.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the degassing line can be formed partially or completely as a cavity in the wool material, the mineral wool material and / or the nonwoven material.

[0047] The degassing line is preferably the degassing line as disclosed herein.

[0048] In one embodiment, the cover plate can completely cover and / or cover the plurality of battery cells. The risk of damage to the plurality of battery cells can thus be further reduced.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, the cover plate can be essentially cuboid-shaped.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, the cover plate may have a main body region covering the plurality of battery cells, in which the structurally weakened plate regions are arranged.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, the energy storage device can have a housing. The plurality of battery cells can be arranged in the housing. The cover plate can be separate from the housing.

[0052] In one embodiment, the plurality of battery cells can be arranged in a stack-like manner one behind the other in the form of a battery cell stack in a stacking direction.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, the electrical energy storage device can have at least one further battery cell (e.g., at least one further battery cell stack). The at least one further battery cell and / or the at least one further battery cell stack can be arranged next to and / or above the plurality of battery cells. It is conceivable for the cover plate to cover several battery cell stacks arranged next to one another. However, it is also conceivable for each cover plate to cover one of the adjacent battery cell stacks.

[0054] For example, the support plate as disclosed herein is arranged between the plurality of battery cells and the at least one further battery cell. In other words, the electrical energy storage device can have a plurality of battery cell stacks, with a support plate as disclosed herein preferably being provided between battery cell stacks arranged one above the other. This allows the electrical energy storage device to be constructed particularly compactly.

[0055] A further aspect relates to a vehicle having an electrical energy storage device as disclosed herein. The vehicle is preferably a commercial vehicle. In the latter case, the vehicle can in other words be a motor vehicle which, due to its design and equipment, is designed to transport people, transport goods or tow trailers. For example, the vehicle can be a truck, a bus and / or a semitrailer truck which is at least partially electrically powered. However, it is also conceivable for the vehicle to be a rail vehicle or aircraft. The vehicle can be at least partially electrically powered.

[0056] The previously described preferred embodiments and features of the invention can be combined with one another as desired.

[0057] Details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawing. Shown are: Fig. 1A a stack of battery cells of an electrical energy storage device according to an embodiment in a top view; Fig. 1B the stack of battery cells with a cover plate of the electrical energy storage device according to the embodiment of Fig. 1A in a top view; Fig. 2A a cover plate of an electrical energy storage device according to an embodiment (schematic representation; sectional view); Fig. 2B the cover plate of the embodiment of Fig. 2A in a top view; Fig. 3A a cover plate and a support plate of an electrical energy storage device according to an embodiment (schematic representation; sectional view); Fig. 3B the electrical energy storage device according to the embodiment of Fig. 3A (partial view; sectional view); Fig. 3C the electrical energy storage device according to the embodiment of Fig. 3A (partial view; top view); Fig. 4 a cover plate and a support plate of an electrical energy storage device according to an embodiment (schematic representation; sectional representation); and Fig. 5 a cover plate and a support plate of an electrical energy storage device according to an embodiment (schematic representation; sectional representation).

[0058] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals in all figures and are partly not described separately.

[0059] Fig. 1A shows a battery cell stack 13 of an electrical energy storage device 10 for a vehicle (not shown) according to an embodiment in plan view.

[0060] The electrical energy storage device 10 has a plurality of battery cells 12a-s and a cover plate. Preferably, the plurality of battery cells 12a-s are prismatic battery cells.

[0061] The plurality of battery cells 12a-s can be arranged in the form of the battery cell stack 13 in a stacking direction S (see Fig. 1A).

[0062] The plurality of battery cells 12a-s each have a degassing element 14a-s for cell degassing. The degassing elements 14a-s can be configured to forward gas escaping from a respective battery cell 12a-s in a predetermined manner in the event of degassing.

[0063] Fig. 1B shows a cover plate 16 of the electrical energy storage device 10 covering the battery cell stack 13 according to the embodiment of Fig. 1A in top view.

[0064] The cover plate 16 covers the plurality of battery cells 12a-s and the degassing elements 14a-s. It is also conceivable for the electrical energy storage device to have a plurality of battery cell stacks 13 arranged side by side. It is then conceivable for the cover plate 13 to cover the battery cell stacks 13 arranged side by side. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the electrical energy storage device 10 to have a plurality of cover plates 16, each cover plate 16 covering one of the battery cell stacks 13.

[0065] The cover plate 16 further comprises a plurality of structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s. The structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s are arranged correspondingly (e.g., aligned) to the degassing elements 14a-s. The structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s are designed to yield when subjected to pressure (e.g., predetermined) by cell degassing.

[0066] For example, the structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s may be designed to yield individually when a certain compressive force threshold is reached.

[0067] Preferably, the structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s are arranged in a main body region (e.g., in the region that forms the plate shape of the cover plate 16). For example, the structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s can be formed integrally with the cover plate 16.

[0068] It is conceivable that each of the structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s is arranged correspondingly (e.g., aligned) to each of the degassing elements 14a-s. For example, the structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s can have substantially the same dimensions as the corresponding degassing elements 14a-s. Preferably, the structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s are directly adjacent to the corresponding degassing elements 14a-s.

[0069] The electrical energy storage device 10 can have a degassing line 20 for discharging substances escaping from the respective degassing element 14a-s during cell degassing. The structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s can separate the degassing line 20 from the degassing elements 14a-s. The degassing line 20 can form a flow channel for the escaping gas. For example, the degassing line 20 can extend along (e.g., substantially parallel to) a stacking direction S of the plurality of battery cells 12a-s. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the degassing line 20 to extend substantially linearly through the electrical energy storage device 10.

[0070] The degassing line 20 can be configured to receive and / or collect substances escaping from the plurality of battery cells 12a-s via the degassing elements 14a-s. The degassing line 20 can be configured to conduct substances escaping from the electrical energy storage device 10 via the degassing elements 14a-s (e.g., into an external environment).

[0071] The degassing line 20 can have a hollow profile section. The hollow profile section can have a wall that is partially formed by the structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s. The hollow profile section can extend at least partially along a stacking direction S of the plurality of battery cells 12a-s.

[0072] The structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s can be configured to tear in a predetermined manner when pressure is applied (e.g., when a predetermined compressive force threshold is reached). The structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s can be configured to deform in a predetermined manner. The structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s can be configured to open in a predetermined manner. The structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s can be configured to individually yield to substances escaping from the degassing element 14a-s arranged underneath during cell degassing. The structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s can be configured to yield exclusively when pressure is applied in a direction R from the respective degassing element 14a-s toward the respective structurally weakened plate region 18a-s.The structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s can each be designed to open a passage through the cover plate 16 when pressure is applied.

[0073] For example, the structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s can be designed to yield less easily when pressurized in a direction from the degassing line 20 towards the respective structurally weakened region than when pressurized in a direction from the respective degassing elements 14a-s towards the respective structurally weakened plate region 18a-s.

[0074] The cover plate 16 can have predetermined bending points 22a-s. The predetermined bending points 22a-s can be arranged adjacent to the structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s. The structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s are preferably designed to pivot open around the predetermined bending points 22a-s (e.g., hinge-like) when pressure is applied.

[0075] For example, the structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s can be configured to form guide flaps for the substances escaping from the respective degassing element 14a-s during cell degassing when pressurized. Preferably, the escaping substances can be guided into the degassing line 20 by means of the guide flaps in a respective, unidirectional flow direction. More preferably, the flow direction is directed toward an outlet valve 28 and / or an outlet of the degassing line 20. Particularly preferably, the flow direction extends along the stacking direction S.

[0076] The structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s can each have at least one (e.g. cross-shaped) slit 24a-s, one (e.g. cross-shaped) perforation and / or at least one material thinning.

[0077] The structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s can substantially completely cover and / or overcover the respective degassing elements 14a-s, as long as they have not yet yielded.

[0078] The cover plate 16 can completely cover and / or overcover the multiple battery cells 12a-s. The cover plate 16 and / or its main body region can be substantially cuboid in shape. The cover plate 16 can have a main body region covering the multiple battery cells 12a-s, in which the structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s are arranged.

[0079] The energy storage device 10 can have a housing 26. The multiple battery cells 12a-s can be arranged in the housing 26. The cover plate 16 cannot be part of the housing 26. For example, the cover plate 16 can be a component separate from the housing.

[0080] Fig. 2A shows a cover plate 16 of an electrical energy storage device 10 according to an embodiment (schematic representation; sectional representation). Fig. 2B shows the cover plate 16 of this embodiment in plan view.

[0081] The degassing line 20 can be arranged within the cover plate 16 or can run within the cover plate 16. For example, the degassing line 20 can be formed as a cavity in the cover plate 16.

[0082] The cover plate 16 may comprise a wool material and / or a mineral wool material and / or a nonwoven material. Preferably, the wool material and / or the mineral wool material and / or the nonwoven material is compressed.

[0083] Preferably, the wool material and / or the mineral wool material and / or the nonwoven material is heat-resistant. Further preferably, the cover plate 16 consists essentially entirely of the wool material and / or the mineral wool material and / or the nonwoven material.

[0084] The electrical energy storage device 10 can have a degassing line 20 for discharging substances escaping from the respective degassing element 14a-s during cell degassing. The structurally weakened plate regions 18a-s can separate the degassing line 20 from the degassing elements 14a-s. The degassing line 20 can run through the wool material, the mineral wool material, and / or the nonwoven material.

[0085] The degassing line 20 can be partially or completely surrounded or delimited by the wool material, the mineral wool material, and / or the nonwoven material. The degassing line 20 can be partially or completely formed as a cavity in the wool material, the mineral wool material, and / or the nonwoven material.

[0086] The degassing line 20 surrounded by the wool material, the mineral wool material and / or the nonwoven material is preferably the degassing line 20 as disclosed herein.

[0087] Fig. 3A shows a cover plate and a support plate of an electrical energy storage device according to an embodiment (schematic representation; sectional representation). Fig. 3B shows the electrical energy storage device according to this embodiment in a further sectional view (detailed view). Fig. 3C shows the electrical energy storage device according to this embodiment in plan view (partial view).

[0088] The degassing line 20 can be formed by a cavity defined by a recess 25 on the cover plate 16 and a support plate 21c. The support plate 21c can be located on a side of the cover plate 16 opposite the degassing elements 14a-s. Preferably, the support plate 21a-c is configured to support at least one further battery cell 30. For example, the support plate 21a-c is part of a mechanical structure of the housing 26.

[0089] The at least one additional battery cell is arranged, for example, above the plurality of battery cells 12a-s. However, it is also conceivable that the support plate 21a-c is a housing cover.

[0090] The degassing line 20 can be fluidically connected or connectable to an external area surrounding the electrical energy storage device 10. For example, the electrical energy storage device 10 can have at least one outlet valve 28 (e.g., arranged on a housing 26 of the electrical energy storage device 10). The outlet valve 28 can be fluidically connected to the degassing line 20. For example, the outlet valve 28 can be designed to connect a fluid line.

[0091] The electrical energy storage device 10 can have at least one additional battery cell 30 (e.g., at least one additional battery cell stack). The at least one additional battery cell 30 and / or the at least one additional battery cell stack can be arranged next to and / or above the plurality of battery cells.

[0092] For example, the support plate 21a-c is arranged as disclosed herein between the plurality of battery cells 12a-s and the at least one further battery cell 30. In other words, the electrical energy storage device 10 can have a plurality of battery cell stacks, wherein a support plate 21a-c as disclosed herein is preferably provided between battery cell stacks arranged one above the other.

[0093] Fig. 4 shows a cover plate and a support plate of an electrical energy storage device according to an embodiment (schematic representation; sectional representation).

[0094] In this embodiment, the vent line 20 can be arranged within a support plate 21a. The support plate 21a can be arranged on a side of the cover plate 16 opposite the plurality of battery cells 12a-s. The support plate 21a can have a plurality of passages 27 arranged correspondingly (e.g., aligned) to the structurally weakened regions.

[0095] Fig. 5 shows a cover plate and a support plate of an electrical energy storage device according to an embodiment (schematic representation; sectional representation).

[0096] In this embodiment, the degassing line 20 can be formed by a cavity 23 which is delimited at least in sections by the cover plate 16 and a support plate 21b spaced apart from the cover plate 16.

[0097] Furthermore, the degassing line 20 can have a plurality of line sections. Each of the line sections can have one end, which is each closed by one of the structurally weakened plate areas 18a-s.

[0098] The vehicle (not shown) can expediently have the electrical energy storage device 10 as disclosed herein. The vehicle is preferably a (e.g., at least partially electrically driven) utility vehicle. List of reference signs 10 Electrical energy storage device 12a-s Battery cells 13 Battery cell stack 14a-s Degassing elements 16 Cover plate 18a-s Structurally weakened plate areas 20 Degassing line 21a-c Support plates 22a-s Target bending points 23 Cavity 24a-s Slotting 25 Depression 26 Housing 27 Passages 28 Outlet valve 30 additional battery cells 40 additional degassing lines 42 further structurally weakened plate area 50 additional degassing lines 52 further structurally weakened plate area R Direction from degassing element to structurally weakened plate area S Stacking direction

Claims

[1] Electrical energy storage device (10) for a vehicle, preferably a commercial vehicle, comprising: a plurality of battery cells (12a-s), each having a degassing element (14a-s) for cell degassing; and a cover plate (16) covering the plurality of battery cells (12a-s) and the degassing elements (14a-s) and having a plurality of structurally weakened plate regions (18a-s), wherein the structurally weakened plate regions (18a-s) - are arranged correspondingly, preferably in alignment, to the degassing elements (14a-s); and - are designed to yield when pressurized by cell degassing, wherein the cover plate (16) has predetermined bending points (22a-s) arranged adjacent to the structurally weakened plate regions (18a-s), and the structurally weakened plate regions (18a-s) are designed to pivot open about the predetermined bending points (22a-s) when pressurized, characterized by , that the cover plate (16) comprises a wool material and / or a mineral wool material and / or a nonwoven material; and that the electrical energy store (10) has a degassing line (20) for discharging substances escaping from the respective degassing element (14a-s) during cell degassing, wherein the structurally weakened plate regions (18a-s) separate the degassing line (20) from the degassing elements (14a-s), wherein the degassing line (20) is arranged within a support plate (21a) which is arranged on a side of the cover plate (16) opposite the plurality of battery cells (12a-s) and which has a plurality of passages (27) which are arranged corresponding to the structurally weakened regions. [2] Electrical energy storage device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of passages (27) are arranged in alignment with the structurally weakened regions. [3] Electrical energy storage device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the degassing line (20) has a plurality of line sections, each having an end which is closed by one of the structurally weakened plate regions (18a-s). [4] Electrical energy storage device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the degassing line (20) is designed to collect substances escaping from the plurality of battery cells (12a-s) via the degassing elements (14a-s) and preferably to guide them out of the electrical energy storage device (10). [5] Electrical energy storage device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the degassing line (20) has a hollow profile section, the wall of which is formed in sections by the structurally weakened plate areas (18a-s); and / or extends at least in sections along a stacking direction (S) of the plurality of battery cells (12a-s). [6] Electrical energy storage device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the degassing line (20) is fluidically connected or connectable to an external area surrounding the electrical energy storage device (10); and / or the electrical energy store (10) has at least one outlet valve (28), preferably arranged on a housing (26) of the electrical energy store (10), which is fluidically connected to the degassing line (20). [7] Electrical energy storage device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the structurally weakened plate regions (18a-s) are formed: to tear, deform and / or open in a predetermined manner when subjected to pressure; and / or to yield individually from substances emerging from the degassing element (14a-s) arranged underneath during cell degassing; and / or to yield only when pressure is applied in a direction (R) from the respective degassing element (14a-s) towards the respective structurally weakened plate area (18a-s); and / or to release a passage through the cover plate (16) each time pressure is applied. [8] Electrical energy storage device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the structurally weakened plate regions (18a-s): each have at least one, preferably cross-shaped, slit (24a-s), at least one, preferably cross-shaped, perforation and / or at least one material thinning; and / or the respective degassing elements (14a-s) are essentially completely covered as long as they have not yet given way. [9] Electrical energy storage device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a degassing line (20) for discharging substances escaping from the respective degassing element (14a-s) during cell degassing, wherein the structurally weakened plate regions (18a-s) separate the degassing line (20) from the degassing elements (14a-s), wherein: the degassing line (20) runs through the wool material, the mineral wool material and / or the fleece material; and / or the degassing line (20) is partially or completely surrounded or limited by the wool material, the mineral wool material and / or the fleece material; and / or the degassing line (20) is formed partially or completely as a cavity in the wool material, the mineral wool material and / or the nonwoven material. [10] Electrical energy storage device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover plate (16) which completely covers several battery cells (12a-s); and / or is substantially cuboid-shaped; and / or a main body region covering the plurality of battery cells (12a-s), in which the structurally weakened plate regions (18a-s) are arranged; and / or the energy storage device (10) has a housing (26) in which the plurality of battery cells (12a-s) are arranged, and the cover plate (16) is not part of the housing (26). [11] Electrical energy storage device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of battery cells (12a-s) are arranged in the form of a battery cell stack (13) in a stacking direction (S) one behind the other; and / or the electrical energy store (10) has at least one further battery cell (30), preferably at least one further battery cell stack, which is arranged next to and / or above the plurality of battery cells (12a-s). [12] Motor vehicle, preferably commercial vehicle, comprising an electrical energy storage device (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images