Module and device for storing, receiving and / or delivering electrical energy

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for storing, receiving and / or releasing electrical energy, wherein the device comprises the following: - a unit for storing, receiving and / or releasing electrical energy, the unit comprising: a cell for storing, receiving and / or releasing electrical energy, a sheath surrounding the cell, a current-conducting element shielded from the environment by the sheath through which electrical energy that can be received and / or released by the cell can be conducted, and / or a sensor and / or control element shielded from the environment by the sheath through which a charge state of the cell can be monitored and / or controlled, and a hot gas discharge zone through which hot gas can be discharged from the sheath via a one-sided opening in the sheath, and - a hot gas guide element into which the hot gas that can be discharged from the jacket can be introduced and through which the hot gas can be at least partially discharged from the device.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of fire protection for devices for storing, absorbing, and / or releasing electrical energy. It particularly relates to the technical field of fire protection in motor vehicles that are fully or partially electrically powered by such a device.

[0002] Devices for storing, absorbing, and / or releasing electrical energy used to power motor vehicles often comprise a large number of electrochemical cells in which the electrical energy used for propulsion is stored. This achieves very high energy densities.

[0003] Under particularly unfavorable conditions, such as when a sharp object strikes the cell with great force, a fluid can be released inside the electrochemical cell. This can lead to an increase in pressure within the electrochemical cell. In particular, there is a risk of self-reinforcing heat generation and overheating of the electrochemical cell or neighboring electrochemical cells, which can lead to explosive ignition (a so-called "thermal runaway," also referred to herein as thermal runaway).

[0004] There is a need to prevent thermal runaway from spreading from one cell of the device to another and to spatially confine the thermal runaway as tightly as possible. At the same time, there is a need to make the device as lightweight as possible to ensure the longest possible range for a motor vehicle equipped with the device.

[0005] Therefore, the mass of heat-resistant materials that can be installed between the cells to prevent thermal runaway from spreading from one cell to another should be kept as low as possible.

[0006] The present invention is based on the object of providing a device for storing, absorbing, and / or releasing electrical energy and components therefor that are effective and particularly easy to manufacture. Preferably, the device and the components therefor are effective with regard to fire protection and, in particular, propagation protection, with regard to the required installation space, and / or with regard to energy density. In particular, the device and components can be effective with regard to the required installation space in such a way that existing installation space in a motor vehicle can be utilized flexibly.

[0007] The object is achieved according to the invention by the device for storing, absorbing and / or releasing electrical energy according to the relevant independent claim.

[0008] The device is a device for storing, absorbing, and / or releasing electrical energy. In particular, it can be a device for storing, absorbing, and releasing electrical energy.

[0009] The device is suitable for storing, absorbing, and / or releasing electrical energy. Preferably, it can be suitable for storing, absorbing, and releasing electrical energy.

[0010] It is known that the storage of electrical energy can be primarily electrochemical or primarily physical.

[0011] The device may be an electrochemical device for storing, absorbing, and / or releasing electrical energy. It is particularly advantageous if the electrochemical device is a rechargeable battery device for storing, absorbing, and / or releasing electrical energy.

[0012] The device may be a physical device for storing, absorbing, and / or releasing electrical energy. It may be a capacitor device for storing, absorbing, and / or releasing electrical energy.

[0013] The device may comprise: - a unit for storing, absorbing and / or discharging electrical energy, the unit comprising: - a cell for storing, absorbing and / or releasing electrical energy, - a mantle that surrounds the cell, - a current-conducting element shielded from the environment by the casing, through which electrical energy that can be absorbed and / or released by the cell can be conducted, and / or a sensor and / or control element shielded from the environment by the casing, through which a charge state of the cell can be monitored and / or controlled, and - a hot gas discharge zone through which a hot gas can be discharged from the jacket via a one-sided opening in the jacket, and - a hot gas guide element into which the hot gas can be discharged from the jacket and through which the hot gas can be at least partially discharged from the device, wherein it is preferred if the hot gas guide element has a hot gas guide channel, wherein it is preferred if the hot gas guide channel leads to a hot gas outlet zone of the device.

[0014] The unit is a unit for storing, absorbing, and / or discharging electrical energy. In particular, it can be a unit for storing, absorbing, and discharging electrical energy.

[0015] The unit is suitable for storing, absorbing, and / or discharging electrical energy. Preferably, it can be suitable for storing, absorbing, and discharging electrical energy.

[0016] The unit can be an electrochemical unit for storing, absorbing, and / or releasing electrical energy. It is particularly advantageous if the electrochemical unit is a rechargeable battery unit for storing, absorbing, and / or releasing electrical energy.

[0017] The unit can be a physical unit for storing, absorbing, and / or releasing electrical energy. It can be a capacitor unit for storing, absorbing, and / or releasing electrical energy.

[0018] A cell is a cell for storing, absorbing, and / or releasing electrical energy. In particular, it can be a cell for storing, absorbing, and releasing electrical energy.

[0019] The cell is suitable for storing, absorbing, and / or releasing electrical energy. Preferably, it can be suitable for storing, absorbing, and releasing electrical energy.

[0020] The cell can be an electrochemical cell for storing, absorbing, and / or releasing electrical energy. It is particularly advantageous if the electrochemical cell is a rechargeable battery cell for storing, absorbing, and / or releasing electrical energy.

[0021] The cell can be a physical cell for storing, absorbing, and / or releasing electrical energy. It can be a capacitor cell for storing, absorbing, and / or releasing electrical energy.

[0022] The rechargeable battery cell may preferably be a pouch cell, a prismatic cell, or a cylindrical cell. The rechargeable battery cell may particularly preferably be a pouch cell.

[0023] The pouch cell is also known as a pouch-bag cell or coffee-bag cell.

[0024] Stacked or folded electrochemically active layers can be enclosed by an outer foil, which can form the shell of the pouch cell in whole or in part.

[0025] The pouch cell is a common type of rechargeable battery, such as a lithium polymer battery.

[0026] With regard to cell chemistry, the electrochemical cell, e.g., the rechargeable battery cell, is not limited. In the electrochemical cell, e.g., the rechargeable battery cell, lithium, sodium, magnesium, aluminum, or zinc can act as charge carriers and be involved in the reduction and oxidation processes that occur at the cell's electrodes. In the electrochemical cell, e.g., the rechargeable battery cell, lithium can preferably act as a charge carrier and be involved in the reduction and oxidation processes that occur at the cell's electrodes.

[0027] It is preferred if the unit is a module, wherein the module may preferably comprise: - a plurality of cells for storing, absorbing and / or releasing electrical energy, - a coat that surrounds the cells, - a current-conducting element shielded from the environment by the casing, through which electrical energy that can be absorbed and / or released by at least some of the cells can be conducted, and / or a sensor and / or control element shielded from the environment by the casing, through which a charge state of at least one cell can be monitored and / or controlled, and - a hot gas discharge zone through which a hot gas can be discharged from the jacket via a one-sided opening in the jacket.

[0028] It is preferred if the module is a module according to the invention as described herein.

[0029] The module may comprise a plurality of cells for storing, absorbing and / or releasing electrical energy.

[0030] The plurality of cells comprised by the module for storing, absorbing and / or releasing electrical energy may preferably be two to one hundred, particularly preferably four to eighty, most particularly preferably six to fifty.

[0031] Some, several or all of the cells for storing, absorbing and / or releasing electrical energy that the module comprises may correspond to the cell described in connection with the unit for storing, absorbing and / or releasing electrical energy.

[0032] It may be particularly advantageous if the majority of cells comprised by the module are pouch cells, prismatic cells or cylindrical cells, e.g. pouch cells.

[0033] When reference is made below to a shell or the shell, this means both the shell of the unit surrounding the cell and the shell of the module surrounding the cells.

[0034] The casing may comprise a receiving element. The receiving element may have one wall or several, preferably several, e.g., four, walls.

[0035] The receiving element may surround a cell receiving space into which the cell can be received or is received or into which the cells can be received or are received.

[0036] Preferably, the receiving element can surround a cell receiving space in which the cell is received or in which the cells are received.

[0037] The wall or the several, e.g. four, walls that the receiving element has can surround the receiving space.

[0038] Adjacent walls can merge into one another. The receiving element can have a number of wall transition areas corresponding to the number of walls, in which two adjacent walls merge into one another.

[0039] The casing may include a cover. The cover may define the receiving space at one end of the receiving element, e.g., seal it fluid-tight.

[0040] The casing may have a connection zone. The connection zone may be formed at one end of the casing. The end of the casing at which the connection zone may be formed is preferably arranged opposite the end of the receiving element at which the cover can delimit the receiving space, e.g., seal it in a fluid-tight manner, or delimits it, e.g., seals it in a fluid-tight manner.

[0041] The casing may comprise a connection element. The connection zone may be a connection zone defined at least partially by the connection element. The connection element may be arranged opposite the cover, wherein the wall, preferably the plurality of walls, e.g., four walls, may extend between the connection element and the cover, preferably extending from the connection element to the cover.

[0042] The connecting element can be a connecting frame.

[0043] The receiving element, e.g., the wall or walls, may have one or more projections at one end of the receiving element. The projection(s) may rest on the connecting element of the casing.

[0044] The connecting element can have one or more projections, whereby the connecting element, e.g. the projection of the connecting element, can come to rest on this or the projections of the connecting element can come to rest on this.

[0045] The projection that the connecting element, e.g. the connecting frame, may have, or the projections that the connecting element, e.g. the connecting frame, may have, may extend inwardly into an area surrounded by the connecting element.

[0046] The connection zone may comprise connection units. These may be connection units through which a connection element, e.g., a screw or bolt, can extend, or with the aid of which a counter-connection element, e.g., a nut, can be positioned. The connection units may be formed on the connection element.

[0047] The connection zone can extend around the one-sided opening of the shell.

[0048] The jacket is preferably fluid-tight. It is particularly preferred if the jacket is fluid-tight at a temperature of 500 °C.

[0049] Whether the jacket is fluid-tight can be tested by checking whether a gas pressure of 1 bar relative to the surrounding atmosphere inside the jacket drops to less than 0.8 bar within 10 minutes. If the pressure is 0.8 bar or more after 10 minutes, the jacket is considered fluid-tight in the context of the present invention.

[0050] To test whether the jacket is fluid-tight at 500 °C, the described test is carried out with a jacket tempered to 500 °C.

[0051] It is preferred if the hot gas guide element encloses the hot gas guide channel in a fluid-tight manner. It is particularly preferred if the hot gas guide element encloses the hot gas guide channel in a fluid-tight manner when a temperature of 500°C prevails in the hot gas guide channel.

[0052] Whether the hot gas guide element encloses the hot gas guide channel in a fluid-tight manner can be tested in the same way as described for the jacket.

[0053] The device comprises a hot gas guide element into which the hot gas which can be discharged from the casing can be introduced and through which the hot gas can be at least partially discharged from the device.

[0054] In the event of thermal runaway of a cell contained within the unit or module, the resulting hot gas can be discharged from the casing through the one-sided opening in the casing through the hot gas discharge zone. Typically, a portion of the hot gas introduced into the hot gas guide element remains in the hot gas guide element. Another portion of the hot gas can escape from the hot gas guide element, e.g., through a hot gas outlet zone. Therefore, the hot gas can be at least partially discharged from the device through the hot gas guide element.

[0055] It is preferred if the hot gas guide element has a hot gas guide channel. It is preferred if the hot gas guide channel leads to a hot gas outlet zone of the device.

[0056] It is preferred if the hot gas guide element has a hot gas introduction zone through which the hot gas discharged from the casing can be introduced into the hot gas guide element. The hot gas discharged from the casing can preferably be introduced into the hot gas guide channel through the hot gas introduction zone.

[0057] It is preferred if the jacket and the hot gas discharge zone, together with the hot gas guide element and the hot gas introduction zone, define a hot gas transfer path through which the hot gas can be transferred from the jacket into the hot gas guide element. The hot gas can preferably be transferred from the jacket into the hot gas guide channel via the hot gas transfer path.

[0058] It may be advantageous if the hot gas introduction zone extends through an opening of the hot gas guide element into the hot gas guide channel.

[0059] The one-sided opening of the shell can be connected to the opening of the hot gas guide element in a fluid-tight manner. The connection can preferably be fluid-tight even at 500°C. Whether a fluid-tight connection exists can be verified as described herein for verifying the fluid tightness of the shell.

[0060] A sealing element can be arranged between the one-sided opening of the casing and the opening of the hot gas guide element. Sufficiently temperature-resistant sealing elements are known to those skilled in the art. Such sealing elements can, in particular, contain high-temperature-resistant materials such as graphite, expanded graphite, or mineral sealing materials.

[0061] If the jacket and the hot gas discharge zone, as described above, together with the hot gas guide element and the hot gas introduction zone, define a hot gas transfer path through which the hot gas can be transferred from the jacket into the hot gas guide element, the hot gas transfer path can be defined exclusively by the jacket and its hot gas discharge zone as well as the hot gas guide element and its hot gas introduction zone.

[0062] Preferably, the hot gas transfer path is not exclusively defined by the casing and its hot gas discharge zone, nor by the hot gas guide element and its hot gas inlet zone. For example, the hot gas transfer path can additionally be defined by at least one further element. The at least one further element can comprise the sealing element, which can be arranged between the one-sided opening of the casing and the opening of the hot gas guide element.

[0063] Preferably, the hot gas transfer path may have an inflow barrier.

[0064] The inflow barrier can serve, in particular, to prevent hot gas contained in the hot-gas guide element from flowing into the casing through the one-sided opening, or to only allow a very small amount of it to flow into the casing. The hot gas contained in the hot-gas guide element can originate from a thermal runaway of a cell in another unit or module of the device. The inflow barrier then proves advantageous because it counteracts the propagation of the thermal runaway.

[0065] At least part of the inflow barrier is preferably formed by at least part of the current-conducting element, wherein the unit can then in particular be the module, e.g. the module according to the invention described herein.

[0066] Preferably, the module comprises at least two current-conducting elements shielded from the environment by the casing, through each of which electrical energy, which can be absorbed and / or released by at least one part of the cells, can be guided.

[0067] At least a part of the inflow barrier can be formed by one of the at least two current conducting elements.

[0068] It can be particularly advantageous if the hot gas transfer path extends through a passage.

[0069] The passage can be located between at least two current conducting elements.

[0070] It was shown that current-conducting elements, which are usually used to connect the arresters of electrochemical cells, can also be used as a propagation barrier. This propagation barrier can effectively protect the cells of a module from hot gases escaping elsewhere within the device. At the same time, sufficient space can be created between adjacent current-conducting elements to ensure that hot gases escaping within the module flow into the hot-gas guide element. This flow is promoted by a pressure gradient, which is caused by the increased pressure building up in the casing when a cell within it experiences thermal failure.

[0071] This reduces the risk of thermal runaway propagation mediated by hot gases from a neighboring module. Furthermore, hot gases released within the module can flow away largely unhindered. Thermal runaway propagation can thus be suppressed in two ways: between modules and within modules.

[0072] It is preferred if the hot gas transfer path tapers at the inflow barrier in the hot gas flow direction starting from the hot gas discharge zone and the hot gas transfer path widens in the hot gas flow direction starting from the inflow barrier into the hot gas introduction zone.

[0073] It may be advantageous if, at the inflow barrier, the hot gas transfer path tapers in the hot gas flow direction starting from the hot gas discharge zone into the passage and the hot gas transfer path widens in the hot gas flow direction starting from the passage into the hot gas introduction zone.

[0074] The passage can, for example, exist between adjacent current-conducting elements.

[0075] The inflow barrier can be a burstable inflow barrier. The burstable inflow barrier can block the hot gas transfer path. After the inflow barrier bursts, the hot gas can be transferred from the casing into the hot gas guide element. Preferably, after the inflow barrier bursts, the hot gas can be transferred from the casing into the hot gas guide channel. Burstable barriers are known to those skilled in the art, for example, from documents WO 2021 / 245167 A1 and WO 2021 / 245168 A1. The bursting devices described therein can be burst by hot gases. The technical teaching described in these documents can be easily adapted by those skilled in the art to form a burstable inflow barrier that blocks the hot gas transfer path.Experts are easily able to design the predetermined breaking point of a burstable inflow barrier in such a way that bursting only occurs when a thermal runaway of a cell occurs within the casing and a correspondingly high pressure builds up within the casing, which is sufficient to burst the burst barrier.

[0076] It may be particularly advantageous if the unit is a first unit for storing, receiving and / or releasing electrical energy and the device comprises a second unit for storing, receiving and / or releasing electrical energy, wherein it is preferred if a second hot gas which can be discharged from a second jacket of the second unit can also be introduced into the hot gas guide element.

[0077] The second unit may include one or more of the features described herein for the first unit. The features and advantages described herein in connection with the first unit may also constitute features and advantages of the second unit.

[0078] In particular, the second unit can be a second module that can have one or more of the features described herein in connection with the first module. The second unit can be a second module according to the invention described herein. The first and second units can each be a module according to the invention described herein.

[0079] In particular, the module can be a first module for storing, receiving and / or releasing electrical energy and the device can comprise a second module for storing, receiving and / or releasing electrical energy, wherein it is preferred if a second hot gas that can be discharged from a second casing of the second module can also be introduced into the hot gas guide element.

[0080] The hot gas guide element can preferably have a second hot gas introduction zone through which the hot gas that can be discharged from the second jacket can be introduced into the hot gas guide element, preferably into the hot gas guide channel. It is preferred if the second jacket and the second hot gas discharge zone, together with the hot gas guide element and the second hot gas introduction zone, define a second hot gas transfer path through which the hot gas can be transferred from the second jacket into the hot gas guide element, preferably into the hot gas guide channel.

[0081] It can be particularly advantageous if the hot gas introduction zone is a first hot gas introduction zone and the hot gas guide element has a second hot gas introduction zone spaced from the first hot gas introduction zone, through which the second hot gas that can be discharged from the second jacket can be introduced into the hot gas guide element, wherein it is preferred if the second jacket and the second hot gas discharge zone together with the hot gas guide element and the second hot gas introduction zone define a second hot gas transfer path through which the second hot gas can be transferred from the second jacket into the hot gas guide element, preferably into the hot gas guide channel.

[0082] It can be particularly advantageous if the second hot gas transfer path has a second inflow barrier.

[0083] It can be particularly advantageous if, at the second inflow barrier, the second hot gas transfer path tapers in the hot gas flow direction starting from the second hot gas discharge zone and the second hot gas transfer path widens in the hot gas flow direction starting from the second inflow barrier into the second hot gas introduction zone.

[0084] It may be advantageous if, at the second inflow barrier, the second hot gas transfer path tapers in the hot gas flow direction starting from the second hot gas discharge zone into a second passage and the second hot gas transfer path widens in the hot gas flow direction starting from the second passage into the second hot gas introduction zone.

[0085] The second passage may, for example, exist between adjacent current-conducting elements of the second module.

[0086] The second inflow barrier may be a second burstable inflow barrier.

[0087] The second inflow barrier may be a second burstable inflow barrier which blocks the second hot gas transfer path, wherein the second hot gas can be transferred from the second shell into the hot gas guide element, preferably into the hot gas guide channel, after the second inflow barrier has burst.

[0088] Preferably, the two hot gas transfer paths merge into the hot gas guide channel.

[0089] It is preferred if the two hot gas transfer paths each pass between current conducting elements of the respective module.

[0090] It may be preferred if the two hot gas transfer paths are each blocked by burstable inflow barriers.

[0091] It is preferred if the two hot gas transfer paths merge into different hot gas guide channel sections. One hot gas guide channel section can differ from another hot gas guide channel section, for example, in that different hot gas transfer paths merge into the respective hot gas guide channel sections.

[0092] It is possible that there are bottlenecks, flow barriers, webs, etc. between different hot gas duct sections.

[0093] It can be particularly advantageous if a first hot gas guide channel section, into which the first hot gas transfer path merges, is arranged upstream in the hot gas flow direction of a second hot gas guide channel section, into which the second hot gas transfer path merges. The statement that a hot gas guide channel section is arranged upstream of another hot gas guide channel section refers to the usual flow direction of a hot gas within the hot gas guide channel. A hot gas guide channel section is arranged upstream of another hot gas guide channel section if it is first flowed through by a hot gas flowing in the hot gas guide channel. In this case, it is assumed in particular that the hot gas flow direction within the hot gas guide channel leads towards the hot gas outlet zone of the device.

[0094] It may be particularly advantageous if the device comprises a third unit for storing, absorbing, and / or releasing electrical energy, wherein it is preferred if a third hot gas, which can be discharged from a third jacket of the third unit, can also be introduced into the hot gas guide element. It is particularly advantageous if the third unit is also a third module, e.g., a module according to the invention described herein.

[0095] The third unit may include one or more of the features described herein for the first unit. The features and advantages described herein in connection with the first unit may also constitute features and advantages of the third unit.

[0096] In particular, the third unit may be a third module that may have one or more of the features described herein in connection with the first module.

[0097] It is preferred if the hot gas guide element has a second hot gas introduction zone spaced apart from the first hot gas introduction zone and a third hot gas introduction zone spaced apart from the second hot gas introduction zone. The third hot gas that can be discharged from the third jacket can be introduced into the hot gas guide element through the third hot gas introduction zone. It is preferred if the third jacket and the third hot gas discharge zone, together with the hot gas guide element and the third hot gas introduction zone, define a third hot gas transfer path through which the third hot gas can be transferred from the third jacket into the hot gas guide element, preferably into the hot gas guide channel.

[0098] Preferably, the third hot gas transfer path has a third inflow barrier.

[0099] It is advantageous if, at the third inflow barrier, the third hot gas transfer path tapers in the hot gas flow direction starting from the third hot gas discharge zone and the third hot gas transfer path widens in the hot gas flow direction starting from the third inflow barrier into the third hot gas introduction zone.

[0100] It may be advantageous if, at the third inflow barrier, the third hot gas transfer path tapers in the hot gas flow direction starting from the third hot gas discharge zone into a third passage and the third hot gas transfer path widens in the hot gas flow direction starting from the third passage into the third hot gas introduction zone.

[0101] The third passage can, for example, exist between adjacent current-conducting elements of the third module.

[0102] The third inflow barrier may be a third burstable inflow barrier.

[0103] The third inflow barrier may be a third burstable inflow barrier which blocks the third hot gas transfer path, wherein the third hot gas can be transferred from the third shell into the hot gas guide element, preferably into the hot gas guide channel, after the third inflow barrier has burst.

[0104] Preferably, the three hot gas transfer paths merge into the hot gas guide channel.

[0105] It is particularly preferred if the three hot gas transfer paths merge into three different hot gas guide channel sections.

[0106] It is particularly advantageous if a second hot gas guide channel section, into which the second hot gas transfer path merges, is arranged upstream in the hot gas flow direction from a third hot gas guide channel section, into which the third hot gas transfer path merges.

[0107] It is particularly advantageous if the hot gas guide channel downstream of an inlet of the second hot gas transfer path is so easy to flow through that a hot gas that can be released from a fully charged cell of the first unit in the event of thermal runaway of the cell can be guided to such a high extent past the inlet of the second hot gas transfer path further in the hot gas guide channel that the thermal runaway cannot spread to a cell of the second unit.

[0108] It is particularly advantageous if the hot gas guide channel downstream of an inlet of the third hot gas transfer path is so easy to flow through that a hot gas that can be released from a fully charged cell of the first or second unit in the event of thermal runaway of the cell can be guided to such a high extent past the inlet of the third hot gas transfer path further in the hot gas guide channel that the thermal runaway cannot spread to a cell of the third unit.

[0109] Ensuring easy flow downstream of each inlet of a hot gas transfer path reduces the heat input into a unit connected upstream of the respective inlet and thus the risk of thermal runaway spreading if a cell in an upstream unit experiences thermal runaway.

[0110] It is readily possible for those skilled in the art to design the hot gas guide channel to ensure easy flow. At the same time, it is readily possible for those skilled in the art to design the inflow barriers, e.g., by specifying a width of passages between flow-conducting elements, such that hot gas can essentially not flow into a module. In this case, thermal runaway of a fully charged cell can be assumed, which – depending on the cell chemistry – can result in different hot gas flows, which experts can use for the technical design of the device, in particular to ensure the effectiveness of the inflow barriers and the flow through the hot gas guide channel, within the scope of the invention.

[0111] It can be particularly advantageous if a width of the hot gas guide channel, measured orthogonally to a main extension direction of the hot gas guide channel, is at least three times greater than a height of the hot gas guide channel, measured orthogonally to the main extension direction of the hot gas guide channel. It can be particularly advantageous if the width of the hot gas guide channel is at least 3.5 times greater than the height of the hot gas guide channel; for example, the width of the hot gas guide channel can be at least four times greater than the height of the hot gas guide channel.

[0112] It may be particularly advantageous if a width of the hot gas guide channel that can be measured orthogonally to a main extension direction of the hot gas guide channel is greater than a width of the unit measured in the same direction, preferably greater than a width of the first or the second unit measured in the same direction, e.g. greater than a width of the first unit measured in the same direction and greater than a width of the second unit measured in the same direction.

[0113] When determining the height and width of the hot gas duct and the width of units, webs that may extend, for example, in or through the hot gas duct can preferably be disregarded.

[0114] If the width of the hot gas guide channel is large compared to other dimensions, e.g., the height of the hot gas guide channel or the width of the first or second unit, this can ensure, in particular, a large spread and, in particular, a flat spread of escaping hot gas within the hot gas guide channel, also in the width direction, and achieve heat dissipation via the walls of the hot gas guide element. This can also contribute to reducing the risk of propagation of thermal runaway. Furthermore, the large width and the small height of the hot gas guide element, in particular, offer the possibility of manufacturing the hot gas guide element entirely or partially from cost-effective flat elements, e.g., by deep drawing.

[0115] This can therefore also contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the device and its particularly easy manufacture.

[0116] It may be particularly advantageous if the hot gas guide element has a connection zone and the unit is connected to the connection zone in a fluid-tight manner via its opening, wherein it is preferred if the hot gas guide element has a first connection zone and a second connection zone, the first unit is connected to the first connection zone in a fluid-tight manner via its opening and the second unit is connected to the second connection zone in a fluid-tight manner via its opening.

[0117] The connection to the connection zone can be established via a sealing element. The sealing element can be one of the sealing elements mentioned elsewhere herein.

[0118] Preferably, the hot gas guide element has two channel delimiting elements, wherein at least one hot gas guide channel section extends between the channel delimiting elements.

[0119] One of the channel boundary elements can be a channel cover element.

[0120] One of the channel boundary elements may be a frame element.

[0121] It may be particularly preferred if one of the two channel boundary elements is a channel cover element and the other of the two channel boundary elements is a frame element.

[0122] Preferably, one of the channel delimiting elements can be a channel cover element which delimits a height of the hot gas guide channel in one direction that can be measured orthogonally to the main extension direction of the hot gas guide channel.

[0123] It is preferred if the channel covering element has a recessed zone on one of its two main surfaces, in which the main surface is recessed relative to an edge which at least partially surrounds the main surface.

[0124] It may be preferred if one of the two main surfaces of the channel cover element is convex and the other of the two main surfaces of the channel cover element is concave. The recessed zone can be formed on the concave main surface of the channel cover element.

[0125] It may be advantageous if one of the channel delimiting elements is a frame element which delimits a width of the hot gas guide channel that can be measured orthogonally to the main extension direction of the hot gas guide channel in two directions.

[0126] The frame element can have two frame limiting sections that limit the width of the hot gas guide channel.

[0127] The two directions in which the measurable width of the hot gas duct is limited by the frame element can be two opposite directions. They can extend in opposite directions along a straight line.

[0128] The frame element may have at least one web. The at least one web may extend from one frame boundary section to an opposite frame boundary section.

[0129] It may be advantageous if at least one of the connection zones provided by the hot gas guide element is defined all around by the frame element. The at least one connection zone defined all around by the frame element can be defined all around by frame boundary sections and / or webs.

[0130] It is particularly advantageous if at least one of the connection zones is defined all around by three frame boundary sections and a web.

[0131] It may be advantageous if at least one further connection zone is defined all around by two frame boundary sections and two webs.

[0132] It may be advantageous if connection units are formed in at least one of the connection zones, which serve to connect the associated unit or module to the connection zone. Preferably, at least four connection units can be present in the at least one connection zone.

[0133] Preferably, at least one of the connection units can be formed on one of the channel boundary elements, preferably on the frame element.

[0134] At least one of the connecting units can be a recess, e.g., a cylindrical recess. The cylindrical recess can be a bore.

[0135] Preferably, the hot gas guide element can have the connection zone and the unit can be connected to the connection zone in a fluid-tight manner via its opening, wherein the fluid-tight connection of the unit to the connection zone is mediated by at least one fastening element which is arranged on the at least one connection unit.

[0136] The at least one fastening element can preferably extend into the at least one connection unit.

[0137] The jacket can be connected via its connection zone to the connection zone of the hot gas guide element.

[0138] Preferably, the unit can be a first unit for storing, receiving, and / or discharging electrical energy, and the device can comprise further units for storing, receiving, and / or discharging electrical energy, e.g., the second and / or third unit. The casing of each unit forms a housing element, and the hot gas guide element forms a further housing element of a housing of the device. The housing is a hot gas discharge housing through which hot gases can be discharged via the hot gas guide element. Of course, the first unit and several or all of the further units can be modules described herein.

[0139] Hot gases that can be released in the event of a thermal runaway of a cell in one of the units or modules can thus be specifically contained within the hot gas discharge housing of the device and discharged in a targeted and / or controlled manner via the hot gas guide element.

[0140] This can offer advantages, particularly with regard to installation space and / or energy density, since a separate housing, in which modules of energy storage devices are often accommodated, becomes unnecessary.

[0141] The device can be branched. In particular, different hot gas guide channel branches can merge into one another in a connecting zone. The hot gas guide channel branches can be branched, for example, in a T-shape in the connecting zone.

[0142] According to the invention, the object is also achieved by the module according to the relevant independent claim.

[0143] The module may, for example, be a module for a device according to the invention described herein. The module may, in particular, comprise the following: - a plurality of cells for storing, absorbing and / or releasing electrical energy, - a coat that surrounds the cells, - a current-conducting element shielded from the environment by the casing, through which electrical energy that can be absorbed and / or released by at least some of the cells can be conducted, and / or a sensor and / or control element shielded from the environment by the casing, through which a charge state of at least one cell can be monitored and / or controlled, and - a hot gas discharge zone through which a hot gas can be discharged from the jacket via a one-sided opening in the jacket.

[0144] Preferably, the module may have an inflow barrier.

[0145] Preferably, the module may comprise the current conducting element.

[0146] It can be particularly advantageous if the inflow barrier is formed with the current conducting element.

[0147] It is particularly preferred if the cells are arranged in a cell receiving space surrounded by the casing. The cells can, for example, be suspended in the cell receiving space surrounded by the casing.

[0148] It is preferred if at least one of the cells is arranged in an electrically conductive manner on a current-conducting element via a cell conductor. The current-conducting element can, in particular, be the current-conducting element that the module has and with which the inflow barrier can be formed.

[0149] It is particularly preferred if a force transmitted via the arrester to the current-conducting element is dissipated via the sheath.

[0150] The force transmitted to the current-conducting element via the arrester may be a force that pulls the current-conducting element toward at least one of the cells.

[0151] It is particularly preferred if at least one of the cells is arranged in an electrically conductive manner on two current-conducting elements via two cell conductors and is suspended between the current-conducting elements in the casing. The inflow barrier can be formed by one of the current-conducting elements.

[0152] Of course, features described in connection with one subject matter according to the invention can also form features of another subject matter according to the invention. Subject matters according to the invention are, in particular, the device and the module. In particular, the unit described in connection with the device or the module described in connection with the device, e.g., each unit described in connection with the device and each module described in connection with the device, can be a module according to the invention described herein. The module according to the invention described herein can, in turn, have features and provide advantages that were described herein in connection with the device according to the invention.

[0153] Further preferred features and / or advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of exemplary embodiments.

[0154] They show: Fig. 1: a roughly simplified device for storing, absorbing and / or releasing electrical energy; Fig. 2: a side view of the device from Fig. 1; Fig. 3: a roughly simplified rear view of the device from Fig. 1; Fig. 4: the hot gas guide element of the device from Fig. 1 to 3; Fig. 5: another view of the hot gas guide element from Fig. 4; Fig. 6: one of the channel limiting elements of the hot gas guide element from Fig. 4 and Fig. 5; Fig. 7: the other channel limiting element of the hot gas guide element from Fig. 4 and Fig. 5; Fig. 8: an enlarged section of Fig. 7; Fig. 9: a section of the hot gas guide element from Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 with two connected units for storing, absorbing and / or discharging electrical energy; Fig. 10: the section from Fig. 9 in a different view; Fig. 11: a Fig. 10 corresponding representation, with one of the channel boundary elements omitted; Fig. 12: the two units from Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, wherein the hot gas guide element has been omitted; Fig. 13: the two units from Fig. 12, where the tempering elements were omitted; Fig. 14: only the tempering plates made of Fig. 12; Fig. 15: the two coats of the units from Fig. 13; Fig. 16: one of the coats from Fig. 15, where the connecting element has been omitted; Fig. 17: the connecting element of one of the sheaths from Fig. 15; Fig. 18: the cells of one of the Fig. 13 units shown; Fig. 19: a section of the cells from Fig. 18 with current conducting elements; Fig. 20: the section from Fig. 19 with a further current conducting element; Fig. 21: the section from Fig. 19 and Fig. 20 with the receiving element of the associated jacket; Fig. 22: the section from Fig. 19 to 21 with receiving element and connecting element of the jacket; Fig. 23: a section through the Fig. 4 shown hot gas guide element; Fig. 24: a schematic representation of three units connected to a hot gas guide element; Fig. 25: the schematic representation from Fig. 24, where in the unit shown on the right a thermal runaway of a cell is indicated; and Fig. 26: the schematic representation from Fig. 25, where hot gas flows resulting from thermal runaway of the cell are also indicated.

[0155] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0156] Fig. 1 shows a device 100 for storing, absorbing and / or releasing electrical energy.

[0157] The device 100 comprises 18 units 102 for storing, absorbing, and / or releasing electrical energy. The units 102 are modules 104. The modules 104 are described in more detail in connection with other figures.

[0158] The device 100 also includes a high-voltage battery connection device 112.

[0159] Fig. Figure 2 shows the device 100 in a different view. This view clearly shows that the hot gas guide element 110 is flat and that the device 100 takes up barely more space than the units 102, designed as modules 104, and the associated temperature control elements 106.

[0160] Fig. 3 shows a further view of the device 100. The units 102, designed as modules 104, each comprise a casing 114. The casings 114 each extend substantially to the hot gas guide element 110.

[0161] Fig. 4 shows the hot gas guide element 110 of the device 100 from Fig. 1 to 3. The hot gas guide element 110 has a connection zone 116 for each unit 102.

[0162] The units 102 designed as modules 104 can be connected in a fluid-tight manner to the connection zones 116 via their respective opening, which will be described in more detail in connection with the following figures.

[0163] The hot gas guide element 110 has a hot gas guide channel 118. This channel extends in the hot gas guide element 110 in a substantially T-shape directly below the connection zones 116 shown.

[0164] Fig. Figure 4 also shows that the connection zones 116 each have four connection units 120. In the example shown here, the connection units 120 are bores 122. The connection units 120 serve to connect the units 102, which are designed as modules 104.

[0165] The hot gas guide element 110 also has a plurality of sleeves 124 arranged in further bores 122. The sleeves 124 and the associated bores 122 serve to arrange the device 100 in a motor vehicle, wherein at least part of the electrical energy required to drive the motor vehicle can be provided by the device 100.

[0166] The device 100 is branched. In particular, various hot gas guide channel branches 218 merge into one another in a connecting zone 220. The hot gas guide channel branches are branched in a T-shape in the connecting zone 220.

[0167] Fig. 5 shows another view of the already in Fig. 4 shown hot gas guide element 110.

[0168] The hot gas guide element 110 has two channel delimiting elements 126. In the example shown, the hot gas guide channel extends between these two channel delimiting elements 126.

[0169] One of the channel delimiting elements 126 is a channel cover element 128. The channel cover element 128 delimits a height 132 of the hot gas guide channel 118, which height can be measured orthogonally to a main extension direction 130 of the hot gas guide channel 118, in one direction. This is particularly evident from the Fig. 23 shown cross section Fig. 4 clearly.

[0170] In particular from Fig. 23 also shows that the channel cover element 128 has a recessed zone 136 on one of its two main surfaces 134, 135, in which this main surface 134 is recessed relative to an edge 138 surrounding the main surface 134.

[0171] Fig. 5 also shows that the other channel boundary element 126 is a frame element 140. The frame element 140 functions as a spacer element 142 in the device 100.

[0172] Fig. 6 shows the channel cover element 128 without frame element 140.

[0173] In Fig. 6 clearly shows that the edge 138 completely surrounds the main surface 134. The edge 138 has the shape of a flange 144.

[0174] Fig. 7 shows the other channel boundary element 126, which is a frame element 140 and functions as a spacer element 142 in the device 100.

[0175] The Fig. The channel limiting element shown in Figure 7 has a plurality of webs 146. The webs 146 are located in the device 100 between adjacent units 102. The channel limiting element 126, which in Fig. 7, also has peripheral frame boundary sections 148. These define the substantially T-shaped form.

[0176] Fig. 8 shows a section of the channel limiting element 126 from Fig. 7. The connection zones 116, which the hot gas guide element has, are each surrounded by frame boundary sections 148 and / or webs 146. Connection units 120, which are designed as bores 122, are located in the example shown here in the transitions from frame boundary sections 148 to webs 146 and in the transitions of frame boundary sections 148 that merge into one another. Fig. 8 also shows sleeve receiving zones 150, which are bores 122. They are arranged around the edge of the frame boundary sections 148.

[0177] Each connection zone 116 defines a hot gas introduction zone 152. The Fig. 8 jackets not shown can be discharged in each case through a hot gas inlet zone into the hot gas guide channel of the hot gas guide element.

[0178] Fig. 9 shows a section of a hot gas guide element of the device from Fig. 1 to 3. The figure shows only one pair 154 of the units 102 designed as modules 104.

[0179] The two units 102 designed as modules 104 are connected to two directly adjacent connection zones 116.

[0180] The jackets 114 of the two units 102 are each cooled on two sides by tempering elements 106, which are designed as tempering plates 108.

[0181] The jackets 114 each also include a cover 156. The cover 156 is arranged on a side of the respective unit 102 facing away from the hot gas guide element.

[0182] Fig. 10 also shows the already in Fig. 9 shown section of the hot gas guide element with the pair 154 of the units 102 each designed as a module 104. The in Fig. The view shown in Figure 10 provides a view of the channel limiting element 126, which is a channel covering element 128. Fig. 10 also shows the further channel boundary element 126, which is a frame element 140, which acts as a spacer element 142 between the respective unit 102 and the channel cover element 128.

[0183] From the Fig. 3 and Fig. 10 clearly shows that the shells 114 are each housing elements 212 of a housing 214 of the device 100, and the hot gas guide element 110 is another housing element 212 of the housing 214 of the device 100. The housing 214 is a hot gas discharge housing 216, through which hot gases can be discharged via the hot gas guide element 110. A further surrounding housing, which typically surrounds modular energy storage devices, is thus unnecessary.

[0184] Fig. 11 essentially shows the view from Fig. 10, where the channel cover element 128 has been omitted. Therefore, only the channel boundary element 126 is visible there, which is a frame element 140 that functions as a spacer element 142.

[0185] Fig. 12 essentially shows the view from Fig. 11, wherein the channel limiting element 126 acting as a spacer element 142 has also been omitted.

[0186] The Fig. The view shown in Figure 12 provides a clear view of the current-conducting elements 158, which are shielded from the environment by the respective sheath 114. Arresters 160 are arranged in an electrically conductive manner on the current-conducting elements 158. The arresters 160 belong to the cells which are Fig. 12 and are therefore not visible there. Electrical energy that can be absorbed and / or released by the cells can be conducted through the current-conducting elements 158.

[0187] Passages 162 are located between adjacent current conducting elements 158. In the example shown here, the passages 162 result from the fact that the adjacent current conducting elements 158 are spaced apart from one another.

[0188] Fig. 12 also shows temperature control medium connections 164 encompassed by the temperature control plates 108, which can be used for the supply and removal of a temperature control medium.

[0189] In the Fig. 13, the tempering elements 106 are not shown. Otherwise, the view shown in Fig. 13 shown view of the Fig. View shown in Figure 12.

[0190] Fig. Figure 13 shows sensor and / or control elements 166. The sensor and / or control elements 166 are also shielded from the environment by the casing 114 of the respective unit. The sensor and / or control elements 166 allow the charge states of cells to be monitored and / or controlled.

[0191] Connection units 120, which may, for example, be bores 122, are formed on a connection element 168 of the respective unit 102, which is enclosed by the casing 114. When the respective unit 102 is connected to the hot gas guide element, the connection units 120 of the connection element 168 rest on corresponding connection units 120 of the hot gas guide element 110. A firm connection of the unit 102 to the hot gas guide element 110 can be established using screws or bolts, which are each guided in or through corresponding connection units 120 of the connection element 168 belonging to the casing and of the hot gas guide element 110.

[0192] Fig. 14 shows only the Fig. 13 not shown, designed as tempering plates 108, tempering elements 106.

[0193] The view in Fig. 15 shows only the coats 114 of the Fig. 13 shown pair 154 to units 102. The two shells 114 each comprise a cover 156. They also each comprise a connecting element 168 and a receiving element 170.

[0194] Four walls 172 of the respective receiving element 170 surround the cell receiving space 174, into which the cells which are Fig. 15 are not shown. The two in Fig. The shells shown in Figure 15 have one-sided openings 176. The connection element 168 defines a connection zone 178 of the respective shell.

[0195] In Fig. 16, only the cover 156 and the receiving element 170 are one of the two in Fig. 15. In the example shown here, the walls 172 each have a projection 180 at the ends facing the viewer, the projection being on the Fig. 17 shown connecting element 168 of the casing 114. In the Fig. In the example of the connecting element 168 shown in Figure 17, the connecting element 168 also includes a projection 180 on which the projection 180 of the receiving element 170 can rest. The connecting element 168 is a connecting frame 182. The connecting frame 182 has connecting units 120, which in the example shown here are bores 122.

[0196] Fig. 18 shows the cells 184 for storing, receiving and / or releasing electrical energy comprised by units 102 shown in previously described figures.

[0197] The number of cells in the example shown here is 24. The cells are battery cells 186. They are pouch cells 188. Each of the cells 184 comprises a conductor 160. Only selected battery cells 186 and conductors 160 are provided with reference numerals. Via the conductor 160, the respective cell can be arranged in an electrically conductive manner on one of the current conducting elements 158. The current conducting elements 158 are in Fig. 18 is not shown. The arresters 160 extend out of the respective cell 184. In Fig. 18, the conductors 160 extending toward the viewer are shown at one end 190 of the cells 184. The conductors 160 extending out of the cells 184 at the other ends 192 are shown in Fig. 18 turned away from the viewer and therefore not so clearly visible.

[0198] The arresters 160 comprise cell suspension elements 194. A force can be applied to one of the cells in Fig. 18 current conducting elements 158, not shown. The cell suspension elements 194 can be bent sections of the conductors 160.

[0199] In Fig. 19 is of the Fig. 18, only one end 190 facing the viewer is shown.

[0200] Unlike in Fig. 18, are in Fig. 19 additionally shows the current conducting elements 158. As particularly in connection with Fig. As already explained in Figure 12, there are passages 162 between the current conducting elements 158. Hot gas discharge zones 196 extend along the discharge elements 160.

[0201] As already described with reference to other figures, the hot gas guide element 110 has a hot gas introduction zone 152. The hot gas discharged from the casing 114 can be introduced into the hot gas guide element and the hot gas guide channel 118 through the hot gas introduction zone 152.

[0202] If now the unit 102 including the units encompassed by the unit 102, in Fig. 19 is connected to the connection zone 116, the jacket 114 and the hot gas discharge zones 196 together with the hot gas guide element 110 and the hot gas introduction zone 152 define a hot gas transfer path 198. The hot gas can be transferred from the jacket 114 into the hot gas guide element 110 and into its hot gas guide channel 118 via the hot gas transfer path 198.

[0203] In the example shown here, the hot gas transfer path 198 passes through the passage 162 between adjacent current conducting elements 158.

[0204] In the example shown here, the hot gas transfer path 198 has an inflow barrier 200.

[0205] At the inflow barrier 200, the hot gas transfer path 198 tapers in the hot gas flow direction starting from the hot gas discharge zone 196. In the hot gas flow direction, the hot gas transfer path 198 widens starting from the inflow barrier 200 into the hot gas introduction zone 152. Of course, the hot gas transfer path 198 is in Fig. 19 can only be partially seen, since the hot gas introduction zone is formed by the hot gas guide element and the hot gas guide element in Fig. 19 is not shown.

[0206] Fig. 20 shows another connecting current conducting element 202 which connects the current conducting elements 158.

[0207] In Fig. 21, the receiving element 170 of the casing 114 is additionally shown, with a wall 172 of the receiving element 170 facing the viewer.

[0208] In Fig. 22, in addition to the receiving element 170 of the casing 114, the connecting element 168 of the casing 114 is also shown.

[0209] Fig. 22 also shows the connection units 120, designed as bores 122, of the connection element 168 encompassed by the casing.

[0210] Fig. 23 shows the Fig. 4 indicated section through the hot gas guide element 110 shown there. Fig. 23 clearly shows that a width 204 of the hot gas guide channel 118 measurable orthogonally to the main extension direction 130 of the hot gas guide channel 118 is at least three times as large as a height of the hot gas guide channel 118 measurable orthogonally to the main extension direction 130 of the hot gas guide channel 118. In Fig. 23, the main extension direction 130 runs along the viewing direction of the observer, which is why the main extension direction 130 is shown as a cross.

[0211] From the Fig. 23, it can also be clearly seen that a width 204 of the hot gas guide channel 118, which can be measured orthogonally to the main extension direction 130 of the hot gas guide channel 118, is greater than a width 206 of the first unit 102 measured in the same direction and is greater than a width 206 of the second unit 102 measured in the same direction. The two units 102 are in Fig. 23 are only indicated by dashed lines. Their shape and dimensions essentially correspond to the two units 102, which are shown in Fig. 12 are shown.

[0212] In Fig. Figure 24 schematically illustrates a device 100 for storing, receiving, and / or delivering electrical energy. The illustration shows only a portion of the device 100 with three units 102 for storing, receiving, and / or delivering electrical energy, wherein the units are modules 104.

[0213] The modules 104 are also shown in a highly simplified manner. Each of the modules 104 can comprise a plurality of cells 184 for storing, absorbing and / or releasing electrical energy. The cells 184 can be arranged in the respective module, for example, as is particularly shown in the Fig. 18 to 22 illustrate this by way of example.

[0214] The units 102 each comprise a casing 114 that surrounds the cells 184. The cells 184 are each accommodated in a cell-receiving space 174 of the casing.

[0215] The units 102 are connected to the hot gas guide element 110 via their connection zones 178 and connection zones 116 of the hot gas guide element 110. The connection zones 116 each surround a hot gas introduction zone 152. The hot gas that can be discharged from the respective casing 114 of the respective unit 102 can be introduced into the hot gas guide element 110 and its hot gas guide channel 118 through the hot gas introduction zones 152 of the hot gas guide element 110.

[0216] The units each comprise a hot gas discharge zone 196, via which a hot gas can be discharged from the respective jacket 114 via a one-sided opening 176 of the jacket 114.

[0217] The respective jacket 114 and the respective hot gas discharge zone 196, together with the hot gas guide element 110 and the respective hot gas introduction zone 152, define a respective hot gas transfer path 198 through which the hot gas from the respective jacket 114 can be transferred into the hot gas guide element 110 and its hot gas guide channel 118.

[0218] Fig. 25 illustrates the behavior of the device 100 used in Fig. 24, when a cell 184 in a first unit 102, shown here on the far right, thermally runs away. The thermal runaway is represented by the lightning bolt. The added arrow represents the hot gas flow direction 208 along the hot gas flow channel 118.

[0219] The Fig. 24 and Fig. 25, the unit 102 shown in the middle can be understood as a second unit 102 which is located downstream of the first unit 102 shown on the far right in the hot gas guide direction 208.

[0220] It is preferred if the hot gas guide channel 118 downstream of an inlet 210 of the second hot gas transfer path of the second unit 102 is so easy to flow through that a hot gas discharged from a fully charged cell of the first unit 102 at the Fig. 25, the hot gas that can be released by the thermal runaway indicated can be guided further in the hot gas guide channel 118 past the inlet 210 of the second hot gas transfer path 198 to such a high extent that the thermal runaway cannot spread to a cell of the second unit 102.

[0221] This is in Fig. 26 illustrates the Fig. 25, wherein a branching arrow in the region of the junction 210 of the hot gas transfer path 198 symbolizes a distribution of heat released during thermal runaway. The small arrow branching off into the second unit represents a small amount of heat that can be introduced into the second unit 102. Since the hot gas guide channel downstream of the junction 210 of the second hot gas transfer path 198 is very easy to flow through, a vast majority of the heat released during thermal runaway escapes along the hot gas guide channel 118 and does not reach the second unit 102. The thermal runaway is therefore unable to spread to a cell of the second unit 102.

[0222] In view of the invention, it is readily possible for those skilled in the art to design the hot gas guide channel 118 over its entire length in such a way that it is very easy to flow through. Those skilled in the art are also readily able to determine the size of passages 162 and inflow barriers 200, which are provided, for example, in Fig. 19, are to be coordinated with one another in such a way that an inflow of hot gas from the hot gas guide channel 118 to the cells is prevented as far as possible. List of reference symbols 100 device 102 units 104 Module 106 Tempering element 108 Tempering plate 110 Hot gas guide element 112 High-voltage battery connection device 114 Coat 116 Connection zone 118 Hot gas duct 120 connection unit 122 bore 124 sleeve 126 Channel limiting element 128 Channel cover element 130 Main direction of extension 132 height 134, 135 Main interface 136 Deepening zone 138 Rand 140 frame element 142 spacer element 144 Flange 146 jetty 148 frame boundary section 150 shell receiving zone 152 Hot gas introduction zone 154 pairs 156 Cover 158 Current conducting element 160 arresters 162 passage 164 Tempering medium connection 166 Sensor and / or control element 168 connecting element 170 receiving element 172 wall 174 Cell Reception Room 176 one-sided opening 178 Connection zone 180 overhang 182 connection frames 184 Cell 186 battery cells 188 pouch cell 190, 192 End 194 Cell suspension element 196 Hot gas discharge zone 198 Hot gas transfer path 200 Inflow barrier 202 current conducting element 204, 206 width 208 Hot gas flow direction 210 Junction 212 Housing element 214 housings 216 Hot gas discharge housing 218 Hot gas duct branch 220 connection zone QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2021 / 245167 A1

[0075] WO 2021 / 245168 A1

[0075]

Claims

[1] Device (100) for storing, receiving and / or releasing electrical energy, the device (100) comprising: - a unit (102) for storing, receiving and / or releasing electrical energy, the unit (102) comprising: - a cell (184) for storing, absorbing and / or releasing electrical energy, - a jacket (114) surrounding the cell (184), - a current-conducting element (158) shielded from the environment by the casing (114), through which electrical energy that can be absorbed and / or released by the cell (184) can be conducted, and / or a sensor and / or control element (166) shielded from the environment by the casing (114), by which a charge state of the cell (184) can be monitored and / or controlled, and - a hot gas discharge zone (196) through which a hot gas can be discharged from the casing (114) via a one-sided opening (176) of the casing (114), wherein it is preferred if the unit (102) is a module (104), wherein the module (104) comprises the following: - a plurality of cells (184) for storing, absorbing and / or releasing electrical energy, - a sheath (114) surrounding the cells (184), - a current-conducting element (158) shielded from the environment by the casing (114), through which electrical energy that can be absorbed and / or released by at least some of the cells (184) can be guided, and / or a sensor and / or control element (166) shielded from the environment by the casing (114), by which a charge state of at least one cell (184) can be monitored and / or controlled, and - a hot gas discharge zone (196) through which a hot gas can be discharged from the casing (114) via a one-sided opening (176) of the casing (114), wherein it is preferred if the module (104) is a module (104) according to one of claims 21 to 25, and - a hot gas guide element (110) into which the hot gas which can be discharged from the casing (114) can be introduced and through which the hot gas can be at least partially discharged from the device (100), wherein it is preferred if the hot gas guide element (110) has a hot gas guide channel (118), wherein it is preferred if the hot gas guide channel (118) leads to a hot gas outlet zone (196) of the device (100). [2] Device (100) according to claim 1, characterized byin that the hot gas guide element (110) has a hot gas introduction zone (152) through which the hot gas that can be led out of the jacket (114) can be introduced into the hot gas guide element (110), preferably into the hot gas guide channel (118), wherein it is preferred if the jacket (114) and the hot gas discharge zone (196) together with the hot gas guide element (110) and the hot gas introduction zone (152) define a hot gas transfer path (198) through which the hot gas can be transferred from the jacket (114) into the hot gas guide element (110), preferably into the hot gas guide channel (118). [3] Device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the hot gas transfer path (198) has an inflow barrier (200). [4] Device (100) according to claim 3, characterized bythat at the inflow barrier (200) the hot gas transfer path (198) tapers in the hot gas flow direction starting from the hot gas discharge zone (196) and the hot gas transfer path (198) widens in the hot gas flow direction starting from the inflow barrier (200) into the hot gas introduction zone (152). [5] Device (100) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by in that the inflow barrier (200) is a burstable inflow barrier (200) which blocks the hot gas transfer path (198), wherein the hot gas can be transferred from the casing (114) into the hot gas guide element (110), preferably into the hot gas guide channel (118), after the inflow barrier (200) has burst. [6] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the unit (102) is a first unit (102) for storing, receiving and / or releasing electrical energy and the device (100) comprises a second unit (102) for storing, receiving and / or releasing electrical energy, wherein it is preferred if a second hot gas which can be discharged from a second casing (114) of the second unit (102) can also be introduced into the hot gas guide element (110). [7] Device (100) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the hot gas introduction zone (152) is a first hot gas introduction zone (152) and the hot gas guide element (110) has a second hot gas introduction zone (152) spaced from the first hot gas introduction zone (152), through which the second hot gas that can be discharged from the second jacket (114) can be introduced into the hot gas guide element (110), wherein it is preferred if the second jacket (114) and the second hot gas discharge zone (196) together with the hot gas guide element (110) and the second hot gas introduction zone (152) define a second hot gas transfer path (198) through which the second hot gas can be transferred from the second jacket (114) into the hot gas guide element (110), preferably into the hot gas guide channel (118). [8] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second hot gas transfer path (198) has a second inflow barrier (200). [9] Device (100) according to claim 8, characterized by that at the second inflow barrier (200) the second hot gas transfer path (198) tapers in the hot gas flow direction starting from the second hot gas discharge zone (196) and the second hot gas transfer path (198) widens in the hot gas flow direction starting from the second inflow barrier (200) into the second hot gas introduction zone (152). [10] Device (100) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by in that the second inflow barrier (200) is a second burstable inflow barrier (200) which blocks the second hot gas transfer path (198), wherein the second hot gas can be transferred from the second casing (114) into the hot gas guide element (110), preferably into the hot gas guide channel (118), after the second inflow barrier (200) has burst. [11] Device (100) according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized by that the two hot gas transfer paths (198) merge into the hot gas guide channel (118). [12] Device (100) according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized by that the two hot gas transfer paths (198) merge into different hot gas guide channel sections. [13] Device (100) according to claim 12, characterized byin that a first hot gas guide channel section, into which the first hot gas transfer path (198) merges, is arranged upstream in the hot gas guide direction (208) of a second hot gas guide channel section, into which the second hot gas transfer path (198) merges. [14] Device (100) according to claim 13, characterized by that the hot gas guide channel (118) downstream of an inlet (210) of the second hot gas transfer path (198) can be flowed through so easily that a hot gas that can be released from a fully charged cell (184) of the first unit (102) in the event of thermal runaway of the cell (184) can be guided to such a high extent past the inlet (210) of the second hot gas transfer path (198) further in the hot gas guide channel (118) that the thermal runaway cannot spread to a cell (184) of the second unit (102). [15] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a width (204) of the hot gas guide channel (118) measurable orthogonally to a main extension direction (130) of the hot gas guide channel (118) is at least three times as large as a height (132) of the hot gas guide channel (118) measurable orthogonally to the main extension direction (130) of the hot gas guide channel (118). [16] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a width (204) of the hot gas guide channel (118) that can be measured orthogonally to a main extension direction (130) of the hot gas guide channel (118) is greater than a width (206) of the unit (102) measured in the same direction, preferably greater than a width (206) of the first or second unit (102) measured in the same direction, e.g. is greater than a width (206) of the first unit (102) measured in the same direction and is greater than a width (206) of the second unit (102) measured in the same direction. [17] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the hot gas guide element (110) has a connection zone (116) and the unit (102) is connected to the connection zone (116) in a fluid-tight manner via its opening, wherein it is preferred if the hot gas guide element (110) has a first connection zone (116) and a second connection zone (116), the first unit (102) is connected to the first connection zone (116) in a fluid-tight manner via its opening, and the second unit (102) is connected to the second connection zone (116) in a fluid-tight manner via its opening. [18] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the hot gas guide element (110) has two channel limiting elements (126), wherein at least one hot gas guide channel section extends between the channel limiting elements (126). [19] Device (100) according to claim 18, characterized by , that one of the channel delimiting elements (126) is a channel cover element (128) which delimits a height (132) of the hot gas guide channel (118) that can be measured orthogonally to the main extension direction (130) of the hot gas guide channel (118) in one direction, wherein it is preferred if the channel covering element (128) has a recessed zone (136) on one of its two main surfaces (134, 135), in which the main surface (134, 135) is recessed relative to an edge (138) which at least partially surrounds the main surface (134, 135). [20] Device (100) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized by that one of the channel delimiting elements (126) is a frame element (140) which delimits a width (206) of the hot gas guide channel (118) that can be measured orthogonally to the main extension direction (130) of the hot gas guide channel (118) in two directions. [21] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the unit (102) is a first unit (102) for storing, receiving and / or delivering electrical energy and the device (100) comprises further units (102) for storing, receiving and / or delivering electrical energy, e.g. the second and / or the third unit, wherein the casing (114) of each unit (102) forms a housing element (212) and the hot gas guide element (110) forms a further housing element (212) of a housing (214) of the device (100), wherein the housing (214) is a hot gas discharge housing (216) through which hot gases, e.g. the hot gas, can be discharged via the hot gas guide element (110). [22] Module (104), e.g., for a device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the module (104) comprises: - a plurality of cells (184) for storing, absorbing and / or releasing electrical energy, - a sheath (114) surrounding the cells (184), - a current-conducting element (158) shielded from the environment by the casing (114), through which electrical energy that can be absorbed and / or released by at least some of the cells (184) can be guided, and / or a sensor and / or control element (166) shielded from the environment by the casing (114), by which a charge state of at least one cell (184) can be monitored and / or controlled, and - a hot gas discharge zone (196) through which a hot gas can be discharged from the jacket (114) via a one-sided opening (176) of the jacket (114). [23] Module (104) according to claim 22, characterized by that the module (104) has an inflow barrier (200). [24] Module (104) according to claim 22 or 23, characterized by that the module (104) has the current conducting element (158). [25] Module (104) according to claim 23 or 24, characterized by that the inflow barrier (200) is formed with the current conducting element (158). [26] Module (104) according to one of claims 22 to 25, characterized by , that the cells (184) are arranged, e.g. suspended, in a cell receiving space (174) surrounded by the casing (114), wherein it is preferred if at least one of the cells (184) is arranged in an electrically conductive manner via a conductor (160) of the cell (184) on a current-conducting element (158), e.g. on the current-conducting element (158) according to claim 23 or 24, wherein it is particularly preferred if a force transmitted via the conductor (160) to the current-conducting element (158, 202) is dissipated via the casing (114).

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