Drain valve for an electrical energy storage device of a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered, as well as electrical energy storage devices

Abstract

The invention relates to a drain valve (24) for an electrical energy storage device (12) of an at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle (10) for draining a fluid (20) from an interior (22) of the electrical energy storage device (12), with at least one outlet opening (28), wherein a plunger (30) is held in a closed position by a fluid-soluble element (32) when the drain valve (24) is not actuated, wherein in the closed position the plunger (30) closes the outlet opening (28), and with a pre-tensioning device (34) which is pre-tensioned in the closed position, such that when the fluid-soluble element (32) dissolves and thus when the drain valve (24) is actuated, the plunger (30) is brought into an open position, wherein in the open position the plunger (30) releases the outlet opening (28). The invention further relates to an electrical energy storage device (12).

Description

[0001] The following invention relates to a drain valve for an electrical energy storage device of an at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle for draining a fluid from an interior of the electrical energy storage device, with at least one outlet opening according to claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding electrical energy storage device with a corresponding drain valve and a method for draining a fluid from an electrical energy storage device.

[0002] To equip modern electric vehicles with ever greater ranges while maintaining a moderate increase in external dimensions, increasingly space-efficient approaches are being adopted for the integration of high-voltage batteries. When using internal coolant lines, a drainage system for the water must be provided in case of a malfunction. Various technical designs already exist for these so-called drain valves, such as purely mechanically operated, electrically controlled, or hardware-controlled drain valves.

[0003] DE 19 820 829 C1 describes an electromagnetic device for actuating a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine with an actuator slidably mounted in a cylinder head of the internal combustion engine, which has an opening magnet and a closing magnet, between which an armature for actuating the gas exchange valve is arranged, which can be actuated by an opening spring acting in the opening direction of the gas exchange valve and a closing spring acting in the closing direction, and with at least one clearance compensating element acting between the actuator and the cylinder head, wherein the at least one clearance compensating element comprises a spring element made of plastic.

[0004] EP 1 069 285 A2 relates to an electromagnetic actuator for actuating a gas exchange valve on an internal combustion engine, comprising a push rod that acts on the gas exchange valve to be actuated and which is connected to an armature that is guided to move back and forth between the pole faces of two electromagnets arranged at an axial distance from each other and which, when the electromagnets are de-energized, is held in an intermediate position by the pole faces by at least two opposing spring elements, wherein the opposing spring elements are arranged outside the electromagnets on the end face of the electromagnet facing the gas exchange valve, wherein a first spring element acts on a projection on the gas exchange valve in the closing direction and wherein a second spring element acts on the push rod in the opening direction and the push rod and the projection are positively connected to each other.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a drain valve, an electrical energy storage device and a method for draining a fluid from an electrical energy storage device, by means of which fluid can be reliably drained from an electrical energy storage device.

[0006] This problem is solved by a drain valve, an electrical energy storage device, and a method according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] One aspect of the invention relates to a drain valve for an electrical energy storage device of a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered, for draining a fluid from an interior space of the electrical energy storage device, with at least one outlet opening.

[0008] It is provided that the drain valve has a plunger which, in an unactuated state of the drain valve, is held in a closed position by a fluid-soluble element, wherein in the closed position the plunger closes the outlet opening, and with a pre-tensioning device which is pre-tensioned in the closed position, so that when the fluid-soluble element dissolves and thus when the drain valve is actuated the plunger is brought into an opening position, wherein in the opening position the plunger releases the outlet opening.

[0009] In particular, this allows for the provision of a simple yet reliable drain valve, enabling the reliable removal / drainage of fluid that might enter the electrical energy storage device's housing, for example, due to a malfunction in the cooling system. When fluid, such as water, escapes from the electrical energy storage device, the water-soluble unit or fluid-soluble element integrated into the drain valve dissolves, allowing the piston to move and the fluid to drain. Once the drain valve has been actuated, it must be replaced, as it cannot be reset.

[0010] In particular, this allows for the creation of a compact drain valve that opens the outlet when fluid is present, as the fluid-soluble component or element dissolves upon contact with the fluid. After this mechanism is triggered, the component can then be replaced.

[0011] This allows for the creation of a compact, easy-to-assemble and disassemble drain valve, which, in the event of fluid such as water, allows the water to be drained through an outlet opening via the fluid-soluble element.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment, the preload device is designed as a spring assembly. For example, the spring assembly can be supported against an element of the drain valve and thus provide a preload force for the piston. Should the fluid-soluble element dissolve, the preload force is released from the spring assembly, and the spring element is drawn in accordingly. Thus, the outlet opening can be reliably opened based on the preloaded spring assembly.

[0013] Another advantageous embodiment provides that the spring assembly is supported against a housing part of the drain valve. For example, the housing part can essentially be designed as a cover element of the drain valve and, in particular, project into the interior of the electrical energy storage device. The support against the housing part allows the spring assembly to provide a reliable preload force. Furthermore, the housing part itself can be designed to be protected from external influences, especially water, so that corrosion of the spring assembly is prevented.

[0014] It is further advantageous if the piston is sealed against the outlet opening by at least one sealing device when not actuated. In other words, the piston can, for example, have the sealing device circumferentially around an outer surface of the piston, thus reliably sealing the outlet opening. This prevents moisture or dust from penetrating the interior of the electrical energy storage device. Only when the drain valve is actuated can the outlet opening be opened and the fluid discharged / drained from the electrical energy storage device.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment, the fluid-soluble element is held in position by a preload plate. This preload plate can essentially be formed on a housing of the release valve. The preload plate thus acts as a stop for the fluid-soluble element. The fluid-soluble element, in turn, acts as a stop for the plunger. When the fluid-soluble element dissolves, the plunger moves, primarily in the direction of the preload plate, and opens the outlet. By holding the fluid-soluble element against the preload plate, it can be reliably held in position, ensuring, for example, that the release function is reliably maintained even under vibrations in the vehicle.

[0016] It is also advantageous if the base of the drain valve housing is conical in the area of ​​the outlet opening. In particular, this creates a kind of drain channel for the drain valve and towards the outlet opening. This prevents fluid from remaining in the drain valve itself. Specifically, it allows all the fluid to drain from the electrical energy storage device.

[0017] It has also proven advantageous if the outer housing of the drain valve has, at least in some areas, an external thread for screwing it into the housing of the electrical energy storage device. For example, the housing has a corresponding threaded opening on its underside or bottom. The drain valve can then be inserted / screwed into this threaded opening. The drain valve is arranged to seal against the housing. For example, the drain valve can be essentially hexagonal in its outer area, particularly in the area of ​​the outlet, to allow it to be screwed into the housing. This allows for easy assembly and disassembly of the drain valve in the housing.

[0018] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous for the drain valve to have a hexagonal shape at the outlet opening. The hexagonal shape allows the drain valve to be screwed into, for example, a housing base from the outside using a suitable tool. This ensures a reliable and secure mechanical connection between the housing base and the drain valve, allowing it to be positioned very close to the housing base. The hexagonal shape also facilitates easy removal, enabling the drain valve to be replaced after activation.

[0019] It is also advantageous if the drain valve has a sealing device to create a seal against the housing of the electrical energy storage device. For example, the drain valve can have such a sealing device in the area of ​​its hexagonal shape. This ensures that a seal against the housing base is achieved after the drain valve is screwed into the base. This prevents dust or moisture from entering the electrical energy storage device.

[0020] Another aspect of the invention relates to an electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered, comprising at least one housing and a drain valve arranged in the housing according to the preceding aspect.

[0021] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle with an electrical energy storage device as described above. The motor vehicle is specifically designed as either a partially or fully electric motor vehicle.

[0022] Advantageous designs of the drain valve are to be regarded as advantageous designs of the electrical energy storage device and the motor vehicle.

[0023] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0024] This shows: Fig. 1 a schematic side view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle with an embodiment of an electrical energy storage device with an embodiment of a drain valve; and Fig. 2 a schematic sectional view according to an embodiment of a drain valve.

[0025] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle 10. The motor vehicle 10 is, in particular, at least partially or fully electrically powered. For this purpose, the motor vehicle 10 has at least one electrical energy storage device 12, which is designed, in particular, to provide electrical energy for an electric drive unit 14. Furthermore, the electrical energy storage device 12 can also provide electrical energy for an electrical system on the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the electrical energy storage device 12 has a plurality of battery cells 16. The battery cells 16 can, for example, generate heat energy during charging or discharging, which is why a cooling device 18 may be provided. The cooling device 18 in turn has a fluid 20 ( Fig. 2) It can happen, for example, that in the case of a defective cooling device 18, cooling fluid 20 enters an interior space 22 of the electrical energy storage device 12. This cooling fluid 20 must then be removed accordingly to prevent damage to the battery cells 16. For this purpose, a drain valve 24 is provided according to the invention, in particular on a bottom surface 26 of the electrical energy storage device 12.

[0027] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the drain valve 24. The drain valve 24 has at least one outlet opening 28. Furthermore, the drain valve 24 has a plunger 30. Fig. Section 2 is specifically divided into two parts. On the left side of the Fig. Figure 2 shows in particular the drain valve 24 in an actuated state and on the right side of the Fig. Figure 2 shows the drain valve 24 in an unactuated state.

[0028] In its unactuated state, the piston 30 is held in a closed position by a fluid-soluble element 32, whereby in the closed position the piston 30 closes the outlet opening 28. Furthermore, a pre-tensioning device 34 is provided, which is pre-tensioned in the closed position, so that when the fluid-soluble element 32 dissolves and thus when the drain valve 24 is actuated, the piston 30 is moved into an open position, whereby in the open position the piston 30 releases the outlet opening 28. This is particularly evident on the left side of the Fig. Figure 2 shows, in particular the fluid-soluble element 32 is shown only as a dashed line to indicate its solubility. This results in a movement 50 of the stamp 30, in particular essentially according to the Fig. 2 upwards. Depending on the design of the prestressing device 34, the movement 50 can also be carried out in the opposite direction to that shown by the movement 50.

[0029] The Fig. Figure 2 further shows that the preload device 34 is designed in particular as a spring device. For this purpose, two spring elements 36 are shown in the present embodiment. It is also shown that the spring device is essentially supported on a housing part 38 of the drain valve 24.

[0030] Furthermore, it can be provided that the piston 30 is sealed above the outlet opening 28 in the unactuated state by means of at least one sealing device 40. Additionally, a sealing device 40 is provided for sealing against a housing of the electrical energy storage device 12, in particular, in this case, against the base 26 of the electrical energy storage device 12.

[0031] Furthermore, the fluid-soluble element 32 is held in position by a preload plate 42. The preload plate 42 can, for example, be supported on the housing part 38. It is also further provided that a housing base 44 of the drain valve 24 is conically shaped in the direction of the outlet opening 28.

[0032] It may also be provided that an outer housing 46 of the drain valve 24 has at least in some areas an external thread 48 for screwing into a housing of the electrical energy storage device 12.

[0033] Furthermore, it may be provided that the drain valve 24 has a hexagonal shape in the area of ​​the outlet opening 28.

[0034] In particular, this describes the Fig. 2, that a compact drain valve 24 is created which allows the outlet opening 28 to be opened when fluid is present by dissolving the fluid-soluble element 32. After the mechanism is triggered, the drain valve 24 must be replaced again, as it cannot be closed reversibly.

[0035] Furthermore, the drain valve 24 can be screwed into the housing of the electrical energy storage device 12 via the external thread 48. This connection allows the component to be removed / replaced from the outside, and the electrical energy storage device 12 does not need to be opened in case of a fault, resulting in cost and time savings during repairs.

[0036] In the described solution according to Fig. 2 is held in particular by the spring elements 36 of the plunger 30 in the housing part 38, which closes the outlet opening 28 by means of the fluid-soluble element 32 and opens when fluid is present.

[0037] In the initial state, the fluid-soluble elements 32 are integrated in such a way that they generate sufficient preload to adequately compress the sealing plunger, including the seal, which can be achieved in particular via the preload plate 42. This closes the outlet opening 28.

[0038] The electrical energy storage device 12 has openings integrated around its perimeter to create a path for the fluid 20 from the interior 22 to the fluid-soluble element 32 and ultimately to the outlet opening 28.

[0039] When fluid is present, the fluid-soluble elements 32 dissolve, causing the preload to decrease. The corresponding spring elements 36 then raise or, alternatively, push the piston 30 away, opening the outlet 28 and allowing the fluid to flow out.

[0040] Once the fluid has completely drained, the drain valve 24 is replaced, as it cannot be closed reversibly.

[0041] The housing part 38 has, in particular, an external thread 48 and a hexagon for mounting it on the electrical energy storage device 12, specifically on the base 26, and features, in particular, a nut-like design. To allow the entire drain valve 24 to pass through the threaded opening, the inner part of the drain valve 24 must be smaller than the core hole of the thread. The drain valve 24 has a slope towards the outlet opening 28 in the area of ​​the housing base 44 to prevent residual water from accumulating in the corners. Reference symbol list 10 motor vehicle 12 electrical energy storage devices 14 Drive unit 16 battery cells 18 Cooling unit 20 Fluid 22 Interior 24 Drain valve 26 Underbody 28 Exit opening 30 stamps 32 fluid-soluble element 34 Pre-tensioning device 36 spring element 38 Housing part 40 Sealing device 42 Pre-stressing plate 44 Case base 46 Outer casings 48 external threads 50 Movement QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 19 820 829 C1

[0003] EP 1 069 285 A2

[0004]

Claims

Drain valve (24) for an electrical energy storage device (12) of an at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle (10) for draining a fluid (20) from an interior (22) of the electrical energy storage device (12), with at least one outlet opening (28), characterized in that it is equipped with a plunger (30) which, in an unactuated state of the drain valve (24), is held in a closed position by a fluid-soluble element (32), wherein in the closed position the plunger (30) closes the outlet opening (28), and with a pre-tensioning device (34) which is pre-tensioned in the closed position, such that when the fluid-soluble element (32) dissolves and thus when the drain valve (24) is actuated the plunger (30) is brought into an opening position, wherein in the opening position the plunger (30) releases the outlet opening (28). Drain valve (24) according to claim 1, characterized in that the preload device (34) is designed as a spring device. Drain valve (24) according to claim 2, characterized in that the spring device is supported on a housing part (28) of the drain valve (24). Drain valve (24) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plunger (30) is sealed against the outlet opening (28) in the unactuated state via at least one sealing device (40). Drain valve (24) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid-soluble element (32) is held in position by means of a preload plate (42). Drain valve (24) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a housing base (44) of the drain valve (24) is conically shaped in the direction of the outlet opening (28) in the area of ​​the outlet opening (28). Drain valve (24) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an outer housing (46) of the drain valve (24) has at least partially an external thread (48) for screwing into a housing of the electrical energy storage device (12). Drain valve (24) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drain valve (24) has a hexagonal shape in the area of ​​the outlet opening (28). Drain valve (24) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drain valve (24) has a sealing device (40) for sealing against a housing of the electrical energy storage device (12). Electrical energy storage device (12) for a motor vehicle (10) that is at least partially electrically powered, comprising at least one housing and a drain valve (24) arranged in the housing according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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