Electrical energy storage and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical energy storage device (1) comprising a housing (2) and a plurality of cell modules or individual cells (6) arranged in the housing (2), which are arranged at a distance from each other, wherein a non-Newtonian material (4) is arranged in an intermediate space (8) between the individual cells (6) as a spacer (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical energy storage device for a vehicle and a vehicle with such an electrical energy storage device.

[0002] Electrical energy storage devices, particularly high-voltage batteries for vehicles, are well-known. To date, high-voltage batteries and the adjacent vehicle body shell are designed so that either the adjacent body shell structure, for example, a sill, is sufficiently dimensioned to absorb or absorb crash loads, or it is known to additionally incorporate crossmember structures into the high-voltage battery to compensate for, for example, side-impact loads and thus reduce or prevent damage to the individual cells and their surrounding components.

[0003] For example, US patent 11 884 222 B1 discloses an adaptive energy absorption module for absorbing impact forces.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of providing an electrical energy storage device that is more robust under load conditions. Furthermore, the invention aims to provide a vehicle equipped with such an improved energy storage device.

[0005] The first problem is solved according to the invention by an electrical energy storage device having the features of claim 1. The second problem is solved according to the invention by a vehicle having the features of claim 6.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] The electrical energy storage device according to the invention comprises a housing and a plurality of cell modules (also called cell assemblies) or individual cells arranged in the housing, which are arranged at a distance from each other, wherein a non-Newtonian material is arranged in an intermediate space between the individual cells as a spacer.

[0008] In particular, the electrical energy storage device is a high-voltage battery, especially a traction battery, for an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle or a fuel cell-powered vehicle.

[0009] Preferably, the spacer is arranged as a non-Newtonian material within the internal installation space of the housing, allowing for a compact design of the electrical energy storage device. In particular, the space between the individual cells can be filled, and thus utilized more effectively, at least partially, especially with respect to height, or completely with the non-Newtonian material compared to conventional spacers. For example, the non-Newtonian material can be configured as a centrally located layer. Specifically, the non-Newtonian material can fill approximately one-third of the cell height. Alternatively, at least two or more levels or layers of non-Newtonian material can be formed within the space.In particular, the volume, dimensions, spatial arrangement, and / or size of the non-Newtonian material to be incorporated depend on the design of the electrical energy storage device with regard to its crash safety. Such a spatial arrangement of the non-Newtonian material allows for a low weight, since non-Newtonian materials, especially non-Newtonian fluids, are typically comparatively heavy due to their viscous or high viscosity.

[0010] The non-Newtonian material can, for example, be a liquid that is inherently elastic, viscous, or kneadable and exhibits solid stiffness in the event of an impact load, as long as the impact impulse persists.

[0011] Additionally, the spacer can comprise a structural shell, in particular a thin-walled shell, which is filled or fillable with the non-Newtonian material. Alternatively, a matrix, in particular a material matrix, made of the non-Newtonian material can be used, which is filled into the housing into which the individual cells can then be inserted or are inserted. The matrix is ​​in particular designed as a solid or complete matrix.

[0012] In the event that the non-Newtonian material is conductive, an additional separating element, in particular a separating film, can be arranged between the non-Newtonian material and the individual cells.

[0013] For example, a so-called D3O® material can be used as a non-Newtonian material.

[0014] The advantages achieved with the invention consist in particular of increased internal structural rigidity of the electrical energy storage device (also called battery module or battery structure). The invention provides a simple way to protect internal components of the electrical energy storage device, especially the individual internal cells. Furthermore, the invention allows for a slimming of the surrounding structural frame, thus creating more space for battery capacity. Additionally, the invention enables the sealing of the housing (also called battery casing), depending on the design of the non-Newtonian material matrix.

[0015] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0016] This shows: Fig. 1. Schematic top view of an interior view of the housing of an electrical energy storage device with individual cells arranged in a non-Newtonian material during a frontal impact. Fig. 2. Schematic top view of an interior view of the housing of an electrical energy storage device with individual cells arranged in a non-Newtonian material during a side impact. Fig. 3. Schematic top view of an interior view of a housing with individual cells arranged in a matrix of a non-Newtonian material, Fig. 4. Schematic top view of a solid matrix made of non-Newtonian material with openings for the individual cells, Fig. 5 schematically an interior view of a housing with individual cells arranged between shells filled with non-Newtonian material, Fig. 6 schematically in top view a structural shell with filled non-Newtonian material and receiving openings for the individual cells, Fig. 7. Schematic top view of several shells filled with non-Newtonian material, Fig. 8 schematically in top view a single shell filled with non-Newtonian material, and Fig. Figure 9 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an electrical energy storage device.

[0017] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0018] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows an interior view of a housing 2 of an electrical energy storage device 1 with individual cells 6 arranged in a non-Newtonian material 4 during a frontal impact 100. Instead of individual cells 6, several cell modules or several cell assemblies can also be arranged in the housing 2. The invention is described below with reference to several individual cells 6. If several cell modules or several cell assemblies are arranged in the housing 2, the following description applies analogously.

[0019] The electrical energy storage device 1 is, in particular, a high-voltage battery, for example, a traction battery, for an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a fuel cell-powered vehicle. For this purpose, the electrical energy storage device 1 is arranged and installed in the vehicle (not shown in detail). A longitudinal direction x runs largely horizontally and preferably parallel to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which corresponds to the vehicle's usual direction of travel 102. A transverse direction y, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x, is also horizontally oriented and runs parallel to a transverse direction of the vehicle. A vertical direction z runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x and perpendicular to the transverse direction y. In a vehicle, the vertical direction z preferably runs parallel to a vehicle vertical axis.

[0020] Housing 2, for example, is made up of several parts, consisting of a housing tray and a housing lid. Fig. Figure 1 is the housing 2, the open housing tray in which a plurality of individual cells 6 are arranged at a distance from one another. Each individual cell 6 is designed as an electrochemical cell 6. Each individual cell 6 is, for example, arranged in a cell housing 6.1, which can be closed, for example, with a cell cover 6.2. For example, each individual cell 6 is designed as a lithium-ion cell, and the electrical energy storage device 1 formed from several of these individual cells 6 is designed as a lithium-ion battery.

[0021] In a space 8 between the individual cells 6, the non-Newtonian material 4 is arranged as a spacer 10.

[0022] Preferably, the spacer 10 is arranged as a non-Newtonian material 4 in the inner installation space of the housing 2. The non-Newtonian material 4 can, for example, be a liquid that is inherently elastic, viscous, or putty-like and that exhibits solid stiffness in the event of an impact load according to arrows 104, such as a frontal impact 100, as long as an impact impulse according to arrows 104 persists.

[0023] In particular, the non-Newtonian material 4 can be designed such that it is inherently elastic, viscous, or malleable, and that its viscosity decreases when the housing 2 is subjected to the impact load shown in arrow 104. In other words, the spacer 10 formed from the non-Newtonian material 4 is designed as a deformable and sufficiently rigid spacer 10 for the individual cells 6 under mechanical stress.

[0024] Preferably, the non-Newtonian material 4 completely or partially surrounds the respective individual cell 6 radially.

[0025] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows another interior view of the housing 2 of the electrical energy storage device 1 with individual cells 6 arranged in the non-Newtonian material 4 during a side impact 106.

[0026] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows an interior view of the housing 2 (without representation of the housing 2) with individual cells 6 arranged in a matrix 14 made of the non-Newtonian material 4. Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows in top view the matrix 14, in particular a solid matrix, made of the non-Newtonian material 4 with receiving openings 12 for the individual cells 6 (shown in Fig. 3) For example, the receiving openings 12 can be incorporated into the matrix 14 as foiled and / or amorphous openings. The matrix 14 is specifically designed as a solid matrix, which can additionally be foiled. In other words, the non-Newtonian material 4 and its receiving openings 12 can be foiled on the outside. In the example according to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is the spacer 10 formed by the matrix 14 made of the non-Newtonian material 4, which may optionally be foiled.

[0027] Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows an interior view of the housing 2 (without a representation of the housing 2) with several separate structural shells 16 (also called form-giving shells) filled with non-Newtonian material 4, between which the individual cells 6 are arranged. Fig. Figure 6 schematically shows in top view as a spacer 10 the several separate structural shells 16 filled with non-Newtonian material 4 and the receiving openings 16.1 for the individual cells 6 formed by a corresponding arrangement and / or shape of the shells 16.

[0028] Fig. Figure 7 schematically shows a top view of an example of several identical structural shells 16 filled with the non-Newtonian material 4. The cross-sectional shape of each structural shell 16 can be honeycomb-shaped, circular, or similar. In particular, the cross-sectional shape of the structural shells 16 corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the individual cells 6. By appropriately arranging and shaping the structural shells 16, the receiving openings 16.1 for each individual cell 6 are formed between adjacent shells 16, as shown in Figure 7. Fig. Figure 7 shows a single receiving aperture 16.1. The casings 16 can additionally be spaced apart from each other in the housing 2. Alternatively, they can be placed next to each other.

[0029] The respective structural shell 16 is designed in particular as a structural covering for a shape formation as a deformable and sufficiently firm spacer 10 for the individual cells 6 under mechanical stress.

[0030] Fig. Figure 8 schematically shows a top view of a single shell 16 filled with non-Newtonian material 4.

[0031] Fig.Figure 9 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical energy storage device 1 with several individual cells 6. The spacer bracket 10 in the bottom region 2.1 and in the top region 2.2 of the housing 2 can, for example, each comprise an optional matrix 14, in particular a solid matrix, filled with the non-Newtonian material 4, and in the middle region, in particular in the region of the cell housing 6.1, the individual cells 6 can comprise several structural shells 16, filled with the non-Newtonian material 4.

[0032] This means that the individual cells 6 are protected on all sides by the, in particular foiled, non-Newtonian material 4 in the spaces 8 between the individual cells 6 arranged in the housing 2.

[0033] In particular, the upper and lower matrices 14 can optionally be arranged between the individual cells 6 and the head region 2.2 and / or the bottom region 2.1 of the housing 2. If the lower matrix 14 is optionally provided in the bottom region 2.1 between the individual cells 6 and the bottom of the housing 2, it contributes to improved underride protection. The upper matrix 14 can optionally be arranged between the individual cells 6 and a housing top, in particular a housing cover, of the housing 2.

[0034] In other words, the non-Newtonian material 4 can be formed or arranged in layers within the housing 2. For example, the non-Newtonian material 4 can be formed as a central layer, in particular a central matrix 14, and / or an upper layer, in particular an upper matrix 14, and / or a lower layer, in particular a lower matrix 14. Specifically, the non-Newtonian material 4 of the central matrix 14 can fill approximately ⅓ of the cell height. Alternatively or additionally, at least two or more levels or layers of non-Newtonian material 4 can be formed in the space 8. In particular, the volume, dimensions, regional arrangement, and / or size of the non-Newtonian material 4 to be introduced depend on the design of the electrical energy storage device 1 with respect to its crash safety.Such a region-by-region arrangement of the non-Newtonian material 4 enables a low weight, since non-Newtonian materials 4 are usually comparatively heavy because they are viscous or thick.

[0035] All the examples described have in common that the housing 2 may additionally be provided with a seal and / or that, in the case that the non-Newtonian material 4 is conductive, an additional separating element, in particular a separating film, is arranged between the non-Newtonian material 4 and the individual cells 6, and / or that cell modules or cell assemblies may be provided instead of the individual cells 6, and / or that, depending on the crash loads to be met by the electrical energy storage device 1, the respective distance between the cell modules or the individual cells 6 may vary.

[0036] In particular, the respective spacing can vary in the direction of a gradient, especially a distance gradient, for example at a distance of 10 cm from the housing 2, especially from a sill. In other words, where there is an increased risk of intrusion and / or strong crash loads, and thus a higher need for protection, the respective spacing of the individual cells 6 or the cell modules is greater and decreases towards the inside. Accordingly, more non-Newtonian material 4 can be provided near a wall of the housing 2, especially the sill, whereby the respective spacing and thus the amount of non-Newtonian material 4 decreases towards the center of the housing, which can also represent the center of the vehicle, and / or towards the interior of the housing 2. Such a "distance gradient" can be defined linearly or progressively, depending on the technical requirements, especially depending on the acting crash loads. Reference symbol list 1 electrical energy storage device 2 cases 2.1 Floor area 2.2 Head area 4 non-Newtonian material 6 single cells 6.1 Cell casing 6.2 Cell lid 8 spaces 10 spacers 12 Intake opening 14 Matrix 16 structural shell 16.1 Intake opening 100 Frontal impact 102 Direction of travel 104 Arrow 106 Side impact x Longitudinal direction y transverse direction z Upward direction 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] US 11 884 222 B1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Electrical energy storage device (1) comprising a housing (2) and a plurality of cell modules or individual cells (6) arranged in the housing (2) which are spaced apart from each other, characterized by , that a non-Newtonian material (4) is arranged in an intermediate space (8) between the cell modules or the individual cells (6) as a spacer (10). [2] Electrical energy storage device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the non-Newtonian material (4) is such that it is inherently elastic, viscous or kneadable and that its viscosity decreases when subjected to impact and / or during impact loading. [3] Electrical energy storage device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the non-Newtonian material (4) completely or partially radially surrounds the respective individual cell (6). [4] Electrical energy storage device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the spacer (10) is formed as a matrix (14) of the non-Newtonian material (4). [5] Electrical energy storage device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the spacer (10) comprises at least one structural shell (16) into which the non-Newtonian material (4) is filled. [6] Electrical energy storage device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the housing (2) is provided with a seal. [7] Vehicle with an electrical energy storage device (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

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