Prismatic battery cell, traction battery and motor vehicle with such

Abstract

The invention relates to a prismatic battery cell (4). It comprises a housing (6) with a housing shell (8), which is formed by two mutually parallel first side walls (12) and two mutually parallel second side walls (14), and with two housing covers (10), which close the housing shell (8), wherein one of the first side walls (12) of the housing shell (8) has a housing opening (30), which is closed by a device (32) for pressure equalization. The battery cell (4) also comprises an electrode arrangement (16), accommodated in the housing (6), and further comprises a spacer element (34), located between the electrode arrangement (16) and the planar inner side of the first side wall (SM1) having the housing opening (30), wherein the spacer element (34) is located on the planar inner side of the side wall (12) having the housing opening and wherein the spacer element (34) forms a channel structure on the basis of which the housing opening (30) is fluidically connected to a first channel-structure mouth (36) on one of the second side walls (12), to a second channel-structure mouth (38) into a spatial region (42) between the housing cover (10) and the spacer element (34) and to a third channel-structure mouth (40) into a spatial region (44) for the electrode arrangement (16).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] PRISMATIC BATTERY CELL, TRACTION BATTERY AND MOTOR VEHICLE COMPRISING SUCH A

[0003] The invention relates to a prismatic battery cell with a housing in which an electrode arrangement and a spacer element are arranged. Furthermore, the invention relates to a traction battery with such a battery cell and an electrically powered motor vehicle with such a battery cell.

[0004] An electrically powered motor vehicle typically has a traction battery (high-voltage battery, HV battery) that supplies energy to an electric motor to drive the motor vehicle. An electrically powered motor vehicle is understood to mean, in particular, an electric vehicle that stores the energy required for propulsion solely in the traction battery (BEV, battery electric vehicle), an electric vehicle with a range extender (REEV, range extended electric vehicle), a hybrid vehicle (HEV, hybrid electric vehicle), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), and / or a fuel cell vehicle (FCEV, fuel cell electric vehicle), which temporarily stores the electrical energy generated by a fuel cell in the traction battery.

[0005] Such a traction battery typically comprises several battery cells, in particular lithium-ion battery cells, which are electrically connected to one another in series and / or in parallel.

[0006] Battery cells are classified into different types depending on their design. For example, a pouch cell (coffee bag cell) has a foil, in particular an aluminum composite foil, as a casing in which the battery cell's electrodes are enclosed. A cylindrical battery cell, in contrast, comprises a comparatively rigid housing, in particular made of sheet metal, with the housing essentially having a circular-cylindrical shape. Also known are so-called prismatic battery cells, whose housings are also comparatively rigid, in particular made of sheet metal, and are essentially cuboid-shaped.

[0007] During and / or shortly before a so-called thermal runaway, gas forms within the battery cell, particularly at its electrodes. If such gas is formed, it cannot initially escape from the cell, resulting in an increase in pressure within the battery cell. When the critical internal cell pressure is exceeded, the battery cell ultimately opens (vents), and the gas escapes from the battery cell into the battery interior. A valve, particularly a pressure relief valve or a bursting membrane, is expediently provided for the battery cell. This valve opens the valve or bursting membrane when a predefined internal cell pressure is exceeded, so that the gas flows out of the battery cell at the desired outlet point formed by the valve or bursting membrane.

[0008] Particularly when the battery cell has a high energy density, the space in the battery cell through which the gas can flow is comparatively small, so that the outflow of the gas from the battery cell is hindered.

[0009] From CN 218300117 U, a battery cell with an electrode arrangement accommodated in a housing is known, wherein a discharge element is arranged between the electrode arrangement and a housing side which has a gas outlet, by means of which discharge element gas generated in the battery cell is conducted to the gas outlet.

[0010] EP 4 170 801 A1 discloses a battery cell whose housing comprises a receiving space for an electrode assembly. A housing wall of the housing has a pressure relief mechanism, wherein an inner surface of this housing wall is provided with a passage extending along the inner surface to conduct a gas in the receiving space to the pressure relief mechanism.

[0011] The invention is based on the object of providing a prismatic battery cell in which a gas formed in the battery cell can be discharged as reliably as possible. Furthermore, a traction battery for an electrically powered motor vehicle with such a battery cell and an electrically powered motor vehicle with such a battery cell are to be provided.

[0012] With regard to the prismatic battery cell, this object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1. With regard to the traction battery, the object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 8, and with regard to the electrically powered motor vehicle by the features of claim 9. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims. The statements made in connection with the battery cell also apply mutatis mutandis to the traction battery and the motor vehicle, and vice versa.

[0013] The battery cell, also referred to as the cell below, is intended specifically for the traction battery of an electrically powered motor vehicle. A lithium-ion battery cell is particularly suitable.

[0014] The battery cell has a cuboid-shaped, i.e., prismatic, housing with a housing shell (cell shell). This is open at opposite ends. The housing shell is formed from two first side walls that are parallel to one another and spaced apart in the Z direction, as well as two second side walls that are parallel to one another and spaced apart in the Y direction. The second side walls are oriented transversely to the first side walls.

[0015] One of the first side walls comprises, expediently centrally, a housing opening. The housing opening is expediently designed as a hole-like recess extending in the Z-direction. At most, the housing opening is closed by a pressure equalization device, expediently in a fluid-tight manner. The device is designed to open at a predefined internal cell pressure or at a predefined pressure difference between the internal cell pressure and the pressure, in particular air pressure, in the environment of the battery cell. When the device is open, the cell interior enclosed by the housing is fluidly connected to the environment of the battery cell, such that a gas and / or electrolyte formed in the battery cell, for example during thermal runaway, can flow out of the battery cell.The pressure equalization device is suitably designed as a valve, in particular as a pressure relief valve, or as a bursting disc or a bursting membrane. The pressure equalization device thus forms an overpressure protection device.

[0016] For practical purposes, the second side walls are larger in area than the first side walls. The second side walls then form the base sides of the housing, and the first side walls form the (long) narrow sides of the housing.

[0017] In summary, the housing shell forms the side walls of the battery cell housing, which are oriented parallel to a shell axis. The housing shell is therefore hollow cylindrical, with the cylinder having a rectangle as its base. In summary, the Z direction refers to the direction from the first side wall, which encompasses the housing opening, to the other first side wall, the Y direction refers to the direction from one of the second side walls to the other second side wall, and the X direction refers to the direction perpendicular to the Y direction and perpendicular to the Z direction. The X direction is therefore parallel to the first and second side walls of the housing shell. In other words, the X direction is parallel to the shell axis, i.e. to a central axis of the housing shell.

[0018] The housing shell is made, for example, from a sheet metal, in particular from steel or aluminum.

[0019] The housing further comprises two cell covers that close the housing shell, in particular its open end faces. The two cell covers are expediently designed as separate components from the housing shell, which are joined to the housing shell during assembly, in particular in a fluid-tight manner. For example, the two cell covers are welded to the respective free end of the housing shell. The two cell covers are thus oriented perpendicular to the first and second end faces, i.e., perpendicular to the X-direction. Suitably, the two cell covers each comprise a terminal, i.e., one of the two cell poles.

[0020] In summary, the battery cell is a prismatic battery cell.

[0021] Furthermore, the prismatic battery cell has an electrode arrangement accommodated in the housing. For example, this is designed as a flat coil, but preferably the electrode arrangement is designed as an electrode stack.

[0022] The electrode stack comprises anodes and cathodes stacked alternately one above the other in the stacking direction. A separator is arranged between each anode and cathode. For example, the separator is designed as a folded separator sheet in the manner of a Z-fold, with the electrodes arranged between the unfolded separator sections.

[0023] Preferably, the electrode arrangement is oriented such that its narrow side faces the housing opening, i.e., in the case of an electrode stack as the electrode arrangement, the stacking direction is parallel to the Y-direction, in other words, such that the electrodes are arranged parallel to the second side walls of the electrodes. This facilitates the flow of gas that forms at an electrode of the electrode arrangement.

[0024] A (first) spacer element is arranged between the electrode assembly and the first side wall having the housing opening. This spacer element is designed as a separate component from the housing and / or the electrode assembly.

[0025] In a comparatively simple embodiment, the inner side of the first side wall, which has the housing opening, in particular the inner sides of the two first side walls, is planar, thus flat. The inner side refers to the side of the respective first side wall arranged inside the cell, i.e., the side facing the electrode arrangement. In summary, the spacer element is arranged between the electrode arrangement and the planar inner side of the first side wall having the housing opening. The spacer element preferably rests on this side wall.

[0026] The spacer element forms a channel structure, by means of which the housing opening is fluidically connected to a first channel structure opening on one of the second side walls, to a second channel structure opening to a spatial area between one of the housing covers and the spacer element, and to a third channel structure opening to a spatial area for the electrode arrangement. In other words, the first channel structure opening opens at the respective second side wall, the second channel structure opening opens into the spatial area between the housing cover and the spacer element, and the third channel structure opening opens into the spatial area for the electrode arrangement, in particular at the electrode arrangement. The spacer element thus forms flow paths for the gas.

[0027] Thus, the spacer element is designed such that a gas formed in the battery cell can flow from each of the second side walls to the housing opening, that the fluid can flow in and / or counter to the Z direction from the electrode arrangement through the spacer element to the first side wall having the housing opening, and that the fluid can flow in the X direction from the housing cover to the housing opening.

[0028] The formation of a gas in the battery cell, particularly during thermal runaway, and the associated increase in internal cell pressure, can cause the battery cell to expand. Due to the design of the spacer element such that the first channel structure opening opens at one of the second side walls, it is particularly advantageous for the gas to flow along this second side wall and from there to the housing opening.

[0029] In summary, the spacer element advantageously allows gas formed in the battery cell to flow to the housing opening in both the X-direction, the Y-direction, and the Z-direction. This allows for particularly reliable discharge of this gas when the pressure equalization device is open.

[0030] According to an advantageous development, a further spacer element is arranged between the first side wall, which is opposite the first side wall with the housing opening, and the electrode arrangement. The further spacer element is also referred to here and below as the second spacer element. In other words, a spacer element is arranged between the electrode arrangement and each of the two first side walls.

[0031] The further (second) spacer element forms, in a manner analogous to the first spacer element, a channel structure having at least one first channel structure opening on one of the second side walls, a second channel structure opening to the spatial area between the housing cover and the spacer element, and / or a third channel structure opening to a spatial area for the electrode arrangement. In other words, the first channel structure opening opens on this second side wall, the second channel structure opening opens into the spatial area between the housing cover and the spacer element, and the third channel structure opening opens into the spatial area for the electrode arrangement, in particular at the electrode arrangement. The first, second, and / or third channel structure openings of the second spacer element are expediently fluidically connected to one another.

[0032] For example, the second spacer element has the same structure as the first spacer element.

[0033] A gas formed in the upper region of the electrode arrangement with respect to the Z-direction, i.e., in the region of the electrode arrangement close to the second spacer element, can flow upwards, i.e., toward the wide spacer element, due to the second spacer element and the flow paths formed by it. From there, for example, flow along the second side walls or through the space between one of the cell lids and the electrode arrangement, to the first spacer element, and finally to the housing opening. The use of the second spacer element results in reduced flow resistance for gas formed in the upper region of the electrode arrangement, since the gas can flow around the electrode arrangement rather than downwards through the electrode arrangement due to the second spacer element.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment, the spacer element and / or the further spacer element each has a tab protruding in or opposite to the Z direction. The tab protrudes between the electrode arrangement and the housing cover opposite it.

[0035] Particularly preferably, a channel, particularly a groove-shaped channel, extending in the Z direction and open, for example, toward the housing cover (cell cover) is formed on the side of the tab facing the housing cover. This channel serves to guide gas in the Z direction, so that gas flowing in the space between the housing cover does not penetrate the electrode arrangement.

[0036] In addition, the tabs can be used as an attack point for an assembly tool.

[0037] For example, the first and / or the second spacer element is formed from a plastic in a weight-saving manner.

[0038] Alternatively, the first and / or second spacer element of a suitable embodiment comprises or is formed from a heat-resistant material. For example, the material is heat-resistant up to 1000°C, preferably up to 1500°C, particularly preferably up to 2000°C, i.e., it retains its shape at least up to this temperature. Since comparatively high temperatures can occur during thermal runaway, this prevents undesired deformation and, consequently, undesired closure of the channel structure of the respective spacer element or even the housing opening. For example, the spacer element is formed from a surface-coated steel or from an aluminum oxide sintered structure.

[0039] Advantageously, the first and / or second spacer element is electrically insulating and electrolyte-resistant.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment, the spacer element tapers in the region of the housing opening, i.e., in the region arranged above the housing opening in the Z direction, with respect to the Y direction. In other words, the extension of the spacer element in a direction perpendicular to the second side walls is reduced. Preferably, the spacer element tapers on both sides with respect to the Y direction toward the center of the spacer element in the Y direction.

[0041] Due to the taper, a distance of the spacer element to the respective second side wall is increased with respect to the Y-direction, so that the gas can flow more easily from the respective second side wall to the housing opening.

[0042] Particularly preferably, the housing opening is at least partially covered by the spacer element with respect to the Z-direction. Consequently, the electrode arrangement cannot be adjusted relative to the housing opening. The spacer element thus prevents the housing opening from becoming blocked by the electrode arrangement in the event of thermal runaway.

[0043] For example, the second spacer element has a similarly tapered portion in the Y-direction, facilitating the gas flow from above the electrode arrangement along the second side walls, particularly when the battery cell is inflated. For example, the tapered portion is arranged centrally in the X-direction.

[0044] According to a suitable embodiment, the first spacer element and / or the further (second) spacer element each has a plate-shaped base body oriented parallel to the first side wall. This plate-shaped base body expediently covers the housing opening at least in sections with respect to the Z direction. Upstanding extensions are arranged on the base body, expediently extending in and / or counter to the Z direction and / or preferably toward the respectively associated first side wall. The extensions are arranged and configured such that they form channels opening at one of the second side walls and into the space between the housing cover and the respective spacer element.

[0045] The extensions are advantageously spaced apart in the X-direction and / or Y-direction. For example, the extensions are columnar or hemispherical. Alternatively, the extensions are rib-like.

[0046] Additionally or alternatively, the plate-shaped base body has hole-like recesses that extend in the Z direction. These recesses thus form channels through which the gas formed in the electrode arrangement can flow counter to the Z direction toward the housing opening. These channels thus each open into the receiving area for the electrode arrangement. In other words, these recesses form a respective third channel structure opening. These channels expediently open on their underside facing the first side wall into one of the channels extending in the X direction and / or in the Y direction.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, the electrode arrangement is provided with an insulating film, in particular for electrical insulation from the housing. The side of the electrode arrangement facing the housing opening (and, if a second spacer element is used, preferably also the side of the electrode arrangement parallel to this side) is at least partially free of the insulating film. In other words, the side of the electrode arrangement facing the first side wall with the housing opening is not provided with the insulating film, or is only partially provided with it. In this way, the outflow of gas in the Z direction from the electrode arrangement is facilitated.

[0048] A further aspect of the invention relates to a traction battery (HV battery, high-voltage battery) intended and configured to provide electrical energy for a high-voltage network of the motor vehicle. In particular, the (DC) voltage provided by the traction battery is greater than 60 V, preferably between 200 and 2000 V. A traction drive is expediently supplied with electrical energy using the traction battery. The traction battery may comprise at least one prismatic battery cell configured according to one of the variants described above. Suitably, the traction battery comprises a plurality of such battery cells connected in series and / or parallel to one another.

[0049] A further aspect of the invention relates to an electrically powered motor vehicle having a prismatic battery cell configured in one of the variants described above. Additionally or alternatively, the motor vehicle comprises a traction battery in one of the variants described above.

[0050] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. In the drawings:

[0051] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a traction battery with a prismatic battery cell, wherein the battery cell has a housing with an electrode arrangement accommodated therein, and wherein a spacer element is arranged between a side wall of the housing, which has a housing opening, and the electrode arrangement, Fig. 2 shows the battery cell in an exploded view, with a first variant of the spacer element,

[0052] Fig. 3a, 3b the spacer element of Fig. 2 in a perspective view with a view of its side facing the side wall and its side facing the electrode arrangement,

[0053] Fig. 4a shows an alternative embodiment of the spacer element in perspective view, wherein the latter has a plate-shaped base body with projections formed on its side facing the side wall,

[0054] Fig. 4b the spacer element of Fig. 4a in plan view of its side facing the side wall,

[0055] Fig. 4c the spacer element of Fig. 4a in side view,

[0056] Fig. 4d shows on an enlarged scale the area A according to Fig. 4c,

[0057] Fig. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the spacer element of Fig. 4a, viewed from its side facing the side wall, wherein the extensions are interrupted in the X-direction,

[0058] Fig. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the spacer element of Fig. 4a with a view of its side facing the side wall, wherein the extensions are designed as spaced-apart hemispheres, and

[0059] Fig. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the spacer element of Fig. 4a with a view of its side facing the side wall, wherein the extensions are bent in an arc shape towards the center of the base body.

[0060] Corresponding parts and sizes are always provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0061] Fig. 1 schematically shows a traction battery 2 with a prismatic battery cell 4. Only one prismatic battery cell 4 is shown for representative purposes; however, the traction battery 2 expediently comprises several, for example, between 20 and 100, such battery cells 4, which are electrically connected in series and / or parallel to one another.

[0062] The battery cell 4 comprises a housing 6 with a housing shell 8, as well as two housing covers 10 (cell cover 10, cover 10) that close the housing shell 8 at opposite ends. The housing covers 10 are joined to the housing shell 8 in a fluid-tight manner, for example by welding or crimping.

[0063] The housing shell 8 is formed from two first side walls 12 that are parallel to one another and spaced apart in the Z direction, and from two second side walls 14 that are parallel to one another and spaced apart in the Y direction. The second side walls 14 are oriented transversely to the first side walls 12. A direction parallel to the first and second side walls 12, 14, i.e., perpendicular to the Y direction and the Z direction, is referred to below as the X direction.

[0064] Housing 6 accommodates an electrode arrangement 16 with stacked anodes 18 and cathodes, wherein the electrode arrangement 16 is embodied here, for example, as an electrode stack 16. This is the stacking direction, i.e., the direction in which electrodes 18, 20 of the electrode stack are stacked, parallel to the Y direction.

[0065] Conductors 22 (conductor flags 22) of the anodes 18 are arranged on a first end face 24 of the electrode arrangement 16 oriented perpendicular to the X-direction, i.e. parallel to the housing covers 10, and protrude upwards in the X-direction.

[0066] Conductors 22 (conductor flags 22) of the cathodes 20 are arranged on a second end face 26 of the electrode arrangement 16 oriented perpendicular to the X-direction and stand upwards opposite to the X-direction.

[0067] The conductors 22 of the anodes are electrically connected to, and in particular welded to, a terminal 28 of the housing cover 10 that faces the first end face 24 of the electrode stack 16, i.e., is opposite this end face 24. The conductors 22 of the cathodes 20 are electrically connected to, and in particular welded to, a terminal 28 of the housing cover 10 that faces the second end face 26 of the electrode stack 16, i.e., is opposite this end face 26. One of the first side walls 12 comprises, for example, in the center, a housing opening 30 that is designed as a hole-like recess in this first side wall 12 that runs through in the Z direction. The housing opening 30 is sealed in a fluid-tight manner by a device 32 for pressure equalization. For example, the device 32 is designed as a bursting membrane or as a pressure relief valve.

[0068] A (first) spacer element 34 is arranged between the electrode assembly 16 and the first side wall 12 having the housing opening 30. The first spacer element 34 is arranged on the flat inner side of this first side wall 12, i.e., the side facing the electrode assembly 16, and rests against it.

[0069] The first spacer element 34 forms a channel structure by means of which the housing opening 30 is fluidically connected to a first channel structure opening 36, which opens at one of the second side walls 14, to a second channel structure opening 38, which opens into a spatial region 42 between the housing cover 10 and the spacer element 34, and to a third channel structure opening 40, which is fluidically connected to a spatial region 44 for the electrode arrangement 16. In summary, the housing opening is fluidically connected to the first, second, and third channel structure openings 36, 38, 40 of the channel structure. Consequently, a gas formed in the battery cell 4 can flow from each of the channel structure openings 36, 38, 40 to the housing opening 30. The first, second, and third channel structure openings 36, 38, 40 are preferably fluidically directly connected to one another.

[0070] Optionally and preferably, a further spacer element 46 (second spacer element 46) is arranged between the electrode arrangement 16 and that first side wall 12 which does not have the housing opening 30, i.e. which is opposite the first side wall 12 having the housing opening 30.

[0071] The further spacer element 34 also forms a channel structure with a first channel structure opening 36, which opens at one of the second side walls 14, with a second channel structure opening 38, which opens in the spatial region 42 between the respective housing cover 10 and the spacer element 34, and / or with a third channel structure opening 40, which opens in a spatial region 44 for the electrode arrangement 34. Preferably, the first, second, and third channel structure openings 36, 38, 40 are fluidically connected to one another. The second spacer element 46 has, for example, the same structure as the first spacer element 34.

[0072] By way of example, Fig. 1 shows two origins 48 at which gas is formed, for example during thermal runaway of the battery cell 4. Possible flow paths P1, P2 are shown in Fig. 1 using arrows. For example, one of the flow paths (P1) leads from an electrode of the electrode arrangement 16 into the spatial region 42 and from there through the first spacer element 34 along the first side wall 12 to the housing opening 30. Furthermore, for example, the other flow path P2 leads from the origin 48 arranged near the second spacer element into the second spacer element 46, from there into the spatial region 42, there against the Z direction to the first side wall 12 and then through the first spacer element 34 along the first side wall 12 to the housing opening 30.In a manner not shown in detail, the gas, particularly when the battery cell 4 is inflated, can flow from the point of origin 48 arranged near the second spacer element 46 into the second spacer element 46 and from there along one of the second side walls 14 against the Z direction to the first side wall 12 with the housing opening and then through the first spacer element AE1 from the second side wall to the housing opening 30.

[0073] In Fig. 2, the battery cell 4 is shown with a first variant of the first and second spacer elements 34, 46 in an exploded view.

[0074] Optionally, the battery cell 4, as can be seen in Fig. 2, has an insulating film 50 for electrically insulating the electrode arrangement, in particular with respect to the housing 6. In particular, this is adhesively bonded to the electrode stack 16. This expediently completely covers the top and bottom sides of the stack facing the second side walls 14. The side of the electrode stack 16 facing the first spacer element 34 - and, if present, also the second spacer element 46 - is not or not completely provided with the insulating film. In other words, these sides are at least partially free of the insulating film 50. According to the example shown here, this side orThese sides of the electrode stack 16 are only enclosed with tabs of the insulation film 50 in order to fix the section of the insulation film 50 arranged on the top side of the stack and the section arranged on the bottom side of the stack to one another, in particular to glue them together.

[0075] The insulation film 50 is not shown in detail in Fig. 1 for the sake of clarity. The first variant of the first spacer element 34 is shown in comparative detail in Figures 3a and 3b. Here, the spacer element 34 is made of a plastic. The second spacer element 46 is constructed identically, so the explanations for the first spacer element 34 apply analogously.

[0076] The first spacer element 34 comprises a plate-shaped base body 52, which, in the assembled state, is oriented parallel to the corresponding first side wall 12. Rib-shaped extensions 54 projecting upward toward the first side wall are arranged on the base body 52. ​​These extensions 54 extend in the X direction and are spaced apart from one another in this direction. The area formed between the extensions 54 with respect to the X direction forms a channel 56 extending in the Y direction, which ends at the second side wall. This channel 56 thus forms the first channel structure opening 36.

[0077] Furthermore, the extensions 54 are spaced apart from one another in the Y direction. This forms a channel 58 extending in the X direction, which opens into the space 42 between the spacer element 46 and the respective housing cover 10. This channel 58 thus forms the second channel structure opening 38.

[0078] Furthermore, the plate-shaped base body comprises continuous recesses 60 in the Z direction. These are arranged here in a grid-like manner. The end of these recesses facing the electrode arrangement forms the third channel structure opening 40.

[0079] Optionally, the spacer element 34 (and analogously the second spacer element 46) has a tab 62 projecting in the Z direction at each of its two ends in the X direction. As can be seen in particular in Fig. 1, the tab 62 projects between the electrode arrangement 16 and the respective housing cover 10. On the side of the tab 62 facing the respective housing cover 10, i.e. on the outside of the tab, a channel 64 extending in the Z direction is formed. For this purpose, ribs 66 project from the outside of the tab, spaced from one another in the Y direction and extending in the Z direction, between which this channel 64 extending in the Z direction is formed.

[0080] A second variant of the first spacer element 34 is shown in Figures 4a to 4d.

[0081] The spacer element 34 is formed from a heat-resistant material. For example, this material is heat-resistant up to 1000°C, preferably up to 1500°C, particularly preferably up to 2000°C. For this purpose, the spacer element 34 is formed from steel or an aluminum oxide sintered structure, for example.

[0082] The second spacer element 46 is constructed identically to this, so that the statements regarding the first spacer element 34 apply analogously.

[0083] In an analogous manner to the first variant of the spacer element 34, according to the second variant, it also comprises a plate-shaped base body 52 which is oriented parallel to the first side wall 12 of the housing shell 8.

[0084] Rib-shaped extensions 54 are arranged on the base body 52 and project upward toward the first side wall. These extensions extend in the X direction and are spaced apart from one another in the Y direction, forming the channel 58 extending in the X direction and opening into the space 42 between the spacer element 46 and the respective housing cover 10. This channel 58 thus has the second channel structure opening 38.

[0085] The spacer element 34 tapers in the Y direction in the area of ​​the housing opening 30 on both sides towards the center of the spacer element.

[0086] The extensions 54 are interrupted in the region of the taper 68, so that fluid can flow in or against the Y direction from the respective second side wall 14 to the housing opening 30. In other words, the rib-shaped extensions 54, spaced apart from one another in the X direction, form a channel 56 extending in the Y direction, which forms the first channel structure opening 36.

[0087] Furthermore, the plate-shaped base body comprises continuous hole-like recesses 60 in the Z direction. The end of these recesses 60 facing the electrode arrangement 16 forms the third channel structure opening 40.

[0088] Optionally, the spacer element 34 (and, analogously, the second spacer element 46), analogously to the first variant, has at each of its two ends in the X direction a tab 62 projecting in the Z direction, which protrudes between the electrode arrangement 16 and the respective housing cover 10. On the side of the tab 62 facing the respective housing cover 10, ribs 66 projecting from one another in the Y direction and extending in the Z direction form a channel 64 extending in the Z direction. Optionally, as can be seen in particular in Fig. 4d, the spacer element 34 is provided with a coating 70, so that it is electrically insulating and / or resistant to an electrolyte of the battery cell 4.

[0089] Figures 5 to 7 show further embodiments of the spacer element 34 and the second spacer element 46, respectively. These differ from the second embodiment in the design of the extensions 54.

[0090] Thus, in Fig. 5, the extensions 54 are designed as webs which are spaced apart from one another in the X-direction and in the Y-direction and form the channels 56 and 58.

[0091] In Fig. 6, the extensions 54 are designed as hemispheres spaced apart from one another.

[0092] In Fig. 7, the extensions 54 are curved, wherein the extensions 54

[0093] In Figures 3a to 7, possible flow paths for a gas are represented by an arrow marked with the reference symbol P.

[0094] In a manner not shown in detail, an electrically driven motor vehicle, in particular its traction battery, has a battery cell 4 according to one of the variants shown above.

[0095] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0096] Rather, other variants of the invention can also be derived from this within the scope of the claims by a person skilled in the art without departing from the subject matter of the invention. In particular, all individual features described in connection with the exemplary embodiments and / or in the claims can also be combined with one another in other ways without departing from the subject matter of the invention.

[0097] Traction battery prismatic battery cell

[0098] Housing

[0099] Housing shell

[0100] Housing cover first side panel second side panel

[0101] Electrode arrangement

[0102] anode

[0103] cathode

[0104] Arrester first end face of the electrode arrangement second end face of the electrode arrangement

[0105] terminal

[0106] Housing opening

[0107] Pressure equalization device / bursting membrane

[0108] Spacer element first channel structure opening second channel structure opening third channel structure opening

[0109] Space between the housing cover and the spacer element

[0110] Space for the electrode arrangement additional spacer element

[0111] Place of origin 0 Insulation foil 2 Base body 4 Extension 6 Channel 8 Channel 0 Recess

[0112] 62 tab

[0113] 64 channel

[0114] 66 rib

[0115] 68 Rejuvenation

[0116] 70 Coating

[0117] X X-direction

[0118] Y Y-direction

[0119] Z Z-direction

[0120] P,P1,P2 flow path

Claims

Patent claims 1. Prismatic battery cell (4), in particular for a traction battery (2) of an electrically powered motor vehicle, comprising - a housing (6) with a housing shell (8) formed from two mutually parallel first side walls (12) and two mutually parallel second side walls (14), and with two housing covers (10) closing the housing shell (8), wherein one of the first side walls (12) of the housing shell (8) has a housing opening (30) which is closed by a device (32) for pressure equalization, - an electrode arrangement (16) accommodated in the housing (6), - a spacer element (34) arranged between the electrode arrangement (16) and the flat inner side of the first side wall (12) having the housing opening (30), wherein the spacer element (34) is arranged on the flat inner side of the housing opening of this side wall (12), - wherein the spacer element (34) forms a channel structure by means of which the housing opening (30) is fluidically connected to a first channel structure opening (36) on one of the second side walls (14), to a second channel structure opening (38) to a spatial region (42) between the housing cover (10) and the spacer element (34), and to a third channel structure opening (40) to a spatial region (44) for the electrode arrangement (16).

2. Prismatic battery cell (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that a further spacer element (46) is arranged between the first side wall (12), which is opposite the housing opening (30), and the electrode arrangement (16), and / or - wherein the further spacer element (46) forms a channel structure which has a first channel structure opening (36) on one of the second side walls (12), a second channel structure opening (38) to the spatial region (42) between the housing cover (10) and the spacer element (34), and / or a third channel structure opening (40) to a spatial region (44) for the electrode arrangement (16).

3. Prismatic battery cell (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spacer element (34) and / or the further spacer element (46) each has a tab (62) projecting in a direction (Z) perpendicular to the first side wall (12) and projecting between the electrode arrangement (16) and one of the housing covers (10), and / or - wherein a channel (64) extending in the Z direction is formed on the side of the tab (62) facing the housing cover (10).

4. Prismatic battery cell (4) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the spacer element (34) and / or the further spacer element (46) comprises or is formed from a heat-resistant material, for example up to 1000°C, preferably up to 1500°C, particularly preferably up to 2000°C.

5. Prismatic battery cell (4) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the spacer element (34) tapers in the region of the housing opening (30) with respect to a direction (Y) perpendicular to the second side walls (14).

6. Prismatic battery cell (4) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that - that the spacer element (34) and / or the further spacer element (46) each comprise a plate-shaped base body (52) oriented parallel to the first side wall (12) - wherein upstanding extensions (54) are arranged on the base body (52), which form channels opening on one of the second side walls (14) and into the space area (42) between the housing cover (10) and the respective spacer element (34, 46), and / or - wherein the plate-shaped base body (52) has continuous recesses (60) in a direction (Z) perpendicular to the first side walls (12).

7. Prismatic battery cell (4) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the electrode arrangement (16) is provided with an insulating film (50), wherein the side of the electrode arrangement (16) facing the housing opening (30) is at least partially free of the insulating film (50).

8. Traction battery (2) with a prismatic battery cell (4) according to one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Electrically powered motor vehicle with a prismatic battery cell (4) according to one of claims 1 to 7, and / or with a traction battery (2) according to claim 8.

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