Electric energy storage device and battery-powered electric device

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric energy storage device comprising a housing, at least one rechargeable battery cell received in the housing and a open- and / or closed-loop control apparatus for controlling, in an open- and / or closed-loop manner, the charging and discharging of the at least one rechargeable battery cell and for monitoring a charging state of same, wherein the electric energy storage device comprises an electric deep discharging apparatus for irreversibly deep discharging the at least one battery cell and wherein the electric deep discharging apparatus is designed independently of the open- and / or closed-loop control apparatus and can be actuated or activated independently of same. The invention further relates to an improved battery-powered device.

Description

[0001] Electrical energy storage device and battery-powered electrical appliance

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrical energy storage device comprising a housing, at least one rechargeable battery cell accommodated in the housing and a control and / or regulating device for controlling and / or regulating the charging and discharging of the at least one rechargeable battery cell and for monitoring a charge state thereof.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a battery-powered electrical device having at least one electrical consumer and an electrical energy storage device for supplying the electrical consumer with electrical energy.

[0004] Electrical devices and energy storage devices of the type described above are known in a variety of forms. Lithium-ion cells, also known as lithium-ion batteries, are very frequently used as battery cells. These cells are capable of delivering high currents combined with a high gravimetric and volumetric energy density. Energy storage devices with lithium-ion cells are ideally suited as mobile energy storage devices and also as stationary energy storage devices. Their use is not limited to electric vehicles, especially battery-powered motor vehicles, but they are also used in power tools, gardening equipment, computers, and mobile phones.

[0005] With the increasing prevalence of lithium-ion cells, the actual risk of malfunctions also increases. This particularly applies to discarded energy storage devices whose battery cells have reached the end of their life cycle, i.e., which meet the so-called "end of life" (EOL) condition. In particular, they can no longer be sufficiently charged for use. However, such battery cells still contain a certain amount of electrical energy due to the chemical properties of lithium-ion cells. Therefore, lithium-ion cells must not be discharged below a certain threshold voltage in order to maintain reversible charging and discharging. As already mentioned, a certain residual amount of energy inevitably remains stored in the respective battery cell. This can lead to critical failures when energy storage devices with lithium-ion cells are disposed of.In particular, in the event of a short circuit in a lithium-ion cell, the remaining energy is often sufficient to cause local overheating, spontaneous combustion and thus a fire or even an explosion.

[0006] US 2022 / 0019273 A1 describes a method for deactivating a battery based on a user command.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve an electrical energy storage device and a battery-operated electrical appliance such that, in particular, the electrical energy storage device can be disposed of safely.

[0008] This object is achieved according to the invention in an electrical energy storage device of the type described above in that it comprises an electrical deep discharge device for irreversibly deep discharging the at least one battery cell and that the electrical deep discharge device is designed independently of the control and / or regulating device and can be actuated or activated independently thereof.

[0009] Developing an electrical energy storage device in the proposed manner has the particular advantage that it can be brought into a defined state in which the at least one rechargeable battery cell accommodated in the housing is deeply discharged, i.e., no electrical energy remains stored in it or only so little energy remains that the risk of spontaneous combustion or explosion is essentially eliminated. The deep discharge can be carried out in particular in a simple manner using the electrical deep discharge device. Since it is designed independently of the control and / or regulating device, which is also referred to as the battery management system (BMS), and can also be operated or activated independently of it, the deep discharge is possible reliably and independently of the operating state of the control and / or regulating device.A BMS requires a minimum voltage to function. Therefore, due to the system, it is not possible to discharge at least one battery cell controlled by the BMS in the event of a fault. In contrast, the deep discharge device enables the deep discharge required for the safe disposal of the energy storage device, in particular of battery cells installed in the energy storage device. These can be, for example, lithium-ion cells or rechargeable nickel-cadmium, alkaline or nickel-metal hydride batteries. These comprise an anode and a cathode separated from each other by an electrically insulating separator. Ions are exchanged between the two electrodes in the battery cell, for example lithium ions in the case of a lithium-ion cell. Electrons, on the other hand, are conducted via an external electrical circuit.A lithium-ion cell, for example, stores electrical energy in the form of an electrochemical potential between the anode and the cathode. Both electrodes are made of active materials that interact with lithium ions, enabling the incorporation of lithium ions into a host lattice. Charging increases the potential difference between the two electrodes. Conversely, discharging decreases the potential difference. Due to the chemical properties of lithium-ion cells, particularly the chemical composition and crystal structure of the active material of the cathode, lithium-ion cells must not be discharged to 0 V, i.e., deeply discharged, if they are to be recharged. Reversible charging and discharging is only possible if a certain threshold voltage or minimum potential between the anode and cathode is not undercut.Lithium-ion cells are therefore typically operated in a voltage range between 2.5 V and approximately 4.2 V to 4.4 V. The irreversible effect of battery cell destruction is caused by an unstable crystal structure of the active material of the cathode, which undergoes an irreversible phase transition during deep discharge. As explained, the minimum voltage of a lithium-ion battery is approximately 2.5 V if it is to be operated reversibly. For reversible use, i.e., when the electrical energy storage device with at least one rechargeable battery cell is to be charged and discharged, the state of charge (SOC) of a lithium-ion cell that is considered discharged, i.e., at the threshold voltage of 2.5 V, is still approximately 5% to approximately 30% of the maximum storable energy.Therefore, a lithium-ion cell, discharged as intended for recharging, still contains a significant amount of residual energy. As explained, the BMS prevents deep discharge. It therefore regulates the lower discharge voltage to 2.5 V per battery cell. However, this is precisely what leads to the problem: residual energy remains in each battery cell, which can lead to critical failures when disposing of such lithium-ion cells, especially those installed in electrical energy storage devices. As a result of a short circuit, the energy remaining at the lower discharge voltage is still sufficient to cause severe local heating, spontaneous combustion, or even explosions.The electrical deep discharge device makes it possible, in particular, to completely discharge the at least one battery cell at the end of its life cycle or at the end of the life cycle (EOL) of the electrical energy storage device—or independently of this, at any time triggered by a user. The proposed electrical energy storage device thus makes it possible, in particular, for an end user, for example, to deliberately and deliberately deep discharge the at least one rechargeable battery cell in a defined manner before disposing of the electrical energy storage device, so that the energy storage device can be disposed of safely, i.e., without electrical energy remaining in the at least one battery cell.The functionality of the deep discharge device is ensured in particular because, as explained, it is designed independently of the control and / or regulation device and can be operated or activated independently of it. Deep discharge is therefore reliably possible even when the BMS is no longer operational due to insufficient residual energy remaining in at least one battery cell.

[0010] It is advantageous if the deep discharge device comprises at least one deep discharge circuit, which electrically connects a first pole and a second pole of the at least one battery cell, and if the deep discharge circuit comprises at least one electrical deep discharge switching element, which is open in an operating position in which the at least one deep discharge circuit is interrupted and can be irreversibly transferred from the open operating position to a closed deep discharge position in which the at least one deep discharge circuit is closed. Configuring the deep discharge device in this way has the particular advantage that deep discharge can be carried out irreversibly by activating the deep discharge device.This is ensured, in particular, by the fact that the deep discharge device allows the deep discharge circuit to be irreversibly transferred from the open operating position to the closed deep discharge position. In the deep discharge position, the remaining energy stored in the at least one battery cell can be extracted by electrically connecting the two poles of the at least one battery cell to each other via the deep discharge circuit.

[0011] Preferably, the at least one deep discharge switching element is designed to be actuated exclusively mechanically. Thus, in particular, the energy storage device can be designed such that the deep discharge device cannot be actuated electrically or electronically by the control and / or regulating device. The mechanical actuation of the at least one deep discharge switching element, and thus also of the deep discharge device, makes it possible, in particular, to carry out deep discharge only when actually desired. Thus, it can be activated, in particular, by a user as desired before disposing of the energy storage device. The deep discharge device can be designed in a simple manner if the deep discharge switching element is designed in the form of a pushbutton, a switch, or a plug connection that is self-locking in the deep discharge position.A plug connection has the particular advantage that, for example, by moving a plug element from a first position to a second position, switching contacts can be brought into electrical connection with one another in order to close the at least one deep discharge circuit.

[0012] Advantageously, the deep discharge switching element is designed such that it can no longer be moved back from the closed position to the open position. Therefore, it is preferably designed such that it can be irreversibly moved from the open position to the closed position.

[0013] The deep discharge switching element is preferably designed as an electrically passive component. Such a design has the particular advantage that a switching operation is possible reliably and, moreover, no electrical energy is required for a switching operation.

[0014] It is advantageous if the deep discharge switching element comprises a first contact element that is operatively connected to the first pole and a second contact element that is operatively connected to the second pole, which are separated from one another in the operating position and are operatively connected to one another in an electrically conductive manner in the deep discharge position. By bringing the first and second contact elements into contact with one another, the at least one deep discharge circuit can be closed, so that the electrical energy stored in the at least one battery cell can be dissipated therefrom in a targeted manner via the at least one deep discharge circuit and, for example, converted into heat in a defined manner.According to a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the deep discharge device comprises at least one, in particular only a single, mechanically actuated actuating element which can be moved from an unactuated basic position, in which the deep discharge switching element assumes the operating position, by applying an actuating force into a deep discharge position in which the deep discharge switching element assumes the closed deep discharge position. Such a configuration has the particular advantage that the at least one battery cell cannot be inadvertently deep discharged by actuation from the control and / or regulating device. Rather, the at least one mechanically actuated actuating element must be actuated in a targeted and deliberate manner by a user in order to activate the deep discharge device for deep discharging the at least one battery cell.

[0015] A compact design of the energy storage device can be achieved, in particular, by incorporating the deep-discharge switching element into the actuating element. For example, the actuating element can be implemented as a mechanical rocker switch on an electrical switch, which, upon movement, brings two contact elements of the switch into electrically conductive connection with each other.

[0016] Reliable operation of the deep discharge device is particularly possible if the actuating element on the housing can be moved from the operating position to the deep discharge position toward or away from a housing interior defined by the housing. For example, the actuating element on the housing can be designed in the form of a button that can be pressed by a user and thereby moved toward the housing interior.

[0017] It is advantageous if the actuating element is arranged or configured to be movable and / or pivotable or rotatable on the housing. This enables a user, in particular, to activate the deep discharge device by moving and / or pivoting and / or rotating the actuating element on and thus also relative to the housing and to transfer the at least one electrical deep discharge switching element from the open operating position to the closed deep discharge position.

[0018] It is advantageous if the actuating element is arranged or designed in such a way that it can be moved and / or rotated and / or pivoted relative to the housing in order to transfer the deep discharge switching element from the operating position into the deep discharge position. This configuration also enables a user, in particular, to determine from the position or orientation of the actuating element relative to the housing whether the deep discharge device has already been activated or not. This is particularly advantageous for determining whether an electrical energy storage device to be disposed of or which has been disposed of has already been deliberately deep discharged or not. In this way, the actuating element can simultaneously form an indicator element which indicates whether the at least one deep discharge switching element is in the open operating position or the closed deep discharge position.

[0019] It is advantageous if the actuating element comprises an actuating pin that is mechanically and electrically connected to the electrical deep-discharge switching element such that the electrical deep-discharge switching element can be transferred from the operating position to the deep-discharge position. The actuating pin is thus particularly designed to mechanically and electrically transfer the electrical deep-discharge switching element from the operating position to the deep-discharge position. In the operating position, the electrical deep-discharge switching element assumes a basic position in which it is open.

[0020] It is advantageous if the actuating element is operatively connected to the first contact element for moving the first contact element from the operating position to the deep discharge position. Thus, the at least one deep discharge switching element can be transferred directly from the operating position to the deep discharge position, in particular by actuating the actuating element. In this case, it can, in particular, mechanically transmit an actuating force to the first contact element.

[0021] It is advantageous if the actuating element is formed integrally with the first contact element, in particular monolithically, or is connected to the first contact element by force and / or form and / or material connection. In this way, the first contact element can be moved reliably and in the desired manner, in particular by a movement of the actuating element, in order to close the at least one deep discharge circuit.

[0022] A particularly compact design of the electrical energy storage device can be achieved in particular in that the actuating element comprises or forms the first contact element.

[0023] For reliable deep discharge, it is particularly advantageous if the actuating element is operatively electrically connected to the first and second contact elements in the deep discharge position and is operatively connected to no contact elements or to only one of the two contact elements in the operating position. For example, the actuating element can be designed in the form of an actuating pin which is displaced for electrically operative connection to the two contact elements. For example, this can be realized in such a way that the two electrical contact elements are annular and the actuating element can be pushed into the annular contact elements such that it can electrically connect the two contact elements to one another, such that a current can flow from the first contact element via the actuating element or an electrically conductive part thereof to the second contact element or vice versa.

[0024] In order to enable a defined activation of the deep discharge device, it is advantageous if the actuating element comprises an actuating tool element for force-fitting and / or form-fitting engagement with an actuating tool for moving the actuating element. The actuating tool element can be designed, in particular, in the form of a recess or a projection. For example, it can be designed in the form of a recess for engagement with a screwdriver or a coin. The shape of the recess or projection can, in particular, be slot-shaped, cross-shaped, in the form of an internal polygon or external polygon, or an internal polygon or an external polygon.

[0025] In order to prevent, in particular, unintentional actuation of the actuating element, it is advantageous if the actuating element is arranged or configured to be set back on the housing relative to an outer housing surface in the direction of a housing interior defined by the housing. In particular, the deep discharge device cannot be accidentally activated by actuating the actuating element, for example, if the electrical energy storage device falls from a user's hand. The actuating element, which is arranged or configured to be set back on the housing as defined, thus does not protrude beyond an outer housing surface and thus cannot be automatically actuated if the energy storage device falls.

[0026] A reliable arrangement of the actuating element is particularly possible if it is arranged or formed in or near a housing recess arranged or formed relative to the outer housing surface. Thus, thanks to this design, the actuating element is practically surrounded and largely protected by the housing recess.

[0027] In order to enable defined access to the actuating element, it is advantageous if the housing recess is open, pointing away from the housing interior.

[0028] According to a further preferred embodiment, the electrical deep discharge device can comprise two or more deep discharge circuits, each deep discharge circuit comprises an actuating element, and each deep discharge circuit is assigned an actuating element. This configuration makes it possible, in particular, to deeply discharge each battery cell of the electrical energy storage device independently of one another.

[0029] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the deep discharge device comprises two or more deep discharge circuits and only a single actuating element, which is mechanically operatively connected to all deep discharge switching elements of the deep discharge device for transferring, in particular simultaneously or sequentially, all deep discharge switching elements from the operating position to the deep discharge position. This configuration has the particular advantage that only a single actuating element needs to be actuated to discharge all battery cells comprised by the electrical energy storage device. The deep discharge can then take place, in particular, simultaneously or sequentially. In any case, this configuration ensures, in particular, that all battery cells can be deep discharged by actuating the single actuating element.

[0030] To prevent unintentional actuation of the actuating element, it is advantageous if the actuating element is concealed, covered, and / or protected with a protective element in the operating position. To achieve the desired deep discharge of such an electrical energy storage device, the protective element must be removed or destroyed in this design. Otherwise, the actuating element is inaccessible to the user.

[0031] It is advantageous if the protective element closes the housing recess in the operating position. This means that access to the actuating element can only be achieved if the protective element sufficiently, in particular completely, exposes the housing recess. For this purpose, the protective element must be destroyed or completely or partially removed. The protective element is advantageously designed in the form of a cover.

[0032] Such a cover can reliably protect the housing recess and thus a receiving space for the actuating element, particularly in the operating position.

[0033] It is advantageous if the protective element and the housing are connected to each other in a protective position by force and / or form and / or material connection. This configuration makes it possible, in particular, to reliably protect the actuating element with the protective element, especially against unintentional actuation.

[0034] Advantageously, the protective element and the housing are designed to be irreversibly separable from each other. This allows the user to immediately recognize whether the protective element has already been removed or not. It can thus also serve as a type of indicator to alert the user whether the deep discharge device may have already been activated or not.

[0035] The electrical energy storage device can be designed simply and cost-effectively if the protective element is in the form of a protective film glued to the housing.

[0036] To reliably protect the actuating element, it is advantageous if the protective element is connected to or engaged with the housing via a bayonet or screw connection in a protective position. This design makes it possible, in particular, to move the protective element by turning or screwing in order to transfer it from the protective position to a position in which it is, for example, separated from the housing or completely or partially releases the actuating element. To prevent unintentional actuation of the deep discharge device, it is advantageous if the protective element is arranged in a protective position in such a way that the mechanically actuated actuating element is concealed and access to it is impossible.

[0037] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the protective element comprises a tool coupling element for engaging with a correspondingly designed tool element of a tool. Such a configuration makes it possible, in particular, to prevent unintentional actuation of the protective element. In this configuration, a special tool element is required to remove the protective element, which is designed to correspond to the tool coupling element.

[0038] The tool coupling element can easily be designed in the form of a slot. Alternatively, it can also be designed in the form of a cross-shaped recess or an internal polygon or a polygonal internal cone.

[0039] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the at least one deep discharge circuit comprises at least one electrical deep discharge resistor, which converts the electrical energy stored in the at least one battery cell into heat in the deep discharge position. With the electrical deep discharge resistor, which forms an electrical consumer, the electrical energy still contained in the at least one battery cell can be converted into heat in a defined manner. The electrical deep discharge resistor is selected in particular such that the electrical energy can be converted into heat sufficiently slowly so that overheating, ignition or explosion cannot occur. The electrical deep discharge resistor thus forms in particular an electrical consumer that can convert electrical energy into heat.In principle, other electrical consumers can also be provided here that are included in the electrical energy storage device. In particular, electrical deep discharge resistors that are included in the electrical energy storage device for other purposes can also be used. In particular, such a deep discharge resistor can form a passive component of a control and / or regulating device. In this case, the deep discharge device can nevertheless be activated and operated independently of the control and / or regulating device, since the electrical deep discharge resistor is merely a passive component of the control and / or regulating device and is used solely to convert electrical energy into heat.

[0040] Preferably, the at least one deep discharge resistor has a resistance value in a range from approximately 2 ohms to approximately 20 kOhms. By specifying the resistance value of the deep discharge resistor, a discharge time can also be specified. This can be selected in particular such that heat dissipation is reliably possible, thus preventing overheating of the deep discharge device and the electrical energy storage device, as well as unwanted ignition or explosion thereof.

[0041] Furthermore, it may be advantageous for the electrical energy storage device to comprise at least one heat conduction element, and for the at least one deep discharge circuit to be connected to the at least one heat conduction element in a heat conducting manner, in order to dissipate heat generated in the at least one deep discharge circuit during deep discharge, in particular out of the housing. The heat conduction element can be arranged, in particular, on the housing. It can be designed in the form of a heat sink or comprise one which is connected to the at least one deep discharge resistor in a heat conducting manner, in order to dissipate heat from the heat sink and thus from the deep discharge circuit.

[0042] It is advantageous if the at least one heat-conducting element comprises at least one heat sink, which is connected to the at least one deep-discharge circuit, in particular to the at least one electrical deep-discharge resistor, in a heat-conducting manner. This allows heat generated during deep discharge to be reliably dissipated, in particular from the housing of the electrical energy storage device.

[0043] In order to reliably supply a battery-powered device with energy and to enable the highest possible energy density, it is advantageous if at least one battery cell is in the form of a lithium-ion battery. This is also referred to as a lithium-ion cell.

[0044] Furthermore, it may be advantageous for the electrical energy storage device to comprise two or more rechargeable battery cells and for the deep discharge device to comprise a single deep discharge circuit for all battery cells, a deep discharge circuit for two or more battery cells, or a separate deep discharge circuit for each battery cell. The described configuration makes it possible, in particular, to store more electrical energy by providing two or more battery cells and to make it available for operating a battery-powered electrical device. Configuring the deep discharge device as described also makes it possible to deeply discharge all battery cells of the electrical energy storage device in a defined and reliable manner.

[0045] The object stated at the outset is further achieved according to the invention in a battery-powered electrical device of the type described at the outset in that the electrical energy storage device is designed in the form of one of the advantageous embodiments of electrical energy storage devices described above.

[0046] The battery-powered electrical device then also has, in particular, the advantages described above in connection with advantageous embodiments of electrical energy storage devices.

[0047] Battery-powered electrical devices can take a variety of forms. In particular, they can advantageously be designed as cleaning devices, power tools, an electrically powered vehicle, especially a motor vehicle, or gardening equipment. This list is, of course, not limiting.

[0048] It is advantageous if the at least one electrical load is designed in the form of a heating device and / or an electric motor. Such a battery-powered electrical device can be used, in particular, as a cleaning device, power tool, or gardening device. An electric motor can be used, for example, to drive cutting devices on gardening equipment or vehicles, especially motor vehicles. A heating device can be used, in particular, to heat fluids such as water or other cleaning agents.

[0049] It is advantageous if the electrical energy storage device is designed to be detachably connectable to the battery-powered electrical device, such that it is electrically operatively connected to the electrical device in an operating position and is disengaged from the electrical device in a storage position. This makes it possible, in particular, to remove the electrical energy storage device from the electrical device when the at least one battery cell is discharged. The electrical device can then be connected to another electrical energy storage device that is charged and continue to be operated. This allows continuous operation of the electrical device to be achieved.

[0050] The object stated at the outset is further achieved according to the invention in a method of the type described at the outset in that the at least one battery cell is irreversibly deeply discharged independently of the control and / or regulating device.

[0051] As explained in detail above, the targeted deep discharge of the at least one battery cell, independent of the control and / or regulating device, can in particular ensure that in an electrical energy storage device intended for disposal, no electrical energy remains in the at least one battery cell that is sufficient to ignite or explode the electrical energy storage device.

[0052] It is advantageous if, for the deep discharge of the at least one rechargeable battery cell, a first pole and a second pole of the battery cell are transferred from an operating position in which they are electrically conductively disengaged into a deep discharge position in which they are electrically conductively connected to one another directly or indirectly via at least one electrical consumer, such that the electrical energy stored in the at least one battery cell is converted into heat in the deep discharge position, in particular by the at least one electrical consumer. In the manner described, the electrical energy stored in the rechargeable battery cell can be converted into heat in a targeted and defined manner. The at least one electrical consumer can in particular be included in a deep discharge circuit, for example in the form of an electrical resistor.

[0053] Furthermore, the use of one of the above-described advantageous embodiments of electrical energy storage devices for carrying out one of the above-described advantageous methods is proposed.

[0054] The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention serves to explain it in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. They show:

[0055] Figure 1: a schematic representation of an embodiment of a battery-powered electrical device with two embodiments of electrical energy storage devices;

[0056] Figure 2: a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an electrical energy storage device; Figure 3: a schematic representation of a structure of an embodiment of an electrical energy storage device;

[0057] Figure 4: a schematic representation of a structure of another embodiment of an electrical energy storage device;

[0058] Figure 5: a schematic perspective partial view of another embodiment of an electrical energy storage device;

[0059] Figure 6: a schematic partial sectional view of the arrangement in Figure 5;

[0060] Figure 7: a view similar to Figure 6 when operating an actuating element;

[0061] Figure 8: a schematic perspective partial view of another embodiment of an electrical energy storage device;

[0062] Figure 9: a schematic partial sectional view of the arrangement of Figure 8;

[0063] Figure 10: a schematic partial sectional view of another embodiment of an electrical energy storage device;

[0064] Figure 11: a perspective arrangement of the energy storage device partially shown in Figure 10;

[0065] Figure 12: a schematic representation of the arrangement from Figure 10 when activating the deep discharge device;

[0066] Figure 13: a schematic perspective partial view of another embodiment of an electrical energy storage device;

[0067] Figure 14: a schematic partial sectional view of the arrangement of Figure 13; Figure 15: a schematic perspective partial view of another embodiment of an electrical energy storage device;

[0068] Figure 16: a schematic view of the arrangement of Figure 15 when activating the deep discharge device;

[0069] Figure 17: a schematic partial sectional view of the arrangement of Figure 16; and

[0070] Figure 18: a schematic partial sectional view of another embodiment of an electrical energy storage device.

[0071] Figure 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a battery-powered electrical device 10. It comprises at least one electrical consumer 12.

[0072] Depending on the specific embodiment, the electrical device 10 is designed as a cleaning device 14, a power tool, or a gardening tool. However, other types of battery-powered electrical devices 10 are also conceivable.

[0073] An electrical energy storage device 16 is used to supply the electrical consumer 12 of the electrical device 10 with electrical energy. Two exemplary embodiments of electrical energy storage devices 16 are shown schematically in Figure 1.

[0074] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the at least one electrical consumer 12 is designed in the form of a heating device and / or in the form of an electric motor 18.

[0075] The electrical energy storage device 16 is designed to be detachably connected to the battery-powered electrical device 10 such that, in a working position, it is electrically operatively connected to the electrical device 10 and, in a storage position, as schematically illustrated in Figure 1, is disengaged from the electrical device 10. First and second connecting elements 20 and 22, which are arranged or formed on the one hand on the electrical device 10 and, on the other hand, on the energy storage device 16, serve for the detachable connection. In the working position, the connecting elements 20 and 22 are engaged; in the storage position, they are disengaged. In the working position, the first and second connecting elements 20 and 22 enable both a mechanical and an electrical operative connection between the electrical device 10 and the energy storage device 16.Thus, in the working position, the consumer 12 of the electrical device 10 can be supplied with electrical energy by the energy storage device 16.

[0076] The electrical energy storage device 16 comprises a housing 24 in which at least one rechargeable battery cell 26 is accommodated. In Figure 1, the two exemplary embodiments of the energy storage devices 16 are equipped with a plurality of battery cells 26, or with only a single battery cell 26.

[0077] A control and / or regulating device 28, which is also accommodated in the housing 24, serves to control and / or regulate the charging and discharging of the at least one rechargeable battery cell 26 of the energy storage device 16, as well as to monitor the charge state of the battery cell 26. The control and / or regulating device 28 is commonly referred to as a battery management system (BMS). The electrical energy storage device 16 can also be referred to as a so-called battery pack.

[0078] The energy storage devices 16 further comprise an electrical deep discharge device 30 for irreversibly deep discharging the at least one battery cell 26. The electrical deep discharge device 30 is designed independently of the control and / or regulating device 28 and can also be actuated or activated independently thereof. Figure 2 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an energy storage device 16. Both in this exemplary embodiment and in all other exemplary embodiments of electrical energy storage devices 16 explained in more detail below, the same reference numerals are used to designate identical or functionally similar components.

[0079] Figure 2 schematically shows a mechanically actuated actuating element 32. It is included in the deep discharge device 30. Figure 1 also schematically shows such an actuating element 32 in each of the two exemplary embodiments of the energy storage devices 16. The actuating element 32 serves to actuate or activate the deep discharge device 30, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0080] In Figure 2, the actuating element 32 is designed as a movable element of the housing 24, specifically in the form of a hard plastic switch or button that can be pressed. In a manner not described in detail, it serves the purpose of closing an electrical circuit for deep discharging the at least one battery cell 26, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0081] Figure 3 shows a schematic view of the structure of an embodiment of an electrical energy storage device 16.

[0082] The deep discharge device 30 comprises a deep discharge circuit 34, which electrically connects a first pole 36 and a second pole 38 of the battery cell 26. The deep discharge circuit 34 comprises an electrical deep discharge switching element 40. This interrupts the deep discharge circuit 34 in an operating position of the energy storage device 16. Therefore, in the operating position, the deep discharge circuit 34 is open. Thus, no current can flow from one of the two poles 36, 38 to the other via the deep discharge circuit 34. In contrast, the deep discharge circuit 34 is closed in a closed deep discharge position. In this deep discharge position, a current can flow from one of the two poles 36, 38 to the other.

[0083] The deep discharge switching element 40 can be moved from the operating position to the deep discharge position, but not vice versa. Therefore, the deep discharge switching element 40 can be actuated irreversibly.

[0084] In the described embodiment, the deep discharge switching element 40 is designed to be actuated exclusively mechanically. It comprises a push-button that latches in the deep discharge position, a plug connection, or a switch 42 shown schematically in Figure 3. The deep discharge switching element 40 is designed as an electrically passive component. Therefore, it cannot be controlled electrically or electronically.

[0085] In order to limit a current flow in the deep discharge circuit 34, the deep discharge circuit 40 comprises at least one electrical deep discharge resistor 44. It forms an electrical consumer 46 which converts the electrical energy stored in the battery cell 26 into heat in the deep discharge position.

[0086] The deep discharge resistor has a resistance value in a range of approximately 2 ohms to 20 kOhm.

[0087] A heat conduction element 48, optionally included in the energy storage device 16, is used to dissipate the heat generated at the deep discharge resistor 44 or the load 46 in the deep discharge position. The deep discharge circuit 34, in particular the load 46, is connected to the heat conduction element 48 in a heat-conducting manner. The heat conduction element 48 is preferably arranged or configured such that it can not only dissipate heat from the deep discharge circuit 34 during deep discharge of the battery cell 26, but can also conduct it out of the housing 24. For this purpose, the heat conduction element 48 is in contact with an outer surface 50 of the housing 24 or forms part of the same.Alternatively, the consumer 46 can also be arranged in a similar manner to the heat conduction element 48 shown schematically in Figure 3 in order to release or dissipate the heat generated in the deep discharge position to an environment 52 of the energy storage device 16.

[0088] Figure 3 schematically illustrates the deep discharge switching element 40, specifically comprising first and second contact elements 54 and 56, which are electrically connected to the first pole 36 on the one hand and electrically connected to the second pole 38 on the other. As schematically illustrated in Figure 3, the contact elements 54 and 56 are separated from one another in the operating position. A schematically illustrated movable contact tongue 58 is connected only to the second contact element 56, but does not touch the first contact element 54. Thus, the deep discharge circuit 34 is interrupted. It assumes the operating position.

[0089] In the deep discharge position, the contact tongue 58 touches the first contact element 54 in a manner not shown in Figure 3, so that the deep discharge circuit 34 is closed and the first and second poles 36, 38 are electrically connected via the deep discharge circuit 34, so that a current can flow via the consumer 46 and the energy contained in the battery cell 26 can be completely converted into heat at the consumer 46.

[0090] The actuating element 32 is designed to be movable from an unactuated basic position, in which the deep discharge switching element 40 assumes the operating position, i.e. the deep discharge circuit 34 is interrupted, into the deep discharge position by applying an actuating force, in which the deep discharge switching element 40 assumes the closed deep discharge position, i.e. the deep discharge circuit 34 is closed.

[0091] Figure 4 schematically shows another embodiment of an electrical energy storage device 16. This comprises two battery cells 26, whose poles 36 and 38 are each connected to one another via a deep discharge circuit 34. The two deep discharge circuits 34 are designed as in the embodiment of Figure 3, so reference can be made to the above description. A heat conduction element 48 is optionally assigned to each consumer 46 if the heat generated at the consumer 46 in the deep discharge position cannot be directly dissipated from the housing 24 to the environment 52.

[0092] In the embodiment of Figure 4, a single actuating element 32 is provided. This is operatively connected to the two deep-discharge switching elements 40 of the two deep-discharge circuits 34. By actuating the actuating element 32, for example, by applying an actuating force, both deep-discharge switching elements 40 can be transferred from the operating position to the deep-discharge position, in particular simultaneously. As explained above, the deep-discharge circuit 34 is then closed, so that both battery cells 26 can be deeply discharged by converting the electrical energy stored in them into heat in the load 46.

[0093] The actuating element 32 can be designed in different ways. Figures 5 to 7 show one embodiment in this regard.

[0094] In this exemplary embodiment, the actuating element 32 is arranged or formed on the housing 24 so as to be set back relative to an outer housing surface 60 in the direction of a housing interior 62 defined by the housing 24. For this purpose, the housing 24 comprises a housing recess 64 arranged or formed relative to the outer housing surface 60. The actuating element 32 is arranged or formed in or in the region of the housing recess 64.

[0095] The actuating element 32 is in the form of a knob 66 ​​and is designed to be displaceable on the housing 24 in the direction of an actuating axis 68. The actuating element 32 is in direct mechanical operative connection with the deep-discharge switching element 40. In this exemplary embodiment, the actuating element 32 is arranged or designed such that it is displaceable relative to the housing 24 to transfer the deep-discharge switching element 40 from the operating position to the deep-discharge position. In particular, the actuating element 32 is operatively connected to the first or second contact element 54 or 56, for example, via the contact tongue 58.If the button 66 is actuated, for example, with a finger, i.e., moved toward the housing interior 62, in particular by applying an actuating force symbolized by arrow 70, the contact tongue 58 is moved from an open position, as schematically illustrated in Figure 6, to a closed position, schematically illustrated in Figure 7, in which the two contact elements 54 and 56 are electrically connected to one another. The deep discharge circuit 34 is then closed in the position illustrated in Figure 7.

[0096] The deep discharge element 40 is designed in particular such that the button 66 does not automatically return to the original position as shown in Figure 6 after being released by the user's finger 72, but remains in the position shown in Figure 7, in which the deep discharge circuit 34 is closed.

[0097] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 to 7, it is alternatively possible for the deep discharge switching element 40 to comprise the actuating element 32. For example, the button 66, as the actuating pin 74, can be operatively connected both mechanically and electrically to the electrical deep discharge switching element 40 such that the electrical deep discharge switching element 40 can be transferred from the operating position to the deep discharge position. In particular, the actuating element 32 can be formed integrally with the first or second contact element 54, 56, in particular monolithically, or can be connected to the first or second contact element 54, 56, in particular to the contact tongue 58, in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner. Furthermore, alternative embodiments of deep discharge switching elements 40 are schematically illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, surrounded by dashed circles.In these, the contact tongue 58 is not in contact with either of the two contact elements 54, 56 in the operating position (see Figure 6). As already explained, the contact tongue 58 can be mechanically coupled to the actuating pin 74 in order to be transferred from the operating position, as schematically illustrated on the right in Figure 6, into the deep discharge position schematically illustrated on the right in Figure 7, in which the contact tongue 58, which forms a conductive area on the actuating pin 74 and thus on the actuating element 32, is in contact with both contact elements 54, 56 and closes the deep discharge circuit 34.

[0098] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a protective element 76, which closes the housing recess 64 in a protective position. Thus, in the operating position, as schematically illustrated in Figure 6, the actuating element 32 is concealed, covered, or protected by the protective element 76. The protective element 76 closes the housing recess 64, which is open and points away from the housing interior 62.

[0099] In this embodiment, the protective element 76 and the housing 24 are designed to be irreversibly separable from one another. The protective element 76 is in the form of a protective film 78 adhered to the housing 24.

[0100] As can be clearly seen in Figure 6, the protective element 76 is arranged in the protective position in which it closes the housing recess 64 in such a way that the mechanically actuable actuating element 32 is concealed and access to it is impossible.

[0101] To actuate the actuating element 32, the protective element 76 must first be at least partially removed. Only then, as already described, can the actuating element 32 be actuated by applying an actuating force. Removing the protective element 76 alerts the user that the deep discharge device 30 may have already been actuated. The actuating element 32 itself then forms an indicator element for actuation of the deep discharge device 30. Based on its position, i.e., either protruding from the housing 24 as shown in Figure 6 or substantially completely recessed into the housing 24 as shown in Figure 7, a user can directly determine whether the deep discharge device 30 has been actuated or not.

[0102] Figures 8 and 9 schematically illustrate another embodiment of an energy storage device 16. Its construction differs from the embodiment of Figures 5 to 7 only in the design of the protective element 76.

[0103] In the embodiment of Figures 8 and 9, the protective element 76 is designed in the form of a cover 80, which, in the protective position in which the protective element 76 closes the housing recess 64 and covers and protects the actuating element 32, is connected to the housing 24 in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner. In the protective position, the cover 80 is connected or screwed to the housing 24 via a screw connection 82.

[0104] A tool coupling element 84 is formed on the protective element 76 for engagement with a correspondingly formed tool element 86 of a tool 88. The tool coupling element 84 is in the form of a slot 90. An edge of a coin forming a tool element 86 can engage in this slot. This coin can be used to unscrew the cover 80 from the housing 24. The actuating element 32 is then freely accessible and can be actuated as described above in connection with Figures 5 to 7. Figures 10 to 12 show a further embodiment of an electrical energy storage device 16. Its structure and function are similar to the energy storage device 16 shown in Figures 5 to 7.

[0105] In the embodiment of Figures 10 to 12, the actuating element 32 is also arranged or configured to be movable in the region of a housing recess 64. The housing recess 64 is closed by a protective element 76 in the form of a protective film 78 in a protective position, as schematically illustrated in Figure 10.

[0106] Unlike the embodiment of Figures 5 to 7, an actuating element 32 is an actuating tool element 92 in the form of a circumferential annular groove 94. In the operating position, in which the deep discharge circuit 34 is open, the actuating element 32 is arranged such that the actuating tool element 92 is freely accessible.

[0107] Unlike the embodiment of Figures 5 to 7, in the embodiment of Figures 10 to 12, the actuating element 32 for transferring the deep discharge device from the operating position to the deep discharge position is not moved toward the housing interior 62, but away from it. A tool 96 in the form of a screwdriver, for example, can be used for this purpose. A tip 98 of the screwdriver 96 is engaged with the annular groove 94, and the actuating element 32 is moved away from the housing interior 62 by pivoting a handle 100 of the screwdriver toward the housing 24. The actuating element 32 is thus partially levered out of the housing 24.

[0108] In this exemplary embodiment, the deep discharge switching element 40 is also designed such that the actuating element 32 is connected or coupled to, for example, a contact tongue 58. In the operating position schematically illustrated in Figure 10, the contact tongue 58, which forms an electrically conductive element, is disengaged from the two contact elements 54 and 56. If the actuating element 32 is moved away from the housing 24 in the direction of arrow 102, as schematically illustrated in Figure 12, the contact tongue 58 comes into contact with the contact elements 54 and 56, thereby closing the deep discharge circuit 34.

[0109] Figures 13 and 14 show a further embodiment of an electrical energy storage device 16. Its structure is similar to the embodiment of Figures 8 and 10.

[0110] The housing recess 64 is closed with a protective element 76 in the form of a cover 80. This cover is not removable from the housing 24, but is rotatable relative thereto about a rotation axis 104, which runs transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to a housing surface 60 of the housing 24.

[0111] On an outer side, the lid 80 has a tool coupling element 84 in the form of a slot 90. This can in turn be moved with a tool 88, which comprises a tool element 86, and can be rotated about the rotation axis 104. A coin can again serve as the tool 88, the edge of which functions as the tool element 86.

[0112] In this embodiment, the actuating element 32 is arranged or configured to be rotatable on the housing 24. The actuating element 32 is operatively connected to an electrically conductive element, for example, the contact tongue 58. The contact tongue 58 can also be rotated as a result of a rotation of the actuating element 32.

[0113] In the operating position, the contact tongue 58 is positioned, as schematically illustrated in Figure 14, such that it does not touch either the first contact element 54 or the second contact element 56. As a result of a rotation of the protective element 76, which is connected or coupled to the actuating element 32 in a rotationally fixed manner or is also formed integrally, the contact tongue 58 can be transferred into the deep discharge position, as schematically illustrated in Figure 14, in which it touches the first and second contact elements 54 and 56 simultaneously and thus closes the deep discharge circuit 34.

[0114] Whether the actuating element 32 and thus the deep discharge device 30 are in the operating position or the deep discharge position can be read off, in particular, by corresponding labeling on the energy storage device 16. A first marking 106, which is formed on the housing 24, indicates a position to which a second marking 108 on the protective element 76 must point in order to indicate to a user that the deep discharge device 30 is in the deep discharge position. In the operating position, as schematically illustrated in Figure 13, the second marking 108 does not point to the first marking 106. In this exemplary embodiment, a rotation in the direction of arrow 110 about the rotation axis 104 by approximately 90° is required to transfer the deep discharge switching element 40 from the operating position to the deep discharge position.

[0115] Figures 15 to 17 show a further embodiment of an electrical energy storage device 16. Its structure is similar to the embodiment of Figures 5 to 7.

[0116] In the embodiment of Figures 15 to 17, a housing recess 64 is also provided, in which an actuating element 32 in the form of an actuating pin 74 can be displaced in the direction of a longitudinal axis 112 defined by it in the direction of the housing interior 62 of the housing 24. As described in connection with the embodiment of Figures 5 to 7, the actuating element 32 is operatively connected to an electrically conductive element, for example the contact tongue 58, in order to transfer the deep discharge switching element 40 from the operating position, in which the deep discharge circuit 34 is open, to the deep discharge position, in which the deep discharge circuit 34 is closed.

[0117] A lever member 114 protruding at a free end thereof transversely to the longitudinal axis 112 serves to actuate the actuating element 32. This lever member can be irreversibly separated from the actuating element 32 via a predetermined breaking point 116.

[0118] The lever member 114 has an opening 118 forming an engagement, in which a user can engage with a finger and pivot the lever member 114 about a pivot axis 120 defined by the predetermined breaking point 116, in such a way that a free end 122 of the lever member 114 is pivoted in the direction of the longitudinal axis 112.

[0119] As a result of such a pivoting movement of the lever member 114 about the pivot axis 120, the actuating element 32 is moved in the direction of the housing interior 62, wherein the electrically conductive member, for example the contact tongue 58, can then come into contact with both contact elements 54 and 56 of the deep discharge switching element 40 and thereby close the deep discharge circuit 34.

[0120] If the lever member 114 is pivoted sufficiently far toward the longitudinal axis 112, the predetermined breaking point 116 is irreversibly destroyed and the lever member 114 is separated from the actuating element 32, as schematically shown in dashed lines in Figure 17. The actuating element 32 can then no longer be moved. The deep discharge device 30 remains in the deep discharge position.

[0121] By removing the lever member 114, a colored indicator element 124 becomes visible to the user. The indicator element 124, which can be green or red in particular, is arranged in the housing recess 64 and is concealed by the lever member 114 in the operating position. Therefore, if the indicator element 124 is visible to a user, this is an indication that the deep discharge device 30 has already been activated.

[0122] To protect the actuating element 32 from inadvertent actuation, a protective element 76 in the form of a protective film 78 is also provided in the embodiment of Figures 15 to 17, which covers the housing recess 64 and thus also the actuating element 32. To gain access to the lever member 114, a user must first remove the protective element 76 to deeply discharge the energy storage device 16.

[0123] Another embodiment of an energy storage device 16 is schematically illustrated in Figure 18. In this embodiment, an actuating element 32 is provided in the form of a screw 126. The screw 126 has a flange 130 projecting radially from a head 128, which closes or substantially closes the housing recess 64 in the manner of a protective element 76 in the operating position.

[0124] The screw 126 has an external thread 132 which engages with an internal thread 134 on the housing 24 in the operating position.

[0125] Formed on the head 128 is a tool coupling element 84 that points away from the housing 24 and can be engaged with a tool element 86 of a tool 88. The tool coupling element 84 is designed either in the form of a slot, a polygonal socket, a polygonal socket, or a cross-shaped recess. This allows a user to unscrew the screw 126 from the housing 24 using a corresponding screwdriver.

[0126] A free end 136 of the screw 126, which points towards the housing interior 62, is operatively connected to an electrically conductive element, for example a type of contact tongue 58, such that the end 136 keeps the contact tongue 58 spaced apart from the contact elements 54 and 56 in the operating position. If the screw 126 is unscrewed from the housing 24, the contact tongue 58 moves in the direction of the contact elements 54 and 56, for example by means of a spring element 138 of the deep discharge switching element 40. If the screw 126 is removed, the spring element 138 presses the contact tongue 58 irreversibly against the contact elements 54 and 56. In the recess 64, a display element 124 is arranged or formed, similar to the embodiment of Figures 15 to 17, which display element is visible after removal of the screw 126 and thus of the protective element 76.For example, in the embodiments of Figures 15 to 18, the display elements 124 can be kept in a green color, which, when visible, signals to the user that the deep discharge device 30 assumes the deep discharge position.

[0127] The above-described embodiments of electrical energy storage devices make it possible, in particular, to extract any residual electrical energy remaining in the at least one battery cell 26 at the end of a life cycle of the energy storage devices 16 by converting the residual energy into heat in the load 46 of the deep discharge circuit 34. Depending on the design of the electrical energy storage device 16, the resulting heat can be dissipated from the housing 24, for example, with a heat conduction element 48 with, if appropriate, an additional heat sink, in order to prevent overheating of the energy storage device 16 and thus a possible ignition or explosion thereof.

[0128] In all described embodiments, the deep discharge device 30 is designed such that it can be actuated independently of the control and / or regulating device 28. A mechanical actuating element 32 is provided for this purpose. Upon actuation of the latter, the deep discharge circuit 34 is closed, so that the residual energy stored in the battery cell 26 can be dissipated via the consumer 46 and converted into heat.

[0129] The described embodiments of energy storage devices 16 also have the property that it is immediately recognizable to a user, i.e., it can be displayed, whether the deep discharge device 30 is in the operating position or the deep discharge position. Thus, at the end of a life cycle of the energy storage device 16, a user can deliberately deep discharge the battery cell 26, which is normally prevented by the control and / or regulating device 28. In the manner described, energy storage devices 16 can be disposed of safely and without danger at the end of their life cycle.

[0130] List of reference symbols

[0131] electrical appliance

[0132] consumer

[0133] cleaning device

[0134] Energy storage device

[0135] Electric motor first connecting element second connecting element

[0136] Housing

[0137] Battery cell

[0138] Control and / or regulation device

[0139] Deep discharge device

[0140] Actuating element

[0141] Deep discharge circuit first pole second pole

[0142] Deep discharge switching element

[0143] Switch

[0144] Deep discharge resistance

[0145] consumer

[0146] Heat conduction element

[0147] exterior surface

[0148] Environment first contact element second contact element

[0149] Contact tongue

[0150] Housing surface

[0151] Housing interior

[0152] Housing recess

[0153] Button

[0154] Actuating axis

[0155] Arrow

[0156] Finger actuating pin protective element protective film cover

[0157] screw connection

[0158] Tool coupling element

[0159] Tool element

[0160] Tool

[0161] slot

[0162] Actuating tool element

[0163] Ring groove

[0164] Tool

[0165] Great

[0166] Handle

[0167] Arrow

[0168] Rotation axis first mark second mark arrow

[0169] Longitudinal axis

[0170] lever link

[0171] Predetermined breaking point

[0172] Opening swivel axis free end

[0173] Display element

[0174] screw

[0175] Head

[0176] flange

[0177] external thread

[0178] internal thread

[0179] End

[0180] spring element

Claims

Patent claims 1. Electrical energy storage device (16) comprising a housing (24), at least one rechargeable battery cell (26) accommodated in the housing (24), and a control and / or regulating device (28) for controlling and / or regulating the charging and discharging of the at least one rechargeable battery cell (26) and for monitoring a charge state thereof, characterized in that the electrical energy storage device (16) comprises an electrical deep discharge device (30) for irreversibly deep discharging the at least one battery cell (26), and in that the electrical deep discharge device (30) is designed independently of the control and / or regulating device (28) and can be actuated or activated independently thereof.

2. Electrical energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that the deep discharge device (30) comprises at least one deep discharge circuit (34) which electrically connects a first pole (36) and a second pole (38) of the at least one battery cell (26) to one another, and in that the deep discharge circuit (34) comprises at least one electrical deep discharge switching element (40) which is open in an operating position in which the at least one deep discharge circuit (34) is interrupted and can be irreversibly transferred from the open operating position into a closed deep discharge position in which the at least one deep discharge circuit (34) is closed, wherein in particular the at least one deep discharge switching element (40) is designed to be actuated exclusively mechanically.

3. Electrical energy storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that the deep discharge switching element (40) a) is designed in the form of a button which is self-holding in the deep discharge position, a switch (42) or a plug connection and / or b) is designed in the form of an electrically passive component.

4. Electrical energy storage device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the deep discharge switching element (40) comprises a first contact element (54) which is electrically operatively connected to the first pole (36) and a second contact element (56) which is electrically operatively connected to the second pole (38), which are separated from one another in the operating position and are electrically conductively connected to one another in the deep discharge position.

5. Electrical energy storage device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the deep discharge device (30) comprises at least one, in particular only a single, mechanically actuated actuating element (32) which can be moved from an unactuated basic position, in which the deep discharge switching element (40) assumes the operating position, by applying an actuating force into a deep discharge position, in which the deep discharge switching element (40) assumes the closed deep discharge position, wherein in particular the deep discharge switching element (40) comprises the actuating element (32).

6. Electrical energy storage device according to claim 5, characterized in that the actuating element (32) on the housing (24) a) is arranged to be movable and / or b) is movable in the direction of a housing interior (62) defined by the housing (24) or away from the latter from the operating position into the deep discharge position and / or c) is arranged or designed to be displaceable and / or pivotable and / or rotatable.

7. Electrical energy storage device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the actuating element (32) is arranged or designed such that it is displaceable and / or rotatable and / or pivotable relative to the housing (24) for transferring the deep discharge switching element (40) from the operating position into the deep discharge position.

8. Electrical energy storage device according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the actuating element (32) comprises an actuating pin (74) which is in mechanical and electrical operative connection with the electrical deep discharge switching element (40) such that the electrical deep discharge switching element (40) can be transferred from the operating position into the deep discharge position.

9. Electrical energy storage device according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the actuating element (32) is operatively connected to the first contact element (54, 56) for moving the first contact element (54, 56) from the operating position into the deep discharge position.

10. Electrical energy storage device according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the actuating element (32) is formed integrally with the first contact element (54, 56), in particular monolithically, or is connected to the first contact element (54, 56) in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner.

11. Electrical energy storage device according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the actuating element (32) comprises or forms the first contact element (54, 56).

12. Electrical energy storage device according to one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that the actuating element (32) in the deep discharge position with the first and the second contact element (54, 56) is electrically operatively connected and in the operating position is electrically operatively connected to none or only to one of the two contact elements (54, 56).

13. Electrical energy storage device according to one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that the actuating element (32) a) comprises an actuating tool element (92) for non-positive and / or positive engagement with an actuating tool (96) for moving the actuating element (32) and / or b) is arranged or formed on the housing (24) in a manner set back relative to an outer housing surface (60) in the direction of a housing interior (62) defined by the housing (24).

14. Electrical energy storage device according to one of claims 5 to 13, characterized in that the actuating element (32) is arranged or formed in or in the region of a housing recess (64) arranged or formed with respect to the outer housing surface (60), wherein in particular the housing recess (64) is open pointing away from the housing interior (62).

15. Electrical energy storage device according to one of claims 5 to 14, characterized in that the electrical deep discharge device (30) comprises two or more deep discharge circuits (34) a) that each deep discharge circuit (34) comprises an actuating element (32) or that each deep discharge circuit (34) is assigned an actuating element (32) or b) and comprises only a single actuating element (32) which is mechanically operatively connected to all deep discharge switching elements (40) of the deep discharge device (30) for transferring, in particular simultaneously or successively, all deep discharge switching elements (40) from the operating position to the deep discharge position.

16. Electrical energy storage device according to one of claims 5 to 15, characterized in that the actuating element (32) is concealed, covered and / or protected by a protective element (76) in the operating position.

17. Electrical energy storage device according to claim 16, characterized in that the protective element (76) a) closes the housing recess (64) in the operating position and / or b) is designed in the form of a cover (80) and / or c) and the housing (24) are connected to one another in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner in a protective position, wherein in particular the protective element (76) and the housing (24) are designed to be irreversibly separable from one another.

18. Electrical energy storage device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the protective element (76) a) is designed in the form of a protective film glued to the housing (24) and / or b) is connected or engaged with the housing (24) via a bayonet or screw connection (82) in a protective position and / or c) is arranged in a protective position such that the mechanically actuable actuating element (32) is concealed and access to it is impossible and / or d) comprises a tool coupling element (84) for engaging with a correspondingly designed tool element (86) of a tool (88), wherein in particular the tool coupling element (84) is designed in the form of a slot.

19. Electrical energy storage device according to one of claims 2 to 18, characterized in that the at least one deep discharge circuit (34) comprises at least one electrical deep discharge resistor (44) which converts the electrical energy stored in the at least one battery cell (26) into heat in the deep discharge position, wherein in particular the at least one deep discharge resistor (44) has a resistance value in a range from approximately 2 ohms to approximately 20 kOhms.

20. Electrical energy storage device according to one of claims 2 to 19, characterized in that the electrical energy storage device (16) comprises at least one heat conduction element (48) and that the at least one deep discharge circuit (34) is connected to the at least one heat conduction element (48) in a heat conducting manner in order to dissipate heat generated in the at least one deep discharge circuit (34) during deep discharge, in particular out of the housing (24), wherein in particular the at least one heat conduction element (48) comprises at least one heat sink which is connected to the at least one deep discharge circuit (34), in particular to the at least one electrical deep discharge resistor (44), in a heat conducting manner.

21. Electrical energy storage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one battery cell (26) is designed in the form of a lithium-ion battery.

22. Electrical energy storage device according to one of claims 2 to 21, characterized in that the electrical energy storage device (34) comprises two or more rechargeable battery cells (26) and that the deep discharge device (30) comprises a single deep discharge circuit (34) for all battery cells (26), a deep discharge circuit (34) for two or more battery cells (26) or a separate deep discharge circuit (34) for each battery cell (26).

23. A battery-powered electrical device with at least one electrical consumer (12) and an electrical energy storage device (16) for supplying the electrical consumer (12) with electrical energy, characterized in that the electrical energy storage device (16) is designed in the form of an electrical energy storage device (16) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in particular a) the electrical device (10) is designed in the form of a cleaning device (14), a power tool, an electrically powered vehicle, in particular in the form of a motor vehicle, or a gardening tool and / or b) the at least one electrical consumer (12) is designed in the form of a heating device and / or in the form of an electric motor and / or c) the electrical energy storage device (16) is designed to be detachably connectable to the battery-powered electrical device (10) in such a way thatthat it is electrically connected to the electrical device (10) in a working position and is disengaged from the electrical device (10) in a storage position.

24. Method for electrically discharging an electrical energy storage device comprising at least one rechargeable battery cell (26) and a control and / or regulating device (28) for Controlling and / or regulating the charging and discharging of the at least one rechargeable battery cell (26) and for monitoring a state of charge thereof, characterized in that the at least one battery cell (26) is irreversibly deeply discharged independently of the control and / or regulating device (28).

25. Method according to claim 24, characterized in that for the deep discharge of the at least one rechargeable battery cell (26), a first pole (36) and a second pole (38) of the battery cell (26) are transferred from an operating position in which they are electrically conductively disengaged into a deep discharge position in which they are electrically conductively connected to one another directly or indirectly via at least one electrical consumer (46), so that the electrical energy stored in the at least one battery cell (26) is converted into heat in the deep discharge position, in particular by the at least one electrical consumer (46).

26. Use of an electrical energy storage device (16) according to one of claims 1 to 22 for carrying out a method according to claim 24 or 25.

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