Storage cell assembly comprising a pressure relief component

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage cell assembly (210) comprising a pressure relief component (300). The storage cell assembly (210) comprises a first housing wall (211) and at least one storage cell (200) which is arranged along a first axis behind the first housing wall and which has a first end face facing the first housing wall. At least one contact point (202) for electrically contacting the storage cell is arranged in a contacting sub-region of the first end face. The storage cell assembly comprises a pressure relief component (300) which is arranged between the first housing wall and the contact point of the storage cell and which is designed in such a way that, as a result of a force acting along the first axis on the first housing wall towards the storage cell, the contact point is subjected to a lower force than the first end face outside the contacting sub-region.

Description

[0001] Storage cell arrangement with a pressure relief component

[0002] The invention relates to a storage cell arrangement for an electrical energy storage device.

[0003] An at least partially electrically powered vehicle has an energy storage device for storing electrical energy for operating an electric drive motor of the vehicle. The energy storage device typically has a storage cell arrangement with a plurality of individual storage cells, in particular with a plurality of round cells, which is arranged in a housing of the energy storage device. The energy storage device can further have a cell contacting system designed to electrically connect the individual storage cells to one another according to a specific electrical circuit (e.g., a 3P, 4P, or 5P circuit).

[0004] The individual storage cells of the storage cell array may be exposed to mechanical loads during vehicle operation, which could lead to damage to one or more storage cells. This document addresses the technical task of providing efficient and reliable protection of the storage cells of a storage cell array against mechanical loads.

[0005] The problem is solved by each of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described, among other things, in the dependent claims. It should be noted that additional features of a patent claim dependent on an independent patent claim can form a separate invention, independent of the combination of all features of the independent patent claim, without the features of the independent patent claim or only in combination with a subset of the features of the independent patent claim, which invention can be made the subject of an independent claim, a divisional application, or a subsequent application. This applies equally to technical teachings described in the description, which can form an invention independent of the features of the independent patent claims.

[0006] According to one aspect, a storage cell arrangement is described. The storage cell arrangement can be part of an energy storage device. For example, the storage cell arrangement can be designed as a storage module for an energy storage device. The storage cell arrangement can be designed to store electrical energy for operating an electric drive motor of a motor vehicle. The storage cell arrangement can have a nominal voltage of 100V or more, in particular of 300V or more.

[0007] The memory cell arrangement typically comprises a housing that encloses one or more memory cells, in particular a plurality of memory cells. The memory cell arrangement, in particular the housing of the memory cell arrangement, comprises a first housing wall. Furthermore, the memory cell arrangement comprises at least one memory cell that is arranged along a first axis behind the first housing wall and that has a first end face facing the first housing wall. The first axis can correspond to the z-axis shown in this document.

[0008] Typically, the memory cell array comprises a plurality of memory cells (e.g., 10 or more, or 50 or more, or 100 or more memory cells) arranged side by side transversely to the first axis behind the first housing wall.

[0009] The individual storage cells can each have a (cylindrical) sidewall extending along the first axis. The first end face can be arranged at a first end of the sidewall (and can be supported by the sidewall). The individual storage cells can each have a second end face, each arranged at the (opposite) second end of the sidewall of the respective storage cell. The individual storage cells can each be formed as round cells. Furthermore, the individual storage cells can each be formed in a circular cylinder shape around the first axis (each with a circular cylindrical sidewall).

[0010] A memory cell typically has one or more electrically conductive contact points (also referred to as terminals) on its first end face. A memory cell may, in particular, have a first contact point with a first electrical polarity and a second contact point with a second electrical polarity on its first end face, the second polarity being opposite to the first polarity. The first polarity may be the positive polarity and the second polarity may be the negative polarity (or vice versa).

[0011] The memory cell arrangement can comprise an (electrically conductive) cell contact system configured to electrically interconnect the plurality of memory cells. The cell contact system can be arranged between the first housing wall and the first end faces of the plurality of memory cells. The cell contact system can have contact elements, each of which is electrically connected to a contact point of a memory cell. The individual contact elements of the cell contact system can each rest on a contact point of a memory cell (so that a contact element of the cell contact system is arranged between a contact point of a memory cell and the first housing wall).

[0012] The aspects described below for a memory cell can be applied correspondingly to all individual memory cells of the plurality of memory cells of the memory cell array. In particular, a pressure relief component and / or a load distribution component can be provided for each individual memory cell.

[0013] The first end face of a memory cell can have a contacting sub-region in which at least one contact point for electrically contacting the memory cell is arranged. In particular, the second contact point of the memory cell can be arranged in the contacting sub-region.

[0014] The first end face of the memory cell can be divided into an (annular) edge region and a central region, wherein the edge region can enclose the central region. The first end face can rest on the (circular-cylindrical) side wall of the memory cell in the edge region. The edge region can have the shape of a circular ring that encloses the circular central region. The contacting sub-region can be arranged in the central region, in particular in the center of the central region, of the first end face of the memory cell.

[0015] The memory cell arrangement can have one memory cell for each

[0016] A pressure relief component arranged between the first housing wall and the (second) contact point of the storage cell, in particular between the first housing wall and the contact element of the cell contacting system arranged on the (second) contact point of the storage cell. The pressure relief component can be designed such that the (second) contact point is subjected to a lower force than the first end face outside the contacting sub-region as a result of a force acting along the first axis (from outside the storage cell arrangement) on the first housing wall toward the storage cell.

[0017] The first housing wall can be designed such that the force acting on the first housing wall is distributed substantially evenly over a partial region of the first housing wall corresponding to the first end face of the storage cell. The pressure relief component arranged between the first housing wall and the first end face causes an uneven distribution of the force, so that the force acting on the contacting partial region of the first end face of the storage cell is smaller than the force acting on the remaining partial region of the first end face outside the contacting partial region. The force acting on the contacting partial region of the first end face of the storage cell is preferably smaller by a factor of 2 or more, or 5 or more, than the force acting on the remaining partial region of the first end face.

[0018] The storage cell arrangement typically includes a plurality of appropriately configured pressure relief components for the corresponding plurality of storage cells.

[0019] A storage cell arrangement is thus described which has one or more pressure relief components, each of which is designed to shield the (second) contact points of one or more storage cells from external forces. In this way, a particularly robust and secure storage cell arrangement can be provided. The storage cell arrangement can have a (foamed and / or cured) filling compound between the remaining partial region of the first end face outside the contacting partial region and the housing wall. The deformation resistance of the pressure relief component along the first axis is preferably smaller, in particular smaller by a factor of 2 or more, than the deformation resistance of the filling compound along the first axis. In this way, an uneven force distribution on the first end face of a storage cell can be brought about in a particularly reliable manner.

[0020] The term "deformation resistance" used in this document is preferably understood as mechanical resistance to, in particular, but not exclusively, compressible deformations. Deformation resistance can be represented as purely elastic (such as the elastic modulus), elasto-plastic (such as the elastic modulus in combination with a plasticity modulus or with a hardening law, etc.), or completely non-linear (such as hyperelastic). The deformation resistance can thus comprise an elastic modulus, in particular a modulus of elasticity.

[0021] The deformation resistance can be defined such that the force (per area) required to cause a certain deformation, especially strain, increases with increasing deformation resistance. The deformation resistance can depend on a ratio of induced stress to induced strain or compression.

[0022] A first component may have a first deformation resistance, and a second component may have a second deformation resistance, wherein the second deformation resistance is greater than the first deformation resistance. If the same force (per area), in particular the same stress, is applied to both components, this may result in the first component being deformed (in particular stretched or compressed) more strongly than the second component (due to the lower deformation resistance). On the other hand, if both components are deformed (in particular stretched or compressed) in the same way, this may result in the first component having a lower stress than the second component (due to the lower deformation resistance).

[0023] The pressure relief component can comprise a foam cushion (with an elastic foam) arranged between the (second) contact point of a storage cell and the first housing wall. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure relief component can comprise an air-filled space, in particular an air-filled tub, wherein the space, in particular the tub, is arranged between the (second) contact point and the first housing wall. In this way, a pressure relief component can be provided in a particularly efficient and reliable manner.

[0024] The second contact point of a storage cell can protrude along the first axis from the first end face toward the first housing wall, in particular by 10% or more of the total distance between the first end face and the first housing wall. Alternatively, the first contact point can be arranged (entirely) within the first end face of the storage cell. The pressure relief component can be arranged in a spatially limited manner between the second contact point and the first housing wall and not between the first contact point and the first housing wall. This can provide particularly reliable protection for the protruding second contact point.

[0025] The pressure relief component can extend transversely to the first axis across the entire contacting portion of the first end face of a storage cell. An electrical fuse and / or a sensor, in particular a voltage sensor, can be arranged in the contacting portion next to the (second) contact point. These one or more additional components are thus also protected by the pressure relief component, further increasing the reliability and safety of the storage cell arrangement.

[0026] As already explained, a storage cell typically has a (cylindrical) side wall extending along the first axis, which supports the first end face of the storage cell in the (annular) edge region of the first end face. The storage cell arrangement can comprise a load distribution component arranged between the first housing wall and the first end face of the storage cell. The load distribution component can be designed such that the edge region of the first end face of the storage cell is exposed to a higher force (in particular a force higher by a factor of 2 or more) as a result of the force acting on the first housing wall along the first axis than the first end face in the central region outside the edge region.

[0027] The memory cell arrangement may comprise a plurality of appropriately configured load distribution components for the corresponding plurality of memory cells.

[0028] By providing load distribution components for the individual memory cells of the memory cell array, the robustness and security of the memory cell array can be further increased.

[0029] The load distribution component for a storage cell can have a higher deformation resistance along the first axis, in particular a deformation resistance that is five times or more higher, than the pressure relief component. Alternatively or additionally, the load distribution component can be made of a non-elastic material, and the pressure relief component can be made of an elastic material. This allows for a particularly robust and secure storage cell arrangement to be provided.

[0030] The load distribution component for a storage cell can have a base that extends transversely to the first axis along the first housing wall. Furthermore, the load distribution component can have an edge that extends along the first axis away from the base toward the first end face of the storage cell, and that rests locally on the edge region of the first end face and not on the central region outside the edge region. The load distribution component can thus be cup-shaped. By means of a load distribution component designed in this way, the forces acting on the first housing wall can be diverted in a particularly reliable manner away from the relatively sensitive central region of the first end face of a storage cell.

[0031] The pressure relief component for a storage cell can be arranged in the central region of the first end face between the contact point of the storage cell and the base of the load distribution component. Alternatively or additionally, the base in the central region of the first end face can be curved toward the (second) contact point of the storage cell, so that the base forms a trough at the central region of the first end face that is open toward the first housing wall. The base can optionally touch the (second) contact point of the storage cell (or the contact element of the cell contacting system arranged at the second contact point). The pressure relief component can be formed by the trough, in particular by an air inclusion within the trough. In this way, pressure relief components can be provided in a particularly efficient manner.

[0032] The plurality of pressure relief components for the corresponding plurality of storage cells of the storage cell arrangement can be part of a coherent component. The plurality of load distribution components is preferably also part of the coherent component. The component can be applied to the first housing wall or to the first end faces of the plurality of storage cells during the manufacture of the storage cell arrangement. By providing a coherent component, particularly efficient protection of the individual storage cells against the effects of force can be achieved.

[0033] The component can be designed such that the plurality of load-distributing components forms a supporting structure. The plurality of pressure-relief components can be attached to the supporting structure, in particular adhesively foamed. This allows the pressure-relief components to be provided in a particularly efficient manner.

[0034] According to a further aspect, a further memory cell arrangement comprising one or more, in particular a plurality of, memory cells is described. It should be noted that the features described in this document with respect to a memory cell arrangement are also applicable to this memory cell arrangement, individually or in combination. In particular, the features described above are also applicable to this memory cell arrangement, individually or in combination.

[0035] As already explained, the memory cell arrangement comprises a first housing wall and at least one memory cell arranged along the first axis (ie, along the z-axis) behind the first housing wall. The memory cell can have a side wall extending along the first axis, which supports the first end face of the memory cell facing the first housing wall in the (annular) edge region of the first end face.Furthermore, the storage cell arrangement can have a load distribution component that is arranged between the first housing wall and the first end face of the storage cell, and that is designed such that the edge region of the first end face of the storage cell is exposed to a higher force (in particular a force that is higher by a factor of 2 or more) as a result of a force acting along the first axis (from outside the storage cell arrangement) on the first housing wall toward the storage cell than the central region of the first end face of the storage cell arranged outside the edge region. The load distribution component can be made of a non-elastically deformable material.

[0036] As already explained, the memory cell array typically comprises a plurality of memory cells arranged side by side behind the first housing wall, transverse to the first axis. Furthermore, the memory cell array may comprise a plurality of load distribution components for the corresponding plurality of memory cells.

[0037] Thus, a memory cell arrangement is described that has one or more load distribution components, each of which is designed to shield the central region of the first end faces of one or more memory cells from external forces. This allows for the provision of a particularly robust and secure memory cell arrangement.

[0038] As already explained, the load distribution component for a storage cell can have a base that extends transversely to the first axis along the first housing wall. Furthermore, the load distribution component can have an edge that extends along the first axis away from the base toward the first end face of the storage cell, and that is supported in a locally limited manner on the edge region of the first end face and not on the central region of the end face. Thus, the forces can be directed past the central region to the edge region of the first end face of the storage cell in a particularly reliable manner.

[0039] The cavity between the central region of the first end face of a storage cell and the base of the load distribution component can comprise a (foamed and / or cured) filler material. In particular, the cavity can be filled with a filler material. The edge of the load distribution component can have a deformation resistance along the first axis that is greater, in particular by a factor of 2 or more, than the deformation resistance of the filler material along the first axis. Thus, the forces can be transmitted particularly reliably past the central region to the edge region of the first end face of the storage cell.

[0040] The base of the load distribution component can have a plurality of support elements, each extending from the base to the first housing wall and each contacting the first housing wall. This allows for particularly reliable force transmission from the first housing wall to the load distribution component, protecting the central region of the first end face from force impacts.

[0041] As already explained, the base in the central region of the first end face can be curved toward the first end face, in particular toward the (second) contact point on the first end face, of a storage cell, so that the base forms a trough in the central region of the first end face that is open toward the first housing wall. The base can optionally touch the central region, in particular the (second) contact point (or the contact element of the cell contacting system arranged in this region). This can provide particularly reliable protection for the central region of the first end face, in particular the (second) contact point, of a storage cell.As already explained, the storage cell arrangement (for each individual storage cell) can have a pressure relief component arranged between the first housing wall and the (second) contact point of a storage cell, and configured such that the contact point is subjected to a lower force due to the force acting on the first housing wall along the first axis than the central region of the first end face outside the contacting sub-region. This allows for particularly reliable protection of a storage cell.

[0042] The plurality of load distribution components for the corresponding plurality of memory cells of the memory cell array is preferably part of a coherent component. This allows for particularly efficient protection of the memory cells of the memory cell array.

[0043] According to a further aspect, an energy storage device for storing electrical energy is described. The energy storage device comprises one or more of the storage cell arrangements described in this document.

[0044] According to a further aspect, a (road) motor vehicle (in particular a passenger car or a truck or a bus or a motorcycle) is described which comprises the energy storage device described in this document.

[0045] It should be noted that the methods, devices, and systems described in this document can be used alone or in combination with other methods, devices, and systems described in this document. Furthermore, any aspects of the methods, devices, and systems described in this document can be combined in a variety of ways. In particular, the features of the claims can be combined in a variety of ways. Furthermore, features listed in parentheses are to be understood as optional features. The invention is described in more detail below using exemplary embodiments.

[0046] Figure 1 shows an exemplary vehicle with an energy storage device for storing electrical energy;

[0047] Figure 2a shows an exemplary round cell;

[0048] Figure 2b shows an exemplary electrical energy storage device with several storage cells;

[0049] Figure 2c shows an exemplary contacting system for an energy storage device to provide a 4P circuit;

[0050] Figure 2d shows an exemplary contact system for a 4P circuit;

[0051] Figure 3 shows an exemplary storage cell arrangement with a pressure relief component;

[0052] Figure 4 shows an exemplary memory cell arrangement with a load distribution component; and

[0053] Figures 5a and 5b each show an exemplary storage cell arrangement with a pressure relief component and a load distribution component (per storage cell).

[0054] As stated at the beginning, this document deals with protecting the individual storage cells of an electrical energy storage device from forces and associated damage in an efficient and reliable manner. In this context, Fig. 1 shows an exemplary vehicle 100 with an electrical energy storage device 110 for storing electrical energy and an electric drive motor 102 powered by electrical energy from the energy storage device 110.

[0055] The energy storage device 110 comprises a plurality of storage cells, in particular round cells. Fig. 2a shows an exemplary storage cell 200, in particular a round cell, for an electrical energy storage device 110. The storage cell 200 has a circular-cylindrical shape. A positive contact point 201 and a negative contact point 202 for electrically connecting the storage cell 200 are arranged on an end face of the storage cell 200. The positive contact point 201 can be formed by the end face of the cylindrical storage cell 200. The end face of the storage cell 200 can be arranged on the end side of a (circular-cylindrical) housing side wall 206 of the storage cell 200. The negative contact point 202 can be formed by a bolt that protrudes from the end face of the storage cell 200. In another example, the polarity of the contact points 201, 202 can be exactly reversed.

[0056] Fig. 2b shows an exemplary storage cell arrangement 210 (e.g., as part of an electrical energy storage device 110) comprising a plurality of storage cells 200 arranged side by side (i.e., surface to surface), adjacent to one another, in particular such that the contact points 201, 202 of the individual storage cells 200 are arranged on a uniform side (on the top side in Fig. 2b). The storage cell arrangement 210 may, for example, comprise 100 or more storage cells 200, or 1000 or more storage cells 200.

[0057] The individual storage cells 200 can be electrically connected to one another via a cell contacting system 216. The cell contacting system 216 can, for example, have a frame with connecting lines or with connecting webs for electrically contacting the contact points 201, 202 of the individual storage cells 200. The cell contacting system 216 can be arranged on the (contact) side of the storage cells 200 on which the contact points 201, 202 of the storage cells 200 are also arranged. A (second) housing wall 212 of the housing of the storage cell arrangement 210 can be arranged on the opposite side of the storage cells 200. The opposite (second) housing wall 212 can, for example, be designed as a cooling plate for cooling the individual storage cells 200. An underfloor protection 213 can be arranged between the (second) housing wall 212 and the (underlying) end face of the individual storage cells 200.

[0058] The memory cell arrangement 210 may further include a (first) housing wall 211 covering the cell contact system 216 (and arranged on the opposite side of the memory cell arrangement 210 relative to the second housing wall 212). Cooling channels 215 may optionally extend between the individual memory cells 200 to cool the individual memory cells 200. The cavities between the individual components of the memory cell arrangement 210 may be filled with a filling compound 214.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 2b, the (circular-cylindrical) storage cells 200 can be arranged such that the lateral surfaces (i.e., the side walls 206) of directly adjacent storage cells 200 touch one another. The storage cells 200 can be arranged next to one another in a honeycomb configuration, in particular such that a cavity is enclosed by a subgroup of three storage cells 200 each, and / or such that six storage cells 200 each enclose exactly one further storage cell 200. Thus, the (circular-cylindrical) storage cells 200 can be arranged particularly densely. The circular-cylindrical storage cells 200 can, in particular, be arranged in the arrangement with the highest possible packing density.

[0060] The memory cells 200 can be interconnected in a specific electrical arrangement by the cell contacting system 216, as shown by way of example in Fig. 2c. The memory cell arrangement 210 can, for example, have Z memory cells 200 divided into subgroups of M memory cells 200 each. The M memory cells 200 of a subgroup can be arranged electrically parallel to one another by a (sub-) contacting system 220 of the cell contacting system 216. The memory cell arrangement 210 then has a so-called MP (e.g., 3P for M=3, 4P for M=4, or 5P for M=5) arrangement.

[0061] Fig. 2c shows an exemplary section of a cell contacting system 216, wherein the section shows two (sub-) contacting systems 220, each configured to interconnect a subgroup 240 of M=5 storage cells 200 in parallel. The individual contacting systems 220 are further configured to interconnect two different subgroups 240 in series.

[0062] A (partial) contacting system 220 comprises M connecting webs 230, each of which is designed to connect (in pairs) the first contact point 201 of a memory cell

[0063] 200 from a first subgroup 240 to the second contact point 202 of a storage cell 200 from a second subgroup 240 (so that the first and second subgroups 240 are connected in series with one another). Furthermore, a (sub-) contacting system 220 optionally has (M1) connecting webs 221, each of which is designed to connect two storage cells 200 from the same subgroup 240 in parallel with one another.

[0064] Fig. 2d shows an exemplary (partial) contacting system 220 for an MP arrangement, with M=4. The (partial) contacting system 220 is made of a metal sheet (in particular, stamped). The connecting webs 230 for serially connecting two memory cells 200 from different subgroups 240 have a first contact area (or a first contact element) 231 (for connection to the first contact point) at a first end.

[0065] 201 of a memory cell 200) and at the opposite end a second contact area (or a second contact element) 232 (for connection to the second contact point 202 of the other memory cell 200).

[0066] During operation of the storage cell arrangement 210, mechanical impacts may occur on the (first) housing wall 211 of the storage cell arrangement 210. These impacts may be transmitted via the (cured) filler compound 214 to one or more storage cells 200, in particular to the first end faces facing the first housing wall 211 and / or to the contact points 201, 202 of one or more storage cells 200 facing the first housing wall 211, which may lead to damage to the one or more storage cells 200. This document describes measures by which damage to a storage cell 200 due to mechanical loads acting on the first housing wall 211 of the storage cell arrangement 210 can be reliably prevented.

[0067] The storage cell arrangement 210 shown in Fig. 3 has a pressure relief component 300 between the first housing wall 211 and the second contact point 202 of a storage cell 200, which is designed to at least partially shield the second contact point 202 of the storage cell 200 from a force acting on the first housing wall 211 along the z-axis. For this purpose, the pressure relief component 300 can have a (significantly) lower deformation resistance than the material arranged in the immediate vicinity of the pressure relief component 300 (which typically corresponds to the cured filler compound 214). This can ensure that a force acting on the first housing wall 211 is essentially not transmitted to the second contact point 202 of the storage cell 200, and thus cannot lead to damage to the storage cell 200 in the region of the second contact point 202.

[0068] The pressure relief component 300 can, for example, be designed as a cushion that is arranged between the first housing wall 211 and the second contact point 202 of the storage cell 200. The cushion can comprise an elastic material, such as a foam. Alternatively, the cushion can be designed as an air cushion filled with air, as shown by way of example in Fig. 5b. Fig. 4 shows an exemplary storage cell arrangement 210 that has a load distribution component 400 that is designed to direct a force 410 acting on the first housing wall 211 (along the z-axis) to the side wall 206 of a storage cell 200. The load distribution component 400 can be designed as an inverted pot that has one or more edges 402 that rest on the side wall 206 of the storage cell 200. Furthermore, the pot has a base 401 which rests at least partially (e.g. via one or more support elements 403) on the first housing wall 211.The force 410 acting on the housing wall 211 is transferred to the bottom 401 of the cup-shaped load distribution component 400 and is further transferred from the bottom 401 to the one or more edges 402 of the cup-shaped load distribution component 400. The force 410 is transferred to the side wall 206 of the storage cell 200 via the one or more edges 402 of the cup-shaped load distribution component 400. Thus, the first end face and / or the contact points 201, 202 of the storage cell 200 can be reliably protected from the impact of force.

[0069] To protect the individual storage cells 200, a pressure relief component 300 and a load distribution component 400 can advantageously be used, as shown by way of example in Figures 5a and 5b. In this way, the individual storage cells 200 can be protected from mechanical loads in a particularly reliable manner.

[0070] The storage cell arrangement 210 typically comprises a plurality of storage cells 200 (which are arranged, for example, in a honeycomb pattern). To protect the individual storage cells 200, the storage cell arrangement 210 can have a plurality of pressure relief components 300 and / or a plurality of load distribution components 400 for the corresponding plurality of storage cells 200. The plurality of pressure relief components 300 and / or the plurality of load distribution components 400 can be formed as a coherent component that can be arranged between the first end faces of the plurality of storage cells 200 and the first housing wall 211 during the manufacture of the storage cell arrangement 210. This can provide particularly efficient protection against mechanical influences.

[0071] During production, the load distribution components 400 can first be arranged on the end faces of the storage cells 200. Subsequently, the first housing wall 211 of the storage cell arrangement 200 can be arranged on the load distribution components 400. Filling compound 214 can then be introduced into the storage cell arrangement 210 to fill the cavities between the individual components of the storage cell arrangement 210.

[0072] The base 401 of the individual load distribution components 400 can be offset in the region of the second contact points 202 of the individual storage cells 200 toward the individual second contact points 202, such that the base 401 of the individual load distribution components 400 touches the second contact points 202 of the individual storage cells 200 (or the contact elements 232 of the cell contacting system 216 arranged thereon). The base 401 of a load distribution component 400 can thus have an elevation toward the second contact point 202 in the region of the second contact point 202 of the corresponding storage cell 200. As a result, a trough 500 is formed on the rear side of the base 401 facing away from the second contact point 202, which trough is arranged between the second contact point 202 and the first housing wall 211 of the storage cell arrangement 200.

[0073] The filling compound 214 can be introduced into the storage cell arrangement 200 in such a way that the filling compound 214 essentially does not reach the tub 500, so that after the filling compound 214 has been introduced and hardened, the tub 500 is filled with air. Thus, a pressure relief component 300 can be provided in a particularly efficient manner between the second contact point 202 of a storage cell 200 and the first housing wall 211.

[0074] As already explained, recurring stresses caused by shock and vibration-like loads from the operational stability can lead to metallurgical fatigue of the cell casing of the individual storage cells 200 and / or damage to the cell seal beneath the second contact point 202 (or terminal). This can, for example, lead to drying out of the storage cell 200, causing the storage cell 200 to lose its functionality.

[0075] Filling a storage cell arrangement 210 with a foaming filler 214, which is subsequently cured, is a process step that is relatively difficult to control. For example, air bubbles of varying sizes can form. As a result, the situation regarding the transmission of mechanical forces 410 from the housing wall 211 of the storage cell arrangement 210 to the individual storage cells 200 can be undefined. The measures described in this document can achieve a defined transmission of mechanical forces 410 from the housing wall 211 of the storage cell arrangement 210 to the individual storage cells 200.

[0076] In particular, a defined interruption or at least a reduction in the mechanical load application in the vertical pressure direction (i.e., along the z-axis) to the cell terminal 202 of a storage cell 200 and / or to the storage cell 200 can be brought about. This can be brought about by a recess and / or by an air inclusion and / or by a compressible component (generally by a pressure relief component 300) between the housing wall 211 of the storage cell arrangement 200 and the cell connector 232 or the cell terminal 202 of the storage cell 200. The pressure relief component 300 can be introduced into the storage cell arrangement 210 using a pick-and-place method. The pressure relief component 300 can be placed on the first housing wall 211 or at the contact point 202 (i.e., at the terminal) of a storage cell 200.

[0077] The pressure relief component 300 can optionally be foam-bonded to an additional component, wherein the component optionally performs the function of the load distribution component 400 described in this document. For example, a vacuum expansion process can be used. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure relief component 300 can be adhesively foam-bonded to the component in a single process step using a tool. It can be advantageous here for the individual foam pads (i.e., the individual pressure relief components 300) to be interconnected with webs and / or channels.

[0078] As explained in connection with Fig. 5b, the individual pressure relief components 300 can each be designed as a diving bell (i.e., a tray 500) for creating an air pocket. The individual trays 500 can, for example, be placed upside down on a base when the filling compound 214 is introduced into the storage cell arrangement 210. This reliably prevents the filling compound 214 from entering the trays 500.

[0079] The pressure relief component 300 can extend beyond the contact point 202 of a storage cell 200 to one or more adjacent components (e.g., to a (fusible) fuse and / or to a sensor of the respective storage cell 200). This can further increase the protective effect of the pressure relief component 300.

[0080] The material of the pressure relief component 300 and / or the filling compound 214 can be selected such that outgassing takes place, which creates a type of aggregation or corona of relatively large pores in the foam in the immediate vicinity of the pad (i.e., around the pressure relief component 300), thus further improving the effect of the foam pad (i.e., the pressure relief component 300).

[0081] Alternatively or additionally, the mechanical load application in the vertical compressive direction (i.e., along the z-axis) to the cell terminal 201, 202 of a storage cell 200 can be controlled and / or reduced by a laterally load-bearing and supporting component (i.e., a load distribution component) 400 between the first housing wall 211 and the top side of a storage cell 200. A load path can be specifically constructed that applies the load as far as possible to the mechanically load-bearing edge region 206 of the top side of the cell. This load path can either be supported directly on the cell shoulder (i.e., on the edge region of the storage cell 200), or one or more other components (e.g., the cell contact system 216) can be integrated into the load path, with the one or more other components preferably being pressure-insensitive.

[0082] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the description and figures are intended only to illustrate the principle of the proposed methods, devices, and systems by way of example.

Claims

Claims 1) memory cell arrangement (210) comprising - a first housing wall (211); - at least one storage cell (200) which is arranged along a first axis behind the first housing wall (211) and which has a first end face facing the first housing wall (211); wherein at least one contact point (202) for electrically contacting the storage cell (200) is arranged in a contacting sub-region of the first end face; and - a pressure relief component (300) which is arranged between the first housing wall (211) and the contact point (202) of the storage cell (200), and which is designed such that the contact point (202) is exposed to a lower force than the first end face outside the contacting sub-region as a result of a force (410) acting along the first axis on the first housing wall (211) towards the storage cell (200). 2) Memory cell arrangement (210) according to claim 1, wherein - the memory cell arrangement (210) has a filling compound (214) between a remaining partial area of ​​the first end face outside the contacting partial area and the housing wall (211); and - a deformation resistance of the pressure relief component (300) along the first axis is smaller, in particular smaller by a factor of 2 or more, than the deformation resistance of the filling mass (214) along the first axis. 3) Memory cell arrangement (210) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure relief component (300) comprises a foam cushion arranged between the contact point (202) and the first housing wall (211). 4) Storage cell arrangement (210) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure relief component (300) comprises an air-filled space, in particular an air-filled trough (500), which is arranged between the contact point (202) and the first housing wall (211). 5) Memory cell arrangement (210) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the memory cell (200) has a first contact point (201) with a first electrical polarity and a second contact point (202) with a second electrical polarity on the first end face; the second polarity being opposite to the first polarity; - the second contact point (202) protrudes along the first axis from the first end face towards the first housing wall (211), in particular by 10% or more of the total distance between the first end face and the first housing wall (211); - the first contact point (201) is arranged in particular within the first end face of the storage cell (200); and - the pressure relief component (300) is spatially limited between the second contact point (202) and the first housing wall (211) and not between the first contact point (201) and the first housing wall (211). 6) Memory cell arrangement (210) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the pressure relief component (300) extends transversely to the first axis over the entire contacting section; and - in the contacting sub-area next to the contact point (202) an electrical fuse and / or a sensor, in particular a Voltage sensor, is arranged. 7) Memory cell arrangement (210) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the storage cell (200) has a side wall (206) extending along the first axis, which supports the first end face of the storage cell (200) in an edge region of the first end face; and - the storage cell arrangement (210) comprises a load distribution component (400) which is arranged between the first housing wall (211) and the first end face of the storage cell (200), and which is designed such that the edge region of the first end face of the storage cell (200) is exposed to a higher force than the first end face in a central region outside the edge region as a result of the force (10) acting on the first housing wall (211) along the first axis. 8) Memory cell arrangement (210) according to claim 7, wherein - the load distribution component (400) has a higher deformation resistance along the first axis, in particular a deformation resistance that is higher by a factor of 5 or more, than the pressure relief component (300); and / or - the load distribution component (400) consists of a non-elastic material and the pressure relief component (300) consists of an elastic material. 9) Memory cell arrangement (210) according to one of claims 7 to 8, wherein - the load distribution component (400) has a base (401) extending transversely to the first axis along the first housing wall (211); and - the load distribution component (400) has an edge (402) extending along the first axis away from the floor (401) to the first End face of the storage cell (200) and which is supported locally on the edge region of the first end face and not on the central region outside the edge region. 10) Storage cell arrangement (210) according to claim 9, wherein the pressure relief component (300) is arranged in the central region of the first end face between the contact point (202) of the storage cell (200) and the bottom (401) of the load distribution component (400). 11) Memory cell arrangement (210) according to claim 9, wherein - the base (401) is curved in the central region of the first end face towards the contact point (202) of the storage cell (200), so that the base (401) forms a trough (500) at the central region of the first end face, which trough is open towards the first housing wall (211); and - the pressure relief component (300) is formed by the tub (500), in particular by an air inclusion within the tub (500). 12) Memory cell arrangement (210) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the memory cell arrangement (210) comprises a plurality of memory cells (200) arranged transversely to the first axis next to one another behind the first housing wall (211); and - the storage cell arrangement (210) has a plurality of pressure relief components (300) for the corresponding plurality of storage cells (200). 13) The memory cell arrangement (210) according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of pressure relief components (300) is part of a coherent component that is attached to the memory cell arrangement (210) during manufacture. the first housing wall (211) or to the first end faces of the plurality of memory cells (200). 14) Memory cell arrangement (210) according to claim 13 with reference to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein - the memory cell arrangement (210) comprises a plurality of load distribution components (400) for the corresponding plurality of memory cells (200); and - the plurality of load distribution components (400) is part of the coherent component. 15) Memory cell arrangement (210) according to claim 14, wherein - the component is designed such that a supporting structure is formed by the plurality of load distribution components (400); and - the plurality of pressure relief components (300) is attached to the supporting structure, in particular adhesively foamed.

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