DE102016222142A1 - Battery cell, battery module and device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery cell (1) having an electrochemical unit for generating electrical energy, two poles (10, 20) for providing and tapping the electrical energy, a lead (30) connected to an associated pole (10) for external discharge the tapped electrical energy is switchable electrically connectable, and a switching device (40) which is formed, switchable, a direct or indirect galvanic connection and / or separation between the derivative (30) the associated pole (10) - in particular in reversible form - to cause.

Description

The present invention relates to a battery cell, a battery module and a device. The present invention particularly relates to a vehicle.

Many devices and in particular vehicles are increasingly provided with electrically driven units, the units are powered by battery cells or equipped with a plurality of battery cells battery modules with electrical energy.

The problem with conventional battery cells and modules constructed therefrom is the existing permanent and direct contact within the individual cells between poles of the underlying cells and the leads or arresters to the outside. Furthermore, no controlled shutdown of individual cells in an arrangement of multiple battery cells in a module is possible.

The invention is based on the object to provide a battery cell, a battery module and a device in which a higher flexibility is possible in operation with particularly simple means with increased security.

The object underlying the invention is achieved in a battery cell according to the invention with the features of independent claim 1, in a battery module according to the invention with the features of independent claim 9 and in a device according to the invention with the features of independent claim 10. Advantageous developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a battery cell is provided. This is formed with an electrochemical unit for generating electrical energy, two poles for providing and tapping the electrical energy, a derivative, which is electrically connectable with an associated pole for the external discharge of the tapped electrical energy, and a switching device which is formed, switchable to effect a direct or indirect galvanic connection and / or separation between the derivative and the associated pole - in particular in reversible form.

Characterized in that according to the invention in the battery cell, a switching device is formed, can be made with simple means in a reliable manner a direct or indirect galvanic connection or separation with a derivative and the respectively associated pole. With these means, therefore, the conclusion of an electrical energy supply within the battery cell can be accomplished or alternatively prevented in a controlled manner. This can be done in a reversible manner, so that can be used with appropriate means to external operating conditions. Thus, for example, in an emergency quick shutdowns of the power supply can be enabled. This increases security and flexibility in the applications.

In an advantageous embodiment of the battery cell according to the invention, the switching device is designed to effect the galvanic connection and / or separation between the derivative and the associated pole by a direct or indirect mechanical connection or separation between the derivative and the associated pole. With these measures, the galvanic connection or separation can be realized with particularly simple means, namely on the occurrence or prevention of an indirect or direct mechanical connection between a derivative and a respective associated pole.

In another advantageous development of the battery cell according to the invention, the production or inhibiting a connection between the derivative and associated pole is particularly easy to implement that the switching device with a first contact element in direct or indirect mechanical and / or galvanic connection with the associated pole and / or with a second contact element is formed in direct or indirect mechanical and / or galvanic connection with the discharge.

In another embodiment of the battery cell according to the invention, the switching device has a switching mechanism which is so mechanically coupled to the first contact element and / or with the second contact element to a mechanical displacement of the first contact element and / or the second contact element relative to the respective other contact element cause, in particular between a first state with direct or indirect mechanical and / or galvanic connection of the contact elements and a second state with mechanical and galvanic separation of the contact elements.

Particularly simple and nevertheless reliable structures can be realized if the switching mechanism is or has an electroactive material, in particular an electroactive polymer, whose spatial extent can be variably varied by applying an electrical voltage and / or by current flow.

It is conceivable that the application of the electrical voltage for controlling the electroactive material comes from the battery cell itself. Alternatively or additionally, the supply of an external voltage is possible.

Further, in this embodiment, it is possible to provide a movement by using an electroactive material which assumes an expanded or a contracted state when the electrical voltage is applied, in particular in a preferred direction of the arrangement of the material.

A particularly high level of security can be further achieved by producing a kind of external short circuit of the battery cell to the outside by switching off the provision of electrical energy. This is achieved according to a preferred embodiment of the battery cell according to the invention in that it is formed with a bridging element, wherein the switching device is formed, with separation between the derivative and the associated pole with the bridging element switchable a direct or indirect mechanical and / or galvanic connection between to cause the derivation of the associated pole and a derivative of the other pole.

To control the function of the battery cell according to the invention, different measures can be provided.

Thus, according to a preferred embodiment, the battery cell (i) is formed with a control device which is adapted to control the switching device, and / or (ii) with a control line between the switching device and the control device or to an external control device for controlling the switching device.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a battery module is provided. This is formed with a plurality of battery cells. Several or all of the battery cells of the battery module according to the invention may be formed with the structure according to the invention.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, a device is also provided. This can be designed as a vehicle, as a work machine, for example as a robot or the like. The device has an aggregate, which is at least partially operated and / or controlled by the supply of electrical energy. The device according to the invention is in particular formed with a battery cell according to the present invention and / or with a battery module according to the present invention for supplying the unit with electrical energy.

list of figures

• 1 und 2 zeigen verschiedene Betriebszustände einer erste Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Batteriezelle mit einem elektroaktiven Material, welches unter Anlegung einer elektrischen Spannung in einen expandierten Zustand übergeht,
• 3 und 4 zeigen schematisch eine andere Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Batteriezelle mit einem elektroaktiven Material, welches unter Anlegung einer elektrischen Spannung in einen kontrahierten Zustand übergeht,
• 5 und 6 zeigen schematisch eine Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Batteriemoduls mit einer Mehrzahl erfindungsgemäßer Batteriezellen in zwei Betriebszuständen.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the figures.

• 1 and 2 show various operating states of a first embodiment of the battery cell according to the invention with an electroactive material, which passes under application of an electrical voltage in an expanded state,
• 3 and 4 show schematically another embodiment of the battery cell according to the invention with an electroactive material, which passes under application of an electrical voltage in a contracted state,
• 5 and 6 schematically show an embodiment of a battery module according to the invention with a plurality of inventive battery cells in two operating states.

The following are with reference to the 1 to 6 Embodiments of the invention described in detail. Identical and equivalent as well as equivalent or equivalent elements and components are designated by the same reference numerals. Not in every case of their occurrence, the detailed description of the designated elements and components is reproduced.

The illustrated features and other properties can be isolated in any form from each other and combined with each other, without departing from the gist of the invention.

The 1 and 2 show schematically in the manner of a block diagram, a first embodiment of the battery cell according to the invention 1 in two different operating states.

This embodiment of the battery cell according to the invention 1 consists of the core of an electrochemical unit 2 for generating electrical energy. It is a first pole 10 and a second pole 20 to tap through the electrochemical unit 2 provided electrical energy. For external provision of the tapped electrical energy are a first derivative 30 and a second derivative 60 the first pole 10 or the second pole 20 assigned and connected to these or connectable.

In the embodiment according to the 1 and 2 is the second derivative 60 permanently with the second associated pole 20 mechanically and galvanically connected. However, this is not mandatory.

Furthermore, in this embodiment according to the 1 and 2 between the first derivative 30 and that of the first derivative 30 associated first pole 10 the battery cell 1 a switching device 40 educated. This is set up, in the manner according to the invention, the first derivative 30 with the associated first pole 10 switchable to the internal dissipation of the tapped electrical energy, in an indirect or direct manner, whereby a galvanic connection and / or separation between the first derivative 30 and the associated first pole 10 will be produced.

In the in the 1 and 2 illustrated embodiment, the switching device consists 40 from a first contact element 41 and a second contact element 42 ,

The first and second contact elements 41 and 42 are formed relative to each other movable or movable.

In the in 1 illustrated arrangement, the first and second contact elements touch 41 the switching device 40 with their faces 41-1 respectively. 42 - 1 for a direct, that is immediate, mechanical, electrical and galvanic contact. At the derivatives 30 and 60 is the cell voltage of the cell 1 externally available.

In the in 2 shown intermediate state of the battery cell 1 are the first and second contact elements 41 respectively. 42 the switching device 40 on the other hand spatially separated from each other. That means that the end faces 41-1 and 42-1 the first and second contact elements 41 respectively. 42 the switching device 40 have a distance from each other, there is no mechanical, electrical and galvanic contact between the first and second contact elements 41 and 42 , It's outward about the derivatives 30 . 60 no cell voltage can be tapped.

The change between the in the 1 and 2 shown states on the use of a switching mechanism 50 with or from an electroactive material 51 ,

The electroactive material 51 or the switching mechanism 50 generally, between the first and second contact elements 41 respectively. 42 arranged. In the in 1 illustrated intermediate state is the switching mechanism 50 subjected to no voltage, ie in the state U = 0. This has the consequence that the electroactive material 51 , for example in the form of an electroactive polymer, of the switching mechanism 50 between the first and second contact elements 41 and 42 is arranged without touching it.

In the transition to the in 2 shown intermediate state of the battery cell 1 then becomes a non-zero electrical voltage U to the electroactive material 51 of the switching mechanism 50.

Due to the electroactive property of the electroactive material 51 the switching mechanism '50 changes this its geometry, in particular in a preferred direction its length, so that the end faces 50-1 and 50-2 the switching mechanism 50 on the side surfaces 41-2 respectively. 42-2 the first and second contact elements 41 and 42 and support these in the 2 Press apart as shown.

It is in the transition from the state of 1 to the state of 2 the mechanical, electrical and galvanic contact between the first pole 10 and the first derivative 30 separated so that between the derivatives 30 and 60 no electrical voltage is applied.

Upon return to the state according to 1 namely by switching off the voltage U from the electroactive material 51 of the switching mechanism 50 , takes the switching mechanism 50 again the in 1 shown geometry and it disappears the elements 41 and 42 disparate force.

By providing a restoring force and / or by coupling the side surfaces 41-2 and 42-2 to the front surfaces 50-1 respectively. 50-2 the switching mechanism 50 can restore the first and second contact elements 41 and 42 in the in 1 lead shown position, so that in reversible manner when switching off the voltage contacting the first pole 10 with the first derivative 30 he follows.

In the 3 and 4 is an alternative construction for a battery cell according to the invention 1 shown. This structure essentially corresponds to the structure for a battery cell according to the invention 1 as related to the 1 and 2 has been described.

In contrast to the embodiment according to the 1 and 2 it is the electroactive material 51 the switching mechanism 50 is an electroactive material 51 which performs a contraction when subjected to an electrical voltage, that is, reduces its volume or reduces a linear expansion, in particular in a preferred direction of a material orientation.

In this way, with a mechanical coupling 55 between the side surfaces 41-2 and 42-2 the first and second contact elements 41 respectively. 42 and the front ends 50-1 and 50-2 the switching mechanism 50 a tensile force on the first and second contact elements 41 and 42 with a movement of the first and second contact elements 41 and 42 to be forced upon each other.

It follows from that in the de-energized case (U = 0) according to 3 separate first and second contact elements 41 respectively. 42 , that means without mechanical, electrical and galvanic contact, a transition to the in 4 shown state with a reduced distance between the first and second contact elements 41 respectively. 42 in that their faces 41-1 and 42-1 touching each other to a mechanical, electrical and galvanic contact, leaving over the leads 30 . 60 externally the cell voltage can be tapped.

In the embodiments of the battery cell according to the invention 1 according to the 1 to 4 are for controlling the application of the voltage U as a control voltage for a contraction or expansion or recovery of the electroactive material 51 the switching mechanism 50 a control line 80 in connection with an internal control device 70 or alternatively or additionally to the coupling to an external control device 90 intended.

The control may take into account measurement data relating to the operation of a battery cell, a battery module and / or an underlying working device supplied with the energy from the cell or module. This applies in particular to operating states, accidents or the like.

The 5 and 6 show an embodiment of a battery module according to the invention 100 with a plurality, in particular of two, battery cells according to the invention 1 ,

The in the 5 and 6 to illustrate the battery module according to the invention 100 shown embodiments of the battery cell according to the invention 1 can in the in the 1 to 4 be formed form shown. However, this is not mandatory as long as the gist of the invention is realized.

In addition, in the in the 5 and 6 each battery cell shown above 1 according to the present invention in addition to the switching mechanism 50 with the electroactive material 51 and the couplable first and second contact elements 41 . 42 the switching device 40 another bridging element 45 educated.

The bridging element 45 serves to the second pole 20 the upper cell 1 in the transition from the in 5 shown contacted state to the in 6 illustrated broken state for the upper cell 1 via the corresponding displacement of the second contact element 42 conducting with the first derivative 30 connect to. This will be the first, ie in 5 and 6 upper battery cell according to the invention 1 bridged. Their electrochemical unit 2 does not contribute to the tapped electrical energy and in particular to the tapped current or the tapped voltage in this state.

The bridging element 45 bypasses in the off state of the upper battery cell 1 the inside of the upper battery cell 1 provided electrochemical unit 2 and closes in the disconnected and disconnected state of the electrochemical unit 2 the first derivative 30 with the second derivative 60 short.

With 95 are in the 5 and 6 nor the switched line paths for the arrangements of 5 and 6 within the embodiment of the battery module according to the invention 100 shown.

The bridging element 45 according to the 5 and 6 each consists of a first, second and third element 46, 47 and 48, respectively.

The first element 46 of the bridge element 45 is in each case with the second pole 20 connected. Via the middle element 46, the electrical coupling to the third and in the 5 and 6 bottom element 47 , against which in the open state of the switching mechanism '50 of the switching device 40 the lower second contact element 42 supports the electrical contact with the first derivative 30 to create.

In the arrangements of 1 to 6 is the voltage application device 47 as part of the switching device 40 responsible for the application of the electroactive material 51 the switching mechanism 50.

In the transition area of the first and second arresters 30 . 60 interconnected battery cells 1 a cell connector can be realized.

• Es gibt eine Reihe von Möglichkeiten zur Kontaktierung von Elektroden und jeweiligen Anschlussterminals in einer Batteriezelle. Diese Elemente können beispielsweise verschweißt oder verklebt sein. Auch ist eine formschlüssige Kontaktierung möglich.

These and other features and characteristics of the present invention will be further elucidated with reference to the following statements:

• There are a number of possibilities for contacting electrodes and respective connection terminals in a battery cell. These elements can be welded or glued, for example. Also, a positive contact is possible.

However, the contacting of these elements within a battery cell is a permanent connection. A switchable contact in the sense of a controllably switchable connection and separation of a mechanical and galvanic contact, as described in the invention, is not known.

• - Es besteht eine permanente und direkte Kontaktierung innerhalb der Batteriezellen zwischen den Polen und Ableitern.
• - Es ist keine Abschaltung einzelner Batteriezellen möglich.

Among other things, the following disadvantages occur with known battery cells:

• - There is a permanent and direct contact inside the battery cells between the poles and arresters.
• - There is no shutdown of individual battery cells possible.

The invention includes a possibility for providing a galvanically separable contacting within a battery cell 1 , in particular in a reversible manner.

This is done through a switchable contact 40 between the poles 10 . 20 and the arresters 30 . 60 reached. For the separable contacting the invention provides exemplary two different types.

In both cases so-called electroactive polymers (EAP) are used for switchable contacting 51 used. These materials have the ability to change their expansion and / or shape upon application of a voltage.

A voltage-free closed contact point opens when an electrical voltage is applied:

In this variant, the contact point between Pol 10 . 20 and arresters 30 . 60 basically closed, namely in the de-energized case with U = 0. By applying a voltage to the EAP, the two contact partners can be separated from one another by extending the EAP under the applied electrical voltage.

This is in the 1 and 2 shown.

A voltage-free contact point closes when an electrical voltage is applied:

In contrast to the first variant, the contact point is normally open here, ie in the de-energized case with U = 0. Only when a corresponding voltage is applied does it close by contraction of the EAP 51 and pol 10 . 20 as well as arresters 30 . 60 come in contact. For this example, spring elements 55 required, which the EAP 51 and couple the respective contact partner.

This is in the 3 and 4 shown.

An advantage of this variant is that without one at the EAP 51 applied electrical voltage the battery cells 1 or even an entire cell module 100 is tension-free.

As an extension is also a short circuit function inside or outside of a battery cell 1 possible.

The contact is switched so that both poles 10 . 20 a battery cell 1 are directly connected. This can be a battery cell 1 In the event of damage, they are removed from the circuit and bridged.

The 5 and 6 show in an example the short circuit function within a battery cell 1 with the effect on a module 100 ,

The control of the battery cells 1 and / or the control of the contacting takes place for example by an external control device 90 , which via a control line 70 with every cell 1 connected is.

• - Es entsteht eine schaltbare Kontaktierung zwischen Pol 10, 20 und Ableiter 30, 60 in einer Batteriezelle 1.
• - Die Abschaltung einzelner Batteriezelle 1 in einem Modul 100 in einem Schadensfall ist möglich, dadurch erhöht sich die Betriebssicherheit.

Among other things, the following advantages arise through the invention:

• - There is a switchable contact between pole 10 . 20 and arresters 30 . 60 in a battery cell 1 ,
• - The shutdown of individual battery cell 1 in a module 100 In a case of damage is possible, thereby increasing the reliability.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

battery cell

2

electrochemical unit

10

(first) pole

20

(second) pole

30

(first derivative

40

switching device

41

first contact element

41-1

face

41-2

side surface

42

second contact element

42-1

face

42-2

side surface

45

bridging element

47

voltage application

50

switching mechanism

50-1

face

50-2

face

51

electroactive material

55

mechanical coupling

60

(second) derivative

70

(internal) control device

80

control line

90

(external) control device

95

current path

100

battery module

Claims (10)

Battery cell (1), with an electrochemical unit (2) for generating electrical energy, two poles (10, 20) for supplying and tapping the electrical energy, - A derivative (30), which is electrically connectable with an associated pole (10) for the external derivation of the tapped electrical energy, and - A switching device (40) which is designed to switch a direct or indirect galvanic connection and / or separation between the derivative (30) and the associated pole (10) - in particular in reversible form - to effect. Battery cell (1) after Claim 1 in which the switching device (40) is formed, the galvanic connection and / or separation between the derivative (30) and the associated pole (10) by a direct or indirect mechanical connection or separation between the derivative (30) and the associated Pol (10) to effect. Battery cell (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching device (40) with a first contact element (41) in direct or indirect mechanical and / or galvanic connection with the associated pole (10) and / or with a second contact element (42 ) is formed in direct or indirect mechanical and / or galvanic connection with the discharge line (30). Battery cell (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the switching device (40) has a switching mechanism (50) which is mechanically coupled to the first contact element (41) and / or to the second contact element (42) in such a way Displacement of the first contact element (41) and / or of the second contact element (42) relative to the respective other contact element (42, 41), in particular between a first state with direct or indirect mechanical and / or galvanic connection of the contact elements (41, 42 ) and a second state with mechanical and galvanic separation of the contact elements (41, 42). Battery cell (1) after Claim 4 in which the switching mechanism (50) is or has an electroactive material (51), in particular an electroactive polymer, whose spatial extent is controllably variable by application of an electrical voltage and / or current flow. Battery cell (1) after Claim 5 in which the electroactive material (51) assumes an expanded or a contracted state when the electrical voltage is applied. Battery cell (1) according to one of the preceding claims, with a bridging element (45), - Wherein the switching device (40) is formed, with separation between the derivative (30) and the associated pole (10) with the bridging element (45) switchable a direct or indirect mechanical and / or galvanic connection between the derivative (30) of the associated Pols (10) and a derivative (60) of the other pole (20) to effect. Battery cell (1) according to one of the preceding claims, (i) with a control device (70), which is designed to control the switching device (50), and / or (ii) with a control line (80) between the switching device (50) and the control device (70) and / or to an external control device (90) for controlling the switching device (50). Battery module (100) having a plurality of battery cells (1), wherein at least one of the battery cells (1) is designed according to one of the preceding claims. Device, in particular vehicle, with - an aggregate and - with a battery cell (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 8th and / or with a battery module (100) to Claim 9 for supplying the unit with electrical energy.

Images