Patent Description:
In the recent years, vehicles for transportation of goods and peoples have been developed using electric power as a source for motion. Such an electric vehicle is an automobile that is propelled by an electric motor, using energy stored in rechargeable batteries. An electric vehicle may be solely powered by batteries or may be a form of hybrid vehicle powered by for example a gasoline generator or a hydrogen fuel power cell. Furthermore, the vehicle may include a combination of electric motor and conventional combustion engine. In general, an electric-vehicle battery, EVB, or traction battery is a battery used to power the propulsion of battery electric vehicles, BEVs. Electric-vehicle batteries differ from starting, lighting, and ignition batteries because they are designed to give power over sustained periods of time. A rechargeable or secondary battery differs from a primary battery in that it can be repeatedly charged and discharged, while the latter provides only an irreversible conversion of chemical to electrical energy. Low-capacity rechargeable batteries are used as power supply for small electronic devices, such as cellular phones, notebook computers and camcorders, while high-capacity rechargeable batteries are used as the power supply for electric and hybrid vehicles and the like.

Rechargeable batteries may be used as a battery module formed of a plurality of unit battery cells coupled in series and/or in parallel so as to provide a high energy content, in particular for motor driving of a hybrid vehicle. That is, the battery module is formed by interconnecting the electrode terminals of the plurality of unit battery cells depending on a required amount of power and in order to realize a high-power rechargeable battery.

Battery modules can be constructed either in block design or in modular design. In block designs each battery is coupled to a common current collector structure and a common battery management system and the unit thereof is arranged in a housing. In modular designs, pluralities of battery cells are connected to form submodules and several submodules are connected to form the battery module. In automotive applications, battery systems often consist of a plurality of battery modules connected in series for providing a desired voltage. Therein, the battery modules may comprise submodules with a plurality of stacked battery cells, each stack comprising cells connected in parallel that are connected in series (XpYs) or multiple cells connected in series that are connected in parallel (XsYp).

The mechanical integration of such a battery pack requires appropriate mechanical connections between the individual components, e.g. of battery modules. These connections must remain functional and safe during the average service life of the battery system. Further, installation space and interchangeability requirements must be met, especially in mobile applications.

Exothermic decomposition of cell components may lead to a so-called thermal runaway. In general, thermal runaway describes a process that is accelerated by increased temperature, in turn releasing energy that further increases temperature. Thermal runaway occurs in situations where an increase in temperature changes the conditions in a way that causes a further increase in temperature, often leading to a destructive result. In rechargeable battery systems, thermal runaway is associated with strongly exothermic reactions that are accelerated by temperature rise. These exothermic reactions include combustion of flammable gas compositions within the battery pack housing. For example, when a cell is heated above a critical temperature (typically above <NUM>) it can transit into a thermal runaway. The initial heating may be caused by a local failure, such as a cell internal short circuit, heating from a defect electrical contact, short circuit to a neighboring cell. During the thermal runaway, a failed battery cell, i.e., a battery cell which has a local failure, may reach a temperature exceeding <NUM>. Further, large quantities of hot gas, also called venting gas, are ejected, i.e., discharged, from inside of the failed battery cell through the venting opening, i.e., the degassing valve, of the cell housing into the battery pack. The main components of the venting gas are H<NUM>, CO<NUM>, CO, electrolyte vapor and other hydrocarbons. The venting gas is therefore burnable and potentially toxic. Furthermore, the venting gas can be electrically conducting. This might cause arcing and/or a short circuit. The venting gas also causes a gas-pressure increase inside the battery pack.

In the prior art, a battery pack may not provide a dedicated channel for venting, i.e., venting channel, also called an exhausting channel, or a channel structure. Instead, a volume within the battery pack might provide a path for hot venting gas to reach a venting element and an exterior of the battery pack. Due to a thermal runaway, thermal propagation and pollution, i.e., a contamination with deposits by components of the venting gas, within the battery pack may occur which may lead to an atmosphere which promotes arcing and/or a short circuit within the battery pack.

<CIT> discloses a battery housing of a battery system for an electric vehicle. A plurality of battery modules, which each have a plurality of battery cells, are arranged within the battery housing which comprises a base body and a cover. The cover of the battery housing is fastened to structural elements by a screw connection. Each of the structural elements together with the cover forms a degassing channel.

<CIT> discloses a car battery system comprising battery blocks accommodated inside a case. A battery holder is attached outside the battery block to hold the stacked battery cells of the battery block. The case is attached to endplates of the battery holder via screws. The battery system has a gas exhaust duct provided with connecting flanges projecting from both sides and positioned above the endplates to attach the gas exhaust duct to the endplates via set screws.

<CIT> discloses a power supply device with a battery block comprising battery cells with safety valves, a gas duct, a pressing portion, a seal member, and a frame for fixing the gas duct to the upper surface of the battery block. The gas duct is designed to have sufficient strength so as not to be destroyed when high-pressure and high-temperature gas is discharged, and is preferably made of a metal such as stainless steel having excellent heat resistance and rigidity.

Typically, a structural element as disclosed in <CIT>, a gas exhaust duct as disclosed in <CIT> or the gas duct as disclosed in <CIT> is made of metal. In case of a thermal runaway, electrical properties of metal could cause electrical currents flowing unintendedly and/or uncontrollably leading to arcing and/or a short circuit.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanical stable battery pack that efficiently uses construction space within the battery pack and that may, in the case of a thermal runaway, reliably guide a venting gas while minimizing the risk of arcing and/or of a short circuit.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery pack according to claim <NUM> comprises a housing and a plurality of battery cells accommodated within the housing; wherein each of the plurality of battery cells comprises a degassing valve; the battery pack comprises a gas channel; wherein the gas channel is mounted to the housing as a structural member of the housing; the battery pack comprises a thermally and electrically isolating sheet, and the isolating sheet is arranged between the battery cells and the gas channel; and wherein the isolating sheet is adapted to provide a conditional fluid communication between the gas channel and each of the degassing valves of the plurality of battery cells, wherein the conditional fluid communication depends on one of the battery cells is ejecting and/or having ejected a venting gas through the degassing valve of the battery cell, and wherein the isolating sheet comprises a plurality of predetermined breaking sections, each arranged to overlap with a corresponding one of the degassing valves of the battery cells and/or an outlet port of one of the degassing valves of the battery cells. The housing comprises two longitudinal beams, two crossbeams, a top cover and a bottom cover forming an interior space in which the plurality of battery cells is arranged, and the gas channel is provided between the plurality of battery cells and the top cover of the housing and the top cover and the gas channel are mounted together.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electric vehicle comprises the battery pack according to the present disclosure.

According to the invention which is given in the claims a battery pack comprises a housing and a plurality of battery cells accommodated within the housing. Therein, each of the plurality of battery cells comprises a degassing valve. The degassing valve is adapted to release an excess pressure from within the battery cell by ejecting, i.e., discharging, a venting gas in a surrounding of the battery cell. The excess pressure may result from a chemical reaction and/or a temperature above a predetermined temperature threshold, e.g., in case of a thermal runaway.

The battery pack comprises a gas channel. The gas channel forms part of a venting path to conduct a venting gas. The venting path leads from the degassing valve via the gas channel through the battery pack. The gas channel enables a directed and well-defined distribution of hot venting gas. Hence, a risk of an overheating or even melting of battery cells other than a battery cell in thermal runaway or of an insulation of wiring by heat of the venting gas can be reduced. The pollution can be distributed in an inner space of the battery pack, and, consequently can reduce building up of an atmosphere inside the battery pack that leads to arcing. , the gas channel achieves a separation of venting gasses from a remaining volume inside the housing other than the gas channel. This prevents a local pollution of the remaining volume inside the battery pack and prevents in particular building up an atmosphere that promotes arcing.

The gas channel is mounted to the housing as a structural member of the housing. Thus, the gas channel, i.e., the venting channel, further enhances mechanical properties of the battery pack and/or the housing. The gas channel, i.e., channel structure, improves the stiffness of the battery pack as, e.g., under normal working condition, the gas channel may be adapted to support swelling forces at a cover face of the battery cells.

The battery pack comprises a thermally and electrically isolating sheet, and the isolating sheet is arranged between the battery cells and the gas channel. The thermally and electrically isolating sheet prevents leakage currents between each of the battery cells and the gas channel and/or the housing, in particular in case of a thermal runaway and/or if electrically conducting particles deposit within the gas channel. Furthermore, the thermally and electrically isolating sheet reduces a heat transfer between a venting gas and the gas channel as the gas channel is thermally isolated from the venting gas. The thermally and electrically isolating sheet reduces a heat transfer between a venting gas of a battery cell in thermal runaway and remaining life battery cells, i.e., battery cells not being in thermal runaway. The isolating sheet is arranged and adapted to separate battery cells, i.e., the cell stacks from the gas channel and from the housing.

The isolating sheet is adapted to provide a conditional fluid communication between the gas channel and each of the degassing valves of the plurality of battery cells, wherein the conditional fluid communication depends on one of the battery cells is ejecting and/or having ejected a venting gas through the degassing valve of the battery cell. In other words, if no thermal runaway occurs and/or has occurred in a battery cell, no venting gas is ejected and has been ejected through the degassing valve of the battery cell, and, hence, the gas channel and the degassing valve of the battery cell are not in fluid communication with each other; if a thermal runaway occurs and/or has occurred, a venting gas is ejected and/or has been ejected through the degassing valve of the battery cell, and, hence, the gas channel and the degassing valve of the battery cell are in fluid communication with each other. Thus, the conditional fluid communication implies that in case a venting gas needs to be discharged in the gas channel, the degassing valve and the gas channel are in fluid communication with each other. In other words, the isolating sheet is adapted to provide a fluid communication of the gas channel and a battery cell that is or was in a thermal runaway condition, and to block a fluid communication of the gas channel and a life battery cell. Thereby, the venting gas can be discharged from the battery cell in thermal runaway in the gas channel but the remaining life battery cells remain protected, i.e., thermally and electrically isolated from the gas channel and the vent gas. This minimizes the risk of arcing and/or of a short circuit as the venting gas of only the battery cell is discharged in the gas channel, and the gas channel and the remaining life battery cells are reliably protected from heat and/or deposits of the venting gas.

The gas channel provides a mechanical stable battery pack that efficiently uses construction space within the battery pack. The gas channel and the isolating sheet enable in conjunction with each other that, in the case of a thermal runaway, a venting gas is reliably guided through the battery pack while the risk of arcing and/or of a short circuit is minimized.

According to one embodiment, the isolating sheet comprises a plurality of predetermined breaking sections, wherein each of the breaking sections is arranged to overlap with one of the degassing valves of the battery cells and/or an outlet port of one of the degassing valves of the battery cells. In other words, the isolating sheet is adapted to break, i.e., burst, at well-defined and predetermined sections, in case the pressure difference between opposite faces of the isolating sheet exceeds a predetermined threshold, which is adjustable by the breaking sections. The breaking sections are arranged to overlap the degassing valves and/or outlet ports so that the degassing valves and/or outlet ports are covered by the isolating sheet and in particular by the predetermined breaking sections. If a venting gas is ejected through one of the degassing valves and/or outlet ports by one of the battery cells in a thermal runaway, one of the breaking sections that overlaps the degassing valve and/or the outlet port bursts so that the venting gas of the battery cell in thermal runaway can be discharged from the battery cell. The remaining breaking sections of the remaining life battery cells which do not eject venting gas remain unbroken, and the remaining life battery cells remain protected from heat and electric currents by the isolating sheet. Thus, the remaining life battery cells are not in fluid communication with the gas channel. , the predetermined breaking section implies a conditional fluid communication between the battery cell and the gas channel.

According to one embodiment, each of the breaking sections is formed by a plurality of perforations and/or by a depression of the isolating sheet. This is a cost-effective embodiment of forming the breaking sections which allows a precise arrangement of the breaking sections and a well-defined pressure threshold at which the breaking section is adapted to break.

According to one embodiment, each of the breaking sections is adapted to break in dependence on a predetermined pressure and/or in dependence on one of the battery cells is ejecting and/or having ejected a venting gas through the degassing valve of the battery cell. Thus, the breaking sections of the isolating sheet are adapted to break if a thermal runaway occurs. If the thermal runaway occurs in one of the battery cells and the breaking section that covers the battery cell breaks, a venting gas can be ejected and can be released from the battery cell in thermal runaway to the gas channel.

According to one embodiment, the gas channel is arranged above a cover face of each of the battery cells, and the isolating sheet is arranged between the gas channel and the cover faces of the battery cells. In other words, the gas channel is arranged so that each of the battery cells can, in case of a thermal runaway, eject venting gas into the gas channel. The isolating sheet being arranged between the gas channel and the cover faces enables the fluid communication between a battery cell in thermal runaway ejecting venting gas and the gas channel while the remaining life battery cells remain covered by the isolating sheet so that the remaining life battery cells are protected from heat and/or chemicals of the venting gas. The gas channel being arranged above the cover face means that the gas channel is arranged between the cover faces of the battery cells and a top cover of the housing. Alternatively, the isolating sheet can be arranged on other locations, e.g., in a bottom section of the housing if a degassing valve is arranged to discharge a venting gas towards a bottom cover of the housing.

According to one embodiment, the gas channel is made of metal and/or steel. This embodiment provides an improved stiffness of the housing. The gas channel is thus made from a material that resists a high-speed jet of hot venting gas containing small hot particles and/or chips. As an example, the gas channel can be made of a fire-resistant steel or a mild steel.

According to one embodiment, the isolating sheet is clamped between the battery cells and the gas channel. This embodiment enables an efficient manufacture of the battery pack and a reliable arrangement of the isolating sheet between the battery cells and the gas channel.

According to one embodiment, the battery pack comprises a common venting channel branching off from the gas channel, wherein the isolating sheet is adapted to provide a conditional fluid communication between the gas channel and the common venting channel. The common venting channel and the gas channel form a venting path or at least a part thereof along which a venting gas is guided. The gas channel guides the gas from each of the battery cells, e.g., via a plurality of elongated gas channel portions, to the common venting channel so that venting gasses of a plurality of battery cells in a thermal runaway are guided to the common venting channel. Therein, the common venting channel may be a frame member of the housing. Optionally, the common venting channel is in fluid communication with an exterior of the housing to discharge the vent gas out of the battery pack in an exterior of the battery pack, e.g., via an optionally central outlet opening. The isolating sheet prevents a pre-heating and/or pollution by a battery cell in thermal runaway of a battery stack adjacent to a battery stack that comprises the battery cell in thermal runaway, i.e., to prevent the pollution or preheating of the venting channel volume above the other life battery cells and/or cell stacks. The conditional fluid communication between the gas channel and the common venting channel optionally depends on the same condition as the conditional fluid communication between the gas channel and each of the degassing valves of the plurality of battery cells. Alternatively, conditional fluid communication between the gas channel and the common venting channel optionally depends on another condition as the conditional fluid communication between the gas channel and each of the degassing valves of the plurality of battery cells, e.g., a pressure threshold at which the isolating sheet provides a fluid communication differs.

According to one embodiment, the battery pack comprises at least two cell stacks; wherein the common venting channel is arranged between the at least two cell stacks. This provides an efficient arrangement of the common venting channel as the venting gas from the at least two cell stacks can be collectively guided by the gas channel to the common venting channel.

According to one embodiment, the housing comprises at least one hollow beam, wherein the battery pack comprises a venting path leading from the degassing valves of the battery cells through the at least one gas channel and the at least one hollow beam in an exterior of the battery pack. The hollow beam forms a part of the venting path. The hollow beam improves the usage of construction space within the battery cell and may provide a mechanical stiff structural element that improves mechanical characteristics of the housing.

According to one embodiment, the hollow beam comprises an upper beam section, a lower beam section in fluid communication with the upper beam section and a separation member, wherein the upper beam section and the lower beam section are separated from each other by the separation member. Thus, the venting path leads a venting gas via the upper beam section and the lower beam section. Thus, the optionally horizontally arranged separation member leads to an increased length of the venting path to enable to cool the venting gas as the venting gas moves through the hollow beam before being discharged in an exterior of the battery pack.

According to one embodiment, the separation member comprises at least one fluid passage providing the conditional fluid communication between the upper beam section and the lower beam section. This enables a well-defined layout of the venting path within the hollow beam. Optionally, the separation member comprises one fluid passage per pair of cell stacks.

According to one embodiment, the at least one gas channel is arranged and adapted to mechanically bond the plurality of battery cells. , the gas channel is adapted as a bonding member for the battery cells, i.e., as a cell holder and/or cell retainer. The number of cell bonding members and/or the number of the bonding sections at which one or more of the battery cells are affixed can be reduced.

According to one embodiment, the housing comprises a top cover, and the top cover is mounted to the gas channel. Mounting the gas channel to the top cover allows an efficient manufacture of the battery cell, a space-saving arrangement of the gas channel and may improve mechanical characteristics of the housing as the gas channel is arrangeable to mechanically support the top cover.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electric vehicle comprises the battery pack according to the present disclosure. Optionally, the battery pack comprises any of the above-described optional features to achieve a technical effect associated therewith.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic view of an electric vehicle <NUM> according to an embodiment.

The electric vehicle <NUM> is propelled by an electric motor <NUM>, using energy stored in rechargeable batteries cells <NUM> (not indicated in <FIG>, see <FIG> and <FIG>) arranged in a battery pack <NUM>. The battery pack is described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective top view of a battery pack <NUM> according to an embodiment.

The battery pack <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> comprises two longitudinal beams 13a, 13b, two crossbeams 16a, 16b (see also <FIG>), a top cover <NUM> and a bottom cover <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The longitudinal beams 13a, 13b are arranged parallel to each other and the crossbeams 16a, 16b are arranged between the longitudinal beams 13a, 13b and perpendicular to the longitudinal beams 13a, 13b.

The housing <NUM> provides an interior space (not shown) which is arranged between the two longitudinal beam 13a, 13b, the two crossbeams 16a, 16b, the top cover <NUM> and the bottom cover <NUM>. In the interior space, a plurality of battery cells <NUM> is arranged as a plurality of cell stacks <NUM> (see <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG>, the top cover <NUM> is made of sheet metal and comprises a plurality of top cover depressions <NUM>. The top cover depressions <NUM> are indentations and/or recesses of the top cover <NUM> and improve the stiffness of the top cover <NUM> and thus of the housing <NUM>. Below the top cover <NUM>, and between and/or adjacent to the top cover depressions <NUM>, a plurality of gas channels <NUM> is arranged (not shown in <FIG>, see <FIG>).

A connector arrangement <NUM> is arranged at one of the crossbeams 16a to electrically interconnect the battery pack <NUM> with an electric vehicle <NUM> and/or to provide temperature control.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective bottom view of a battery pack <NUM> according to an embodiment. The battery pack <NUM> of <FIG> is the battery pack <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the bottom cover <NUM> is made of sheet metal and comprises a plurality of bottom cover depressions <NUM> and a mounting arrangement <NUM>. The bottom cover depressions <NUM> are indentations and/or recesses of the bottom cover <NUM>. The bottom cover depressions <NUM> improve the stiffness of the bottom cover <NUM> and thus of the housing <NUM> and may enable air to circulate below the bottom cover <NUM> to enable venting. The mounting arrangement <NUM> is adapted to mount the battery pack <NUM> within and/or to the electric vehicle <NUM>.

The bottom cover <NUM> comprises an outlet opening <NUM>. The outlet opening <NUM> is a through hole in the bottom cover <NUM>. The outlet opening <NUM> is adapted to release a venting gas <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>, see <FIG> and <FIG>) from within the battery pack <NUM> into an exterior <NUM> of the battery pack <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a sectional view of a battery pack <NUM> according to an embodiment. The battery pack <NUM> of <FIG> is the battery pack <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. In <FIG>, cartesian coordinates x,y,z are shown to describe the arrangement of the battery pack <NUM> and its components.

As shown in <FIG>, a plurality of battery cells <NUM>, <NUM> (for an illustrative purpose, only a subset of battery cells <NUM>, <NUM> is indicated) is arranged in cell stacks <NUM>. , the battery cells <NUM>, <NUM> of one cell stack <NUM> are arranged in a stacked manner and parallel to each other. Therein, each of the battery cells <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a longitudinal side surface <NUM> extending, in this representation, in the x-z-plane. Each of the longitudinal side surfaces <NUM> of the battery cells <NUM>, <NUM> within the cell stack <NUM> contacts an adjacent longitudinal side surface <NUM> of an adjacent battery cell <NUM>, <NUM> within the cell stack <NUM>. Each of the cell stacks <NUM> comprises a plurality of battery cells <NUM>, <NUM> stacked in y-direction. Two of the cell stacks <NUM> are shown in <FIG>.

One of the battery cells <NUM> is in a state of a thermal runaway T. Thus, the battery cell <NUM> in thermal runaway discharges a hot venting gas <NUM> as indicated by the double arrow. The remaining battery cells <NUM> are life battery cells <NUM> which may function regularly and may not be overheated. Thus, the plurality of battery cells <NUM>, <NUM> as shown in <FIG> is divided in the battery cell <NUM> in thermal runaway T and the remaining life battery cells <NUM>.

The battery pack <NUM> comprises a gas channel <NUM>. The gas channel <NUM> is arranged between the top cover <NUM> and each of the battery cells <NUM>, <NUM>. The gas channel <NUM> has a principal elongation in y-direction. The gas channel <NUM> extends above the plurality of battery cells <NUM>, <NUM>.

The gas channel <NUM> is made of metal and/or steel. The gas channel <NUM> comprises a cross section to allow a high-pressure venting gas <NUM> to pass through the gas channel <NUM> so as not to be a barrier for hot venting gas <NUM> under high pressure.

The gas channel <NUM> is mounted to the housing <NUM> as a structural member <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Specifically, the top cover <NUM> and the gas channel <NUM> are mounted together. The top cover <NUM> is mechanically supported by the gas channel <NUM>.

Each of the battery cells <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a cover face <NUM> (not indicated in <FIG>, see <FIG>). The cover face <NUM> is perpendicular to the longitudinal side surface <NUM> and, in this representation, arranged in the x-y-plane. The gas channel <NUM> is arranged above the cover face <NUM> of each of the battery cells <NUM>, <NUM>. Each of the battery cells <NUM>, <NUM> comprises an outlet port <NUM> and a degassing valve <NUM> arranged at the cover face <NUM>. The outlet port <NUM> is adapted to enable a fluid communication of an interior of the battery cell <NUM>, <NUM> via the degassing valve <NUM> with an exterior of battery cells <NUM>, <NUM>. The degassing valve <NUM> is adapted to discharge a venting gas <NUM> from the battery cell <NUM>, <NUM> in case of a thermal runaway T. The battery cell <NUM> in thermal runaway T discharges the venting gas <NUM> via the outlet port <NUM> and the degassing valve <NUM> in the gas channel <NUM>.

The gas channel <NUM> is arranged and adapted to mechanically bond the plurality of battery cells <NUM>, <NUM> (see also <FIG>). The gas channel <NUM>, i.e., the venting channel, stiffens the structure of the battery pack <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM> in the x-y-plane, bonds the battery cells <NUM>, <NUM> in z-direction and supports the top cover <NUM>.

The battery pack <NUM> comprises a thermally and electrically isolating sheet <NUM>. The isolating sheet <NUM> is arranged between the battery cells <NUM>, <NUM> and the gas channel <NUM>. The isolating sheet <NUM> is adapted to provide a conditional fluid communication between the gas channel <NUM> and each of the degassing valves <NUM> of the plurality of battery cells <NUM>, <NUM>, wherein the conditional fluid communication depends on one of the battery cells <NUM>, <NUM> is ejecting and/or having ejected a venting gas <NUM> through the degassing valve <NUM> of the battery cell <NUM>, <NUM>. , the battery cell <NUM> in thermal runaway T is in fluid communication with the gas channel <NUM> so that the battery cell <NUM> in thermal runaway T can discharge the venting gas <NUM> into the gas channel <NUM>; the remaining life battery cells <NUM> are not in fluid communication with the gas channel <NUM>, i.e., the isolating sheet <NUM> is adapted to block and/or prevent a fluid communication between the gas channel <NUM> and any of the life battery cells <NUM>. Thus, the life battery cells <NUM> are separated from the venting gas <NUM> by the isolating sheet <NUM>.

The isolating sheet <NUM> comprises a plurality of predetermined breaking sections <NUM>. Each of the breaking sections <NUM> overlaps with one of the degassing valves <NUM> and outlet ports <NUM> of the battery cells <NUM>, <NUM>. The breaking section <NUM> of the isolating sheet <NUM> comprise a venting geometry, i.e., burst geometry, located above the degassing valves <NUM>, i.e., the venting element of battery cells <NUM>, <NUM>. Each of the breaking sections <NUM>, i.e., the venting opening, is adapted to open through a jet of hot venting gas <NUM> being ejected from the battery cell <NUM> in thermal runaway T and prevents the remaining life battery cells <NUM> from overheating by the still unbroken breaking sections <NUM> covering the life battery cells <NUM>. The life battery cells <NUM> are shielded by the isolating sheet <NUM> from the venting gas <NUM> and are thus protected from heat and deposits by components of the venting gas.

Each of the breaking sections <NUM> is formed by a depression <NUM> of the isolating sheet <NUM>. , the isolating sheet <NUM> has a varying thickness, and the thickness is minimal at a breaking section <NUM> or an edge thereof. Each of the breaking sections <NUM> is adapted to break in dependence on a predetermined pressure and/or in dependence on one of the battery cells <NUM>, <NUM> is ejecting and/or having ejected a venting gas <NUM> through the degassing valve <NUM> of the battery cell <NUM>, <NUM>.

The isolating sheet <NUM> is arranged between the gas channel <NUM> and the cover faces <NUM> of the battery cells <NUM>, <NUM> to separate the battery cells <NUM>, <NUM> and the gas channel <NUM> from each other. The isolating sheet <NUM> is clamped between the battery cells <NUM>, <NUM> and the gas channel <NUM>.

The battery pack <NUM> comprises a common venting channel <NUM> being arranged between a pair of the plurality of battery cells <NUM>, <NUM>. The common venting channel <NUM> branches off from the gas channel <NUM>. The common venting channel <NUM> is arranged between adjacent cell stacks <NUM> and separates the adjacent cell stacks <NUM> from each other. The gas channel <NUM> comprises two elongated gas channel portions 12a, 12b. The common venting channel <NUM> is perpendicular to the two elongated gas channel portions 12a, 12b. Each of the gas channel portions 12a, 12b is arranged above the battery cells <NUM>, <NUM> of one of the battery cells stacks <NUM>. The two elongated gas channel portions 12a, 12b merge into the common venting channel <NUM>. The common venting channel <NUM> is formed by a hollow beam <NUM> which is further described with reference to <FIG>.

The isolating sheet <NUM> is adapted to provide a conditional fluid communication between the gas channel <NUM> and the common venting channel <NUM>. Thus, the isolating sheet <NUM> conditionally prevents the venting gas <NUM> to pass through the common venting channel <NUM> and provides a fluid communication between the gas channel <NUM> and the common venting channel <NUM>, e.g., if a pressure difference of opposite faces of the isolating sheet <NUM> reaches a predetermined pressure threshold.

<FIG> illustrates another sectional view of a battery pack <NUM> according to an embodiment. The battery pack <NUM> of <FIG> is the battery pack <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG>.

The housing <NUM> comprises the hollow beam <NUM> as also described with reference to <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the hollow beam <NUM> comprises an upper beam section <NUM>, a lower beam section <NUM> in fluid communication with the upper beam section <NUM> and a separation member <NUM>. The upper beam section <NUM> and the lower beam section <NUM> are separated from each other by the separation member <NUM>. The separation member <NUM> comprises one fluid passage <NUM> per gas channel <NUM>, i.e., per pair of battery stacks <NUM>, providing the fluid communication between the upper beam section <NUM> and the lower beam section <NUM>.

The hollow beam <NUM> is arranged parallel to the longitudinal beams 13a, 13b and between the longitudinal beams 13a, 13b. The hollow beam <NUM> is arranged perpendicular to the crossbeams 16a, 16b. The common venting channel <NUM> is formed by, i.e., within, the hollow beam <NUM> and provides a structural element <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and also in <FIG>, the battery pack <NUM> comprises a venting path <NUM>. The venting path <NUM> is a path through the battery pack <NUM> along which a venting gas <NUM> is guided as indicated by the double arrow. The venting path <NUM> leads from the degassing valves <NUM> of the battery cells <NUM>, <NUM> through the at least one gas channel <NUM>, i.e., its elongated gas channel portions 12a, 12b, the hollow beam <NUM>, i.e., the common venting channel <NUM>, via the outlet opening <NUM> in the exterior <NUM> of the battery pack <NUM>.

In x-direction, the gas channels <NUM> and the top cover depressions <NUM> are arranged alternatingly. , one of the top cover depressions <NUM> is arranged between an adjacent pair of gas channels <NUM>.

In a non-shown embodiment, the common venting channel <NUM> is arranged on a lateral side of battery housing <NUM>, i.e., in one of the longitudinal beams 13a, 13b and/or a front or rear side, i.e., in one of the crossbeams 16a, 16b.

<FIG> illustrates perspective view of a detail of a battery pack <NUM> according to an embodiment. The battery pack <NUM> of <FIG> is the battery pack <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG>.

The gas channel <NUM> is arranged above the plurality of battery cells <NUM>. Thus, the gas channel <NUM> is arranged to mechanically bond the plurality of battery cells <NUM> and the isolating sheet <NUM> being arranged between the gas channel <NUM> and the plurality of battery cells <NUM>. The cell stacks <NUM>, the isolating sheet <NUM>, the gas channel <NUM> and the top cover <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>) are pressed and/or mounted together to affix the arrangement of the components and to clamp the isolating sheet <NUM> between the gas channel <NUM> and the plurality of battery cells <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A battery pack (<NUM>) comprising a housing (<NUM>) and a plurality of battery cells (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) accommodated within the housing (<NUM>); wherein
- each of the plurality of battery cells (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a degassing valve (<NUM>);
- the battery pack (<NUM>) comprises a gas channel (<NUM>); wherein
- the gas channel (<NUM>) is mounted to the housing (<NUM>) as a structural member (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>);
- the battery pack (<NUM>) comprises a thermally and electrically isolating sheet (<NUM>), and the isolating sheet (<NUM>) is arranged between the battery cells (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and the gas channel (<NUM>); and
wherein
- the housing (<NUM>) comprises two longitudinal beams (13a, 13b) two crossbeams (16a, 16b), a top cover (<NUM>) and a bottom cover (<NUM>) forming an interior space in which the plurality of battery cells (<NUM>) is arranged;
- the gas channel (<NUM>) is provided between the plurality of battery cells (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and the top cover (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>) and the top cover (<NUM>) and the gas channel (<NUM>) are mounted together;
- the isolating sheet (<NUM>) is adapted to provide a conditional fluid communication between the gas channel (<NUM>) and each of the degassing valves (<NUM>) of the plurality of battery cells (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the conditional fluid communication depends on one of the battery cells (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is ejecting and/or having ejected a venting gas (<NUM>) through the degassing valve (<NUM>) of the battery cell (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and
- the isolating sheet (<NUM>) comprises a plurality of predetermined breaking sections (<NUM>), wherein each of the breaking sections (<NUM>) is arranged to overlap with one of the degassing valves (<NUM>) of the battery cells (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and/or an outlet port (<NUM>) of one of the degassing valves (<NUM>) of the battery cells (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).