DE102013005421A1 - Electrochemical energy converter and method for its production - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrochemical energy converter according to the invention has a plurality of electrodes and at least one current conductor (1, 2) which extends essentially in a longitudinal direction and which thus has a longitudinal direction (LR) and which is electrically conductively connected to several of these electrodes. A plurality of connection points, in particular weld points (4, 5, 6, 7) are arranged at a distance from one another in the direction of longitudinal extent on or on this current conductor. At these connection points, the current conductor has first cross-sectional areas (QF1) arranged perpendicular to this direction of longitudinal extent. The current conductor has second cross-sectional areas (QF2) in the direction of longitudinal extent between these connection points. These first cross-sectional areas (QF1) are larger and in particular considerably larger than these second cross-sectional areas (QF2), at least if there are a number of connection points arranged adjacent to one another.

Description

The present invention relates to an electrochemical energy converter, hereinafter also referred to as converter and a method for producing an electrochemical energy converter. The invention is preferably described in the context of lithium-ion batteries for the supply of motor vehicle drives. It should be noted that the invention can also be used independently of the chemistry of the transducer and regardless of the type of powered drive.

Under an electrochemical energy converter in the context of the present invention, hereinafter also referred to as converter, each means for the conversion of energy to be understood, which can convert chemical energy into electrical energy and / or electrical energy into chemical energy. Important examples of electrochemical energy converters in the context of the present invention are, in particular, electrochemical energy stores and so-called fuel cells. The latter convert chemical energy into electrical energy, wherein the reactants are continuously fed to the electrochemical reaction and the reaction products are discharged accordingly. In electrochemical energy storage, a distinction is made between primary and secondary electrochemical energy storage. Primary electrochemical energy stores convert the chemical energy present in a stored supply of reactants into electrical energy. Secondary electrochemical energy storage can convert electrical energy into chemical energy and recharge the chemical energy storage in this way.

A fuel cell is a galvanic cell that converts the chemical reaction energy of a continuously supplied fuel and an oxidant into electrical energy. A fuel cell is not an energy storage but only a converter. The energy for power production is supplied to a fuel cell in chemically bound form with the fuels. Like an electrochemical energy store, a fuel cell also has electrodes which are separated from one another by a semipermeable membrane permeable to (certain) ions and / or an electrolyte. The electrode plates of fuel cells usually consist of metal or carbon nanotubes. They are coated with a catalyst, for example platinum or palladium. The energy provides a reaction of oxygen with a fuel, such as hydrogen or organic compounds such. As methane or methanol may exist. Both reactants are fed continuously via the electrodes.

An electrochemical energy store has one or more galvanic cells. In addition to the fuel cells, which are also referred to as tertiary cells, a distinction between primary cells and secondary cells in electrochemical energy storage. Primary cells are colloquially often referred to as "battery". Their discharge is irreversible and the primary cell can no longer be charged electrically. Secondary cells are colloquially referred to as an accumulator or short battery. After a discharge secondary cells can be recharged by a opposite direction opposite to the discharge current direction again. The chemical processes in the cell are reversible, limited by the number of storage cycles. The energy density of secondary cells is lower compared to primary cells at identical temperature.

From the prior art electrochemical energy converter, in particular for the supply of motor vehicle drives known. Conventional transducers have an electrode assembly with at least two electrodes of different polarity and a separator. The separator separates or complains the electrodes of different polarity. Further, conventional transducers have at least two current conductors, which are electrically connected to one electrode of the electrode assembly.

The DE 10 2008 032 270 discloses a galvanic cell having a current collector having at least one substantially plate-shaped and preferably thin-walled core region. This core region contains at least one electrically conductive third material. The current conductor further has a first surface area with at least one first material. Furthermore, the current conductor has a second surface area with at least one second material. The electrical conductivity of the first surface area is less than that of the second surface area. Furthermore, this first surface area is delimited or spatially separated from this second surface area.

The DE 10 2009 010 147 discloses an electrochemical energy store having a substantially flat housing and at least two electrical conductors of opposite electrical polarity. To derive the energy stored in the galvanic cell, the arresters or the housing are designed such that the arresters are accessible from the outside for electrical contacts via window-shaped recesses of the housing arranged essentially in planes parallel to the flat housing surface of the cell.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved transducer which can be produced as simply and inexpensively.

The object is achieved by a product or by a method according to one of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

An inventive electrochemical energy converter has a plurality of electrodes and at least one current conductor, which extends substantially in a longitudinal direction and thus has a longitudinal direction, and which is electrically conductively connected to a plurality of these electrodes. At or on this current collector, a plurality of connection points, in particular welds in the longitudinal direction are arranged at a distance from each other. The current collector has at these connection points perpendicular to this longitudinal direction arranged first cross-sectional areas. The current collector has second cross-sectional areas in the longitudinal direction between these connection points. These first cross-sectional areas are larger, and in particular significantly larger than these second cross-sectional areas, at least in the case of a number of connection points arranged adjacent to one another.

An advantage associated with this inventive solution can be seen in the fact that, with a suitable design or choice of sizes or proportions of the first and second cross-sectional areas electrical, mechanical and / or thermal influences between different welds and / or between associated with these welds components the energy converter can be avoided or reduced in the generation of at least one of these welds.

According to some preferred embodiments of the invention, an electrochemical energy converter according to the invention has a plurality of electrodes and at least one current conductor, which is electrically conductively connected to a plurality of these electrodes. This current collector has a plurality of welds, wherein at least some of these welds are partially separated from each other by at least one recess in the material of the current conductor on receipt of at least one electrically conductive connection between these connection points. Current arresters are sometimes referred to simply as arresters in this specification. Preferably, the current conductors are designed as metallic sheets, particularly preferably of highly electrically conductive metals such as copper or aluminum, or as composite materials or alloys of such metals.

An advantage associated with these preferred embodiments can be seen in the fact that with a suitable design of the recess or recesses according to the invention electrical, mechanical and / or thermal influences between different welds and / or between connected to these welds components of the energy converter in the generation at least one of these welds can be avoided or reduced by these at least one recess.

A welding point in the sense of the present invention is intended to be understood to mean any location on the surface of a component to which this component is or is connected in a materially bonded manner to another component. Important examples of such welds are joints such as in particular solder joints, splices and welds in the strict sense. Cohesive connections are all compounds in which the connection partners are held together by atomic or molecular forces. They are consistently non-releasable compounds that can be separated only by destruction of the connecting means. Important examples of such compounds are in particular compounds that come about by soldering, gluing or welding.

A welding process in the sense of the present invention is to be understood as meaning any process for the cohesive connection or joining of two components, that is to say in particular brazing, gluing or welding.

Some preferred embodiments of the invention provide that the at least one current conductor is electrically conductively connected via a plurality of welds to a plurality of collector lugs, each of which is electrically connected to an electrode. These preferred embodiments of the invention have the advantage that electrical, mechanical and / or thermal influences between different electrodes can be more effectively avoided or reduced if the current conductor is electrically conductively connected to a plurality of discharge lugs via a plurality of welds each of which is electrically connected to an electrode. It has been shown that undesired electrical, mechanical and / or thermal influences between different electrodes are the lower the longer the connection paths between the electrodes are configured.

Some such or further preferred embodiments of the invention provide that each arrester lug is connected to the current collector via its own welding point, which is partially separated from other welds of this conductor by at least one recess in the material of the arrester, upon receipt of at least one electrically conductive connection between these connection points are separated from each other. These preferred embodiments of the invention have the advantage that electrical, mechanical and / or thermal influences between different electrodes can be avoided or reduced even more effectively if each arrester lug is connected to the current collector via its own welding point, that of other welds Stromableiters are partially separated from each other by at least one recess in the material of the Stromableiters upon receipt of at least one electrically conductive connection between these connection points. It has been shown that unwanted electrical, mechanical and / or thermal influences between different electrodes are the lower, the longer the connection paths between a weld and such electrodes are configured, which are connected via other welds with a current conductor.

Some such or further preferred embodiments of the invention provide that the at least one current conductor is designed as a metallic sheet having a plurality of parallel recesses. These preferred embodiments of the invention are associated with the advantage that a space-saving arrangement of the recesses is possible, which can combine the lowest possible electrical resistance between electrodes and current conductors with the longest possible connecting paths between different electrodes.

Some of these preferred embodiments of the invention provide that the length of at least one of these recesses is greater than twice the distance, preferably three times the distance, and more preferably four times the distance between two of these recesses. These preferred embodiments of the invention have the advantage that as long as possible connecting paths between different electrodes can be realized, this goal being achieved the better, the greater the ratio between the length of a recess and the distance of the recesses from each other.

Some of these preferred embodiments of the invention provide that at least two of these recesses have a different length. These preferred embodiments of the invention have the advantage that special requirements for mechanical stability, in particular for the bending stiffness of a current conductor in connection with the solution according to the invention, can be fulfilled more easily.

Some such or further preferred embodiments of the invention provide that at least one recess is designed as a linear material recess whose width is small compared to its length. These preferred embodiments of the invention have the advantage that the electrical resistance of the connection of a connection between an electrode with a current conductor can be kept small while at the same time very effectively avoiding or reducing electrical, mechanical and / or thermal influences between different electrodes.

Some of these preferred embodiments of the invention provide that at least one recess surrounds a weld annularly, this ring being interrupted by at least one electrically conductive bridge. These preferred embodiments of the invention have the advantage that even more effective prevention or reduction of electrical, mechanical and / or thermal influences between different electrodes or between adjacent welds on a current conductor is possible.

Some of these preferred embodiments of the invention provide that at least one recess ( 22 ) at least two connection points, in particular welds, on receipt of at least one electrically conductive connection between these connection points partially separated from each other, their distances ( 23 . 24 ) from the edge line ( 25 ) of the current conductor into which this recess ( 23 ), each being smaller than the length ( 26 ), preferably twice the length and more preferably three times the length of this recess ( 23 ).

Some of these preferred embodiments of the invention provide that the distance of a connection point from an edge line of the current conductor is given by the distance ( 27 ) of a point ( 28 ) of this junction from this boundary line ( 25 ) whose distance from this edge line is greater than or equal to the distance of all other points of this connection point from this edge line.

Some of these preferred embodiments of the invention provide that the current collector is substantially plate-shaped and with at least a substantially rectangular first lateral surface is formed. The first lateral surface is delimited by a first edge line and a second edge line, the edge lines being arranged substantially parallel to one another. An imaginary center line M extends between the first and the second edge line, has in each case at substantially the same distance to these edge lines and divides the first lateral surface and two substantially equal sections, hereinafter called the first lateral surface portion and second lateral surface portion. The first lateral surface portion is bounded by the first edge line and this center line. These connection points, in particular welds, are arranged in the first lateral surface section. These one or more recesses extending from the first edge line substantially perpendicular to this center line over most of the width of the first lateral surface portion, preferably starting from the first edge line across the center line away into the second lateral surface portion. These preferred embodiments of the invention are associated with the advantage that a heat flow and / or an electric current between a first of these connection point and an adjacent second of these connection points is reduced.

Some preferred developments of the aforementioned preferred embodiments provide that the ratio q of the length of at least one of these recesses measured perpendicular to the center line divided by the distance between the first edge line and the second edge line is more than 0.6, more preferably more than 0.75, more preferably less than 0.9. These preferred developments are associated with the advantage that a heat flow and / or an electric current between a first of these connection point and an adjacent second of these connection points is reduced.

Some preferred developments of the aforementioned preferred embodiments provide that the ratio r of the width of one of these recesses measured parallel to the center line divided by the width of a portion of the current collector between two of these recesses is less than 1/3, more preferably less than 0 , 2, more preferably less than 0.1, more preferably more than 0.01. These preferred developments are associated with the advantage that the part or surface area of the first lateral surface section available for connection points is reduced as little as possible by the recesses. These preferred developments can be advantageously combined with the aforementioned preferred developments.

Some such or further preferred embodiments of the invention provide that at least one recess separates two groups of welds. These preferred embodiments of the invention have the advantage that the electrical resistance between electrodes and a current conductor can be reduced even more effectively when adjacent welds on a current collector are grouped together by a recess upon receipt of at least one electrically conductive connection between them Connecting points are partially separated, wherein the welds within a group are preferably not separated by recesses.

Some such or further preferred embodiments of the invention provide that at least one weld has been produced by a friction welding process. These preferred embodiments of the invention have the advantage that the cost of their production can be kept low while maintaining high quality. By largely avoiding or reducing electrical, mechanical and / or thermal influences between different electrodes or between adjacent welds on a current collector Reibschweißverfahren can be used for the production of inventive products, without any loss of quality of the manufactured products are to be feared.

Some such or further preferred embodiments of the invention provide that at least one weld has been produced by an ultrasonic welding process. These preferred embodiments of the invention have the advantage that the cost of their production can be kept very low while maintaining high quality. By largely avoiding or reducing electrical, mechanical and / or thermal influences between different electrodes or between adjacent welds on a current conductor, ultrasonic welding processes can be used to produce products according to the invention without any fear of sacrificing the quality of the manufactured products.

Some such or further preferred embodiments of the invention provide that at least some welds are separated from each other by at least one recess in the material of the current collector such that electrical, mechanical and / or thermal influences between different welds and / or between these welds connected components of the energy converter in the Generation of at least one of these welds are avoided or reduced by these at least one recess.

Preferably, the at least one electrode assembly is provided to convert at least temporarily chemical energy into electrical energy. Preferably, the at least one electrode assembly is provided to convert at least temporarily supplied electrical energy into chemical energy. Electrodes of an electrode assembly are preferably separated by a separator, which is preferably not or only poorly electron-conducting and has an at least partially material-permeable carrier. The support is preferably coated on at least one side with an inorganic material. As at least partially permeable carrier, an organic material is preferably used, which is preferably designed as a non-woven fabric. The organic material, which preferably contains a polymer, and more preferably a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is coated with an inorganic, preferably ion-conducting material, which is more preferably ion-conducting in a temperature range of -40 ° C to 200 ° C. The inorganic material preferably contains at least one compound from the group of oxides, phosphates, sulfates, titanates, silicates, aluminosilicates with at least one of the elements Zr, Al, Li, particularly preferably zirconium oxide. In particular zirconium oxide serves the material integrity, nanoporosity and flexibility of the separator. The inorganic, ion-conducting material preferably has particles with a largest diameter below 100 nm. This embodiment offers the advantage that durability of the electrode assembly is improved at temperatures above 100 ° C.

For the purposes of the present invention, a recess in the material of a current conductor is understood to mean any shape design of this current conductor which is suitable for separating at least some welds of the current conductor such that electrical, mechanical and / or thermal influences between different welds and / or or between connected to these welds components of the energy converter in the generation of at least one of these welds avoided or reduced. Preferably, these recesses are recesses in the material of the current conductor, particularly preferably linear incisions in the preferably sheet-like material of the current conductor.

A current conductor (or arrester) in the sense of the invention is to be understood as a device of a converter which, in particular, conducts electrons between one of the electrodes of the electrode assembly and the surroundings of the transducer, in particular a consumer, or between one of the electrodes and an adjacent transducer serves. Preferably, the current conductor is indirectly or directly electrically connected to one of the electrodes of the electrode assembly, preferably materially connected. Preferably, the current conductor is at least indirectly connected to a consumer to be supplied. An entirety of the components of a device for discharging a current from an electrode or for connecting an electrode to a consumer is hereinafter referred to as current-conducting device for the purposes of this invention.

Preferably, the current conductor has a first region which extends into the environment of the transducer and serves to electrically connect the transducer to the environment of the transducer. According to a preferred embodiment, the first region is formed as a metal plate or as a plate with a metallic coating, preferably of copper and / or aluminum. This embodiment has the advantage that a mechanically stable, substantially flat surface is present for easy and / or as long as possible electrical connection to a connection device. The current conductor preferably has a second region, which is preferably arranged inside the transducer. The second region is electrically connected to at least one electrode of the electrode assembly, preferably with a material fit, preferably with all electrodes of the same polarity.

Under a Ableitfähnchen (or under a Ableiterfahne) in the context of the invention, any device is to be understood, which is adapted to electrically connect a current conductor with at least one electrode. This connection is preferably cohesive, particularly preferably by friction welding or ultrasonic welding. Ableitfähnchen are preferably metallic sheets.

Under a weld in the context of the invention is an area on a current collector, a Ableitvahne, an electrode or another device of a converter according to the invention to understand in which a connection of at least two components of the transducer by a welding method, preferably by a friction welding method, particularly preferably by An ultrasonic welding process is done.

According to a preferred embodiment, a current collector is designed as a metal plate, stamped part and / or sheet metal pressed part. This embodiment offers the advantage of lower manufacturing costs. This embodiment offers the further advantage that the current conductor in the first area mechanically sufficiently stable for connection to a non-converter associated connection device, such as power rail, power band or power cable is formed.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the current conductor is the current conductor with a contact surface formed. This contact surface is vorzugswese arranged substantially in a lateral surface of one of the housing parts of a cell housing or extends into the environment of the transducer. Preferably, the contact surface is provided for electrical connection to a preferably spring-loaded connection device. This embodiment has the advantage that the contact surface for transport or storage of the transducer can be covered with an insulating adhesive strip.

• • der Begrenzung der Elektrodenbaugruppe gegenüber der Umgebung dient,
• • dem Schutz der Elektrodenbaugruppe gegenüber schädlichen Einflüssen aus der Umgebung dient, insbesondere zum Schutz vor Wasser aus der Umgebung,
• • dem Austritt von Substanzen aus der Elektrodengruppe in die Umgebung entgegenwirkt,
• • vorzugsweise die Elektrodenbaugruppe im Wesentlichen gasdicht umschließt.

A cell housing in the sense of the invention means a device, which preferably

• • serves to limit the electrode assembly to the environment,
• • protects the electrode assembly against harmful environmental influences, in particular to protect it from water in the environment,
• Counteracts the escape of substances from the electrode group into the environment,
• Preferably encloses the electrode assembly substantially gas-tight.

The cell housing surrounds the electrode assembly at least in regions, preferably completely or substantially completely. Preferably, the cell housing, as well as the electrode assembly, formed substantially cuboid. The cell housing preferably surrounds the electrode assembly such that at least one wall of the cell housing exerts a force on the electrode assembly, the force counteracting undesirable relative movement of the electrode assembly with respect to the cell housing.

Particularly preferably, the cell housing receives the electrode assembly in a form-fitting and / or non-positive manner. Preferably, the cell housing is electrically isolated from the environment. Preferably, the cell housing is electrically insulated from the electrode assembly.

Preferably, at least one current conductor has at least one contacting region. Preferably, at least one of these contacting areas comprises a metal, more preferably aluminum and / or copper. Preferably, the contacting region is arranged in an edge region of the first housing part.

Preferably, the connection between the contacting region and the electrode connection region is formed cohesively, particularly preferably by means of a friction welding or ultrasonic welding process. This embodiment has the advantage that the connection between the current-conducting device and the electrodes can be easily automated.

Preferably, at least one current conductor, in particular in its second region on a plurality of Ableiterfahnen. These multiple collector lugs are preferably connected to the electrode of an electrode assembly formed as an electrode winding, or preferably with a plurality of electrodes of the same polarity of an electrode assembly formed as an electrode stack preferably cohesively. The Ableiterfahnen same polarity are preferably cohesively connected to the current conductor in the interior of the cell housing. This current conductor preferably also extends into the first area outside the cell housing.

Preferably, the current conductor is connected to the first housing part, preferably in the edge region preferably cohesively. Particularly preferably, the current conductor extends through the second polymer material in the edge region of the first housing part. Thus, in a first manufacturing step, the current conductor can be connected to the first housing part in a materially bonded and preferably gas-tight manner, and in a subsequent manufacturing step, the arrester lugs are connected to the current conductor preferably by material engagement, particularly preferably by welding.

This embodiment has the advantage that a heat energy input during the first manufacturing step in the absence of the electrode assembly does not contribute to their heating or accelerated aging.

According to a preferred embodiment, the converter is provided for installation in a vehicle with at least one electric motor. Preferably, the converter is provided for supplying this electric motor. Particularly preferably, the converter is provided to supply at least temporarily an electric motor of a drive train of a hybrid or electric vehicle. This embodiment offers the advantage of improved supply of the electric motor.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the converter is intended for use in a stationary battery, in particular in a buffer memory, as a device battery, industrial battery or starter battery. Preferably, the rated charge capacity of the converter for these applications is at least 50 Ah. This embodiment offers the advantage of improved supply of a stationary consumer, in particular a stationary mounted electric motor.

According to a second preferred embodiment, the at least one separator, which is not or only poorly electron-conducting, but is conductive for ions, consists at least predominantly or completely of a ceramic, preferably of an oxide ceramic. This embodiment offers the advantage that durability of the electrode assembly is improved at temperatures above 100 ° C.

The invention will be described in more detail below on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments and with the aid of figures.

It shows

1 schematically a first preferred embodiment of a product according to the invention;

2 schematically a second preferred embodiment of a product according to the invention;

3 in a schematic way, a third preferred embodiment of a product according to the invention;

4 schematically a fourth preferred embodiment of a product according to the invention;

5 schematically a fifth preferred embodiment of a product according to the invention;

6 schematically a sixth preferred embodiment of a product according to the invention;

7 schematically a seventh preferred embodiment of a product according to the invention;

8th schematically an eighth preferred embodiment of a product according to the invention;

9 a ninth preferred embodiment of a product according to the invention in a schematic way.

In the 1 schematically illustrated embodiment of an inventive shows a current conductor ( 1 . 2 ) extending substantially in a longitudinal direction and thus having a longitudinal extension direction (LR). On or on this current conductor is a plurality of connection points, in particular welds ( 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th ) are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. The current collector has at these connection points perpendicular to this longitudinal direction arranged first cross-sectional areas (QF1). The current collector has second cross-sectional areas (QF2) in the longitudinal direction between these connection points. These first cross-sectional areas (QF1) are larger, and in particular significantly larger than these second cross-sectional areas (QF2), at least in the case of a number of connection points arranged adjacent to one another.

In the 2 schematically illustrated embodiment of an electrochemical energy converter according to the invention has two current conductors 1 and 2 on which from the case 3 Part of the converter partially protrude. Inside the case 3 of the converter have the current collector 1 and 2 welds 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 and 8th on which the current collector with the electrodes 10 and 11 or electrically conductively connect to the current collectors of these electrodes. The weld 6 of the current conductor 2 is through a recess 12 from the welds 7 and 8th this Stromableiters separated.

This in 3 shown embodiment of an electrochemical energy converter according to the invention differs from that in 1 shown embodiment in that the weld 6 of the current conductor 2 with the current collector 10 and the welds 7 and 8th with the current collector 13 are connected. In both in the 2 respectively. 3 shown embodiments are unlike electrodes by a separator 9 separated.

At the in 4 shown embodiment of an electrochemical energy converter according to the invention are the current conductors 1 and 2 about welds 4 . 5 . 6 and 7 associated with Ableiterfähnchen, namely the welds 6 and 7 with the arrester flags 14 and 15 , in turn, with the electrodes or current collectors 10 and 11 are electrically connected. The possibly existing welds to connect the current collectors 10 and 11 with the arrester flags 14 and 15 are in the 4 not shown. Also in this embodiment, unlike electrodes are separated by a separator 9 separated.

At the in 5 shown embodiment of a current collector of an electrochemical energy converter according to the invention are the welds 6 . 7 and 8th separated by parallel, linear recesses of equal length. At the in 6 shown embodiment of a Stromableiters a The electronic converter according to the invention are the welds 6 . 7 and 8th separated by recesses of different lengths. In the case of 5 the recesses have a length which exceeds a multiple, in particular twice, three times or even four times their width.

7 shows a current conductor of an embodiment of an electrochemical energy converter according to the invention, in which the groups 6a and 6 such as 7a and 7 of welds through a recess 20 are separated from each other. The 8th shows an embodiment in which the weld 7 from an annular arrangement of recesses 21 is surrounded.

9 shows a current conductor of an embodiment of an electrochemical energy converter according to the invention, in which a recess ( 22 ) two connection points, in particular welds on receipt of at least one electrically conductive connection between these connection points partially separated from each other, whose distances ( 23 . 24 ) from the edge line ( 25 ) of the current conductor into which this recess ( 23 ), each being smaller than the length ( 26 ), preferably twice the length and more preferably three times the length of this recess ( 23 ). The distance of a connection point from an edge line of the current conductor is preferably determined by the distance ( 27 ) of a point ( 28 ) of this junction from this boundary line ( 25 ) whose distance from this edge line is greater than or equal to the distance of all other points of this connection point from this edge line.

These embodiments of the invention have the advantage that electrical, mechanical and / or thermal influences between different welds ( 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th ) and / or between with these joints, in particular welds ( 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th ) connected components of the energy converter in the generation of at least one of these connection points, in particular welds are avoided by these at least one recess particularly effective or reduced.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Current conductor

2

Current conductor

3

casing

4

weld

5

weld

6, 6a

weld

7, 7a

weld

8th

weld

9

separator

10

Electrode, current collector

11

Electrode, current collector

12

recess

13

Electrode, current collector

14

conductor lug

15

conductor lug

16, 17, 18

recess

19, 20

recess

21

bridge

22

recess

23, 24

distances

25

boundary line

26

Length of the recess

27

distance

28

Point on a junction

M

center line

QF1

first cross-sectional areas

QF2

second cross-sectional areas

LR

Longitudinal extension

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102008032270 [0006]
• DE 102009010147 [0007]

Claims (16)

Electrochemical energy converter with a plurality of electrodes ( 10 . 11 ) and at least one current conductor ( 1 . 2 ) which extends substantially in a longitudinal direction and thus has a longitudinal extension direction (LR), and the electrically conductive with a plurality of these electrodes ( 10 . 11 ), characterized in that on or on this current conductor a plurality of connection points, in particular welds ( 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th ) are arranged in the longitudinal direction of extension at a distance from one another, that the current conductor has at these connection points perpendicular to this longitudinal direction arranged first cross-sectional areas (QF1), that the current conductor in the longitudinal direction between these connection points has second cross-sectional areas (QF2), and that these first cross-sectional areas ( QF1) are larger and in particular significantly larger than these second cross-sectional areas (QF2) at least in the case of a number of connection points arranged adjacent to one another. Electrochemical energy converter according to claim 1, characterized in that at least some of these connection points, in particular welds by at least one recess ( 12 ) are partially separated from each other in the material of the current conductor upon receipt of at least one electrically conductive connection between these connection points. Electrochemical energy converter according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one current conductor ( 1 . 2 ) via a plurality of connection points, in particular welds ( 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 ) with a plurality of arrester lugs ( 14 . 15 ) is electrically connected, each with an electrode ( 10 . 11 ) is electrically connected. Electrochemical energy converter according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that each arrester flag ( 14 . 15 ) with the current conductor ( 1 . 2 ) via its own connection point, in particular weld ( 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 ) connected by other welds of this Stromableiters by at least one recess ( 12 ) are partially separated from each other in the material of the current conductor upon receipt of at least one electrically conductive connection between these connection points. Electrochemical energy converter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one current conductor ( 1 . 2 ) as a metallic sheet having a plurality of parallel recesses ( 16 . 17 ) is configured. Electrochemical energy converter according to claim 5, characterized in that the length of at least one of these recesses ( 16 . 17 ) is greater than twice the distance, preferably as three times the distance, and more preferably four times the distance between two of these recesses. Electrochemical energy converter according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that at least two of these recesses ( 18 . 19 ) have a different length. Electrochemical energy converter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one recess ( 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 ) is designed as a linear material recess whose width is small compared to its length. Electrochemical energy converter according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one recess a connection point, in particular weld ( 7 ) annularly surrounding, said ring by at least one electrically conductive bridge ( 21 ) is interrupted. Electrochemical energy converter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one recess ( 22 ) at least two connection points, in particular welds on receipt of at least one electrically conductive connection between these connection points partially separated, the distances ( 23 . 24 ) from the edge line ( 25 ) of the current conductor into which this recess ( 23 ), each being smaller than the length ( 26 ), preferably twice the length and more preferably three times the length of this recess ( 23 ). Electrochemical energy converter according to claim 10, characterized in that the distance of a connection point from an edge line of the current conductor is given by the distance ( 27 ) of a point ( 28 ) of this junction from this boundary line ( 25 ) whose distance from this edge line is greater than or equal to the distance of all other points of this connection point from this edge line. Electrochemical energy converter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one recess ( 20 ) two groups ( 6 . 6a . 7 . 7a ) of joints, in particular welds upon receipt of at least one electrically conductive connection Partially separated from each other between these joints. Electrochemical energy converter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one connection point, in particular welding point ( 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th ) has been produced by a friction welding process. Electrochemical energy converter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one connection point, in particular welding point ( 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th ) has been produced by an ultrasonic welding process. Electrochemical energy converter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some connection points, in particular welds ( 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th ) are at least partially separated from one another by at least one recess in the material of the current conductor upon receipt of at least one electrically conductive connection between these connection points such that electrical, mechanical and / or thermal influences between different welds ( 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th ) and / or between with these joints, in particular welds ( 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th ) connected components of the energy converter in the generation of at least one of these connection points, in particular welds are avoided or reduced by these at least one recess. Method for producing an electrochemical energy converter according to one of the preceding claims, in which a plurality of electrodes ( 10 . 11 ) electrically conductive with at least one current conductor ( 1 . 2 ), characterized in that this current conductor has a plurality of connection points, in particular welds ( 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th ), wherein at least some of these connection points, in particular welds by at least one recess ( 12 ) are partially separated from one another in the material of the current conductor when at least one electrically conductive connection between these connection points is obtained.

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