DE112016007076T5 - METAL / OXYGEN BATTERY - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a metal / oxygen battery having a layered galvanic stack comprising one or more anode layers, one or more cathode layers, and one or more separator layers. Each of the separator layers is disposed between one of the anode layers and an adjacent one of the cathode layers and configured to conduct ions and is in ionic conductive contact with each adjacent anode layer and cathode layer. The stack of the metal / oxygen battery unit has a channel extending from one surface of the stack through its layers, each of the layers having a through-hole that overlaps with the through-holes of the respective adjacent layers to form the channel.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the field of metal / oxygen batteries, particularly for a vehicle operated with such a battery. In particular, the invention relates to a metal / oxygen battery unit for a metal / oxygen battery, to a metal / oxygen battery comprising a plurality of such battery units, and to a vehicle having such batteries, for example an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid Electric vehicle, directed.

BACKGROUND

While most long-distance vehicles, such as cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles and non-electric locomotives, have traditionally been powered by gasoline or diesel engines, the development of electric or hybrid vehicles, especially automobiles powered at least in part by electric motors, is steadily increasing , For this purpose, various different battery systems have been developed which are suitable as storage for electrical energy, in particular lithium-ion batteries, which are used for most of today's electric and hybrid cars. A disadvantage of such lithium-ion batteries is their limited energy density, i. the stored electrical energy per battery mass or per battery volume. This limitation arises, inter alia, from the fact that all the chemical components / compounds needed for the electrochemical reactions taking place in the battery cells are already contained in the charged battery, thus contributing to their weight or volume.

To overcome this limitation, another battery type has been developed, commonly known as a "metal / air battery" or "metal / oxygen battery". Such a battery has one or more electrochemical cells. Each cell has an electrode called an "anode" made of or containing at least one suitable metal and an electrode called a "cathode" which operates on ambient air or oxygen. In addition, each cell has a separator extending between the two electrodes, i. between the anode and the cathode to electrically disconnect and conduct ions, particularly ions of the appropriate metal. Under typical operating conditions, the anode is negatively charged and the cathode is positively charged.

In particular, the anode may comprise an alloy comprising such a metal as a first component and one or more other metal or non-metal components such as carbon (C), tin (Sn) or silicon (Si), the metal component remaining available in such an anode in order to participate in the chemical reactions to generate electricity of an electrochemical, ie Galvanic to participate in cell. Instead of such an alloy, a transition metal oxide may be used as the anode material. Furthermore, an electrolyte, which is present in particular in aqueous or solid form, is provided in the cathode and optionally in the separator. In particular, the use of zinc, aluminum or lithium as the metal for the anode is known from the prior art.

On the cathode side, oxygen is the relevant electrochemical component / compound, and unlike lithium-ion batteries, it is not necessary for oxygen to be present in the charged battery from the beginning, but rather can be removed from the ambient air during discharge of the battery or to the battery, preferably in the form of air or pure oxygen from a source such as a tank, gas cylinder or other reservoir. This allows batteries with a much higher energy density than conventional lithium-ion batteries. Furthermore, when such a battery is recharged, oxygen is generated at the cathode and reused in a subsequent discharge cycle.

However, the maximum rate of galvanic reactions in such a battery is limited, inter alia, by the required supply and / or removal of some of the components / compounds of the chemical reactions, since not all components / compounds of the chemical reaction in the electrochemical cells of such Battery to be stored. In particular, the maximum power that such a battery can deliver is limited by the supply of oxygen. Likewise, when such a battery is recharged, oxygen must be removed from the cathode.

DE 10 2012 200 862 A1 discloses a gas battery, in particular a lithium / air battery, having a plurality of disc-shaped layers, each of the layers having at least a current collector layer, an anode layer, a polymer electrolyte layer, and a cathode layer. Furthermore, the gas battery has a housing, wherein the disc-shaped layers are stacked in the housing, so that a clearance is formed radially between the stack of layers and the inner wall of the housing for the supply of air or oxygen.

WO 2010/132357 A1 discloses an electrochemical metal-air cell in which a low temperature ionic liquid is used. The cell has a flexible fuel electrode, a flexible air electrode, and an ion conducting medium comprising the low temperature ionic liquid. The flexible fuel electrode and the flexible air electrode are arranged in a compact non-linear configuration with an outer surface of the air electrode exposed to absorb gaseous oxygen. In particular, the flexible electrode can be rolled. In addition, the cell may include a housing, the housing having an open end for receiving an axial airflow, and an end of the rolled electrodes for receiving an axial airflow facing the open end of the housing for receiving an axial airflow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to improve the efficiency and performance of metal / oxygen battery packs and batteries formed therefrom.

A solution to this problem is given by the teaching of the independent claims, in particular by a metal / oxygen battery unit according to claim 1, a metal / oxygen battery according to claim 11, a method for producing a metal / oxygen battery according to claim 13 and A vehicle according to claim 14. Various preferred embodiments of the present invention and further improvements are set forth in particular by the teaching of the subclaims.

A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a metal / oxygen battery pack, particularly for a metal / oxygen battery having a layered galvanic stack. The layered galvanic stack includes one or more anode layers, one or more cathode layers, and one or more separator layers. Each of the separator layers is disposed between one of the anode layers and an adjacent one of the cathode layers and configured to conduct ions and is in ionic contact with each adjacent anode layer and cathode layer. In particular, each of the anode layers may comprise a suitable metal, and each of the separator layers is ionically conductive to ions of the appropriate metal. Preferably, each of the separator layers is impermeable to oxygen, particularly molecular oxygen or oxygen ions, and therefore prevents oxygen from passing to the respective anode layer and a chemical reaction at the anode layer with oxygen passing through the separator layer. The stack of the metal / oxygen battery unit has a channel extending from a surface of the stack over at least a subset of successive layers thereof, each of the layers of the subset having a throughbore overlapping the throughbores of the respective adjacent layers, so that the channel is formed. Preferably, the channel extends at least substantially along an axis defined along the stacking direction of the layers. The channel is configured to exchange an oxygen-containing medium with the cathode layers connected to the channel to maintain oxygen-based galvanic reactions on these cathode layers.

The term "metal / oxygen battery unit" in the context of the present invention refers to a galvanic element, which has one or more electrochemical metal / oxygen cells, as described in detail above, and which is formed in such a way that a combination with one or more other such battery units is possible to form a multi-part metal / oxygen battery. The electrochemically relevant chemical component / compound of one of the electrodes, in particular the anode, in an electrochemical metal / oxygen cell is a suitable metal, and the electrochemically relevant chemical component / compound of another of the electrodes, in particular the cathode, is oxygen, in particular molecular Oxygen, preferably O ₂ . To assist the galvanic reactions taking place in the cell, an oxygen-containing medium is supplied to the cathode of the cell. Preferably, the cell uses air as the oxygen-containing medium. A battery or battery pack having such cells is a particular embodiment of a metal / oxygen battery or metal / oxygen battery unit and is typically referred to as a "metal / air battery" or "metal / air battery pack".

The term "oxygen-containing medium" in the sense of the invention refers to a medium which contains oxygen, in particular atomic or molecular oxygen, and is suitable in principle for such oxygen to undergo a galvanic reaction which takes place in a metal / oxygen cell. transport and supply, and absorb oxygen from such a galvanic reaction and dissipate. Preferably, such an oxygen-containing medium is electrically non-conductive. Otherwise, a battery having an electrically conductive oxygen-containing medium must be provided with an insulating means which electrically isolates all parts of this battery which have an electrical potential different from the one or more cathodes of this battery oxygen-containing medium isolated, and all cathodes of this battery must be connected in parallel. The oxygen-containing medium is preferably gaseous and preferably has a low viscosity. In particular, an oxygen-containing gas, gaseous oxygen, in particular molecular oxygen such as O ₂ , air and oxygen-enriched air is an oxygen-containing medium in the sense of the present invention. Alternatively, the oxygen-containing medium may be in liquid form. As a rule, it then has a higher thermal conductivity and / or heat capacity than a gas.

As used herein, the term "separator layer" refers to a layer which, when placed between the anode and the cathode of an electrochemical cell, is configured to spatially and electrically separate an anode and a corresponding cathode of the cell while permitting the passage of ionic charge carriers through the layer necessary to assist in the conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy during operation of the cell. In particular, a solid electrolyte layer which satisfies the requirements described above is also a "separator layer" in the sense of the present invention.

As used herein, the term "established" means, in particular, that the corresponding device is already fixed or adjustable - i. set up - is to perform a specific function. Preferably, the device can be achieved via a corresponding setting of the parameters of a process flow or of switches or the like for activating functions and settings. Further preferably, the device can also be set up by means of a suitable arrangement of parts of the device.

In particular, a battery pack as defined above may have one or more of the following advantages: the channel of the stack advantageously enables the exchange of the oxygen-containing medium with the cathode layers, i. in particular, supplying oxygen to the cathode layers when the battery pack discharges and / or removing or venting oxygen from the cathode layers when the battery pack is recharged. Compared to conventional metal / oxygen battery technologies, where the oxygen is supplied or removed at one or more outside of the cell stack, the channel formed in the interior of the stack effectively reduces the diffusion paths for the oxygen within the cathode layers. Therefore, oxygen can be more efficiently supplied or removed than in a conventional metal / oxygen battery having cathodes of similar size, and thus the cell's performance, especially the maximum output, can be increased. In addition, the layer stack can reduce the shear forces and / or compressive forces, for example, as compared to a cylindrical cell having a rolled array of anodes and cathodes. Therefore, in particular, the reliability of the battery unit or a battery having such a battery unit can be improved. A further advantage is that the cathode layers can have a larger surface area compared to a conventional battery, in particular a prismatic battery without a channel, while ensuring a good supply and / or removal of oxygen, whereby the output power is increased. Finally, the through-holes in the cathode layers and the replacement of the oxygen-containing medium with the cathode layers by means of the channel an improved, in particular more homogeneous, oxygen distribution at the cathode, thereby improving especially the reliability, the operability or output performance.

In the following, preferred embodiments of the battery unit will be described, which may be combined as desired with each other or with other aspects of the present invention, unless such combination is expressly excluded or technically impossible.

According to a first preferred embodiment, the channel extends through all layers of the stack. Further, a first end of the channel is disposed at a first end of the stack and a second end of the channel is disposed at a second opposing end of the stack such that the oxygen-containing medium enters and exits the stack through the first and second ends of the channel can pour out. Accordingly, the exchange of oxygen-containing medium is further increased and the associated advantages described above are further enhanced. In addition, the channel with two open ends allows a continuous flow of the oxygen-containing medium through the channel. Thus, in particular, oxygen, other reactants, or heat can be efficiently and preferably actively transported to and from the layers, especially in comparison to transport by diffusion or similar processes.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the stack is adapted to exchange the oxygen-containing medium with an environment of the battery unit. Accordingly, the exchange of oxygen-containing medium is further increased and the associated advantages described above enhanced.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the battery unit has a battery unit housing which at least partially surrounds the stack. The battery pack housing has one or more passages and is configured to assist in the replacement of the oxygen-containing medium and / or a cooling medium. In a first preferred variant, the housing of the battery unit is adapted to assist the replacement of the oxygen-containing medium and / or the cooling medium between the channel and an environment of the battery unit by at least one of the passages, wherein the passage with the through-hole of an outermost layer at a Face of the stack overlaps. In an additional or alternative second preferred variant, the battery unit housing is configured to assist in the replacement of the oxygen-containing medium and / or the cooling medium between an outer surface portion of the stack and an environment of the battery unit through at least one of the passages, the passage being in fluid communication with the outer surface section stands. The environment of the first and / or second variant is preferably defined by a further battery unit, in particular according to the first aspect of the invention, and preferably by the channel of such a further battery unit. In a further preferred variant, the environment of the battery or of the battery unit is in fluid communication with a temperature control system which is set up to exchange the oxygen-containing medium and / or the cooling medium with the battery or the battery unit and / or the temperature of the oxygen-containing medium and / or or the cooling medium to control. In a further preferred variant, the battery unit housing has at least two passages corresponding to the first preferred variant, wherein one of the at least two passages facing the stack at a first end face and another of the at least two passages the stack at an opposite second end face of the stack is facing, in particular, a flow of the oxygen-containing medium and / or the cooling medium can be supported by the channel.

The term "cooling medium" in the context of the present invention refers to a medium, in particular a gas or a liquid, for transferring heat. Preferably, the oxygen-containing medium can also serve as a cooling medium in the context of the present invention. Alternatively, another medium, which in particular does not contain oxygen, dispenses, absorbs or absorbs, serve as a cooling medium in the sense of the present invention. In particular, inert gases such as gaseous nitrogen, water, oil or wax are cooling media for the purposes of the present invention. Preferably, the cooling medium is electrically non-conductive. Otherwise, if the coolant is electrically conductive, it must be electrically isolated from electrically charged parts of the battery pack. The battery unit preferably has a guide device for the cooling medium, in particular a cooling tube.

Accordingly, the oxygen-containing medium can be exchanged with an environment of the battery unit. In particular, the environment may serve as an external source of oxygen, so that no or at least less oxygen must be stored for operation in the battery unit and the energy density of the battery unit can thus be increased. Further, this embodiment allows a steady exchange of oxygen-containing medium and thereby a steady supply and / or release of oxygen or other reactants. In this way, the output power, the reliability or the operability of the battery unit can be improved. In addition, the exchange of cooling medium allows the transport of heat to and from the battery unit, whereby the temperature of the battery unit can be controlled. This temperature control is particularly advantageous for improving the functionality and / or output power and for increasing the durability or service life of the battery unit, since it makes it possible to operate the battery unit in a suitable, in particular for undisturbed operation optimal temperature range. Variants of this preferred embodiment which allow flow through the channel may be particularly advantageous when a high output power is required, i. a high amount of oxygen is required and / or a large amount of heat has to be dissipated from the battery unit.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the battery unit has a battery unit housing which is set up to electrically insulate at least parts of the battery unit, in particular the entire or at least part of the stack, relative to the surroundings of the battery unit. Preferably, the housing has an electrically insulating material or is made of it. In particular, this embodiment may be advantageous in that it helps to avoid potential electrical short circuits that could occur when electrically charged parts of the battery pack are in contact with an electrically conductive material such as a battery case, connectors, or manufacturing devices. Accordingly, the handling of such a battery unit, and in particular the manufacture of a battery having such battery units, can be simplified and more effective. In particular, no additional isolation means are needed when such battery packs are stacked.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the battery unit, at least the anode layers, the cathode layers and the separator layers are at least substantially rotationally symmetric with respect to an axis defined along the stacking direction of the layers. In a preferred variant, the battery unit is at least substantially rotationally symmetrical with respect to this axis. In an additional or alternative preferred variant, main sides of adjacent layers at least substantially the same shape and size, whereby in particular a non-overlapping region of the main sides, which could affect the efficiency of the battery unit can be reduced or preferably even avoided. In an additional or alternative preferred variant, layers of the stack are slices. In an additional or alternative preferred variant, the layers of the stack each have the shape of a rectangle, the shape of a regular polygon such as an equilateral triangle, a square or a regular hexagon, or the shape of an ellipse, preferably the shape of a circle. Accordingly, the outer contour of the battery unit is more compact than a battery unit without such rotational symmetry. Furthermore, the rotational symmetry of the layers allows oxygen to the cathode layers in a substantially uniform manner, since the distance of the different parts of the cathode layers from the oxygen source is more uniform than in the non-symmetric case.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the through-bores of at least the anode layers, the cathode layers and the separator layers are at least substantially centered with respect to at least one direction which is orthogonal to an axis defined along the stacking direction of the layers, so that the channel formed by the through-holes is at least in the Essentially centered. Accordingly, the centered channel advantageously minimizes the mean distance, i. the central diffusion path for oxygen, between the channel and those portions of the cathode layers farthest from the channel. In particular, the supply and / or release of oxygen and / or the cooling or heating of the stack by means of the cooling medium can be improved.

According to a further preferred embodiment, in particular the preceding preferred embodiment, the through-bores of at least the anode layers, the cathode layers and the separator layers are at least substantially rotationally symmetric with respect to the axis defined along the stacking direction of the layers, such that the channel formed by the through-holes is at least substantially rotationally symmetrical. The advantages described above in relation to the previous preferred embodiment apply in a similar manner to this embodiment. Furthermore, the rotationally symmetrical channel can further enhance the advantages mentioned.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the battery unit has a fastening element, which is adapted to interlock with a corresponding fastening element of a second battery unit, in particular a battery unit according to the first aspect of the invention, in order to fix the relative position and / or relative Orientation of the battery units to allow. Accordingly, when manufacturing a battery having two or more battery packs according to this embodiment, the battery packs may fix their relative position and / or relative orientation. This can facilitate the manufacture of such a battery. Moreover, this allows the combination of two or more battery units in two or more different ways by changing and fixing their relative position and / or orientation.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the battery unit is adapted to improve the exchange of the oxygen-containing medium between the channel and the cathode layers. In a first preferred variant, the battery unit is arranged in such a way that the cathode layers for the oxygen-containing medium or at least for oxygen are permeable. In a second preferred variant, the battery unit is arranged in such a way that one or more ventilation layers are provided, wherein each ventilation layer is permeable to the oxygen-containing medium and disposed on a main side of one of the cathode layers opposite the respective separator layer. Preferably, at least one of the ventilation layers is formed as a gap between the respective cathode layer and an adjacent layer of the stack. Also preferably, at least one of the ventilation layers is made of a material that is permeable to the oxygen-containing medium or a cooling medium, in particular a porous material and / or having channels for the medium.

Accordingly, oxygen-containing medium or at least oxygen may flow and / or diffuse along and preferably through the respective cathode layers. Preferably, the oxygen-containing medium from the channel to the outer surface of the stack, whereby oxygen or other reactants supplied to the respective cathode layers or removed from the respective cathode layers and / or heat is transferred to or from the layer stack. Thus, can This embodiment advantageously further improves the output performance, operability, reliability and durability of the battery pack. In particular, this embodiment may be advantageously combined with an embodiment having a centered and / or rotationally symmetric channel as described above, wherein the beneficial effects synergistically reinforce one another. In particular, an improved and in particular more homogeneous, supply or removal of oxygen to or from the respective cathode layer and / or a homogeneous temperature of the respective cathode layers is achieved. In addition, in a preferred variant with electrically insulated ventilation layers, the ventilation layers can serve as electrical insulators between the respective cathode layers and adjacent layers of the stack or layers of a stack of another battery unit.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the battery unit is adapted to improve the charge transfer from and to galvanic reaction sites of at least one of the anode and / or cathode layers. In a first preferred variant thereof, the battery unit is arranged in such a way that the at least one of the anode and / or cathode layers is electrically conductive. In an additional or alternative second preferred variant, the battery unit is arranged in such a way that the at least one of the anode and / or cathode layers has a current collector integrated in this layer or on a main side of this layer, that of the separator layer of the electrochemical cell disposed opposite to the at least one of the anode and / or cathode layers, wherein the current collector has a through-hole overlapping with the layer. Accordingly, the conductivity of the battery unit is increased and / or the internal resistance of the battery unit is reduced, because the battery unit is adapted to increase the charge transfer from and to galvanic reaction sites. Thus, in particular, the maximum output power is increased and / or the heat dissipation during unloading and / or recharging is reduced.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the battery unit, the anode layers of the stack are electrically interconnected by one or more anode connectors, and the cathode layers of the stack are electrically interconnected by one or more cathode connectors. Furthermore, at least one of the anode and cathode connectors passes through the channel. Thereby, compared to an embodiment without the electrical connectors, the length of the electrical path, i. of the electron diffusion path extending from the connector to the reaction sites in the anode or cathode. Thus, in particular, the internal resistance of the battery unit is reduced. Preferably, the arrangement of at least one of the connectors in the channel is particularly advantageous when the channel is centered in the stack. Furthermore, the connectors can be advantageously combined with the current collectors described above, further reducing the internal resistance. Preferably, at least one of the cathode connectors extends through the channel because the cathode layers typically have a higher electrical resistance than the anode layers.

A second aspect of the invention is directed to a metal / oxygen battery, in particular for a vehicle, comprising a first battery unit and a second battery unit, each according to the first aspect of the present invention. The first and second battery units each include an anode connector connected to at least one of the anode layers of the respective battery unit and a cathode connector connected to at least one of the cathode layers of the respective battery unit. Moreover, the anode connector and the cathode connector of the first battery unit and the anode connector and the cathode connector of the second battery unit are arranged such that: in a first predetermined relative position or orientation of the battery units, the battery units are connected in parallel and in a second predetermined relative position or orientation of the battery units, the battery units are connected in series.

The embodiments and variants as well as possible advantages, as have already been described in detail above in connection with the first aspect of the present invention, also apply correspondingly to the metal / oxygen battery according to the present invention. In particular, an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention may be advantageous in that based on the same first and second battery unit, a battery having a higher output voltage or a higher output current can be produced by specifying the relative position and / or orientation of the battery units. Thus, the manufacture of such batteries can be facilitated and / or the manufacturing costs reduced, in particular because different arrangements of battery units and thus a number of different embodiments of batteries formed therefrom can be made from identical battery units. In addition, compared to conventional battery units, additional materials and / or manufacturing steps for connecting the battery units can be avoided, which in particular the manufacturing more effective and the battery is reliable.

According to a first preferred embodiment, the battery has a battery housing which at least partially surrounds the battery units. The battery housing has one or more passages and is configured to assist in the replacement of the oxygen-containing medium and / or optionally a cooling medium between an environment of the battery and the battery units. In a preferred variant, at least one of the passages of the battery housing is adapted to lead the medium to a corresponding passage of at least one of the battery units. In an additional or alternative preferred variant, at least one of the passages is adapted to receive the medium from a corresponding passage of at least one of the battery units. Preferably, at least two of the battery units are arranged linearly and each have two passages, so that a channel is formed by the battery units, thereby advantageously a flow of oxygen-containing medium and / or cooling medium from one of the passages of the battery, through the battery units, and another of the passages of the battery is made possible.

In a further preferred embodiment of the battery, the anode and cathode connectors of the first battery unit and the anode connectors of the second battery unit are arranged such that in the first relative orientation of the battery units, the anode connector of the first battery unit faces the anode connector of the second battery unit and electrically therewith is connected and / or the cathode connectors of the first and second battery unit facing each other and are electrically connected. In addition, in the second relative orientation of the battery units in which the first battery unit is rotated by a predetermined angle relative to the second battery unit about an axis defined along the stacking direction of the layers of the first battery unit, the connectors are arranged to be the cathode connector of the first battery unit the anode connector of the second battery unit facing and is electrically connected thereto, while in particular the anode connector of the first battery unit and the cathode connector of the second battery unit are not connected to each other. Accordingly, by rotating the battery units relative to each other batteries of different voltage and current classes can be produced. Preferably, rotationally symmetrical battery units are used for this embodiment, whereby in particular the requirements for a housing of the battery are reduced. In a preferred variant of this combination, the battery units are rotationally symmetric, but not circular, and preferably have a shape of a regular hexagon, and a housing of the battery has a corresponding inner shape, so that the battery units of the battery after manufacture against rotation relative to secured to each other by the housing of the battery into which they are inserted and fixed in position and orientation by the correspondence between the external shape of the battery units and the internal shape of the housing.

Furthermore, a variant of a rotationally symmetrical metal / oxygen battery unit is disclosed, which has all the features of the first aspect of the present invention, with the exception of the channel or the through-holes, which form the channel, and a corresponding rotationally symmetrical metal / oxygen battery, the such battery units is formed. The embodiments and variants and advantages which result from a rotational symmetry described in detail above in connection with the first and / or second aspect of the present invention apply correspondingly to the rotationally symmetrical metal / oxygen battery unit or metal / oxygen battery.

A third aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a metal / oxygen battery having two or more battery units, more particularly to a method of manufacturing a battery according to the second aspect of the present invention. The manufacturing method comprises the following steps: In a first step, a battery housing is provided. In a second step, two or more battery packs according to the first aspect of the present invention are provided. In a third step, the battery units are introduced into the battery housing, wherein the relative position and / or orientation of the battery units is controlled and brought into a predetermined position or orientation. In a fourth step, the relative position and / or the relative orientation of the battery units is fixed. In a preferred variant, the relative position or orientation is fixed by one or more fastening elements of the battery units. In an additional or alternative variant, the relative position or orientation can be fixed by a matching and / or interlocking internal shape of the battery housing and outer shape of the battery units. In an additional or alternative variant directed to the production of batteries from battery units with anode and cathode connectors in which the anode and cathode connectors are arranged to provide a parallel connection or a series connection depending on the relative position or orientation of the battery units Method, the step in which each battery unit in a predetermined position and / or orientation relative to their adjacent Battery units is arranged so that they are electrically connected in parallel or in series with each of the adjacent battery units. This method particularly relates to the production of batteries according to the second aspect of the present invention. In particular, this method can also be used in conjunction with the various embodiments and variants described herein. Furthermore, the method and its variants can also be used to manufacture the battery disclosed in the previous paragraph.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is directed to a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, comprising one or more battery units according to the first aspect of the invention, in particular one or more batteries according to the second aspect of the invention, which were produced in particular according to the third aspect of the invention.

The embodiments and variants as well as potential advantages, as described in detail above in connection with the first, second and / or third aspect of the present invention, apply correspondingly to the vehicle according to the present invention.

According to a first preferred embodiment, at least one of the one or more battery units or at least one of the one or more batteries is arranged in such a way that its channel runs along a direction which is at least substantially parallel to the top-bottom direction of the vehicle. Accordingly, the convection of the oxygen-containing medium and / or the cooling medium can be used, in particular in order to exchange the medium and / or to effect a flow of the medium through the channel. A further advantage may result from the fact that the layer stack is in particular particularly resistant to impacts along its stacking direction. Thus, especially in comparison to a vehicle without such an arrangement of batteries, a more reliable and / or robust vehicle with a longer life can be achieved.

list of figures

• 1 schematisch eine Seitenansicht einer Metall/Sauerstoff-Batterieeinheit gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung zeigt;
• 2 eine Draufsicht auf die bevorzugte Ausführungsform zeigt;
• 3 einen Querschnitt durch eine Metall/Sauerstoff-Batterieeinheit gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung zeigt;
• 4 einen Stapel der vorherigen Ausführungsform zeigt;
• 5 schematisch eine Seitenansicht einer Metall/Sauerstoff-Batterieeinheit gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung zeigt;
• 6 schematisch eine Metall/Sauerstoff-Batterie nach einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung zeigt;
• 7 ein Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Metall/Sauerstoff-Batterie gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung zeigt;
• 8 ein Fahrzeug mit einer oder mehreren Batterien gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung zeigt;
• 9 schematisch zwei alternative Implementierungen einer Metall/Sauerstoff-Batterieeinheit in einer Draufsicht, d.h. (i) eine weitere Ausführungsform gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung mit einem Kanal und (ii) einer entsprechenden Implementierung ohne Kanal zeigt.

Further advantageous features and applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which:

• 1 schematically shows a side view of a metal / oxygen battery unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
• 2 shows a plan view of the preferred embodiment;
• 3 shows a cross section through a metal / oxygen battery unit according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
• 4 shows a stack of the previous embodiment;
• 5 schematically shows a side view of a metal / oxygen battery unit according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
• 6 schematically shows a metal / oxygen battery according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
• 7 shows a method for producing a metal / oxygen battery according to the present invention;
• 8th shows a vehicle with one or more batteries according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
• 9 schematically shows two alternative implementations of a metal / oxygen battery unit in a plan view, ie (i) shows a further embodiment according to the present invention with a channel and (ii) a corresponding implementation without a channel.

First, reference is made to 1 holding a metal / oxygen battery unit 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a side view. A metal / oxygen battery unit 1 has a layered galvanic stack 2 on. This layered galvanic stack 2 comprises a repeating sequence of layers which form three electrochemical cells, through ventilation layers 11 both separated and electrically and ionically isolated from each other. In particular, such a layered galvanic stack may also contain fewer or more than three electrochemical cells. The layered galvanic stack 2 has the ventilation layers 11 , three current collector layers 12 electrically connected to three cathode layers 3 are connected and opposed, three Separatorschichten 5 , each one adjacent to the cathode layers 4 facing, three anode layers 3 , each of an adjacent separator layer 5 facing, and three additional current collector layers 12 each electrically connected to one of the three anode layers 3 are connected. The direction of the Stacking of the layers 3 . 4 . 5 . 11 and 12 defines an axis AA along this direction. Furthermore, the layered galvanic stack has 2 two anode connectors 13 . 13 ' and two cathode connectors 14 . 14 ' on, wherein the anode connector 13 ' and the cathode connector 14 ' through a canal 6 of the pile 2 run and thus not shown in the side view. The anode and cathode connectors 13 . 13 ' . 14 . 14 ' are electrically connected to respective anode or cathode layers 3 or. 4 through corresponding current collector layers 12 connected. ventilation layers 11 advantageously allow the improvement of the distribution of oxygen, in particular an oxygen-containing medium, along the cathode layers 4 , Furthermore, the ventilation layers separate and isolate 11 the electrochemical cells, so that a series connection or an ionic short circuit of the electrochemical cells is avoided. In particular, the three electrochemical cells are by anode connectors 13 . 13 ' and cathode connectors 14 . 14 ' connected in parallel.

A plan view of the embodiment of 1 is in 2 shown. The current collector layer 12 has a through hole 7 on. Furthermore, the others, in 2 not shown layers 3 . 4 . 5 . 11 . 12 of the pile 2 Through holes 7 on. The through holes 7 form the channel 6 that by the pile 2 runs. Both anode connectors 13 . 13 ' and both cathode connectors 14 . 14 ' are shown. In particular, the anode connector 13 ' and the cathode connector 14 ' passing through the canal 6 run, in 2 shown. Compared to an electrical connection of the layers exclusively over the outer surfaces of the stack allow through the channel 6 extending connector advantageously a reduction of the electrical resistance of an electrical path, which is the reaction sites of the cathode and anode layers 4 . 3 extends to the respective connectors. Furthermore, the channel can 6 the replacement of the oxygen-containing medium, in particular air or oxygen, between an environment of the metal / oxygen battery unit and the cathode layers 4 support.

Furthermore, the stack 2 and especially the layers 3 . 4 . 5 . 11 and 12 of the pile 2 a circular when viewed from above and thus in particular with respect to the axis AA , in the 2 not shown, since it protrudes from the plane, a cylindrical shape. Preferably, the battery unit 1 an at least substantially cylindrical shape, in particular a cylindrical contour, wherein two such battery units, which are arranged coaxially relative to each other to form a cylinder together, can be rotated relative to each other about their common axis without the shape of the co-formed cylinder substantially to influence. This can in particular facilitate the introduction of battery units in a battery housing with a cylindrical inner shape. Preferably, the battery case may have a plurality of receiving portions for receiving the anode connector 13 and the cathode connector 14 that are outside the stack 2 are arranged, even if the connectors 13 . 14 not in a rotationally symmetrical manner around the stack 2 are arranged. Furthermore, the intermediate connectors 13 . 13 ' . 14 and or 14 ' of two such battery packs determine the relative position or orientation of the battery packs when connected together.

Now reference is made to 3 , which is a cross section through a metal / oxygen battery unit 1 According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, that of 1 and 2 similar, with the exception that some layers are missing and the battery unit 1 a battery unit case 8th having. In particular, the galvanic stack 2 the battery unit 1 three anode layers 3 , three cathode layers 4 and five separator layers 5 with the inner anode and cathode layers of one of the separator layers 5 facing both sides and thereby five electrochemical cells are formed. In particular, a more compact battery unit, in particular a battery unit with a higher energy density, can be constructed. Battery unit housing 8th contains the stack 2 with the layers 3 . 4 . 5 and isolates the surface of the stack 2 preferably electrically, whereby the stacking of several such battery units 1 can be relieved.

Furthermore, the battery unit and in particular at least one of the anode or cathode connection 13 . 14 1 in a preferred variant, a fastening element 10 on, with the relative position or orientation of two such battery units 1 can be determined. Preferably, the intermediate connector can serve as such a fastener, whereby additional fasteners can be avoided. Additionally or alternatively, the outer shape of the layers and / or the housing 8th may be formed in such a way that the relative orientation or position of at least two such battery units 1 be defined and fixed in cooperation with a housing of a battery having such battery units.

Furthermore, the housing has 8th the battery unit 1 two passages 9 which are adapted to the oxygen-containing medium and / or a cooling medium to the channel 6 , in particular to a first end of the channel 6 ' to direct and / or the medium from the channel 6 in particular via a second end of the channel 6 " , This may be particularly advantageous to provide a flow of oxygen-containing medium and / or cooling medium.

Finally, all connector - anode connectors run 13 and cathode connectors 14 , wherein cathode connector 14 not shown - preferably through the channel 6 wherein outwardly projecting parts can be avoided and / or a more compact form of the battery unit 1 can be reached.

A top view of the stack 2 out 3 is in 4 shown. Again, the layers are 3 . 4 . 5 with through holes 7 that the channel 6 form provided. The two anode connectors 13 and the two cathode connectors 14 run through the channel 6 which is substantially centered with respect to the layers. In addition, the connectors 13 . 14 arranged in such a way that the anode connectors 13 one of the two battery units in a first position when two such battery units 1 stacked, the anode connectors 14 the other of the two battery units facing and can be electrically connected to these. This applies to the cathode connectors 14 , so that both battery units can be connected in parallel. Furthermore, the anode compounds 13 one of the two battery units in a second position, in which one of the two battery units at an angle of 120 ° about the axis AA is rotated in electrical contact with the cathode connectors 14 the other of the two battery units stand while the other connectors are electrically isolated. Thus, the two battery units can be connected in series in the second position.

Furthermore, at least the layers have 3 . 4 or 5 preferably the shape of a regular polygon, in particular the shape of a hexagon as in 4 shown on. In this way, if two such battery units 1 are inserted into a battery case having a corresponding inner shape, for example, a hexagonal shape of a corresponding size, the relative orientation of the battery units are fixed by the battery case.

Now it will open 5 Reference is made, which is a side view of a metal / oxygen battery unit 1 According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, that of 1 . 2 . 3 and 4 is similar, in particular with the exception of another arrangement of the stack 2 , The stack 2 has three electrochemical cells each with an anode layer 3 , a separator layer 5 , a cathode layer 4 and a current collector layer 12 on, that of the respective cathode layer 12 facing and electrically connected thereto. The current collector layers 12 ionically separate and isolate the corresponding anode layers 3 from the cathode layers 4 on the opposite side of the respective current collector layer 12 , Furthermore, adjacent anode and current collector layers are electrically connected. Thus, the three electrochemical cells are electrically connected in series. Accordingly, the anode connector 13 only connected to the uppermost anode layer, and the cathode connector 12 is only with the lowest current collector layer 12 connected. Closing points the stack 2 an insulation layer 8i on to the bottom most current collector layer 12 electrically isolate. This can be particularly advantageous when stacking such stacks or battery units.

Now it will open 6 Reference is made schematically to a metal / oxygen battery 20 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The battery 20 has a first battery unit 1' and a second battery unit 1" , a battery case 21 , a first passage 22 , a second passage 23 , an electrical anode connector 24 and a cathode electrical connector 25 on. As shown, the first battery unit 1' relative to the second battery unit 1'' at an angle of about 120 ° about the axis AA rotated and arranged so that they are the cathode connector 14 the first battery unit 1' electrically with the anode connector 13 the second battery connects. unit 1'' , Consequently, the battery units 1' and 1'' interconnected in series.

Furthermore, an electrical anode connection 24 electrically with the anode connector 13 the first battery unit 1' who in 6 not shown, connected, and a cathode electrical connection 25 is electrically connected to the cathode connector 14 the second battery unit 1'' connected.

Finally, the first passage overlaps 22 with a passage 9 a housing of the first battery unit 1' , and the second passage 23 overlaps with a passage 9 the housing of the second battery unit 1'' , Preferably, the passages of the battery case form 21 , the passages of the battery units 1' and 1" and the channels 6 the battery units together a channel through the battery 20 which is preferably along the axis AA passes to the exchange of oxygen-containing medium and special cooling medium between the interior of the battery 20 , especially the channels 6 , and an environment of the battery 20 to support.

Now it will open 7 Reference is made to a method of manufacturing a metal / oxygen battery 20 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In a first step S1 becomes a battery case 21 provided. In a second step S2 become two or more battery units 1 . 1' . 1'' provided. In a third step S3 become the battery units 1 . 1' . 1'' in a battery case 21 introduced, wherein the relative position and / or orientation of the battery units 1 . 1' . 1" controlled and placed in a predefined position or orientation. In a fourth step S4 the relative position and / or the relative orientation of the battery units is determined. In a preferred variant, the relative position or orientation by one or more fasteners 10 the battery units 1 . 1' . 1" established. In an additional or alternative variant, the relative position or orientation can be determined by a matching and / or interlocking internal shape of the battery housing and an outer shape of the battery units. In an additional or alternative variant with battery units, the anode and cathode connectors 13 . 13 ' . 14 . 14 ' which are adapted, depending on the relative position or orientation of the battery units 1' . 1'' To effect a parallel or serial interconnection, the relative position or orientation can be chosen in such a way that the battery units 1' . 1'' connected in parallel or in series. This can be particularly advantageous to be based on the same battery units 1 . 1' . 1'' batteries 20 produce different voltage and / or current classes, which in particular a higher number of the same battery units can be produced, the production is more efficient or the rejection rate can be minimized.

Now it will open 8th Reference is made schematically to a vehicle 30 according to another preferred embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 30 has one or more, in the illustrated variant in particular eight, metal / oxygen batteries 20 , a temperature control system 31 , at least one supply channel 32 and at least one discharge channel 33 on. Preferably, the batteries 20 arranged such that their channels or the channels 6 their battery units extend along a direction which is at least substantially parallel to the top-bottom direction of the vehicle. In addition, the batteries 20 via the supply channel 32 with the temperature control system 31 connected. Preferably, the supply channel 32 with one or more second passages 23 the battery case 21 the batteries 20 connected. Preferably, the discharge channel 33 also with one or more first passages 22 the battery case 21 the batteries 20 connected. The temperature control system 31 is set up to use the batteries 20 to supply with the oxygenated medium. In particular, the temperature control system controls 31 the temperature of the oxygen-containing medium, causing the temperature of the batteries 20 can be controlled by the oxygen-containing medium by additionally serving as a cooling medium. In addition, the temperature control system 31 the oxygen-containing medium through the discharge channel 33 at least partially recycle. Accordingly, the batteries can 20 with at the same time by the temperature control system 31 be supplied with oxygen and cooled or heated. Preferably, when charging the batteries 20 oxygen released by the galvanic reactions, at least in part, by the temperature control system 31 and / or the discharge channel 33 be led to a tank. Also preferred may be during discharge of the batteries 20 Oxygen from the tank and / or from an environment of the vehicle 30 , z. As air, through the temperature control system 31 and / or the supply channel 32 to the batteries 20 be guided. In this advantageous way, the performance and durability of the batteries 20 be improved. This can be particularly beneficial to the driving performance of the vehicle 30 to improve, especially if one or more drive motors of the vehicle 30 of batteries 20 be energized.

Finally it will open 9 Referring to Figure 2, which schematically illustrates two alternative implementations of a metal / oxygen battery unit in a plan view, that is, (i) another embodiment of the present invention having a channel and (ii) a corresponding implementation without a channel. Both implementations of the metal / oxygen battery unit of 9 are similar to those from 1 and 2 but with the exception that in the implementation (ii) the layers have no through holes and consequently the battery unit 1 does not have a channel and the associated special advantages discussed above. In implementation (i), the battery unit points 1 a channel 6 and corresponding through holes, as shown by the dashed line. The metal / oxygen battery unit 1 is rotationally symmetric for rotations 60 °. A stack 2 the battery unit 1 has at least one anode layer 3 and a cathode layer and a separator layer, wherein the cathode layer and the separator layer in 9 are not shown. Furthermore, the stack can 2 additional layers as described above and / or have a plurality of such layers. An anode connector 13 , a cathode connector 14 and an electrically non-conductive fastener 10 are each a part of the circumference of the stack 2 arranged and together form a battery unit housing 8th , As shown, anode connectors run 13 and cathode connectors 14 each at least 40 ° along the circumference of the stack 2 and thus may be in electrical connection with the anode or cathode layers of the stack 2 allow with a low electrical resistance. From the illustrated arrangement, another advantage for the battery unit 1 give, and that a high degree of rotational symmetry.

Two or more such battery units 1 can be stacked together. When the battery units 1 not rotated against each other, for example, the fastener 10 one of the battery units a fastener 10 another of the battery units is opposite, the battery units are connected in parallel. When the battery units 1 rotated by 120 ° from each other, the fastener of one of the battery units is the anode or cathode connector of the other of the battery units, and thus the battery units are connected in series. Preferably, the fastener 10 , the anode connector 13 and / or the cathode connector 14 configured with another fastener, an anode or a cathode connector of another battery unit 1 to interlock when stacked together. Preferably, the fastening element 10 , the anode connector 13 and / or the cathode connector 14 provided with channels for providing the oxygen-containing medium and / or a cooling medium.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been described above, it should be understood that a large number of variations exist. It should also be understood that the described exemplary embodiments are nonlimiting examples only and are not intended to thereby limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the devices and methods described herein. Rather, the foregoing description will provide those skilled in the art with guidance for implementing at least one example embodiment, it being understood that various changes in the operation and arrangement of the elements described in an exemplary embodiment may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims deviated from, and its legal equivalents.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Metal / oxygen battery unit

1'

first battery unit

1''

second battery unit

2

layered galvanic stack

3

anode layer

4

cathode layer

5

separator

6

channel

6 '

first end of the canal

6 "

second channel end

7

Through Hole

8th

Battery unit housing

8i

insulating

9

Passage of the battery unit housing

10

fastener

11

ventilation layer

12

Current collector, in particular current collector layer or integrated in the anode layer or cathode layer

13, 13 '

anode connector

14, 14 '

cathode connector

20

Metal / oxygen battery

21

battery case

22

first passage of the battery case

23

second passage of the battery case

24

electrical anode connection

25

electric cathode connection

30

vehicle

31

Temperature control system of a vehicle

32

supply channel

33

discharge channel

S1 to S1

manufacturing steps

AA

Axis defined along the stacking direction of the layers

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 102012200862 A1 [0007]
• WO 2010/132357 A1 [0008]

Claims (15)

Metal / Oxygen battery unit (1), comprising: a layered galvanic stack 2 comprising one or more anode layers (3), one or more cathode layers (4) and one or more separator layers (5); in which: each of the separator layers (5) is disposed between one of the anode layers (3) and an adjacent one of the cathode layers (4) and configured to conduct ions and is in ionic contact with each adjacent anode layer (3) and cathode layer (4) ; the stack (2) has a channel (6) extending from a surface of the stack through at least a subset of successive of its layers (3, 4, 5, 8i, 11, 12), each of the layers (3, 4 , 5, 8i, 11, 12) of the subset has a through hole (7) which overlaps with the through holes (7) of the respective adjacent layers (3, 4, 5, 8i, 11, 12), so that the channel (6 ) is formed; and the channel (6) is adapted to exchange an oxygen-containing medium with the cathode layers (4) which are connected to the channel (6) in order to maintain oxygen-based galvanic reactions on these cathode layers (4). Metal / Oxygen battery unit (1) according to Claim 1 wherein: the channel (6) extends through all the layers (3, 4, 5, 8i, 11, 12) of the stack (2); and a first end of the channel (6 ') is disposed on a first end face of the stack (2) and a second end of the channel (6 ") is disposed on a second opposite end face of the stack (2) so that the oxygen-containing medium passes through the first and second ends (6 ', 6 ") of the channel can flow into the stack (2) and out of the stack (2). Metal / Oxygen battery unit (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the outer surface of the stack (2) is adapted to exchange the oxygen-containing medium with an environment of the battery unit (1). A metal / oxygen battery unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a battery unit housing (8) which at least partially surrounds the stack (2); wherein the housing (8) has one or more passages (9) and is arranged to: to assist the replacement of the oxygen-containing medium and / or a cooling medium between the channel (6) and an environment of the battery unit (1) by at least one of the passages (9), wherein the passage (9) with the through-hole (7) of an outermost layer (3, 4, 5, 8i, 11, 12) overlaps on an end face of the stack; and or the replacement of the oxygen-containing medium and / or the cooling medium between an outer surface portion of the stack (2) and an environment of the battery unit (1) by at least one of the passages (9), wherein the passage is in flow communication with the outer surface portion. A metal / oxygen battery pack (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: at least the anode layers (3), the cathode layers (4) and the separator layers (5) are at least substantially rotationally symmetric about an axis (AA) along the stacking direction the layers is defined. A metal / oxygen battery unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the through holes (7) of at least the anode layers, the cathode layers and the separator layers are at least substantially centered with respect to at least one direction orthogonal to the axis (AA) defined along the stacking direction of the layers, such that the channel formed by the through holes (7) (6) is at least substantially centered; and or the through bores (7) of at least the anode layers, the cathode layers and the separator layers are at least substantially rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis (AA) defined along the stacking direction of the layers (3, 4, 5, 8i, 11, 12), so that the channel ( 6), which is formed by the through-holes, is at least substantially rotationally symmetrical. Metal / oxygen battery unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a fastening element (10) which is adapted to interlock with a corresponding fastening element (10) of a second battery unit, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, so that the Relative position and / or the relative orientation of the battery units (1) can be fixed. Metal / oxygen battery unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery unit is adapted to improve the exchange of the oxygen-containing medium between the channel (6) and the cathode layers (4) in such a way that: the cathode layers (4 ) are permeable to the oxygen-containing medium or at least for oxygen and / or one or more ventilation layers (11) are provided, each ventilation layer permeable to the oxygen-containing medium and to a Main side of the cathode layers opposite to the respective separator layer (5) is arranged. A metal / oxygen battery unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery unit is adapted to improve the charge transfer from and to galvanic reaction sites of at least one of the anode and / or cathode layers (3, 4) : this layer (3, 4) is electrically conductive; and or said layer (3, 4) comprises a current collector (12) integrated in the at least one of the anode and / or cathode layers or on a major side of the at least one of the anode and / or cathode layers (3, 4) opposite the separator layer (5) of the electrochemical cell is arranged, which has the at least one of the anode and / or cathode layers, wherein the current collector (12) has a through hole (7) which overlaps with the layer (3, 4). A metal / oxygen battery unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the anode layers (3) of the stack are electrically interconnected by one or more anode connectors (13, 13 '); the cathode layers (4) of the stacks are electrically interconnected by one or more cathode connectors (14, 14 '); and at least one (13, 13 ', 14, 14') of the anode connector and cathode connector extends through the channel (6). Metal / oxygen battery (20), in particular for a vehicle (30), comprising: a first and a second battery unit (1, 1 ', 1' '), each according to one of the preceding claims; in which: the first and second battery units (1 ', 1' ') each have an anode connector (13, 13') connected to at least one of the anode layers (3) of the respective battery unit and a cathode connector (14, 14 ') having at least one of the cathode layers (4) of the respective battery unit (1 ', 1' ') is connected; the anode connector (13, 13 ') and the cathode connector (14, 14') of the first battery unit (1 ') and the anode connector (13, 13') and the cathode connector (14, 14 ') of the second battery unit (1' ') are arranged in such a way that: the battery units (1 ', 1' ') are connected in parallel in a first predetermined relative position or orientation of the battery units; and the battery units (1 ', 1' ') are connected in series in a second predetermined relative position or orientation of the battery units. Metal / oxygen battery (20) according to Claim 11 in which: the anode and cathode connectors of the first battery unit (1 ') and the anode connectors of the second battery unit (1'') are arranged such that: in the first relative orientation of the battery units, the anode connector (13, 13') of the first one Battery unit (1 ') opposite to the anode connector (13, 13') of the second battery unit (1 ") and is electrically connected thereto; and in the second relative orientation of the battery units (1 ', 1'') in which the first battery unit (1') rotates by a predetermined angle relative to the second battery unit (1 ") around the axis defined along the stacking direction of the layers of the first battery unit (AA), the cathode connector (14, 14 ') of the first battery unit (1') faces the anode connector (13, 13 ') of the second battery unit (1 ") and is electrically connected thereto. Method for producing a metal / oxygen battery, which has two or more battery units (1, 1 ', 1''), in particular for producing a battery (20) according to Claim 11 or 12 comprising the steps of: - (S1) providing a battery case (21); - (S2) providing two or more battery units (1, 1 ', 1'') according to one of Claims 1 to 10 ; - (S3) introducing the battery units into the battery housing (21), wherein the relative position and / or orientation of the battery units is controlled and brought into a predetermined position or orientation; and - (S4) fixing the relative position and / or the relative orientation of the battery packs by one or more fasteners (10) of the battery packs and / or by a mating and / or interlocking internal shape of the battery pack and the outer shape of the battery packs. Vehicle (30), in particular electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, comprising one or more batteries (20) according to Claim 11 or 12 or one or more batteries according to Claim 13 were manufactured. Vehicle according to Claim 14 wherein at least one of the one or more batteries (20) is arranged such that its channel (6) extends along a direction that is at least substantially parallel to a top-bottom direction of the vehicle.

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