EP3535789A1

EP3535789A1 - Cell contacting system for an electrochemical device

Info

Publication number: EP3535789A1
Application number: EP17793962.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wolfgang Fritz; Stefan Kazmaier
Original assignee: ElringKlinger AG
Current assignee: ElringKlinger AG
Priority date: 2016-11-07
Filing date: 2017-11-06
Publication date: 2019-09-11
Also published as: CN109997245A; WO2018083303A1; US20190259996A1; CN109997245B; DE102016121265A1; US20230207950A1; US11588197B2; DE202017006171U1

Abstract

To create a cell contacting system for an electrochemical device comprising a plurality of cell groups, which each comprise one or more electrochemical cells, wherein each electrochemical cell has a first cell terminal and a second cell terminal, wherein the electrochemical cells follow each other along a longitudinal direction, the first cell terminals follow each other along the longitudinal direction in a first cell terminal region of the electrochemical device and the second cell terminals follow each other along the longitudinal direction in a second cell terminal region of the electrochemical device, wherein the cell contacting system comprises at least one cell connector for the electrically conductive connection of cell terminals of a first cell group to cell terminals of a second cell group, which system also reliably permits a relative movement between the cell terminals to be electrically connected to each other even if the distances to the subsequent cell terminals are small, according to the invention at least one cell connector extends obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of cell terminals of the first cell group in the first cell terminal region to cell terminals of the second cell group in the second cell terminal region.

Description

Cell contacting system for an electrochemical device

The present invention relates to a cell contacting system for an electrochemical device comprising a plurality of cell groups each comprising one or more electrochemical cells, each electrochemical cell having a first cell terminal and a second cell terminal, the electrochemical cells following one another along a longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device .

the first cell terminals of the electrochemical cells in a first cell terminal region of the electrochemical device follow one another along the longitudinal direction and

the second cell terminals of the electrochemical cells follow one another in a second cell terminal area of the electrochemical device along the longitudinal direction,

wherein the cell contacting system comprises at least one cell connector for electrically connecting cell terminals of a first cell group to cell terminals of a second cell group, and

wherein the cell connector comprises a first contact region for contacting the cell terminals of the first cell group and a second contact region for contacting the cell terminals of the second cell group.

In known electrochemical devices with Zellkontaktierungs- systems of the aforementioned type prismatic electrochemical cells are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device, that in each cell terminal region cell terminals of positive polarity and cell terminals of negative polarity follow each other alternately in the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device. In order to produce a series connection of these electrochemical cells, two cell terminals of different polarity immediately adjacent to one another are electrically connected to one another by means of a cell connector which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device from one cell terminal to the other cell terminal and at both cell terminals, for example by welding or screw connection, is fixed. - -

It is known in such Zellkontaktierungssystemen to compensate for relative movements between the electrochemical cells, for example, due to differential thermal expansion, to provide the cell connector with a compensating element, for example in the form of a wave.

However, if the space available between the cell terminals to be interconnected is limited, the geometry of such a balance element is subject to strict restrictions, which limits its functionality.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide a cell contacting system of the type mentioned, which reliably enables a relative movement between the cell terminals of the electrochemical device to be electrically connected even if the distances of the successive in the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device Cell terminals are small.

This object is achieved in a Zellkontaktierungssystem with the features of the preamble of claim 1 according to the invention that at least one cell connector of Zellkontaktierungssystems obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device of cell terminals of the first cell group in the first cell terminal area to cell terminals of the second cell group in the second cell terminal area extends.

The present invention is thus based on the concept of interconnecting the cell terminals of the electrochemical cells at least partially not by cell connectors extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device within the same cell terminal region, but by one or more cell connectors extending obliquely to the longitudinal direction from the first Cell terminal area extend over to the second cell terminal area. - -

As a result of this interconnection of the current path in an oblique or diagonal direction within the cell contacting system, the cell terminals of different polarity interconnected by the respective cell connector are spatially far apart so that sufficient space remains between the contact areas of the cell connector to provide compensation or compensation elements on the cell connector, or It is even possible to dispense with such compensating elements altogether, since relative movements between the interconnected electrochemical cells can be accommodated by deformation of the intermediate region of the cell connector between the contact regions of the cell connector.

In particular, it can be provided that the cell connector comprises an intermediate region connecting the first contact region and the second contact region, the longitudinal axis of which is aligned obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device.

Furthermore, it can be provided that such an intermediate region comprises lateral edges, which are aligned obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device.

It is preferably provided that the longitudinal axis and / or one or more lateral edges of the intermediate region enclose an angle of more than 10 ° with the longitudinal axis.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the longitudinal axis and / or one or more lateral edges of the intermediate region enclose an angle of less than 80 ° with the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device.

The longitudinal axis and / or one or more lateral edges of the intermediate region of the cell connector preferably run substantially parallel to a contact plane of the electrochemical device, in which the

Contact surfaces of the cell terminals of the electrochemical device are. - -

The intermediate region can have one or more compensation or compensation elements, for example compensating shafts, but can also be essentially planar without such compensation or compensation elements.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that at least one cell connector extends from cell terminals of the first cell group to cell terminals of a second cell group immediately adjacent to the first cell group.

Alternatively or additionally, provision can be made for at least one cell connector of the cell contacting system to extend from cell terminals of the first cell group to cell terminals of a second cell group not directly adjacent to the first cell group.

In this case, it is preferably provided that the at least one cell connector extends beyond a further cell group of the electrochemical device arranged between the first cell group and the second cell group.

Such a diagonal or oblique interconnection of the cell groups with skipping of one or more cell groups by the cell connector offers the advantage of an improved and in particular more homogeneous temperature distribution within the electrochemical device.

In a particular embodiment of the invention it is provided that the electrochemical cells of the electrochemical device are arranged between two end faces of the electrochemical device, which transversely, preferably substantially perpendicular, to the longitudinal direction of the and the electrochemical device are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device, wherein the cell contacting system has two power terminals of different polarity.

It is favorable for a simple connection of the Zellkontaktierungssystems with an external power source and / or with an external consumer, when the two power terminals on the same end face of the electrochemical device end.

Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that the two power connections terminate at different end faces of the electrochemical device, in particular at opposite end sides of the electrochemical device.

The two power connections of the cell contacting system are preferably both arranged in the same plane, which preferably runs parallel to a contact plane of the electrochemical device in which lie the contact surfaces of the cell terminals of the electrochemical cells of the electrochemical device.

The Zellkontaktierungssystem may comprise a plurality of cell connectors, which - especially when viewed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device and perpendicular to the contact plane of the electrochemical device in which the contact surfaces of the cell terminals lie - do not overlap and in particular do not cross over.

It is preferably provided that all cell connectors of the Zellkontaktierungssystems do not overlap. - -

In particular, it can be provided that in the mounted state of the cell contacting system all cell connectors of the cell contacting system lie in the same plane, which is preferably aligned parallel to the contact plane of the electrochemical device.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the cell contacting system comprises at least two cell connectors, which

- especially when looking perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device and perpendicular to the contact plane of the cell terminals of the electrochemical device, in which the contact surfaces of the cell terminals are - cross over.

In order to reliably avoid electrical contact between the intersecting cell connectors even with a relative movement of the intersecting cell connectors, for example in the case of vibrations or oscillations occurring during operation of the electrochemical device, it can be provided that at least one of at least two intersecting cell connectors electrically insulating insulation element is arranged.

Furthermore, provision can also be made for a current connection of the cell contacting system and at least one cell connector of the cell contacting system to intersect.

The electrochemical cells of the electrochemical device may each be provided with a degassing outlet to allow gases formed during operation of the electrochemical device in the electrochemical cell to escape through the degassing outlet and thus prevent the formation of overpressure in the housing of the electrochemical cell concerned. - -

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least one cell connector in the mounted state of the cell contact system crosses at least one degassing outlet of an electrochemical cell and is provided with a gas guide channel section in the crossing region.

Such a gas guide channel section can be formed, for example, by a recess or bulge provided on the cell connector.

By such a gas guide channel section is an additional

Volume created between the cell connector and the electrochemical cell through which optionally escape from the degassing gas escaping gas.

Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the cell contacting system comprises a carrier element on which a plurality of cell connectors of the cell contact system are arranged, wherein the carrier element in the assembled state of Zellkontaktlerungssystems traverses at least one Entgasungsauslass an electrochemical cell and in the crossing region with a gas guide channel is provided.

Such a gas guide channel may in particular be formed by a recess or recess provided on the carrier element.

The gas guide channel preferably extends in the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device to at least one end side thereof, so that gas escaping from the degassing outlets of the electrochemical cells flows out of the electrochemical device through the gas guide channel of the carrier element via at least one end face of the electrochemical device can. - -

The support member is preferably formed of an electrically insulating material to maintain electrical insulation between the cell connectors of the cell contacting system.

In order to enable relative movements between the cell terminals of the same polarity, which are electrically conductively connected to a cell connector, it can be provided that at least one cell connector has at least one recess in at least one of its contact regions, which comprises two sections of the contact region which are used to contact different cell terminals of the same cell group are provided, separating from each other.

Such a recess may for example have the shape of a gap or slot.

Alternatively or additionally, in order to enable a relative movement between the cell terminals of the same cell group, it can be provided that at least one cell connector has at least one elastically and / or plastically deformable compensation section in at least one of its contact areas, which two sections of the contact area that are in contact with different cell terminals of the same cell group are provided, interconnecting.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least one cell connector of the Zellkontaktierungssystems has been separated from a flat, in particular from a plate-shaped or ribbon-shaped, starting material having a first material portion of a first material for forming at least one contact region of the cell connector and at least one second material portion of a second material for forming a contact region of the cell connector interconnecting intermediate portion of the cell connector comprises. - -

In particular, it can be provided that several cell connectors of the cell contacting system have been separated out of the flat starting material.

Preferably, the cell connectors of the Zellkontaktierungssystems after removal from the starting material, a conductor composite, which is handled as a unit, so that when mounting the Zellkontaktierungssystems to the electrochemical device all cell connectors of Zellkontaktierungssystems simultaneously with the respective associated cell terminals of the electrochemical cells of the electrochemical Device can be brought into contact.

In this case, the cell connectors in the current conductor composite are initially connected to one another in one piece, preferably by connecting elements, in particular in the form of connecting webs.

Preferably, the connectors of the conductor interconnect are separated from the cell connectors and removed from the cell contacting system only after the cell connectors have been mounted on a support member to provide the required electrical insulation between the cell connectors. Subsequent to disconnecting the connectors, the assembly of the support member and the cell connectors disposed thereon are mounted to the cell terminals of the electrochemical device.

Alternatively, it can also be provided that the current conductor composite is introduced into a cutting tool in which the connecting elements are separated from the cell connectors, wherein subsequently the cell connectors by means of a gripping device, for example by means of a multiple gripper, from the separating tool to the cell terminals of the electrochemical device moved and mounted on the same. - -

The first material of the first material section and the second material of the second material section are preferably different from one another.

In particular, it can be provided that the first material contains aluminum as the main component and / or the second material contains copper as the main component.

The main constituent of a material is that element which has the largest proportion by weight in the relevant material.

The first material section and the second material section of the starting material can in particular be connected to one another in a material-locking manner, for example by cold-rolling plating.

Furthermore, in addition to the first material section and the second material section, the planar starting material may comprise a third material section made of a third material for forming at least one further contact region of the cell connectors.

Preferably, the third material of the third material portion is identical to the first material of the first material portion.

The second material section of the sheet-like starting material is preferably arranged between the first material section and the third material section.

By jointly separating out the cell connectors of the cell contacting system (and optionally also the power connections of the cell contacting system) from a planar starting material containing a plurality of material sections of different materials, the production of the cell contacting system and its mounting on the electrochemical device is significantly simplified and accelerated , - -

By using different materials in the sheet-like starting material, the materials for the contact areas on the one hand and for the intermediate areas of the cell connectors can be optimally selected on the other hand, for example a first material with the main component aluminum for simple, preferably unmixed, welding to the cell terminals, and a second Material with the main component copper to achieve the highest possible electrical conductivity in the intermediate region of the cell connectors.

This concept can also be used independently of the diagonal or oblique connection of the cell terminals of the electrochemical device.

The present invention therefore also relates to a cell contacting system according to the preamble of claim 1 which has the additional features of claim 16 and optionally the additional features of claim 17, claim 18 and / or claim 19.

In particular, the cell contacting system of the present invention is suitable for use in combination with an electrochemical device comprising a plurality of cell groups, each comprising one or more electrochemical cells, each electrochemical cell having first and second cell terminals, the electrochemical cells being along a longitudinal direction of the electrochemical cell Follow one another, the first cell terminals of the electrochemical cells in a first cell terminal region of the electrochemical device follow one another along the longitudinal direction and the second cell terminals of the electrochemical cells follow one another in a second cell terminal region of the electrochemical device along the longitudinal direction.

In this case, the first cell terminals of the electrochemical cells may all have the same polarity (negative or positive), or the first cell terminals of the cell groups following one another in the longitudinal direction may have alternating polarities. - -

Similarly, the second cell terminals of the electrochemical cells may all have the same polarity (positive or negative), or the polarities of the second cell terminals of the cell groups consecutive along the longitudinal direction may alternate.

The cell contacting system according to the invention may in particular have the following advantages or features:

In the Zellkontaktierungssystem may be integrated gas passage through which can escape from the electrochemical cells through Entgasungsauslässe escaping gas.

The diagonal or obliquely interconnected cell connectors, which have a larger surface due to their greater length, have better cooling properties. In particular, a better connection of external cooling to the large-area cell connectors is possible.

A decoupling between the same polarity cell terminals of a cell group is possible by recesses and / or compensation elements, which are provided in the contact areas of the cell connectors.

Signals necessary for cell monitoring, for example for voltage and / or temperature monitoring, can all be removed on one end side of the electrochemical device or preferably on the same (parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device extending) longitudinal side of the electrochemical device, wherein in the latter case, the number required components and required operations reduced.

The integration of one or more power connections in the Zellkontaktierungssystem is possible. - -

The cell connectors and possibly also the power connections of the cell contacting system may be made of a flat starting material composed of different materials, for example

a - preferably single-layered - aluminum / copper / aluminum tape are produced.

In a direction perpendicular to a contact plane of the electrochemical device, in which the contact surfaces of the cell terminals lie, extending direction, multiple layers of material can be stacked on each other to produce in this way multilayer cell connectors with the desired current carrying capacity.

The electrochemical device may in particular be designed as an accumulator, for example as a lithium-ion accumulator.

If the electrochemical device is designed as an accumulator, it is suitable, in particular, as a heavy-duty energy source, for example for the propulsion of motor vehicles.

All the above or below mentioned polarities (negative or positive) can also be interchanged.

Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of exemplary embodiments.

In the drawings show:

1 is a perspective view of an electrochemical device comprising a plurality of cell groups arranged between two end walls, each comprising a plurality of, for example three, electrochemical cells, each electrochemical cell - -

Cell having first and second cell terminals, the electrochemical cells following one another along a longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device, wherein the first cell terminals of the electrochemical cells follow one another in a first cell terminal region of the electrochemical device along the longitudinal direction, and wherein the second cell terminals of the electrochemical cells in a second cell terminal region of the electrochemical device follow one another along the longitudinal direction;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the electrochemical device of FIG. 1, with the viewing direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device and perpendicular to a contact plane of the cell terminals;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the electrochemical device of FIGS. 1 and 2 after mounting a first embodiment of a cell contacting system comprising a plurality of cell connectors for electrically connecting cell terminals of a first cell group to cell terminals of a second cell group, the respective cell connector having a first contact area for contacting the cell terminals of the first cell group and a second contact area for Contacting the cell terminals of the second cell group, and wherein the respective cell connector extends obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device from cell terminals of the first cell group in the first cell terminal region to cell terminals of the second cell group in the second cell terminal region;

Fig. 4 is a view corresponding to Fig. 3 of the electrochemical device and the cell contacting system, wherein the cell connectors and power connectors of the Zellkontaktierungssystems - are shown transparently to indicate the polarity of the cell terminal contacted by the cell contacting system of the electrochemical device; a plan view of a plate or band-shaped

The starting material from which the cell connectors and power connectors of Zellkontaktierungssystems be removed from FIGS. 3 and 4, wherein the starting material, a first material portion of a first material (for example aluminum) to form a first contact region of the cell connector, a second material portion of a second

Material (for example copper) for forming an intermediate region of the cell connectors interconnecting the contact regions of the cell connectors and a third material section, preferably of the first material (for example aluminum), for forming a second contact region of the cell connectors; the common separation from the plate or ribbon-shaped starting material of FIG. 5 manufactured Zellkontaktierungssystem;

7 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the

A cell contacting system in which a plurality of cell connectors of the cell contacting system in the assembled state of the cell contacting system each traverse at least one Entgasungsaus- let the electrochemical device and are provided in this crossing region with a gas guide channel section;

8 shows a cross section through the Zellkontaktierungssystem of FIG. 7, taken along the line 8 - 8 in Fig. 7; A top view of a third embodiment of the cell contacting system in which the Zellkontaktierungssystem comprises a support member to which a plurality of cell connectors and / or power terminals of Zellkontaktierungssystems are arranged, wherein the support member in the mounted state of Zellkontaktierungssystems traverses Entgasungsauslässe of electrochemical cells of the electrochemical device and in this crossing region is provided with a gas guide channel;

10 shows a cross section through the Zellkontaktierungssystem of FIG. 9, taken along the line 10 - 10 in Fig. 9; a fourth embodiment of the Zellkontaktierungssystems, wherein the cell connectors each have a plurality of recesses in their contact areas, which each separate two portions of the respective contact area, which are provided for contacting different cell terminals of the same cell group, from each other;

12 is a plan view of a fifth embodiment of the

Zellkontaktierungssystems, wherein the cell connectors each have a plurality of elastically and / or plastically deformable compensation sections in their contact areas, which each connect two portions of the respective contact area, which are provided for contacting different cell terminals of the same cell group together;

13 shows a longitudinal section through the Zellkontaktierungssystem of FIG.

12, along the line 13-13 in FIG. 12; - A perspective view of a second embodiment of an electrochemical device comprising a plurality of cell groups, each comprising a plurality, for example, three, electrochemical cells, each electrochemical cell having a first and a second cell terminal, the electrochemical cells along a longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device are consecutive, the first cell terminals of the electrochemical cells in a first cell terminal region of the electrochemical device follow one another along the longitudinal direction and the second cell terminals of the electrochemical cell follow one another in a second cell terminal region of the electrochemical device along the longitudinal direction, all first cell terminals of the electrochemical cells being the same ( For example, negative) polarity and all second cell terminals of the electrochemical cells also have the same polarity (for example, the positive Polari it); a plan view of the electrochemical device of FIG. 14, viewed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electrochemical device and perpendicular to a contact plane of the cell terminals;

16 is a plan view of a sixth embodiment of the cell contacting system in which the cell connectors of the cell contacting system cross each other;

Fig. 17 is a view corresponding to FIG. 16 of the electrochemical

Apparatus and the cell contacting system, wherein the cell connectors and the power terminals of the Zellkontaktierungssystems are shown transparently to detect the polarity of the contacted with the cell connectors or power terminals cell terminals; FIG. 2 is a plan view of the cell contacting system of FIGS. 16 and 17, without the electrochemical device; a cross section through the Zellkontaktierungssystem of FIG. 18, along the line 19-19 in FIG. 18; a plan view of a seventh embodiment of the

Cell contacting system in which crossing cell connectors are electrically separated from each other by an insulating member; a cross section through the Zellkontaktierungssystem of FIG. 20, along the line 21 - 21 in FIG. 20; a plan view of the electrochemical device of FIGS. 14 and 15 and an eighth embodiment of the cell contacting system comprising a power connector extending from one end of the electrochemical device across the cell connectors of the cell contacting system to the other end of the electrochemical device; a view corresponding to Figure 22 of the electrochemical device and the Zellkontaktierungssystems, wherein the cell connectors and power connectors of Zellkontaktierungssystems are shown transparently to detect the polarity of the contacted with the cell connectors or the power terminals cell terminals; a plan view of the electrochemical device of FIGS. FIGS. 14 and 15 and a ninth embodiment of the cell contacting system in which the cell connectors and power terminals of the cell contacting system do not cross each other and the cell contacting system - - both power terminals of the electrochemical device terminate at different end faces of the electrochemical device;

Fig. 25 is a view corresponding to Fig. 24 of the electrochemical

Device and the Zellkontaktierungssystems, wherein the cell connectors and power connectors of the Zellkontaktierungssystems are shown transparently to detect the polarity of the contacted with the cell connectors or the power terminals cell terminals;

26 shows a plan view of a tenth embodiment of the cell contacting system, in which the cell connectors each have a plurality of elastically and / or plastically deformable compensation sections in their contact areas, which each connect two sections of the respective contact area which are provided for contacting different cell terminals of the same cell group and in which the cell connectors in their intermediate region, which connects the two contact regions of the respective cell connector to each other, each have an elastically and / or plastically deformable compensation section, which a relative movement between a portion of the first contact region of the cell connector, a first cell terminal in the first Cell terminal area of the electrochemical device is assigned, and a portion of the second contact area of the cell connector, the second cell terminal in the second cell terminal area of the associated with electrochemical device allows; and

FIG. 27 shows a longitudinal section through the cell contacting system from FIG.

26, along the line 27 - 27 in FIG. 26th - -

Identical or functionally equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals in all figures.

One in FIGS. 1 and 2, designated as a whole by 100, comprises a plurality of cell groups 102, which in the exemplary embodiment illustrated are six, each of which comprises a plurality of electrochemical cells 104, each in the illustrated embodiment.

Each of the electrochemical cells 104 has a prismatic, in particular substantially parallelepiped, housing 106, the housing 106 each having two opposite broad side surfaces 108, two opposing long narrow side surfaces 110 and two opposing short narrow side surfaces 112.

The electrochemical cells 104 of the electrochemical device 100, for example a battery module, follow one another in a longitudinal direction 114 of the electrochemical device 100, wherein two electrochemical cells 104 succeeding one another in the longitudinal direction 114 each have a substantially planar and preferably substantially one of their broad side surfaces 108 congruent to each other.

The cohesion of the electrochemical cells 104 of the electrochemical device 100 is generated by two end plates 116 whose major surfaces are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 114 and parallel to each other and which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction 114, wherein the electrochemical cells 104 of the electrochemical device 100 between the two end plates 116 are arranged.

The two end plates 116 are preferably by a plurality, for example two, tension members 118, for example in the form of tie rods, tension plates or drawstrings, which are fixed to both end plates 116, - - clamped against each other, so that the end plates 116 exert a parallel to the longitudinal direction 114 directed contact pressure on the electrochemical cells 104 of the electrochemical device 100.

Each of the electrochemical cells 104 has a first cell terminal 120 and a second cell terminal 122, wherein the first cell terminal 120 and the second cell terminal 122 have different polarity (negative or positive).

The first cell terminal 120 and the second cell terminal 122 both protrude over the same long narrow side surface 110 of the respective electrochemical cell 104 from the housing 106 of the respective electrochemical cell 104, hereinafter referred to as the terminal side surface 124 of the electrochemical cell 104.

The terminal side surfaces 124 of all electrochemical cells 104 of the electrochemical device 100 are arranged parallel to each other and substantially flush with each other on the same side of the electrochemical device 100, so that the first cell terminals 120 of all electrochemical cells 104 of the electrochemical device 100 in a first cell terminal region 126 of electrochemical device 100 follow one another along the longitudinal direction 114, and the second cell terminals 122 of all the electrochemical cells 104 of the electrochemical device 100 in a second cell terminal region 128 of the electrochemical device 100 follow one another along the longitudinal direction 114.

In the Figs. 1 and 2, the first cell terminal area 126 and the second cell terminal area 128 are respectively marked by broken line bounded rectangles. - -

Each of the electrochemical cells 104 further includes a respective degassing outlet 130 having a degassing valve 132 disposed on the terminal side surface 124 between the first cell terminal 120 and the second cell terminal 122.

The degassing outlets 130 of all the electrochemical cells 104 of the electrochemical device 100 in a degassing region 134 of the electrochemical device 100 preferably follow one another along the longitudinal direction 114 of the electrochemical device 100.

The degassing region 134 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 also marked as a rectangle bounded by broken lines.

The first cell terminals 120 and the second cell terminals 122 of the electrochemical cells 104 of the electrochemical device 100 preferably project about the same height above the terminal side surfaces 124 such that the substantially planar contact surfaces 136 at which the cell terminals 120, 122 terminate, all in the Substantially lie in the same plane, which is hereinafter referred to as the contact plane 138 of the electrochemical device 100.

In order to be able to electrically connect the cell groups 102 of the electrochemical device 100 in series and to be able to connect the electrochemical cells 104 to an external power source or to an external consumer, the electrochemical device 100 is provided with a device shown in FIG. 3 and 4 cell contacting system 140 shown, which comprises a plurality of, in the illustrated embodiment, five cell connectors 142 for electrically connecting cell terminals each having a first cell group 102a with cell terminals of a second cell group 102b. - -

Furthermore, the cell contacting system 140 comprises two power connections 144 which are respectively connected to cell terminals of a cell group 102c located at the beginning of the series connection or to cell terminals of a cell group 102d located at the end of the series connection and whose free ends 146 are led beyond an end plate 116 of the electrochemical device 100 to be contacted in the exterior of the electrochemical device 100 by a respective electrical conductor (not shown).

In the embodiment of the electrochemical device 100 and the cell contacting system 140 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the two power connections 144 are arranged on the same front side of the electrochemical device 100.

The cell connectors 142 of the cell contacting system 140 each include a first contact region 148 for contacting the cell terminals of the first cell group 102a and a second contact region 150 for

Contacting the cell terminals of the second cell group 102b.

Furthermore, each of the cell connectors 142 includes a first contact region 148 and the second contact region 150 interconnecting

Intermediate area 152.

In the case of several, for example four, cell connectors 142 'of the cell contacting system 140 of FIGS. 3 and 4, a longitudinal axis 153 of the intermediate region 152 extends obliquely to the longitudinal direction 114 of the electrochemical device 100, so that the relevant cell connector 142' is oblique to the longitudinal direction 114 from cell terminals of the first cell group 102a in the first cell terminal area 126 to cell terminals of the second cell group 102b in the second cell terminal area 128. - -

On the other hand, in one of the cell connectors 142, which will be referred to as cell connector 142 ", the longitudinal axis 153 'of the intermediate region 152' extends parallel to the longitudinal direction 114 of the electrochemical device 100, so that this cell connector 142" is parallel to the longitudinal direction 114 of FIG Cell terminals of the first cell group 102a 'in the first cell terminal region 126 to cell terminals of the second cell group 102b ", which are also arranged in the first cell terminal region 126 extends.

As best of Fig. 4, in which the cell connectors 142 and power connections 144 of the cell contacting system 140 are shown transparently to reveal the polarity of the underlying cell terminals 120, 122 of the electrochemical cells 104, the cell connectors 142 'extend obliquely to the longitudinal direction 114 extend from the first cell terminal area 126 to the second cell terminal area 128, from cell terminals of the first cell group 102a to cell terminals of a second cell group 102b not immediately adjacent to the first cell group 102a, wherein the respective cell connector 142 'overlies one between the first cell group 102a and the first cell group 102a second cell group 102e of the electrochemical device 100 extends across second cell group 102b.

As best seen in FIG. 4, the electrochemical cells 104 are arranged in the electrochemical device 100 such that the first cell terminals 120 disposed in the first cell terminal region 126 have alternating polarities of cell groups 102 following one another in the longitudinal direction 114 of the electrochemical device 100 ,

Thus, the first cell terminals 120 of FIG. 4 leftmost cell group 102 ¹ is a negative polarity to the first cell terminal 120 in the longitudinal direction 114 subsequent second cell group 102 ² a positive polarity, the first cell terminal 120 in the longitudinal direction 114 subsequent third cell group 102 ³ a negative polarity, the first cell terminals 120 of the fourth cell group following in the longitudinal direction 114 - -

102 ⁴ a positive polarity, the first cell terminal 120 in the longitudinal direction 114 the following fifth group of cells 102 ⁵ a negative polarity, and the first cell terminal 120 in the longitudinal direction 114 following the sixth cell group 102 ⁶ a positive polarity.

Consequently, the second cell terminals 122 arranged in the second cell terminal area 128 of the electrochemical device 100 also have alternating polarities of the cell groups 102 which follow each other in the longitudinal direction 114.

Thus, the second cell terminals 122 of the first cell group 102 ^{1 have} a positive polarity, the second cell terminals 122 of the second cell group 102 ² a negative polarity, the second cell terminals 122 of the third cell group 102 ³ a positive polarity, the second cell terminals 122 of the fourth cell group 102 ⁴ a negative polarity, the second cell terminals 122 of the fifth cell group 102 ⁵ a positive polarity and the second cell terminals 122 of the sixth cell group 102 ⁶ a negative polarity.

By means of the cell contacting system 140 described above, the cell terminals 120, 122 of the six cell groups 102, which in each case comprise three electrochemical cells 104, are connected in series with one another in the illustrated embodiment.

Such a series connection is also referred to as msnp circuit for short, where m denotes the number of cell groups connected in series in series 102 and n the number of electrochemical units per cell group 102.

In the in Figs. 1 to 6 illustrated embodiment is thus a 6s3p circuit. - -

In this series connection, the negative power terminal 144a is connected to the negative second cell terminals 122 of the second cell group 102 ² .

The second cell connector 142 ² connects the positive first cell terminals 120 of the second cell group 102 ² to the negative second cell terminals 122 of the fourth cell group 102 ⁴ .

The fourth cell connector 142 ⁴ connects the positive first cell terminals 120 of the fourth cell group 102 ⁴ to the negative second cell terminals 122 of the sixth cell group 102 ⁶ .

The fifth cell connector 142 ⁵ connects the positive first cell terminals 120 of the sixth cell group 102 ⁶ to the negative first cell terminals 120 of the fifth cell group 102 ⁵ .

The third cell connector 142 ³ connects the positive second cell terminals 122 of the fifth cell group 102 ⁵ to the negative first cell terminals 120 of the third cell group 102 ³ .

The first cell connector 142 ¹ connects the positive second cell terminals 122 of the third cell group 102 ³ to the negative first cell terminals 120 of the first cell group 102 ¹ .

The positive second cell terminals 122 of the first cell group 102 ¹ are connected to the positive power terminal 144b of the cell contacting system 140.

Since cell connectors 142 and power connections 144 of cell contacting system 140 of FIGS. 3 and 4 do not overlap one another (seen in a viewing direction 154 perpendicular to the contact plane 138) and all are arranged in the same plane aligned parallel to the contact plane 138 of the electrochemical device 100, the cell connectors can - -

142 and the power terminals 144 of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 in the form of a conductor composite of a sheet-like starting material, preferably from a metallic starting material, in particular from a sheet material, separated out, for example, punched or cut, are.

A suitable starting material is shown in FIG. 5 and is preferably formed as a plate-shaped or strip-shaped hybrid material which comprises a first material section 156 of a first material for forming the first contact regions 148 of the cell connectors 142 'running obliquely to the longitudinal direction 114 and the two contact regions 148 and 150 of the cell connector 142 ", a second material portion 158 of a second material to form the intermediate portions 152 connecting the two contact portions 148 and 150 of the cell connectors 142 'and a third material portion 160 of a third material to form the second contact portions 150 of the cell connectors 142 'includes.

In this case, the first material section 156, the second material section 158 and the third material section 160 are preferably designed as material strips extending in the later longitudinal direction 114 of the cell contacting system 140.

The second material portion 158 of the second material is preferably disposed between the first material portion 156 of the first material and the third material portion 160 of the third material.

The first material of the first material section 156 and the third material of the third material section 160 are preferably identical to each other.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the first material contains aluminum as the main component and / or the second material contains copper as the main component. - -

In this case, the main component of a material is that element whose weight fraction is the largest in the material in question.

The first material section 156 and the second material section 158 of the starting material 155 are preferably connected to one another in a material-locking manner, for example by cold-roll cladding.

Likewise, the third material section 160 and the second material section 158 of the starting material 155 are preferably connected to one another in a material-locking manner, for example by cold-roll cladding.

FIG. 6 shows how the cell connectors 142 and power terminals 144 in the same relative positions that these elements occupy in the cell contacting system 140 mounted on the electrochemical device 100 are separated from the hybrid source material 155.

In these relative positions, the cell connectors 142 and power terminals 144 are first held by connecting members (not shown), particularly in the form of connecting bars, which integrally connect the cell connectors 142 and the power terminals 144 and are cut out together with them from the starting material 155.

Preferably, after arranging the cell connectors 142 and the power connectors 144 on a support member (not shown), the connectors are severed from the cell connectors 142 and the power connectors 144, such as by punching, and removed from the cell contacting system 140 to provide the required electrical isolation between the cell connectors 142 and power connections 144 produce.

Thereafter, the electrical conductor assembly shown in FIG. 6 is placed on the cell terminals 120, 122 of the electrochemical cells 104 during assembly of the electrochemical device 100. - -

Alternatively, it can also be provided that the current conductor composite is introduced after separation from the starting material 155 in a (not shown) cutting tool in which the connecting elements of the cell connectors 142 and the power terminals 144 are separated, for example by punching, then the cell connectors 142 and the power connections 144 are moved by means of a gripping device (not shown), for example by means of a multiple gripper, from the separating tool to the cell terminals 120, 122 of the electrochemical device 100.

Subsequently, in both cases, the cell connectors 142 and power connections 144 are electrically conductively contacted with the respective associated cell terminals 120, 122 of the electrochemical cells 104, preferably by material connection, in particular by welding, for example by laser welding, ultrasonic welding or friction stir welding.

This completes the assembly of the cell contacting system 140 to the electrochemical device 100.

One in FIGS. 7 and 8 differs from the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6 in that the cell connectors 142 'and at least one of the power connections 144 the degassing region 134 of the electrochemical device 100 and preferably at least one respective Gas outlet 130 of an electrochemical cell 104 cross and are provided in this crossing region, each with a gas guide channel section 162.

Each gas guide channel section 162 may be formed by a recess or bulge 164, by which the distance of the respective cell connector 142 or power connector 144 of the - -

Terminal side surface 124 of each traversed electrochemical cell 104 in the region of the gas guide channel section 162 increases, so that an additional volume is created, through which optionally from the degassing valves 132 escaping gas can flow.

The aligned gas guide channel sections 162 of the cell connectors 142 'and the power connections 144 together form a gas guide channel 166 extending along the longitudinal direction 114, which extends to at least one end side of the electrochemical device 100, so that possibly escaping from the degassing valves 132 Gas can flow out of the electrochemical device 100 over the relevant end face.

However, due to the need for electrical isolation spaces between adjacent cell connectors 142 and power terminals 144, this gas guide channel 166 is not completely closed, but has gaps through which gas between two cell connectors 142, between two power terminals 144 or between a cell connector 142 and a power connection 144 can escape from the gas guide channel 166.

Incidentally, the in Figs. 7 and 8 illustrated second embodiment of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 in terms of structure, function and method of manufacture with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, to the above description, reference is made.

One in FIGS. The third embodiment of the cell contacting system 140 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 differs from the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 in that the cell contacting system 140 comprises a carrier element 168, for example in the form of a carrier plate 170, to which the cell connectors 142 and Power terminals 144 of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 are arranged. - -

In this case, the cell connectors 142 and / or the power connections 144 may be fixed to the carrier element 168, for example by press-fitting, by latching, by caulking, by adhesive bonding or in another way by material connection, positive connection or frictional connection, in order to form a carrier element 168 together with the carrier element 168 Unit to be handled.

The support member 168 is formed from an electrically insulating material to maintain electrical insulation between the cell connectors 142 and the power terminals 144 of the cell contacting system 140.

The carrier element 168 preferably comprises an electrically non-conductive plastic material, for example PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PP (polypropylene), PA (polyamide), ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) and / or LCP ("Liquid Cristal Polymer"), and is preferably essentially completely formed from such a plastic material.

A particularly suitable material for the support element 168 is a talc-reinforced polypropylene material (for example, the material designated PP TV20). This material has by the talcum reinforcement on a particularly high dimensional stability.

As can be seen from FIGS. 9 and 10, a gas guide channel 166 is preferably formed on the carrier element 168, which extends in particular in the longitudinal direction 114 up to at least one end side of the electrochemical device 100, particularly preferably up to both end sides of the electrochemical device Device 100 extends.

The gas guide channel 166 may be formed, for example, as a recess or as a bulge 172 in the support member 168. - -

The gas guide channel 166 formed on the carrier element 168 preferably traverses all degassing outlets 130 of the electrochemical cells 104 of the electrochemical device 100 so that escaping gas from the degassing valves 132 passes through the gas guide channel 166 of the carrier element 168 via at least one end side of the electrochemical device 100 can flow out of the electrochemical device 100.

In this case, the formed on the support member 168 extends

Gas guide channel 166 without interruption between its two adjacent the end faces of the electrochemical device 100 ends, so that no gas between the ends of the gas guide channel 166 can escape from the same.

The cell connectors 142 and power connections 144 of the Zellkontaktierungss 140 are provided in their adjacent to the gas guide channel 166 of the support member 168 areas, each with a matched to the cross section of the gas guide channel 166 recess or bulge 164 to the respective cell connector 142 and to be able to place the relevant power connection 144 on the carrier element 168.

Incidentally, the in Figs. 9 and 10 illustrated third embodiment of the Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 in terms of structure, function and method of manufacture with the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, to the above description of which reference is made.

A fourth embodiment of the cell contacting system 140 shown in FIG. 11 differs from that shown in FIGS. 3-6 illustrated in the first embodiment in that the cell connectors 142 and power terminals 144 of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 in their contact areas 148, 150th - - Each have one or more recesses 174, which in particular may each have the shape of a gap or slot 176 and each two sections 178 of the respective contact area 148, 150, which are provided for contacting different cell terminals 120, 122 of the same cell group 102, separate from each other ,

As a result, these sections 178 of the contact regions 148, 150 are mechanically decoupled from one another, such that movement of these sections 178 of the contact regions 148, 150, which are assigned to different electrochemical cells 104, relative to one another during operation of the electrochemical device 100 and / or tolerance compensation in the case of Assembly of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 is made possible.

Incidentally, the in Fig. 11 illustrated fourth embodiment of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 in terms of structure, function and method of manufacture with the in Figs. 1 to 6 illustrated first embodiment, the above description of which reference is made.

One in FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrated fifth embodiment of the Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 differs from that shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 in that the cell connectors 142 and power connections 144 each have a plurality of elastically and / or plastically deformable compensation sections 180 in their contact areas 148, 150, each of these compensation sections 180 each having two sections 178 of the respective contact area 148, 150 to the

Contact various cell terminals 120, 122 of the same cell group 102 are provided interconnects.

For this purpose, the compensation section 180 may in particular comprise one or more compensation waves 182 extending transversely, preferably substantially perpendicular, to the longitudinal direction 114 of the electrochemical device 100. - -

Alternatively or additionally, each compensation section 180 may have a cross-section, taken along the longitudinal direction 114, which contains at least one U-shape, S-shape, Ω-shape and / or meandering shape.

By means of such a compensating section 180, a relative movement of the two sections 178 of a contact region 148, 150 connected to one another by the respective compensating section 180 is made possible during operation of the electrochemical device 100 and / or for tolerance compensation during assembly of the cell contacting system 140.

In this embodiment of the cell contacting system 140, preferably only one of the portions 178 of a contact region 148, 150 associated with one of the cell terminals 120, 122 to be contacted is connected to the intermediate region 152 of the respective cell connector 142, the intermediate region 152 being correspondingly narrower than In the first embodiment of the cell contacting system 140 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, it is achieved that a movement of the other sections 178 of the respective contact region 148, 150, which are not directly connected to the intermediate region 152, relative to the one section 178 which is directly connected to the intermediate area 152 is not obstructed.

Incidentally, the fifth embodiment of the cell contacting system 140 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is the same in structure, function and manufacturing manner as the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the above description of which is incorporated herein by reference.

One in FIGS. 14 and 15, the second embodiment of the electrochemical device 100 differs from that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrated first embodiment in that the polarities of the im The first cell terminal region 126 of the electrochemical device 100 does not alternate with the first cell terminal 120 of the electrochemical cell 104 but all coincide with each other.

In particular, therefore, all the first cell terminals 120 of the cell groups 102 may, for example, have a negative polarity.

Consequently, in this embodiment of the electrochemical device 100, all the second cell terminals 122 of the electrochemical cells 104 arranged in the second cell terminal area 128 of the electrochemical device 100 also have the same polarity.

In particular, the second cell terminals 122 of the cell groups 102 may therefore have, for example, a positive polarity.

Incidentally, the embodiment of the electrochemical device 100 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 is the same in structure, function and manufacturing manner as the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the above description of which is incorporated herein by reference.

One in FIGS. 16 to 19 illustrated sixth embodiment of Zellkon- baktierungssystems 140 serves to contact the cell terminals 120, 122 of the electrochemical cells 104 in a series circuit in the in Figs. 14 and 15 show the second embodiment of the electrochemical device.

As best of Fig. 17, in which the cell connectors 142 and the power terminals 144 of the cell contacting system 140 are shown transparently to reveal the polarities of each of the cell terminals 120, 122 disposed thereunder, in the embodiment shown here, a 6s3p circuit of the six cell groups 102 becomes each made of three electrochemical cells 104 as follows: - -

The negative power terminal 144a is connected to the negative first cell terminals 120 of the second cell group 102 ² . The positive second cell terminals 122 of the second cell group 102 ² are connected by means of the first cell connector 142 ¹ to the negative first cell terminals 120 of the fourth cell group 102 ⁴ . The second cell connector 142 ² connects the positive second cell terminals 122 of the fourth cell group 102 ⁴ to the negative first cell terminals 120 of the sixth cell group 102 ⁶ . The third cell connector 142 ³ connects the positive second cell terminals 122 of the sixth cell group 102 ⁶ to the negative first cell terminals 120 of the fifth cell group 102 ⁵ . The fourth cell connector 142 ⁴ connects the positive second cell terminals 122 of the fifth cell group 102 ⁵ to the negative first cell terminals 120 of the third cell group 102 ³ . The fifth cell connector 142 ⁵ connects the positive second cell terminals 122 of the third cell group 102 ³ to the negative first cell terminals 120 of the first cell group 102 ¹ . The positive power terminal 144b is connected to the positive second cell terminals 122 of the first cell group 102 ¹ .

Thus, in this embodiment of the cell contacting system 140, the cell connector 142 ³ extends from cell terminals of the sixth cell group 102 ⁶ obliquely to the longitudinal direction 114 of the electrochemical device 100 to cell terminals of the fifth cell group 102 ⁵ immediately adjacent to the sixth cell group 102 ⁶ .

Furthermore, this embodiment of the cell contacting system 140 comprises a plurality of cell connectors 142 which, as viewed along a viewing direction 154 oriented perpendicular to the contact plane 138 of the electrochemical device 100, cross each other.

Thus, the first cell connector 142 ¹ intersects with the fourth cell connector 142 ⁴ and with the fifth cell connector 142 ⁵ . The second cell connector 142 ² intersects with the third cell connector 142 ³ and with the fourth - -

Cell connector 142 ⁴ . The third cell connector 142 ³ intersects with the second cell connector 142 ² . The fourth cell connector 142 ⁴ intersects with the first cell connector 142 ¹ and with the second cell connector 142 ² . The fifth cell connector 142 ⁵ intersects with the first cell connector 142 ¹ and with the negative power connector 144 a.

Because of these crossings, the intermediate regions 152 of the intersecting cell connectors 142 and power connections 144 must run at different height levels, that is, at different distances from the contact plane 138 of the electrochemical device 100, as shown in FIG. 19, in which the intermediate region 152 of the second cell connector 142 ² extends at a greater distance from the contact plane 138 than the third cell connector 142 ³ and the fourth cell connector 142 ⁴ .

The need of different distances from the contact plane 138 of the electrochemical device 100 can be generated in particular by the cell connectors 142 or power connectors 144, which must extend in sections at a greater distance from the contact plane 138, with - preferably substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction 114 of the electrochemical device 100 extending - beads or offsets 184 are provided.

Incidentally, the sixth embodiment of the cell contacting system 140 shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 is the same in construction, function and manufacturing manner as the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, to the above description of which reference is made.

However, the sixth embodiment of the cell contacting system 140 can not be cut out of a sheet starting material due to the crossovers between the cell connectors 142 and the power terminals 144. - -

A seventh embodiment of the cell contacting system 140 shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 differs from that shown in FIGS. 16 to 19 illustrated sixth embodiment in that between the intersecting cell connectors 142 and power terminals 144, an electrically insulating insulating member 186, preferably in the form of a substantially flat insulation plate 188, is arranged.

This prevents it from being affected by relative movements between the intersecting cell connectors 142 and / or power connections 144 during operation of the electrochemical device 100, for example due to vibrations or shocks acting on a motor vehicle in which the electrochemical device 100 is disposed Short circuit between the intersecting elements of Zellkontaktlerungssystems 140 comes.

The insulating element 186 may, for example, comprise an electrically non-conductive plastic material and, in particular, may be formed substantially entirely from such an electrically non-conductive plastic material.

Incidentally, the seventh embodiment of the cell contacting system 140 shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 is the same in structure, function and method of manufacture as shown in FIGS. 16 to 19 illustrated sixth embodiment, the above description of which reference is made.

One in FIGS. The eighth embodiment of the cell contact system 140 illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23 also serves to establish a series connection of the cell groups 102 of the cell groups shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrated second embodiment of the electrochemical device 100th - -

This eighth embodiment of the cell contacting system 140 differs from that shown in FIGS. 16 through 19, in that the cell connectors 142 of the cell contacting system 140 do not overlap one another, but only one of the power connectors 144 crosses the cell connectors 142 to cause both power connectors 144a, 144b to be disposed on the same face of the electrochemical device 100.

As best of Fig. 23, in which the cell connectors 142 and the power connections 144 of the cell contacting system 140 are shown transparently to reveal the polarity of the underlying cell terminals 120, 122 of the electrochemical cells 104, in this embodiment, the cell contacting system 140 becomes a

6s3p series connection of the six cell groups 102, each made up of three electrochemical cells 104, as follows:

The negative power terminal 144a is connected to the negative first cell terminals 120 of the sixth cell group 102 ⁶ . The fifth cell connector 142 ⁵ connects the positive second cell terminals 122 of the sixth cell group 102 ⁶ to the negative first cell terminals 120 of the fifth cell group 102 ⁵ . The fourth cell connector 142 ⁴ connects the positive second cell terminals 122 of the fifth cell group 102 ⁵ to the negative first cell terminals 120 of the fourth cell group 102 ⁴ . The third cell connector 142 ³ connects the positive second cell terminals 122 of the fourth cell group 102 ⁴ to the negative first cell terminals 120 of the third cell group 102 ³ . The second cell connector 142 ² connects the positive second cell terminals 122 of the third cell group 102 ³ to the negative first cell terminals 120 of the second cell group 102 ² . The first cell connector 142 ¹ connects the positive second cell terminals 122 of the second cell group 102 ² to the negative first cell terminals of the first cell group 102 ¹ . The positive power terminal 144b is connected to the positive second cell terminals 122 of the first cell group 102 ¹ . - -

In this embodiment of the cell contacting system 140, one of the power connections 144, for example the negative power connection 144a, comprises a crossing section 190, which preferably extends in the longitudinal direction 114 of the electrochemical device 100 at a greater distance from the contact plane 138 of the electrochemical device 100, obliquely to the longitudinal direction 114 extending cell connector 142 across.

Alternatively, it could also be provided that the crossing section 190 of the power connection 144a extends at a smaller distance from the contact plane 138 below the cell connectors 142.

The greater distance of the crossing section 190 from the contact plane 138 is achieved, for example, by providing the power connection 144a with a beading or bend 184, preferably running essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction 114.

In order to achieve that the crossing section 190 of the power connection 144a runs at a smaller distance from the contact plane 138 than the intermediate regions 152 of the cell connectors 142, it could be provided that the spacing of the intermediate regions 152 from the contact plane 138 passes through, preferably substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction 114 the electrochemical device 100 extending, beads or offsets is increased.

In this embodiment of the cell contacting system 140, all cell connectors 142 each extend from the cell terminals 120, 122 of a cell group 102 to cell terminals 122, 120 of another cell group immediately adjacent to this cell group 102. - -

Incidentally, the in Figs. 22 and 23 illustrated eighth embodiment of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140 in terms of structure, function and method of manufacture with the in Figs. 16 to 19 illustrated sixth embodiment, the above description of which reference is made.

One in FIGS. Ninth embodiment of the cell contacting system 140 illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25 differs from the eighth embodiment shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 in that the power connection 144 a does not cross over with the cell connectors 142 of the cell contacting system 140 but instead at one of the end sides of the electrochemical device 100. at which the other power terminal 144b terminates, opposite end face of the electrochemical device 100 ends.

In this embodiment, since no cell connector 142 and no power connector 144 overlap another member of the cell contacting system 140, it is possible to separate this cell contacting system 140 from a sheet stock 155 in the form of a conductor interconnect of cell connectors 142 and power connectors 144 (interconnecting members) as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 in connection with the first embodiment of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140.

For this, however, current conductors for connecting the electrochemical device 100 to an external power source or to an external load from two opposite sides must be brought to the electrochemical device 100.

Incidentally, the ninth embodiment of the cell contacting system 140 shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 is the same in construction, function and method of manufacture as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the above description of which is hereby incorporated by reference. - -

A tenth embodiment of the cell contacting system 140 shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 differs from that shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrated in that the cell connectors 142 not only in their contact areas 148, 150 each have a plurality of elastically and / or plastically deformable compensation sections 180 which a relative movement between each two sections 178 of the respective contact portion 148, 150, for contacting different cell terminals 120, 122 of the same cell group 102 are provided allow, but in addition in the intermediate regions 152 of the cell connector 142 'is provided in each case a compensation section 180', which allows a relative movement between the first contact area 148 and the second contact area 150 of the respective cell connector 142 ' ,

For this purpose, the compensation section 180 'may in particular comprise one or more compensation shafts 182' extending transversely, preferably substantially perpendicular, to the longitudinal direction 114 of the electrochemical device 100.

Alternatively or additionally, each compensation section 180 'may have a cross-section, taken along the longitudinal direction 114, which contains at least one U-shape, S-shape, Ω-shape and / or meandering shape.

By means of such a compensating section 180 ', it is possible to move the first contact region 148 and the second contact region 150 of the respective cell connector 142' in operation of the electrochemical device 100 and / or for tolerance compensation during assembly of the cell contacting system 140 relative to one another. - -

In this embodiment of the Zellkontaktierungssystems 140, the intermediate portions 152 of the cell connectors 142 'may be formed as wide as in the in Figs. 1-6 illustrated first embodiment of Zellkontaktierungssystems 140th

The compensation sections 180, which each connect two sections 178 of a contact region 148, 150, which are provided for contacting different cell terminals 120, 122 of the same cell group 102, preferably extend from a lateral edge 192 of the respective associated contact region 148, 150 preferably in the

Extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction 114, up to a lateral edge 194 of the intermediate region 152, which preferably extends obliquely to the longitudinal direction 114.

Incidentally, the tenth embodiment of the cell contacting system 140 shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 is the same in construction, function and manufacturing manner as the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the above description of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

claims

A cell contacting system for an electrochemical device (100) comprising a plurality of cell groups (102) each comprising one or more electrochemical cells (104),

each electrochemical cell (104) having a first cell terminal (120) and a second cell terminal (122),

wherein the electrochemical cells (104) follow one another along a longitudinal direction (114) of the electrochemical device (100), the first cell terminals (120) of the electrochemical cells (104) in a first cell terminal region (126) of the electrochemical device (100) along the longitudinal direction (114) follow one another and the second cell terminals (122) of the electrochemical cells (104) follow one another in a second cell terminal region (128) of the electrochemical device (100) along the longitudinal direction (114), wherein the cell contacting system (140) comprises at least one cell connector (140). 142) for electrically connecting cell terminals of a first cell group (102a) to cell terminals of a second cell group (102b), and

wherein the cell connector (142) comprises a first contact region (148) for contacting the cell terminals of the first cell group (102a) and a second contact region (150) for contacting the cell terminals of the second cell group (102b), characterized in that at least one cell connector (142) extending obliquely to the longitudinal direction (114) of cell terminals (120) of the first cell group (102a) in the first cell terminal region (126) to cell terminals (122) of the second cell group (102b) in the second cell terminal region (128).

2. Zellkontaktierungssystem according to claim 1, characterized in that the cell connector (142) comprises a first contact region (148) and the second contact region (150) interconnecting intermediate region (152) whose longitudinal axis (153) obliquely to the longitudinal direction (114) the electrochemical device (100) is aligned.

3. Zellkontaktierungssystem according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one cell connector (142) from cell terminals (120) of the first cell group (102a) to cell terminals (122) of one of the first cell group (102a) immediately adjacent second cell group (102b) extends.

4. Zellkontaktierungssystem according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one cell connector (142) from cell terminals (120) of the first cell group (102a) to cell terminals (122) of one of the first cell group (102a) not immediately adjacent second Cell group (102b) extends.

The cell contacting system according to claim 4, characterized in that said at least one cell connector (142) extends across a cell group (102e) of said electrochemical device (100) disposed between said first cell group (102a) and said second cell group (102b).

6. Zellkontaktierungssystem according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the electrochemical cells (104) of the electrochemical device (100) between two end faces of the electrochemical device (100) are arranged, which transverse to the longitudinal direction (114) of the electrochemical device (100) and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (114) of the electrochemical device (100), the cell contacting system (140) having two power terminals (144) of different polarity.

7. cell contacting system according to claim 6, characterized in that the two power terminals (144a, 114b) on the same end face of the electrochemical device (100) end.

8. Zellkontaktierungssystem according to claim 6, characterized in that the two power terminals (144a, 144b) at different end sides of the electrochemical device (100) terminate.

The cell contacting system of any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the cell contacting system (140) comprises a plurality of cell connectors (142) that do not overlap.

10. Zellkontaktierungssystem according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the Zellkontaktierungssystem (140) comprises at least two cell connectors (142), which intersect.

11. Zellkontaktierungssystem according to claim 10, characterized in that between at least two intersecting cell connectors (142) at least one electrically insulating insulating element (186) is arranged.

12. Zellkontaktierungssystem according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one cell connector (142) in the mounted state of Zellkontaktierungssystems (140) at least one degassing outlet (130) of an electrochemical cell (104) traverses and in the crossing region with a Gas guide channel section (162) is provided.

13. Zellkontaktierungssystem according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the Zellkontaktierungssystem (140) comprises a support member (168) on which a plurality of cell connectors (142) of the Zellkontaktierungssystems (140) are arranged, wherein the carrier element (168) in the mounted state of the Zellkontaktierungssystems (140) at least one Entgasungsauslass (130) of an electrochemical cell (104) traversed and is provided in the crossing region with a gas guide channel (166).

14. Zellkontaktierungssystem according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that at least one cell connector (142) in at least one of its contact areas (148, 150) at least one recess (174), which two sections (178) of the contact area (148, 150) provided for contacting different cell terminals (120, 122) of the same cell group (102).

15. Zellkontaktierungssystem according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that at least one cell connector (142) in at least one of its contact areas (148, 150) at least one elastically and / or plastically deformable compensation section (180), which two sections (178 ) of the contact region (148, 150) which are provided for contacting different cell terminals (120, 122) of the same cell group (102).

16. Zellkontaktierungssystem according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that at least one cell connector (142) of the Zellkontaktierungssystems (140) of a sheet-like starting material

(155) has been cut out, which is a first section of material

(156) of a first material for forming at least one contact region (148) of the cell connector (142) and at least one second material portion (158) of a second material for forming an intermediate region interconnecting the contact regions (148, 150) of the cell connector (142) (152) of the cell connector (142).

17. Zellkontaktierungssystem according to claim 16, characterized in that a plurality of cell connectors (142) of the Zellkontaktierungssystems (140) have been cut out of the flat starting material together.

18. Zellkontaktierungssystem according to any one of claims 16 or 17,

characterized in that the first material contains aluminum as the main component and / or the second material as the main component copper.

19. Zellkontaktierungssystem according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the first material portion (156) and the second material portion (158) of the starting material (155) are materially interconnected.