WO2019086338A1

WO2019086338A1 - Connection technique for pole contacts of batteries

Info

Publication number: WO2019086338A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/079379
Authority: WO
Inventors: Günter Neumann; Christof Bürdek
Original assignee: Kuka Industries Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2017-11-02
Filing date: 2018-10-26
Publication date: 2019-05-09
Also published as: DE102017125588A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection technique for pole contacts of batteries (1), in particular of vehicle drive batteries or supply system storage batteries, in order to connect a cell contact connector (7, 8) to two or more pole contacts (3, 4) or current collectors (5, 6) The pole contacts (3, 4) or current collectors (5, 6) consist of a thin metal foil, in particular a copper foil (anode) or aluminium foil (cathode). The cell contact connector (7, 8) consists of a considerably thicker metal sheet and is to be connected to the considerably thinner pole contacts composed of different materials. A local tapered portion (15, 16) is produced on the cell contact connector (7, 8) in the region of an (intended) welding point, so that the effective material thickness (D3, D4) there is reduced in comparison to the surrounding material thickness (D2) of the cell contact connector (7, 8). The effective material thickness (D3, D4) can be matched to the material thickness (D1) and type of material of the respective pole contact (3, 4) or current collector (5, 6), wherein, in particular for connection to an anode pole contact (3) or anode current collector (5), in each case a first tapered portion (15) and, for connection to a cathode pole contact (4) or cathode current collector (6), a second and different tapered portion (16) can be provided in order to allow good welding qualities for both material combinations.

Description

Connection technology for pole contacts of batteries

DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to a connection technology for

Pole contacts of batteries, in particular of vehicle - drive batteries and storage batteries for electrical supply systems. The connection technology serves to provide a cell contact connector with at least one

Polkontakt or current conductor to connect, wherein the cell contact connector and the at least one Polkontakt or Stromableiter different material thicknesses and possibly different materials.

In particular, two or more pole contacts or current conductors should be connected to a cell contact connector

different materials and possibly

different material thicknesses are electrically connected.

Vehicle traction batteries are batteries that provide at least a substantial portion of the supply energy for a traction drive of an electric vehicle. The

Electric vehicle is an electric passenger car or an electric truck. A

Storage battery according to the present disclosure is a generally stationary used battery for electrical Versorgungsanalagen such as. Photovoltaic installations, power plants or reserve power storage. It may also be referred to as a utility storage battery. In the following, the term "storage battery" is used for the sake of simplicity. Traction battery or storage battery usually includes a charge or storage capacity of more than 10 kilowatt hours.

Vehicle traction batteries and storage batteries according to the present disclosure differ significantly in design and capacity as well as numerous other technical parameters from conventional ones

Vehicle batteries (lead batteries etc. They are generally modular and comprise a plurality of battery cells in a stacked arrangement, which in each case have a positive and a negative pole contact.

A plurality of battery cells of a vehicle drive battery or storage battery are electrically connected to each other. As a rule, some cells are connected in series. In addition, several cells can be connected in parallel, for example, in subgroups, in which case several subgroups are connected in series with one another. By the

Series connection are the single voltages of the

Battery cells or subgroups summed so that the output voltage of the vehicle drive battery or storage battery corresponds to a multiple of the single voltage of a battery cell. By the

Parallel connection of cells will be higher

Total capacity and a higher Gesamtström achieved.

The series and / or parallel connection between the

Battery cells via electrically conductive

Compounds which are to be preferably designed as welded joints. Show shit connections compared to other means of transport, such as

Soldering or clamping connections on a particularly high fatigue strength and thus ensure a long durability of the contact points and a good

mechanical load capacity.

To the series and / or parallel circuit of

To achieve battery cells, according to the present disclosure, a welded joint between on the one hand a pole contact or a current collector and

On the other hand, a cell contact connector can be produced, wherein the pole contact or current conductor by a

Part of a thin metal foil, in particular a copper foil or aluminum foil, is formed, and wherein the cell contact connector at least in the region of the intended connection point by a clear

thicker sheet metal is formed, in particular by at least four or five times thicker sheet metal.

At least one of the pole contacts or current conductors may be made of a different material than the

Cell contact connector, in particular of a material with a significantly different melting point. The difference between the melting points of the welding partners can be significantly more than 100 degrees Celsius (eg aluminum: 660 degrees Celsius, vs. copper: 1,084 degrees Celsius, vs. steel: 1,100 to 1,500 degrees Celsius).

DE 10 2013 020 942 AI discloses a battery with

a plurality of individual cells whose pole contacts are formed as projecting current collector lugs. An electrical series connection of the individual cells takes place by direct connection of the pole contacts of adjacent Single cells by laser welding. For this purpose, the end portions of the current collector lugs of two adjacent cells are bent towards each other, so that a

Overlap area is formed in which a

Weld seam can be placed, the two

Current collector flags directly connects. The direct

Connecting the pole contacts resp. Stromableiterfahnen allows only the provision of a series connection or a parallel connection of exactly two adjacent

Single cells. Alternatively, connections between exactly two current collector lugs are proposed, which are not based on welding.

From DE 10 2011 010 457 AI is a method for

Production of a battery known, which also has a plurality of individual cells. It is proposed to laser solder a positive Abgriffspol from a copper foil with a negative Abgriffspol from an aluminum foil.

So far, no optimal connection technique for connecting a ZelIkontaktverbinders with a

Polkontakt or current conductor known that the presence of different material thicknesses and possibly

different materials.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a

Show connection technology, with the creation of a high-quality welded joint between a Polkontakt or current conductor made of a metal foil on the one hand and a ZelIkontaktverbinder of a much thicker sheet metal on the other hand allows becomes. The invention solves the problem by the features of the independent claims.

The connection technology comprises at least one vehicle drive battery or storage battery with a

Weld connection and a connection method.

A vehicle drive battery or storage battery (hereinafter also abbreviated as a battery) includes a plurality of battery cells (hereinafter also abbreviated as a cell). A battery cell usually comprises an anode (positive pole) and a cathode (negative pole), which in the

Inside the cell are arranged. From the anode and from the cathode, an electrically conductive contact is ever led to the outside, i. to the outside of a housing of the battery cell. These outwardly led contacts of a battery cell, which are connected inwardly with an anode or cathode, are referred to below as "pole contacts".

The battery cells can have any structure. In particular, they may be lithium-ion cells and have layered foil-shaped anodes and cathodes. The design of a battery cell can be in particular according to DE 20 2011 010 457 A1 or according to DE 10 2013 020 942 AI.

Several battery cells, i. at least two

Battery cells are connected to achieve the above parallel or series connection with each other electrically. The electrically conductive connecting elements that connect at least two pole contacts with each other, are hereinafter referred to as a "cell contact connector." On a cell contact connector, in particular on a

end cell contact connector, a main terminal of the battery can be provided, via which a connection to external equipment,

for example, to the supply connections a

Electric vehicle.

A ZelIkontaktverbinder can preferably be welded directly connected to a Polkontakt. Alternatively, at a pole contact an additional electrical

conductive connecting element may be provided, which is connected on the one hand to the individual pole contact and on the other hand to be welded to a cell contact connector. This additional connection element is hereinafter referred to as "current collector." For the presently disclosed connection technique it is

irrelevant whether the component to be welded to the cell contact connector is a current collector, i. a separate intermediate element, or a pole contact. It has proved to be advantageous to form a pole contact with a contact surface projecting beyond the housing of the battery cell or to connect a current conductor to a pole contact, which has a contact surface projecting beyond the housing of the battery cell, wherein the contact surface is a contact surface

Surface of a first portion of a metal foil and wherein the metal foil has a thickness of less than 0, 5mm, in particular a thickness of about 0, 2mm. The metal foil of a pole contact, in particular an anode pole contact, or. a Stromableiters is preferably a copper foil or a metal foil of an alloy with predominant copper content. Furthermore, the metal foil of a pole contact, in particular of a cathode pole contact, or of a current conductor can be an aluminum foil or a metal foil of an alloy with a predominant aluminum content. to

Making a series circuit must therefore

Metal foils of different materials are connected to a much thicker sheet metal. In addition to the contact surface on the first subsection, the metal foil of a pole contact or current conductor preferably has a further subsection, which is angled relative to the first subsection and extends in the direction of the battery cell. This second one

Subsection preferably also has a thickness of less than 0, 5mm, in particular a thickness of about 0, 2mm. The second subsection allows the first subsection to have a certain mobility relative to the battery cell. In particular, the first

Subsection by an elastic deformation of the second section closer to the battery cell

moved up a little further from the battery cell or against the battery cell to be tilted at least one axis. The contact surface on the first

Subsection can thus be subject to an adjustment of

Contact surface position as a result of the aforementioned mobility to a ZelIkontaktverbinder applied flat and possibly. be clamped with the ZelIkontaktverbinder.

According to the presently disclosed connection technology is provided that at the cell contact connector in the area an intended weld a regeneration is generated or is present, so that there the effective

Material thickness compared to the material thickness of

Cell contact connector is reduced. A

Sweat connection to the pole contact or current conductor is generated in the region of the taper, in particular in the foot region of the taper.

Due to the reduced in the area of rejuvenation

Material thickness is produced in the cross-section significantly smaller weld. The energy that goes to the local

Melting the cell contact connector and the

Pole contact or Stromableiters is required, can be significantly reduced, so that the welding process is much faster feasible. In addition, the formation of weld spatter can be avoided.

The effective material thickness of the taper may be for connection to an anode pole contact or anode current conductor, i. preferred over one

Copper foil, provided with a value other than the effective material thickness of the taper for connection to a cathode pole contact or cathode current collector. With others

Words can on a cell contact connector different tapers with different effective

Material thicknesses are provided, which in each case to the material and the material thickness of the welded

Pole contacts or Stromableiters are adjusted. In this way it is achieved that even with several

Material combinations between the ZelIkontaktverbinder and the various PoIkontakten or Stromableitern always a good quality of the weld is generated.

The taper preferably has a funnel or valley shape on the side facing away from the pole contact or current conductor. The weld is preferably on the valley floor or. provided at the hopper floor. If it is

Weld spatter should form, limit the valley flanks or funnel flanks adjacent to the weld the space to which the spatter could fly. The welded connection between a tapered region of the cell contact connector and a pole contact or a current conductor is preferably by laser welding

generated . A laser beam can be directed into the funnel of the taper without much effort

especially on the foot area of the rejuvenation.

While the pole contact resp. the current conductor is to provide a flexible mobility, it is desirable that a cell contact connector is formed substantially rigid. A ZelIkontaktverbinder is preferably formed by a metal sheet, in particular an aluminum sheet or a copper sheet. Alternatively, another suitable material may be used. The

ZelIkontaktverbinder preferably has a substantially flat and planar design. Its width preferably corresponds to at least the width of a Polkontaktes or Stromableiters transverse to the stacking direction. Its length preferably corresponds at least to the stack spacing of the outermost battery cells to be connected, ie, for example. the Stack width of two, four, six or eight

Battery cells.

The tapers are created only locally in the area of an intended weld, so that the global mechanical and electrical parameters of the weld

Zellkontaktverbinders are not or only slightly affected. This applies in particular to the rigidity of the cell contact connector. For example, a shaping of a taper does not remove any material of the cell contact connector, so that the global electrical properties (eg.

Resistance values) can not be influenced.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

The invention is illustrated by way of example and schematically in the drawings. Show it :

FIG. 1: Two battery cells of a vehicle

Traction battery or storage battery whose pole contacts with

Zellkontaktverhindern are connected, wherein a welded joint in

Foot area of a rejuvenation on

Cell contact connector is generated; Figure 2: A junction between a

Pole contact or current conductor and a cell contact connector without rejuvenation;

Figure 3: A junction between a

Pole contact or current conductor and a cell contact connector with a first

Rejuvenation;

Figure 4: A junction between a

Pole contact or current conductor and a cell contact connector having a second taper;

Figure 5: A vehicle drive battery or

Storage battery with a plurality of battery cells, which are summarized in sub-groups, and an enlarged view of the

Connecting points between a Cell contact connector and several

Pole contacts or current conductors.

FIG. 1 shows two battery cells (2) of a battery (1) in an oblique image. Each of the battery cells (2) has an anode pole contact (3) and a cathode pole contact (4). In the example of Figure 1 are connected to the

Pole contacts (3, 4) separate current conductors (5, 6)

connected, which are formed as flat metal foils. Alternatively, the provision of a separate Stromableiters (5, 6) in individual or all

Pole contacts (3, 4) are waived and it can

instead a pole contact (3, 4) itself according to the

Representation of Figure 1 may be formed as a flat metal foil. One or more cell contact connectors (7, 8) are provided to form electrical connections between at least two pole contacts (3, 4) or current conductors (5, 6) to two or more battery cells (2) in series and / or parallel to each other switch. Preferably, more than two pole contacts (3, 4) or current conductors (5, 6) are connected to a cell contact connector (7, 8).

As shown in FIG. 5, a battery (1) may have a plurality of subgroups (G1, G2) of battery cells (2). In a subgroup (Gl, G2) are a plurality of preferably adjacent arranged battery cells (2) with similar pole contacts (3) or the like

Stromableitern (5) at a common

Cell contact connector (7) connected and thus

connected in parallel with each other. At the same Zellkontaktver exchanger (7) are further battery cells (2) of a second subgroup (G2) via opposite pole contacts (4) or current conductor (6) connected. The battery cells of a second subgroup (G2) are thus also connected in parallel to one another and connected in series with respect to the battery cells (2) of the first subgroup (G1).

According to the present disclosure, the pole contacts (3, 4) or current conductors (5, 6) are each replaced by a

Welded connection with a cell contact connector

electrically connected. The weld joint is preferably produced by laser welding, i. by the action of a laser beam (12).

The cell contact connector (7, 8) is formed from a metal sheet, in particular from an aluminum sheet or

Copper sheet or a metal sheet of an alloy whose predominant component is aluminum or copper. Alternatively, a cell contact connector (7, 8) may be formed from a different material, in particular from another light metal 1.

A pole contact (3, 4) or current conductor (5, 6) is formed of a metal foil or other thin-walled and flat metal body. An anode pole contact (3) or anode current collector (5) is preferably formed from a copper foil or a metal foil from an alloy whose predominant component is copper. A cathode pole contact (4) is preferably made of a

Aluminum foil formed or made of a metal foil an alloy whose predominant component

Aluminum is.

The battery cells (2) of a battery (1) are preferably arranged next to one another in a stacking direction (X). Each of the battery cells may have a substantially flat cuboid shape. The pole contacts (3, 4) or

Current conductors (5, 6) are preferably transverse to

Stacking direction (X) over the housing (13) of

Battery cells (2) via. The housing (13) of

Battery cells can be of any type and material. You can as

Be formed solid state housing, eg. in shell form, or as soft body housing, eg. as foil covers.

In the examples of Figures 1 and 5 are each one

Anode Polkontakt (3) or anode current collector (4) and each a cathode pole contact (4) or cathode current collector (6) in opposite directions from the housing (13). Alternatively, the pole contacts or current conductors in the same direction, preferably on the one hand anode and on the other hand cathode terminals laterally offset from each other, survive on a battery cell (2), or they can be any other

have relative overhang direction.

A first subsection (10) of a pole contact (3, 4) or current conductor (5, 6) is preferably angled or inclined in a plane substantially parallel to the stacking direction (X). bent over. The first section (10) is preferably a few millimeters or centimeters from a nearest side of the housing (13). offset to the outside. A second section (11) of a pole contact (3, 4) or current conductor (5, 6) extends between the first section (10) and the

Housing (13) of a battery cell (2) and thus spans the offset distance.

Preferably, the first sections (10) of a plurality of adjacent pole contacts (3, 4) or current conductors (5, 6) are aligned substantially coplanar with each other, so that they can be contacted together by a planar cell contact connector. For the generation of a

Welded connection may preferably one or more first sections (10) of the pole contacts (3, 4) or

Current conductors (5, 6) are applied to a cell contact connector and biased. The material thickness (Dl) of a Polkontaktes (3, 4) or Stromableiters (5, 6) is less than 0, 5mm,

in particular about 0, 15mm to 0, 3mm. The in the

Drawings shown pole contacts (3, 4) or

Current conductors (5, 6) have a material thickness (D1) of 0.2 mm. The material thickness (Dl) of a Polkontaktes (3, 4) or Stromableiters (5, 6) is preferably uniform.

The material thickness (D2) of a cell contact connector (7, 8) is significantly greater than the material thickness (Dl) of a Polkontaktes (3, 4) or Stromableiters (5, 6). The

Material thickness (D2) of a ZelIkontaktverbinders (7, 8) is at least four times or five times the

Material thickness (Dl) of a Polkontaktes (3, 4) or

Current arrester (5, 6). Particularly preferably, the material thickness of a ZelIkontaktverbinders (7, 8) is more than 0.5mm, in particular more 0, 7mm, and preferably about 1, 0mm to 1, 5mm. The cell contact connectors shown in the drawings have (outside the tapered areas) a material thickness (D2) of 1.4 mm. The

Material thickness (D2) outside of the tapers (15, 16) may also be referred to as base material thickness (D2). A taper (15, 16) may alternatively be considered a

"Cross section reduction" or "thickness reduction". In the following, a position remote from a battery cell (2) is indicated by the direction designation "outside" and a position close to the battery cell with the direction designation "inside".

The cell contact connector (7, 8) is preferred

on the outside of a plurality of pole contacts (3, 4) or current conductors (5, 6) applied. It is therefore an outside lying relatively thick aluminum sheet with an inner metal foil, in particular to connect with an inner copper foil. Figure 2 shows the ratio of the material thicknesses (Dl, D2) of the welding partners, when contrary to the present

disclosed connection technology, no taper on the cell contact connector (7) is provided. In Figure 2, a weld is sketched, which would result from the different material thicknesses. The

Welding point has a relatively large

Diameter up and is mainly in the area of the cell contact connector (7). Figures 3 and 4 and the upper portion of Figure 1 show QuerSchnit sdars ellungen a welded joint according to the presently disclosed technology .. Here in the cell contact connector (7) in each case a taper (15, 16) is introduced. In the area of rejuvenation (15, 16),

In particular in the foot region of a taper (15, 16), a material thickness (D3, D4) is produced which is reduced compared to the material thickness (D2) of the cell contact connector (7, 8). The taper is preferably produced by Materialwegnähme or material displacement, in particular by embossing. On the outside, a substantially funnel-shaped or valley-shaped contour is formed by the taper (15, 16), the foot area inside of which

Cell contact connector (7) is located. In addition to the taper, an outwardly projecting edge may be formed, in particular a stamping edge (14). The foot area of the

Rejuvenation (15, 16) preferably has a width which is only slightly larger than the intended width of the

Welding point (9). The width of the foot region may preferably be about 1.2 times to three times the

provided width of the weld (9) correspond.

In the example of Figure 3, a first taper (15) is shown, which is exclusively a notch-shaped

Change the outer surface of the cell contact connector (7). The inside surface of the

Cell contact connector (7) has a flat contour. In the example of Figure 4, a second taper (16) is shown, which is a notch-shaped variation of

Outer surface and continue one on the inside Surface formed protrusion includes. A protrusion formed on the inner surface can the

Mobility of the first section (10) of a welded to a cell contact connector (7, 8)

Polverbinders (3, 4) or Stromableiters (5, 6) against a battery cell (2) favor.

The weld (9) is preferably produced as a weld, in particular as a straight weld. A

Weld may consist of one or more weld lines. One, two or more welds may be provided between a pole contact or current conductor and a cell contact connector, each being shaped the same or different and manufactured with the same or different welding methods.

Preferably, a laser beam (12) is directed from the outside to the foot region of the taper (15, 16) and, for example. linear, in particular moved in a straight line, to gradually form a weld. Alternatively or additionally, a laser beam may be iterative

different areas of the foot region of the taper (15, 16) are directed to produce there a plurality of punctual or linear welds.

As can be seen from a comparison of FIGS. 4 and 5 with FIG. 3, the connection technique according to the present disclosure achieves that a connection between the cell contact connector (7, 8) and a pole contact (3, 4) or current conductor (5, 6) formed weld (9) has a significantly smaller cross-sectional area. The weld (9) is also at substantially equal proportions in the region of the cell contact connector (7, 8) and of the pole contact (3, 4) or Stromableiters (5, 6).

A vehicle drive battery or storage battery (1) preferably has at least one first subgroup (G1) with at least two battery cells (2) and at least one second subgroup (G2) with at least two further battery cells (2). A cell contact connector (7) is in each case connected to the anode pole contacts (3) or anode current conductor (5) of the battery cells (2) of a first subgroup (G1) and additionally to the cathode pole contacts (4) or cathode current conductors (6 ) of the battery cells (2) of a second group (G2). In this case, the battery cells (2) are preferably each arranged adjacent to one another in a respective subgroup (G1, G2) and have a matching orientation of the pole contacts (3, 4) or current conductors (5, 6).

As shown in Figure 5 overlaps

Cell contact connector (7, 8) preferably at least three or four adjacent battery cells (2). On

Cell contact connector may in particular at least two or three preferably adjacent battery cells (2) of a first subgroup (Gl) and further at least two or three preferably adjacent battery cells (2) of a second subgroup (G2) overlap. A cell contact connector (7, 8) preferably connected to at least three pole contacts (3, 4) or Stromableitern (5, 6), in particular with a plurality of first pole contacts (3) or Stromableitern (5) connected to an anode (A) Battery cell (2) are connected, in particular in a first subgroup (G1), and / or with a plurality of second pole contacts (4) or current conductors (6) connected to a cathode (K) of a

Battery cell (2) are connected, in particular in a second subgroup (G2).

A Zellkontaktverbinder (7, 8) at (intended) welds (9) opposite anode pole contacts (3) or anode Stromab1eitern (5) one or more first

Rejuvenations (15) with a first effective one

Material thickness (D3) have. Alternatively or additionally, a cell contact connector (7, 8) at (provided) welds (9) with respect to cathode pole contacts (4) or cathode Stromableitern (6) one or more second Verj üngungen (16) with a second effective

Material thickness (D4), wherein the effective

Material thickness (D3) of the first constructions (15)

is different from the effective material thickness (D4) of the second constrictions (16). The shape of the first and second constructions (15, 16) may be uniform or different, for example according to the

different examples of a shaping in Figures 3 and 4.

The shape of a taper (15, 16) and the effective material thickness (D3, D4) produced thereby is preferably in

Depending on the material thickness (DI) of the pole contact (3, 4) or Stromableiters (5, 6) selected and / or depending on the material pairing of the welding partners. In other words, the effective material thickness (D3, D4) can be based on the material thickness (D1) and type of material of the respective pole contact (3, 4) or current conductor (5, 6). be adapted, in particular for a connection to an anode pole contact (3) or anode current conductor (5) in each case a first taper (15) and for a

Connection with a cathode pole contact (4) or

Cathode current collector (6) a second and others

Rejuvenation (16) can be provided. So for both combinations of welding partners j ewei1s a good

Welding quality achieved.

If the cell contact connector (7, 8) and the pole contact (3, 4) or current conductor (5, 6) consist of materials with approximately identical melting points, the effective material thickness (D3, D4) in the region of the taper (15, 16) about the material thickness (Dl) of the pole contact (3, 4) or Stromableiters (5, 6) correspond. The effective material thickness (D3, D4) in the area of the taper (15, 16) can then in particular be about 0.8 times to 1.5 times the material thickness (D1) of the pole contact (3, 4) or

Stromableiters (5, 6) correspond.

If the cell contact connector (7, 8) has a lower melting point than the pole contact (3, 4) or current conductor (5, 6), the effective material thickness (D3, D4) in the region of the taper (15, 16) can be selected slightly higher than the material thickness (Dl) of the pole contact (3, 4) or Stromableiters (5, 6). The effective

Material thickness (D3, D4) in the region of the taper (15, 16) can then in particular about 1, 0 - to 1, 7 times the material thickness (Dl) of the pole contact (3, 4) or

Stromableiters (5, 6) correspond. For each material pairing, test welds with different values for the effective material thickness (D3, D4) in the area of the taper (15, 16) can be performed to determine an optimum value. Modifications of the invention are possible in various ways.

A cell contact connector can be connected to a pole contact or current conductor by several separate welds, in particular by several

Welds. In this case, for each welded joint on the cell contact connector, a separate taper

be provided . Alternatively, for two or more

Welded joints may be provided a common taper. The weld is preferably formed exclusively from the materials of the cell contact connector and the respectively associated pole contact or current conductor. Alternatively, an additional material can be supplied, the material of which is in the weld with at least one of the materials of the cell contact connector and / or the pole contact or. Stromableiters mixed. Such a filler material can in any way

be introduced. It can be introduced before, during or after the generation of a rejuvenation. For example may be a Zel1kontaktverbinder, a pole contact or a

Current collector a locally or globally applied

Coating containing a welding filler material. Further, during an embossing process, a filler material on or in the material of the Zellkontaktver be coined, for example. on

Additional body in shape and size of the intended

Weld, in particular a rod or

thread-shaped additional body in the shape and / or size of the weld. The additional body may be on the outside or the inside in the area provided

Welded seam and then auf - or be embossed, in particular together with the

Imprinting a rejuvenation. The weld joint may alternatively be produced by laser spot welding or by electrical resistance welding to produce spot or line welds.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 battery, in particular vehicle drive battery or storage battery

2 battery cell

3 First pole contact

4 second pole contact

5 First current conductor, copper sheet

6 Second current conductor, copper sheet

7 First cell contact connector, aluminum sheet

8 Second cell contact connector, aluminum sheet

9 weld

10 First section, contact area

11 Second Subpart, Flexible Area

12 laser beam

13 housing of a battery cell

14 embossing border

15 rejuvenation

16 rejuvenation

A anode

Dl material thickness of the pole contact or current conductor

D2 material thickness of the cell contact connector

D3 effective resp. tapered material thickness

weld

D4 effective resp. tapered material thickness

weld

Gl First subgroup

G2 Second subgroup

K cathode

X stacking direction

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

Battery, in particular vehicle drive battery or storage battery (1), comprising at least two battery cells (2), wherein a battery cell (2) at least one pole contact (3, 4) and possibly one at the pole contact (3, 4) electrically connected

Current conductor (5, 6), and wherein the

Vehicle drive battery (1) has at least one cell contact connector (7, 8) which is connected in each case to a pole contact (3, 4) or current conductor (5, 6) of at least one battery cell (2), characterized in that

Polkontakt (3, 4) or current conductor (5, 6) is formed from a plate-shaped or band-shaped metal body, in particular from a

Sheet metal, and one with respect to the housing (13) of the battery cell (2) projecting

Contact surface (10), and wherein the cell contact connector (7, 8) is also formed of a plate-shaped or band-shaped metal body, and wherein the material thickness (D2) of the

Cell contact connector (7, 8) is greater than the material thickness (Dl) of the pole contact (3, 4) or Stromableiters (5, 6), and wherein the ZelIkontaktverbinder (7, 8) in the region of a weld (9) has a local taper (15, 16), so that the effective

Material thickness (D3, D4) of the

ZelIkontaktverbinders in the field of rejuvenation

(15, 16) is reduced relative to the surrounding material thickness (D2) of the cell contact connector (7, 8).

2.) Battery according to claim 1, wherein the weld (9) is formed as a weld, in particular as a straight weld.

A battery according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the

Contact surface (10) on a first portion of the pole contact (3, 4) or Stromableiters (5, 6) is arranged, wherein the first portion substantially parallel to a nearest

Outside of the housing (13) of the battery cell (2) or. parallel to a stacking direction (X) of

Battery cells (2) in the vehicle drive battery (1) is oriented.

4.) Battery according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the material thickness (D2) of the

ZelIkontaktverbinders (7, 8) is more than 0, 5mm, preferably about 1, 0mm to 1, 5mm. 5.) Battery according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the material thickness (Dl) of the pole contact (3, 4) or Stromableiters (5, 6) less than 0, 5mm

is, in particular about 0, 15mm to 0, 3mm. Battery according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact surface (10) at a first

Part section (11) of the pole contact (3, 4) or

Stromableiters (5, 6) is arranged, which is angled relative to a second section of the pole contact (3, 4) or Stromableiters (5, 6), wherein the second section (11) in particular over the free space between the first section (10) and an outside of the battery cell (2)

extends.

Battery according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle drive battery has a plurality of battery cells arranged side by side in a stacking direction (X), and wherein a pole contact (3, 4) or current conductor (5, 6)

in particular transversely to the stacking direction (X) protrudes.

Battery according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a ZelIkontaktverbinder (7, 8) on the outside of the plurality of battery cells (2) is arranged and substantially parallel to a

Stacking direction (X) of the battery cells (2) extends.

Battery according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ZelIkontaktverbinder (7, 8) at least three adjacent battery cells (2) and overlaps.

10.) Battery according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cell contact connector (7, 8) with at least three pole contacts (3, 4) or Stromableitern (5, 6) is connected, in particular with a plurality (Gl) of first pole contacts (3) or Stromableitern (5), which are connected to an anode (A) of a battery cell (2), and / or with a plurality (G2) of second pole contacts (4) or Stromableitern (6) connected to a cathode (K) of a Battery cell (2) are connected.

11.) Battery according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle drive battery (1) at least a first subgroup (GI) with at least two battery cells (2) and at least one second

Subgroup (G2) with at least two others

Battery cells (2), and wherein a

Cell contact connector (7) j ewei1s with the anode pole contacts (3) or anode current conductor (5) of the battery cells (2) of a first subgroup (Gl) and additionally with the cathode pole contacts (4) or

Cathode Stromableitern (6) of the battery cells (2) of a second group (G2) is connected.

12.) Battery according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery cells (2) in a subgroup (Gl, G2) are arranged adjacent to each other and a matching alignment of the pole contacts (3, 4) or current conductors (5, 6).

13.) Battery according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a cell contact connector (7, 8) first

Rejuvenations (15) with a first effective

Material thickness (D3) at welds (9) opposite anode pole contacts (3) or anode

Current conductors (5); AND / OR second tapers (16) with a second effective material thickness (D4) at welds (9) with respect to cathode pole contacts (4) or cathode Stromableitern (6). 14.) Battery according to the preceding claim, wherein the effective material thickness (D3) of the first Verj üngungen (15) is different from the effective

Material thickness (D4) of the second constructions (16).

15.) Battery according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a cell contact connector (7, 8) of a

Aluminum sheet or a copper sheet is formed or from a metal sheet made of an alloy whose main component is aluminum or copper.

16.) Battery according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a cell contact connector (7, 8) with at least two pole contacts or current conductors from

different materials is welded, in particular with at least one anode pole contact or anode current conductor and with at least one cathode Polkontakt or cathode current conductor.

17.) Battery according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a pole contact (3, 4) or current conductor (5, 6), in particular an anode pole contact (3) or anode current conductor (5) is formed from a copper foil or from a metal foil from one

Alloy whose main component is copper.

18.) Battery according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a pole contact (3, 4) or current conductor (5, 6), in particular a cathode pole contact (3) or cathode current conductor (5) is formed from an aluminum foil or from a metal foil of an alloy whose main constituent is aluminum.

19.) Connection method for the production of a

Welded connection (9) between a

Cell contact connector (7, 8) and a pole contact (3,

4) or a current conductor (5, 6) one

Battery cell (2) in a battery (1),

in particular a vehicle drive battery or storage battery, wherein - the pole contact (3, 4) or current conductor (5, 6) is formed of a plate-shaped or band-shaped metal body, in particular of a metal foil, and one opposite to

Battery cell (2) protruding contact surface (10), and wherein the cell contact connector (7, 8) is also formed from a plate-shaped or band-shaped metal body, in particular from a

Metal sheet; and wherein the material thickness (D2) of the

Cell contact connector (7, 8) is greater than the material thickness (Dl) of the pole contact (3, 4) or Stromableiters (5, 6), characterized in that at the cell contact connector (7, 8) generates a taper (15, 16) is there so that there the effective material thickness (D3, D4) over the

Material thickness (D2) of the cell contact connector (7, 8) is reduced, and that a

Welded connection (9) to the pole contact (3, 4) or current conductor (5, 6) in the region of

Rejuvenation (15, 16) is generated.

Connection method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the effective material thickness (D3, D4) in the region of the taper (15, 16), in particular the material thickness (D3, D4) in the foot region of the taper (15, 16) to the material thickness (Dl) of Polkontakts or Stromableiters is adjusted.

21.) Verification method according to one of the preceding

Claims, wherein a welded connection between the cell contact connector (7, 8) and the pole contact (3, 4) or current conductor (5, 6) exclusively in

Rejuvenation (15, 16) is produced, in particular exclusively in the foot of the

Rejuvenation (15, 16).

22.) Connection method after the preceding

Claim, wherein the material thickness (D2) of the

Zellkontaktverbinders (7, 8) at least the

Four times the material thickness (Dl) of the pole contact (3, 4) or Stromableiters (5, 6) is.