Battery cell with securely secured seal around manifold opening

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery cell comprising a support plate (12), an interconnection plate and at least one gasket (18). Wherein a through-hole (34) is provided in the battery cell, the through-hole extending through the support plate and the interconnection plate to form a fluid port (36), the through-hole being provided with a gasket on a side of the support plate facing away from the interconnection plate; the pad comprises an opening (40) delimited by an inner surface (42) of the pad and aligned with the through hole, and wherein the battery cell (10) further comprises a positioning fixture (46) constructed and arranged to contact the pad on the inner surface of the pad, and keeping the liner aligned with the through hole in a form-fitting manner in a plane perpendicular to the stacking direction. The invention also relates to a cell stack and to a method for producing a cell stack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electrochemical cells and electrochemical cell stacks, in particular to the field of fuel cells and electrolysis cells, and fuel cell stacks and electrolysis cell stacks. More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of solid oxide cells (SOCs), including metal-supported solid oxide cells of the oxidant type (SOFC) or electrolyzer type (SOEC) and metal-supported solid oxide cell stacks. Background Art

[0002] Fuel cells and electrolysis cells are examples of electrochemical cells. A fuel cell is an energy conversion device that allows an electrochemical fuel to be converted into electricity. An electrolysis cell is a fuel cell that operates in reverse mode, i.e., uses electricity to generate chemical substances. Reversible cells can operate in both modes. Such electrochemical cells typically include three electrochemical layers, i.e., a fuel electrode, an electrolyte, and an air or oxidant electrode, which are typically arranged in layers. The electrochemical layers can be configured to allow an electrochemical fuel to be converted into electricity (fuel cell) or to use electricity to generate chemical substances (electrolysis cell).

[0003] Solid oxide cells (SOCs) are a special type of electrochemical cell in which the electrolyte layer is formed of a solid oxide, such as yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), gadolinia-doped ceria, or ceria-gadolinium oxide (CGO). SOCs can be operated as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) or as solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs). SOFCs use an electrochemical conversion process to oxidize a fuel to generate electricity. To this end, a fuel or reformed fuel contacts a fuel electrode, while an oxidant, such as air or an oxygen-rich fluid, contacts an oxidant electrode. The solid oxide electrolyte then conducts negative oxygen ions from the oxidant electrode to the fuel electrode. Thus, for SOFCs, the fuel electrode constitutes the anode, while the air or oxidant electrode constitutes the cathode. Compared to SOFCs, SOECs are SOCs that operate in reverse mode and are typically used for electrolysis of water, particularly for generating hydrogen and oxygen. In this case, the fuel electrode constitutes the cathode, while the air or oxidant electrode constitutes the anode.

[0004] The electrochemical layers can be layered on a mechanical support plate, such as a metal plate (so-called "metal-supported electrochemical cells"). Such cells typically include an interconnecting plate that covers the support plate on the side facing away from the electrochemical layers, such that the fluid volume (cell space) is enclosed between the support plate and the interconnecting plate. In this case, the support plate can have a porous area on which the electrochemical layers are deposited, so that fuel (e.g., gas) can flow from the cell space to the electrochemical layers through the pores. In addition, the battery cells typically include fluid ports, such as through-holes, to allow the supply of fuel to the cell space.

[0005] Typically, multiple such cells are stacked on top of each other to form a battery "stack." The fluid ports of the cells can then be sealed by corresponding gaskets against adjacent cells in the stack. When assembling such a stack, considerable time and effort must typically be spent maintaining each gasket in the proper position relative to the fluid ports.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a battery cell and a battery stack that can be manufactured in a cost-effective and simple manner. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a battery cell is provided, preferably an electrochemical battery cell. The battery cell comprises a support plate extending in area for supporting an electrochemical layer, an interconnect plate (or separator) extending in area, and at least one gasket. The support plate and the interconnect plate are stacked one on top of another and extend perpendicular to a stacking direction. That is, the support plate and the interconnect plate are stacked one on top of another along the stacking direction, and the support plate and the interconnect plate extend in area perpendicular to the stacking direction. Preferably, the support plate and the interconnect plate are arranged parallel to each other and, optionally, contact each other in area. According to the present invention, the battery cell is provided with at least one through-hole, which extends through the support plate and the interconnect plate to form a fluid port of the battery cell for supplying fluid, particularly fuel, to the battery cell. Preferably, at least one through-hole is provided in each of the support plate and the interconnect plate of the battery cell, and the through-hole of the support plate and the through-hole of the interconnect plate are arranged coaxially with each other. According to the present invention, the through-hole (fluid port) of the battery cell is provided with a gasket. However, this does not preclude the battery cell from including additional through-holes that serve different purposes and are not provided with gaskets. The gasket is preferably configured to seal the through-hole (fluid port) of the battery cell against the adjacent battery in the battery stack. The gasket is located on the side of the support plate facing away from the interconnection plate. Preferably, the gasket is supported by the support plate. More preferably, the gasket is in direct contact with the surface of the support plate, the surface facing away from the interconnection plate and preferably extending perpendicular to the stacking direction. The gasket includes an opening defined by the inner surface of the gasket and aligned with the through-hole (fluid port) of the battery cell so that the gasket is arranged around the through-hole (i.e. around the fluid port). The battery cell also includes a positioning fixture for the gasket. The positioning fixture is configured to keep the gasket aligned in a form-fitting manner perpendicular to the stacking direction. More specifically, the positioning fixture is constructed and arranged to contact the gasket on the inner surface of the gasket and keep the gasket aligned with the through-hole (fluid port) of the battery cell in a form-fitting manner in a plane perpendicular to the stacking direction. Preferably, the positioning fixture is arranged within the range of the through-hole passing through the support plate.

[0008] The positioning fixture thus provides a comprehensive measure to keep the gasket aligned with respect to the through-hole assigned to the gasket. In particular, the positioning fixture can hold the gasket in place during assembly of a battery stack comprising a plurality of such battery cells. This allows for easy manufacture of the battery stack, as the time and effort normally required to hold each gasket in place during assembly can be omitted. For example, the step of normally bonding the gasket to a support plate or an interconnecting plate can be omitted. Preferably, the positioning fixture is configured to define an outer periphery for accommodating the inner surface of the gasket, such that the gasket is maintained aligned with the through-hole in a form-fitting manner in a plane perpendicular to the stacking direction.

[0009] It may be more advantageous if the positioning fixture is configured such that the liner is held in place by the positioning fixture in a press-fit manner (i.e., by friction locking) in the stacking direction (i.e., a direction perpendicular to the area of ​​the support plate). To this end, the positioning fixture can be configured such that the positioning fixture is biased against the inner surface of the liner in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction. Thus, the liner can be retained by the positioning fixture in a manner that prevents it from being lost.

[0010] Preferably, the support plate and / or the interconnection plate are made of metal or metal alloy. That is, the support plate and / or the interconnection plate are preferably metal or metal alloy plates, such as metal foil.

[0011] The battery cell can also include an electrochemical layer (battery chemical layer) that is particularly planar to form a battery. The electrochemical layer can include a fuel electrode layer, an electrolyte layer, and an air or oxidant electrode layer. The electrochemical layer is preferably arranged on a support plate (preferably deposited as a thin coating or film) and supported by the support plate. The support plate can have a porous area surrounded by a non-porous area, wherein the electrochemical layer is deposited on the porous area (preferably on the side facing away from the interconnecting plate). Therefore, fuel (such as gas) can reach the electrochemical layer through the pores. The support plate and the interconnecting plate can be configured so that the cell space (fluid volume) is enclosed between the support plate and the interconnecting plate. Therefore, the fluid can reach the electrochemical layer from the cell space through the pores in the porous area. The battery repeating unit can be a fuel cell unit, an electrolysis cell unit, or a reversible cell unit. The battery repeating unit can be a solid oxide fuel cell unit or a solid oxide electrolysis cell unit.

[0012] Preferably, the positioning clamp extends beyond the surface of the support plate, which surface faces away from the interconnection plate in the stacking direction. That is, the positioning clamp preferably protrudes in the stacking direction beyond the surface of the support plate facing away from the interconnection plate. The positioning clamp preferably extends into the opening of the gasket. Preferably, the positioning clamp bears against the inner surface of the gasket so that the gasket is held in a form-fitting manner perpendicular to the stacking direction and, optionally, also by friction locking in the stacking direction. Preferably, the positioning clamp protrudes above the surface of the support plate in the stacking direction to an extent that is less than the thickness of the gasket, thereby allowing the gasket to be compressed during the stacking process. In this case, the positioning clamp can provide a hard stop during assembly and stacking of the battery cell stack.

[0013] Preferably, the positioning fixture extends through the entire thickness of the support plate, through a through-hole formed in the support plate, and into the opening of the gasket. In other words, the positioning fixture preferably extends from the side of the support plate facing the interconnecting plate, through the through-hole in the support plate, and protrudes beyond the surface of the support plate facing away from the interconnecting plate. This has the advantage that the positioning fixture can also perform the function of positioning the support plate.

[0014] The positioning fixture can be provided as a separate component. For example, the positioning fixture can be provided by an insert that is retained between the interconnect plate and the support plate. Preferably, the positioning fixture forms an integral part or component of the battery stack, for example, such that the positioning fixture cannot be removed from the battery stack after assembly. For example, the positioning fixture can include a planar portion, preferably a metal planar portion, that is interleaved and laid between other planar components of the battery stack, such as the support plate and the interconnect plate.

[0015] In some embodiments, at least one positioning fixture may be provided by the interconnect plate. More preferably, the positioning fixture is integrally formed with the interconnect plate. This facilitates manufacturing of the battery cell by reducing the number of individual parts. Furthermore, such a positioning fixture can perform a positioning function, providing a fixed position for the support plate relative to the interconnect plate. Preferably, the positioning fixture comprises one or more raised members integrally formed with the interconnect plate, preferably extending in a direction partially orthogonal to the area of ​​the interconnect plate and toward the support plate.

[0016] In some embodiments, the positioning fixture can be formed by at least a portion of the interconnecting plate that is bent toward the support plate, preferably in a direction partially orthogonal to the area of ​​the interconnecting plate. In other words, the positioning fixture can be formed by bending one or more portions of the interconnecting plate toward the support plate, i.e., in the stacking direction. To this end, it may be advantageous if the interconnecting plate is formed of metal. Preferably, the at least one portion surrounds a through-hole in the interconnecting plate.

[0017] According to a general aspect, the positioning fixture may include two or more positioning protrusions, the two or more positioning protrusions extending toward the support plate, preferably extending in a direction that is locally orthogonal to the area range of the interconnecting plate. The positioning protrusions are preferably distributed in a circumferential direction, more preferably evenly around the fluid ports of the battery cell. Therefore, the positioning fixture may include a plurality of raised members, the plurality of raised members being arranged to define a periphery of a pad for accommodating the outside of the raised members. The two or more positioning protrusions may be spaced apart from each other by a circumferential gap. The gap is preferably configured to allow fluid to flow from the fluid port to the battery space formed between the support plate and the interconnecting plate. In some embodiments, the two or more positioning protrusions can be formed by bending an arc segment or tongue of the interconnecting plate material surrounding the through hole. To this end, the arc segment or tongue can preferably be formed in the interconnecting plate before bending (for example, by protruding the interconnecting plate or cutting the interconnecting plate).

[0018] In some embodiments, the positioning fixture can be an annular protrusion, which preferably extends toward the support plate, more preferably extends partially orthogonal to the area range of the interconnection plate. The annular protrusion is preferably configured to define an outer periphery for accommodating the inner surface of the gasket. That is, in the battery cell, the inner surface of the gasket preferably abuts the outer surface of the annular protrusion. Preferably, the outer diameter of the annular protrusion is equal to the diameter of the opening of the gasket. In some embodiments, the annular protrusion can be formed by bending the circular portion of the interconnection plate surrounding the through hole in a direction partially orthogonal to the area range of the interconnection plate. Therefore, the annular protrusion can define the through hole in the insulating plate.

[0019] The annular protrusion may comprise an opening, such as a hole or a stamped shape, which preferably extends radially, i.e. perpendicular to the stacking direction. The opening is preferably constructed and arranged to allow fluid to flow from the fluid port (through hole) to the battery space formed between the support plate and the interconnect plate.

[0020] In some embodiments, the positioning fixture may be comprised of several segments of an annular protrusion. Thus, each segment may form a positioning protrusion of the positioning fixture. The segments may be separated by a circumferential gap. The gap is preferably constructed and arranged to allow fluid to flow from the fluid port to the cell space formed between the support plate and the interconnecting plate. As described above with respect to the annular protrusion, this allows fluid, particularly fuel, to enter and exit the cell space, thereby supplying fluid to the optional electrochemical layer.

[0021] The gasket may be a sealing sheet. The sealing sheet may include at least one groove, wherein the at least one groove forms an opening of the gasket. The groove may have a shape complementary to that of the through-hole. Preferably, the gasket is a sealing ring. Preferably, the gasket, in particular the sealing ring, is coaxially arranged with the through-hole (fluid port) of the battery cell.

[0022] According to a general aspect, at least one spacer may be provided between the support plate and the interconnect plate.The spacer is preferably constructed and arranged such that a cell space (fluid volume) is formed between the support plate and the interconnect plate when the support plate and the interconnect plate are connected.

[0023] Preferably, the gasket is arranged around a fluid port provided by a through-hole in the battery cell. The fluid port may be, for example, a fuel port. Preferably, the gasket includes an opening aligned with the fluid port (through-hole in the battery cell). The gasket may be a gasket ring. Alternatively, the gasket may be a gasket plate or a gasket sheet having a through-hole, the through-hole forming the opening.

[0024] In some embodiments, each fluid port may be provided with a gasket, for example in the form of a gasket ring. Alternatively, the battery cell may include a single gasket, preferably in the form of a gasket plate, the gasket plate including openings, preferably through-holes, at locations locally corresponding to the through-holes in the support plate and the interconnect plate.

[0025] The gasket can be held in alignment with the fluid port (through hole of the battery cell) by a positioning fixture in a plane perpendicular to the stacking direction in a form-fitting manner. To this end, when the battery cell is assembled, the positioning fixture can extend through the opening in the gasket. Preferably, the positioning fixture is configured to contact the inner surface of the gasket, which defines the opening in the gasket, so that the gasket is held in alignment with the fluid port (through hole of the battery cell) assigned to the gasket in a form-fitting manner in a plane perpendicular to the stacking direction. This further simplifies the manufacture of the battery cell.

[0026] Alternatively, at least one locating fixture can be provided by a gasket. Thus, when the locating fixture is inserted into the through hole in the support plate, the locating fixture can serve as a locating feature of the gasket. Preferably, the locating fixture is formed integrally with the gasket. This allows easy manufacture of the battery cell because the number of individual parts can be reduced. For example, the locating fixture can include a plurality of circumferentially distributed locating protrusions, which are formed integrally with the gasket. The locating protrusions can be spaced apart by circumferential gaps, thereby allowing fluid to flow from the fluid port to the battery space formed between the support plate and the interconnecting plate. As described above, the locating fixture can be an annular protrusion, or can be composed of several sections of an annular protrusion integrally formed with the gasket. The annular protrusion can include an opening, or the sections of the annular protrusion can be spaced apart by circumferential gaps, and the openings or gaps are preferably constructed and arranged to allow fluid to flow from the fluid port to the battery space formed between the support plate and the interconnecting plate.

[0027] The gasket may include radially extending channels or openings to allow fluid to flow from the corresponding fluid ports to the cell spaces formed between the support plate and the interconnector plate. The channels or openings may be provided by grooves formed in the outer surface of the gasket. Alternatively, the channels or openings may be formed by radial holes in the gasket material. Whether the positioning fixture is provided by the gasket or by any other component of the battery stack, such as the interconnector plate, the channels or openings may be provided in the gasket.

[0028] Preferably, the gasket is constructed and configured so that the circumferential position of the channel or opening in the gasket overlaps with the gap between the locating protrusions of the locating fixture (for example, the gap between multiple circumferentially distributed locating protrusions or the gap between the segments of the annular protrusion, see above) or the opening defined in the annular protrusion. That is, the gasket may include a channel or opening, which is arranged at a circumferential position around the fluid port, the position corresponding to the position of the gap between the locating protrusions of the locating fixture, or the position corresponding to the position of the opening of the annular protrusion of the locating fixture. Therefore, the gasket may include a channel or opening, which is arranged so that the channel or opening in the gasket is located between adjacent locating protrusions (if there are multiple) or (in the case of annular protrusions) at a position locally corresponding to the position of the radial opening of the annular protrusion. This allows fluid to flow from the fluid port to the battery space.

[0029] As an alternative to or in addition to providing a gasket between the support plate and the interconnect plate, the battery cell may include a formed port feature positioned around the fluid port. The formed port feature is preferably constructed and arranged so that when the support plate and the interconnect plate are connected, a battery space is formed between the support plate and the interconnect plate. The formed port feature can be provided by at least one of the interconnect plate or the support plate. The formed port feature can be provided by pressing. The formed port feature can extend to the other plate. The formed port feature can be a pit. Preferably, the elements of the formed port feature are spaced apart from each other to define a fluid path between the elements from the fluid port, thereby enabling fluid to flow from the fluid port to the battery space. For example, the formed port feature can be constructed in the manner described in the applicant's previous WO2020 / 126486A1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0030] The present invention also relates to a battery stack comprising a plurality of battery cells as described above. The features and advantages described above with respect to the battery cells also apply to the battery stack. In the battery stack, the battery cells are stacked one upon another along a stacking direction such that the fluid ports of the battery cells collectively form a fluid path along the stacking direction. In the battery stack, the gasket is configured to seal the fluid ports of each battery cell against adjacent battery cells in the battery stack.

[0031] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a battery stack. The method comprises the steps of providing a plurality of battery cells, preferably, the plurality of battery cells are battery cells constructed as described above. The step of providing the battery cells comprises the following sub-steps:

[0032] providing a support plate, the support plate having at least one through hole;

[0033] providing at least one gasket, preferably one gasket for each through hole in the support plate;

[0034] providing an interconnecting plate having at least one through hole and at least one positioning fixture for at least one gasket, preferably providing one positioning fixture for each gasket;

[0035] placing the support plate and the interconnection plate on top of each other in a stacking direction such that at least one positioning fixture of the interconnection plate extends through at least one through-hole formed in the support plate; and

[0036] At least one gasket is positioned on a side of the support plate facing away from the interconnect plate such that the at least one gasket is arranged around at least one through-hole (fluid port of the battery cell) and abuts the positioning fixture with its inner surface such that the gasket is held in place by the positioning fixture in a form-fitting manner to align with the through-hole formed in the support plate.

[0037] The method further comprises the step of stacking the plurality of battery cells on top of each other along a stacking direction, preferably such that the fluid ports of the battery cells collectively form a fluid path along the stacking direction.

[0038] According to an alternative embodiment, the step of providing a battery cell may include the following sub-steps:

[0039] providing a support plate, the support plate having at least one through hole;

[0040] providing an interconnection plate having at least one through-hole;

[0041] providing at least one gasket, preferably one gasket for each through hole in the support plate;

[0042] providing at least one gasket, preferably a gasket plate, the at least one gasket comprising at least one positioning fixture for at least one pad, preferably the positioning fixture being integrally formed;

[0043] stacking the support plate, the at least one gasket, and the interconnection plate on top of each other in a stacking direction such that the at least one positioning fixture of the gasket extends through the at least one through-hole formed in the support plate; and

[0044] At least one gasket is positioned on a side of the support plate facing away from the interconnect plate such that the at least one gasket is arranged around at least one through-hole (fluid port of the battery cell) and abuts a positioning fixture with its inner surface such that the gasket is held in place by the positioning fixture in a form-fitting manner to align with the through-hole formed in the support plate. The step of providing at least one gasket may comprise the steps of providing a gasket (e.g., in the form of a gasket ring) for each through-hole in the support plate, each gasket comprising a positioning fixture. Alternatively, the step of providing at least one gasket may comprise the steps of providing a gasket plate, preferably a single gasket plate, comprising one or more through-holes and one or more positioning fixtures, the one or more positioning fixtures being located at positions corresponding to the through-holes in the support plate and the interconnect plate.

[0045] As described above, the through holes of the support plate are preferably located at positions partially corresponding to the through holes of the interconnection plate. Therefore, the support plate and the interconnection plate are preferably stacked on each other along the stacking direction so that the through holes in the support plate and the through holes in the interconnection plate are coaxially arranged with each other.

[0046] The step of providing the battery cells may further include the step of connecting the support plates and interconnection plates of the respective battery cells, preferably using a welding process, more preferably a laser welding process. Thus, the interconnection plates and support plates of the respective battery cells can be handled as a whole, thereby facilitating manufacturing.

[0047] The method may further comprise the step of connecting adjacent battery cells by bonding the interconnect plate of one battery cell to the support plate of an adjacent battery cell, preferably using a welding process, more preferably using a laser welding process.

[0048] The step of providing a support plate having at least one through-hole may include the sub-steps of providing the support plate, for example, by drilling or punching, and processing the support plate to form the at least one through-hole. The step of providing an interconnection plate having at least one through-hole may include the sub-steps of providing the interconnection plate, for example, by drilling or punching, and processing the interconnection plate to form the at least one through-hole.

[0049] The step of providing the interconnect plate with at least one locating fixture may comprise the sub-steps of providing the interconnect plate and forming at least one locating fixture, preferably one or more locating protrusions, by bending at least one section of the interconnect plate.

[0050] Further embodiments can be derived from the following description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] In the attached figure:

[0052] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of an interconnect plate and a support plate of an exemplary embodiment of a battery cell is shown;

[0053] Figure 2 showing a perspective view of a fluid port of a battery cell;

[0054] Figure 3a Shown according to Figure 2 a perspective cross-sectional view of a fluid port; Figure 3b Shown Figure 3a details of; and

[0055] Figure 4 A perspective cutaway view of the interconnect plate and gasket is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements.

[0057] Figure 1 An exploded view of the components of a battery cell 10 according to an exemplary embodiment is schematically shown (simplified to illustrate certain aspects of the present invention). The battery cell 10 includes a support plate 12 and an interconnect plate 14, which are stacked on top of each other along a stacking direction 16. As described in detail below, the battery cell 10 also includes a plurality of gaskets 18 ( Figure 1 Not shown, see Figure 2 ).

[0058] The support plate 12 and the interconnect plate 14 are preferably connected such that a fluid volume (battery space 20) is enclosed between the support plate 12 and the interconnect plate 14. To this end, the battery cell 10 may include at least one gasket 22 positioned between the support plate 12 and the interconnect plate 14 (see below for details). Alternatively, as described above, the battery cell 10 may include a shaped port feature that serves as a gasket. Preferably, the support plate 12 and the interconnect plate 14 are joined using a welding process, particularly a laser welding process. Preferably, the support plate 12 and the interconnect plate are formed of a metal or metal alloy.

[0059] As mentioned above, the battery cell 10 may include an electrochemical layer (not shown) to form a fuel cell or electrolytic cell. The electrochemical layer is preferably provided on the side 24 of the support plate 12 facing away from the interconnect plate 14, preferably as a thin coating on the surface 38 of the support plate 12. The support plate 12 may have a porous region 26 ( Figure 1 (only the rectangular periphery is shown in the figure), wherein the electrochemical layer is deposited on the porous region 26. Therefore, the fuel can pass through the pores from the cell space 20 to the electrochemical layer. For example, the support plate 12 can be provided with a plurality of small holes to allow the fluid in the cell space 20 to contact the side of the electrochemical layer closest to the support plate 12.

[0060] like Figure 1As shown, the support plate 12 and the interconnection plate 14 each include four through-holes 30, 32 extending in the stacking direction 16. In embodiments not shown, the support plate 12 and the interconnection plate 14 may include more or fewer through-holes 30, 32. The through-holes 30 in the support plate 12 and the through-holes 32 in the interconnection plate 14 are preferably arranged coaxially with each other so that—when the support plate 12 and the interconnection plate 14 are connected—each pair of through-holes 30, 32 forms a through-hole 34 that extends through the battery cell 10 in the stacking direction 16.

[0061] As described in detail below, the through-holes 34 (through-holes 30, 32) are in fluid communication with the battery space 20, allowing fluid to exit and enter the battery space 20. Thus, the through-holes 34 form fluid ports 36 of the battery cell 10.

[0062] See also Figure 2 , a perspective view from the side 24 of the support plate 12 facing away from the interconnect plate 14 shows details of the battery cell 10 in the area of ​​the fluid port 36. That is, Figure 2 The battery cell 10 shown in FIG. Figure 1 The battery cell 10 is shown upside down.

[0063] from Figure 2 As can be seen in the figure, the fluid port 36 (through hole 34) is provided with a gasket 18, which is constructed to seal the fluid port 36 against an adjacent battery cell 10 when the battery cell 10 is integrated into a battery stack (not shown), the battery stack including a plurality of batteries 10, and the plurality of batteries 10 are stacked on each other along a stacking direction 16.

[0064] The gasket 18 is located on a side 24 of the support plate 12 facing away from the interconnection plate 14. In the example, the gasket 18 is in direct contact with a surface 38 of the support plate 12 facing away from the interconnection plate 14. The gasket 18 includes an opening 40 defined by an inner surface 42 of the gasket 18 (see FIG. Figure 3b ). See Figure 2 As can be seen, the opening 40 of the gasket 18 is positioned coaxially with the fluid port (36), ie with the through hole 30 in the support plate 12 and the through hole 32 in the interconnection plate 14. In the example, the gasket 18 is in the form of a sealing ring 44.

[0065] The battery cell 10 also includes a positioning fixture 46 that is configured to maintain alignment of the gasket 18 with the fluid port 36 (through hole 34) assigned to the positioning fixture 46. In the example, the positioning fixture 46 includes a plurality of positioning protrusions 48 that are integrally formed with the interconnect plate 14 (see FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3aMore specifically, a plurality of portions 50 (four portions 50 in the example) of the interconnection plate 14 are bent toward the support plate 12 to form the positioning protrusions 48 of the positioning fixture 46, said portions 50 surrounding the through-holes 32 in the interconnection plate 14. Preferably, said portions 50 are bent such that they extend partially orthogonally to the area of ​​the interconnection plate 14 (see, for example, Figure 3b ).like Figure 2 As shown, the locating projections 48 (bends 50 ) are preferably evenly distributed around the circumference of the fluid port 36 , with circumferential gaps 52 provided between adjacent locating projections 48 .

[0066] For example, the arcuate portion may be formed in the material of the interconnect plate 14 surrounding the through-hole 32 (e.g., by bulging or cutting the interconnect plate) so that alternately one portion is bent (forming the locating protrusion 48) and one portion is not bent (see FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3a The arc portion 54 in the middle).

[0067] See also Figure 3b As can be seen, the positioning projection 48 (bend 50) extends through the through hole 30 in the support plate 12 and protrudes beyond the surface 38 of the support plate 12 into the opening 40 of the gasket 18. Figure 3b As shown, the locating projections 48 contact the inner surface 42 of the liner 18, thereby holding the liner 18 in place in a form-fitting manner perpendicular to the stacking direction.

[0068] In an embodiment not shown, the positioning fixture 46 may include an annular (circular) protrusion formed, for example, by bending material surrounding the through-hole 32 in the interconnection plate 14 toward the support plate 12 .

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the battery cell 10 further includes an optional gasket 22, illustratively in the form of a gasket ring 56. Preferably, each fluid port 36 is provided with a corresponding gasket 22.

[0070] from Figure 4 As can be seen, the gasket 22 (gasket ring 56) is supported by the interconnection plate 14. In the example, the gasket 22 is in direct contact with a surface 58 of the interconnection plate 14, which faces the support plate 12. The gasket 22 is disposed about the through-hole 32 in the interconnection plate 14 and includes an opening 60 that is aligned with the through-hole 32. Preferably, the opening 60 of the gasket 22 is coaxially disposed with the through-hole 32.

[0071] like Figure 4, the gasket 22 is preferably held in place by a locating fixture 46 in a similar manner to the liner 18. More specifically, the locating protrusions 48 preferably contact the inner surface 62 of the gasket 22 so that the gasket is held in a fixed position perpendicular to the stacking direction 16 in a form-fitting manner.

[0072] In the example, the gasket 22 includes a radially extending channel 64 located at a circumferential position partially corresponding to the gap 52 between the positioning protrusions 48 (the curved portion 50), i.e., at a position corresponding to the arcuate portion 54. Thus, a fluid connection is provided between the fluid port 36 and the battery space 20. In an embodiment not shown, the channel 64 may be in the form of an opening or hole in the gasket 22.

[0073] In an embodiment not shown, the gasket 22 may be a gasket sheet or plate including through holes complementary to the through holes 32 .

Claims

1. A battery cell (10), comprising: Support plate (12); Interconnection plate (14); and at least one gasket (18), the support plate (12) and the interconnection plate (14) being arranged one on top of the other and extending perpendicularly to a stacking direction (16), The battery cell (10) is provided with at least one through hole (34), the through hole (34) extending through the support plate (12) and the interconnection plate (14) to form a fluid port (36) of the battery cell (10), and the through hole (34) is provided with the at least one gasket (18); The gasket (18) is located on a side (24) of the support plate (12) facing away from the interconnection plate (14); The gasket (18) includes an opening (40) defined by an inner surface (42) of the gasket (18) and aligned with the through hole (34) of the battery cell (10) such that the gasket (18) is arranged around the through hole (34), The battery cell (10) further comprises a positioning fixture (46) for the gasket (18), wherein the positioning fixture (46) is constructed and arranged to contact the gasket (18) on the inner surface (42) of the gasket (18) and to keep the gasket (18) aligned with the through hole (34) in a shape-fitting manner in a plane perpendicular to the stacking direction (16).

2. The battery cell (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The locating fixture (46) extends beyond the surface (38) of the support plate (12) facing away from the interconnection plate (14) and into the opening (40) of the gasket (18).

3. The battery cell (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The positioning fixture (46) extends through the through hole (30) formed in the support plate (12) along the entire thickness of the support plate (12) and extends into the opening (40) of the gasket (18).

4. The battery cell (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The positioning fixture (46) is provided by the interconnection plate (14).

5. The battery cell (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The positioning fixture (46) is formed integrally with the interconnection plate (14).

6. The battery cell (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The positioning fixture (36) is formed by at least a portion (50) of the interconnection plate (14) that is bent toward the support plate (12).

7. The battery cell (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The support plate (12) and / or the interconnection plate (14) are formed of metal.

8. The battery cell (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The positioning fixture (46) includes a plurality of positioning protrusions (48) distributed circumferentially.

9. The battery cell (10) according to claim 8, wherein: The locating projections (48) are spaced apart by circumferential gaps (52) that allow fluid to flow from the fluid ports (36) to a battery space (20) formed between the support plate (12) and the interconnect plate (14).

10. The battery cell (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The positioning fixture (46) is an annular protrusion, or the positioning fixture (46) is composed of several sections of an annular protrusion.

11. The battery cell (10) according to claim 10, wherein: The annular protrusion includes an opening, or the segments of the annular protrusion are separated by circumferential gaps, the openings or gaps being constructed and arranged to allow fluid to flow from the fluid port (36) to a battery space (20) formed between the support plate (12) and the interconnect plate (14).

12. The battery cell (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The gasket (18) is held in the stacking direction (16) by the positioning fixture (46) in a press-fit manner.

13. The battery cell (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The gasket (18) is a sealing ring (44) or a sealing sheet.

14. The battery cell (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one gasket (22) is arranged between the support plate (12) and the interconnection plate (14).

15. The battery cell (10) according to claim 14, wherein: The gasket (22) is disposed about the fluid port (36) provided by the through hole (34).

16. The battery cell (10) according to claim 15, wherein: The gasket (22) includes an opening (60) aligned with the fluid port (36), and wherein the gasket (22) is held aligned with the fluid port (36) in a form-fitting manner by the positioning fixture (46) in the plane perpendicular to the stacking direction (16).

17. The battery cell (10) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: The gasket (22) includes radially extending channels (64) or openings to allow fluid to flow from the corresponding fluid ports (36) to a battery space (20) formed between the support plate (12) and the interconnect plate (14).

18. The battery cell (10) according to claim 17, wherein: The circumferential location of the passage (64) or opening overlaps the gap (52) between the projections (48) of the locating fixture (46).

19. A battery cell (10) according to any one of claims 14 to 18 as dependent upon any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The locating fixture (46) is provided by the spacer (22).

20. A battery stack comprising a plurality of battery cells (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the battery cells (10) are stacked on each other along the stacking direction (16) so that the fluid ports (36) of the battery cells (10) jointly form at least one fluid path along the stacking direction (16).

21. A method for manufacturing a battery stack, the method comprising: a) providing a plurality of battery cells (10), the step of providing the plurality of battery cells (10) comprising: - providing a support plate (12), said support plate (12) having at least one through hole (30); - providing at least one pad (18); - providing an interconnection plate (14) having at least one through hole (32), said interconnection plate (14) providing at least one positioning fixture (46) for said at least one gasket (18); - placing the support plate (12) and the interconnection plate (14) on top of each other in a stacking direction (16) such that the at least one positioning fixture (46) of the interconnection plate (14) extends through the at least one through hole (30) formed in the support plate (12); and - positioning the at least one gasket (18) on a side (24) of the support plate (12) facing away from the interconnection plate (14) such that the at least one gasket (18) is arranged around the at least one through hole (30) and is held in place by the positioning fixture (46) in a form-fitting manner to align with the through hole (30) formed in the support plate; and b) stacking the plurality of battery cells (10) on top of each other along the stacking direction (16).

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein: The battery cell (10) is a battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, further comprising: The support plate (12) and the interconnection plate (14) of each battery cell (10) are connected using a welding process, preferably, the support plate (12) and the interconnection plate (14) of each battery cell (10) are connected using a laser welding process.

24. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, further comprising: Adjacent battery cells (10) are connected by joining the interconnection plate (14) of one battery cell (10) to the support plate (12) of an adjacent battery cell (10) using a welding process, preferably a laser welding process.

25. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein: The at least one positioning fixture (46) is formed by bending at least a portion (50) of the interconnect plate (14).

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