Housing member for power storage device and power storage device

Abstract

To provide a housing member having pressure resistance and bending stiffness while maintaining a compact structure.SOLUTION: Provided is a housing member 10 for a power storage device, in particular a battery or a capacitor. The housing member includes a substrate 12 and at least one first connection terminal assembly 100 having a connection pin 102. The connection pin is routed through a through-opening of the substrate and is fixed in the through-opening so as to be electrically isolated via a fixing material, the connection pin projecting beyond the through-opening on at least one side of the through-opening. Furthermore, there is provided a connection pad 110 on at least one side of the through-opening. The connection pad has an opening formed as a through-opening or as a blind hole. The projecting part of the connection pin engages in the opening and is electrically connected to the at least one connection pad in the region of the opening. The at least one connection pad is attached to the substrate so as to be electrically isolated by an insulation material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing member for an energy storage device, particularly a battery or capacitor, comprising a base and at least one first connection terminal assembly having connection pins, wherein the connection pins are guided through through-openings in the base and are electrically insulated and fixed within the through-openings via a fixing material, and the connection pins protrude beyond the through-openings on at least one side of the through-openings. Another aspect of the present invention relates to an energy storage device comprising a housing having such a housing member.

[0002] Energy storage devices, such as batteries or capacitors, typically comprise a housing and at least one energy storage cell. The housing surrounds the energy storage cell and provides connection terminals for the electrical contact connections of the energy storage device.

[0003] In the sense of this invention, "battery" refers to both disposable batteries and rechargeable batteries that can be disposed of and / or recycled after discharge. Rechargeable batteries, preferably lithium-ion batteries, are provided for a variety of applications, such as portable electronic devices, mobile phones, power tools, and especially electric vehicles. Batteries can replace conventional energy sources such as lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, or nickel-metal hydride batteries. The use of batteries is also possible in sensors or in the Internet of Things.

[0004] In the sense of this invention, the term "energy storage device" also refers to a capacitor, particularly an electric double-layer capacitor.

[0005] Electric double-layer capacitors, also known as supercapacitors, are, as is commonly known, electrochemical energy stores with particularly high power densities. Unlike ceramic, film, and electrolytic capacitors, electric double-layer capacitors do not have a dielectric in the conventional sense. Electric double-layer capacitors realize both static storage of electrical energy through charge separation in the double-layer capacitance and electrochemical storage of electrical energy through charge exchange using redox reactions in the pseudocapacitance.

[0006] Electric double-layer capacitors include, in particular, hybrid capacitors, and especially lithium-ion capacitors. The electrolyte of such capacitors typically contains a solvent in which a conductive salt (usually a lithium salt) is dissolved. Electric double-layer capacitors are preferably used in applications requiring a high number of charge-discharge cycles. Electric double-layer capacitors are particularly advantageous in the automotive sector, and especially in the field of brake energy regeneration. Other applications are, of course, equally possible and are included in the present invention.

[0007] Lithium-ion batteries as energy storage devices have been known for many years. This is described, for example, in "Handbook of Batteries" (by David Linden, 2nd edition, McCrawhill, 1995, Chapters 36 and 39).

[0008] Various embodiments of lithium-ion batteries are described in numerous patents.

[0009] Examples include U.S. Patent No. 961672, U.S. Patent No. 5952126, U.S. Patent No. 5900183, U.S. Patent No. 5874185, U.S. Patent No. 5849434, U.S. Patent No. 5853914, and U.S. Patent No. 5773959.

[0010] Lithium-ion batteries, especially those intended for automotive applications, typically have a large number of individual battery cells connected in parallel and / or in series. These battery cells, connected in parallel or series, are grouped together into a so-called battery pack, and multiple battery packs are grouped into a battery module, also known as a lithium-ion battery. Each individual battery cell has electrodes protruding from its housing. The same applies to the housing of an electric double-layer capacitor.

[0011] For applications of lithium-ion batteries, particularly in automotive environments, numerous issues must be resolved, such as corrosion resistance, durability in the event of an accident, and vibration resistance. Other issues include long-term sealing, especially airtightness.

[0012] Furthermore, for high energy storage density, it is desirable to reduce the proportion of passive parts, such as the housing, in the overall structure of the energy storage device. Accordingly, housings with minimal material thickness are preferred. Examples of housings for energy storage devices designed to have the minimum possible structural height and material thickness are known, for example, German Patent Application Publication No. 102014016601 and International Publication No. 2020 / 104571.

[0013] However, known housings for energy storage devices have the drawback that deformation occurs under high internal pressure when the housing material thickness is small. In particular, such shape changes are undesirable in the area of ​​the cover where electrical through-holes and connection terminals are usually located.

[0014] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a housing member, particularly a cover member, that maintains a particularly compact structure and has particularly high pressure resistance and bending rigidity.

[0015] Disclosure of the invention A housing member for an energy storage device, particularly a battery or capacitor, is proposed. The housing member comprises a base and at least one first connection terminal assembly with a connection pin, the connection pin being guided through a through-opening in the base and fixed within the through-opening, electrically insulated via a fixing material, the connection pin protruding beyond the through-opening on at least one side of the through-opening. Furthermore, a connection pad is provided on at least one side of the through-opening, the connection pad having an opening formed as a through-opening or blind hole, the protruding portion of the connection pin engaging with the opening and electrically connected to at least one connection pad in the region of the opening, the at least one connection pad being electrically insulated by an insulating material and attached to the base.

[0016] A housing member is configured to be combined with another housing member to form a housing for an energy storage device, and the housing member has connection terminals for the energy storage device. Depending on the energy storage device, one or more connection terminals may be provided. For example, an energy storage device may have two first connection terminals that can function as, for example, a positive terminal and a negative terminal. If the housing member has only one first connection terminal assembly, preferably the base of the housing member itself or another housing member is another connection terminal, for example, a negative terminal or an earth terminal. In addition to at least one first connection terminal assembly, the housing member may have one or more other connection terminal assemblies different from this first connection terminal assembly.

[0017] At least one connector terminal assembly has a connector pin, which is guided through a through-opening in the substrate and held in this through-opening electrically insulated by a fixing material. The substrate, connector pin, and fixing material form a metal-fixing material through-guide, in which the fixing material seals the connector pin and the inner wall of the through-opening, respectively. In such a configuration, it is advantageous that the fixing material does not protrude beyond the through-opening and is formed substantially flush with the through-opening, or even selected to be somewhat shorter than the length of the through-opening.

[0018] The joints between the fixing material and the connecting pins, and between the fixing material and the wall of the through-opening, are preferably airtight. Airtightness means, in particular, that the helium leakage rate is preferably <1*10 when there is a pressure difference of 1 bar. -7 mbar ls -1 Particularly preferably <1*10 -8 mbar ls -1 , most preferably <1*10 -9 mbar ls -1 This means that.

[0019] In the first terminal assembly, at least one connection pad is a connection area on which an electrical conductor can be connected to the first terminal assembly. Thus, the connection pad located on the side of the housing member that is located outside the finished housing is a connection area on which an electrical energy storage device, including the housing, can be electrically connected. The connection pad located on the side that is located inside the finished housing is a connection area on which internally located components, such as energy storage cells, such as battery cells or capacitor cells, can be connected.

[0020] To enable electrical connection of at least one connection pad to a connection pin, at least one connection pad and the connection pin are positioned closely adjacent to each other. To this end, the portion of the connection pin protruding beyond the through-opening in the substrate engages with the opening in the connection pad, regardless of whether the opening in the connection pad is formed as a through-opening or a blind hole. Accordingly, if formed as a blind hole, the opening faces the connection pin, and in this variant, the connection pin is covered by the connection pad. This advantageously achieves complete covering of the connection pin material by the first connection terminal assembly, and thus shielding it particularly from influences from the environment or from media present inside the housing.

[0021] This configuration further facilitates the precise positioning of at least one connection pad during manufacturing, as the connection pins, like positioning aids, ensure the precise positioning of the connection pad.

[0022] To enable good coupling between at least one connecting pad and the connecting pin, it is preferable that the connecting pin protrudes at least 0.1 mm to 2 mm, and particularly preferably 0.2 mm to 1 mm, beyond the through-opening and thus beyond the base.

[0023] At least one first connection terminal assembly may have exactly one connection pad. In an advantageous embodiment of the first connection terminal assembly, the connection pad is located on the side of the housing member that is located outside the finished housing. In an alternative advantageous embodiment of the first connection terminal assembly, the connection pad is located on the side of the housing member that is located inside the finished housing.

[0024] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the first connection terminal assembly, it has been determined that one connection pad is arranged on each of the side of the housing member that is located outside the completed housing and the side that is located inside the completed housing. That is, the first connection terminal assembly may have one connection pad on each of both sides of the through-opening and thus on both sides of the housing member. In such a configuration, preferably, the connection pins protrude beyond the through-opening on both sides of the through-opening, and connection pads each having one opening are arranged on both sides of the through-opening, and the protruding portions of the connection pins are engaged with the respective openings and are electrically connected to the respective connection pads in the region of the openings.

[0025] At least one connection pad is electrically connected to the connection pin. This connection can simultaneously form a mechanical coupling portion, whereby at least one connection pad is not only fixed to the substrate via an insulating material but is also fixed to the connection pin. The insulating material is preferably an electrically insulating adhesive or an electrically insulating casting material.

[0026] When using an adhesive as the insulating material, an epoxy resin is particularly suitable. The adhesive can also be formed in the form of an adhesive tape, particularly a double-sided adhesive tape. As the casting material, a thermoplastic or a thermosetting plastic is particularly suitable.

[0027] The insulating material for the connection pad located outside and the insulating material for the connection pad located inside may be different from each other or the same. This enables adaptation to different requirements related to the position of the connection pads.

[0028] When selecting a suitable adhesive, particularly a suitable epoxy resin or a suitable casting material, specific selection criteria are involved.

[0029] When assembling housing components or energy storage devices, methods such as brazing or welding can be used to form joints between, for example, connecting pins and connecting pads and / or connecting pads and connecting tongues. Therefore, it is advantageous for the adhesive to be heat-resistant so that it can withstand the temperature required for brazing or welding, at least for a short time. It is preferable that the adhesive can be heated to a temperature above 150°C, preferably at least 220°C, for at least a short time without vaporizing or altering the adhesive, i.e., without drastically changing its initial adhesive strength. The concept of "short time" here means a minimum of 1 to 5 minutes.

[0030] Alternatively, for normal operation and potential accidents / failures during use of the energy storage device, it may be advantageous for the adhesive to be thermally stable continuously down to a minimum of 80°C, preferably to a minimum of 100°C. Preferably, the adhesive is thermally stable continuously in the range of -40°C to +120°C, preferably in the range of -40°C to +150°C.

[0031] According to a modified version of the present invention, preferably the adhesive possesses both properties with respect to heat resistance, for example, being thermally stable for a sustained period from -40°C to +150°C and able to withstand temperature loads exceeding 150°C for a short time.

[0032] In addition to sustained and / or short-term temperature stability, it is desirable that the adhesive also has good resistance to external influences, particularly liquids, aerosols, and / or gases. In relation to the side of the housing member on which the connecting pad is located in the finished housing, moisture resistance, environmental resistance, or weather resistance can be distinguished from chemical resistance, such as resistance to battery electrolyte.

[0033] For attaching the connecting pads located on the exterior side of the housing component, it is advantageous that the adhesive has passed temperature and humidity tests. For example, a unit consisting of a housing component with a connecting terminal assembly according to the present invention and the bonded connecting pads is exposed to a climate chamber at a temperature of 85°C and a relative humidity of 85% for 1000 hours. This unit is then subjected to mechanical loads, particularly heavy loads and bending loads, to inspect how much of the initial adhesive strength remains. This test is considered successful if the adhesive still retains at least 80% of its initial adhesive strength after the test.

[0034] For attaching the connecting pads located on the side of the housing component that is situated inside the finished housing, it is advantageous for the adhesive to have sufficient electrolyte resistance, resistance to conductive salts, etc. To measure resistance, the adhesive can be immersed, for example, in the medium to be tested at 60°C for 20 days, and then the medium can be analyzed for components leached from the adhesive. Leaching is a measure of resistance to each medium. Furthermore, visible changes in the adhesive and / or medium, such as changes in color, can provide information about resistance.

[0035] Since the internal side of the housing component has different conditions than the external side, different adhesives, particularly epoxy resins, can be used for attaching the connection pads to the inside and outside, respectively.

[0036] However, a single adhesive suitable for both use on the externally located side of the housing member and use on the internally located side of the housing member is preferable.

[0037] The selection criteria described above also apply to casting materials that possess corresponding electrical insulating properties.

[0038] Preferably, at least one connecting pad is electrically insulated and attached to the substrate using an adhesive or casting material over its entire surface as an insulating material.

[0039] Alternatively, the connecting pad may be attached to the substrate electrically insulated only partially, i.e., on a portion of its surface, using an adhesive or casting material as an insulating material. Even with this configuration, a sufficiently secure attachment can be achieved. In this case, the presence of adhesive or casting material on the outer edge between the connecting pad and the substrate is advantageous because it eliminates any accessible gaps between the components described above.

[0040] At least one first connection terminal assembly already reinforces the housing member when one connection pad is placed, thereby ensuring that the housing member is only slightly deformed, especially under pressure load. Preferably, the insulating material and one or more connection pads are configured and positioned such that at least one first connection terminal assembly, together with the substrate, has a bending stiffness in the region of the through-opening that is at least twice as high as the bending stiffness of the substrate without the first connection terminal assembly.

[0041] Furthermore, by placing the connecting pads on one side, and especially on both sides, the metal-to-fixing material through-guide of the connecting pin is protected. When placed on both sides in particular, the connecting pin is mechanically protected against external influences such as impact or similar forces. External mechanical forces are absorbed by the insulating material and connecting pads and transmitted to the housing.

[0042] Preferably, the insulating material used to bond one or more connection pads is positioned and configured such that the insulating material completely covers the fixing material. By covering the fixing material with the insulating material, the fixing material is advantageously protected not only from mechanical effects but also from the effects of moisture or other substances.

[0043] Preferably, at least one connecting pad is positioned and configured such that the connecting pin does not protrude beyond the opening of at least one connecting pad. With this configuration, particularly when forming the opening as a through-opening, the coupling surface provided by the connecting pad is not obstructed by any protruding portion, and good connection of even large connecting tongues or electrical conductors to the connecting pad is achieved.

[0044] Preferably, the shape of the opening of at least one connecting pad corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the connecting pin, and the size of the opening is preferably selected to be 0.02 mm to 0.1 mm larger than the suitable size of the connecting pin. With this configuration, it is achieved that the gap between at least one connecting pad and the connecting pin can be made as small as possible, and a reliable electrical connection can be easily formed between the connecting pad and the connecting pin. Moreover, since manufacturing tolerances can be compensated at the same time, the connecting pin can always reliably engage with the opening of the connecting pad without damaging or deforming the connecting pad. By deforming the connecting pad and / or connecting pin after placement on the substrate, the remaining gap can be further reduced, or even completely closed. This allows for the direct formation of the electrical connection, or at least an improved form.

[0045] Preferably, the connection between the connecting pin and at least one connecting pad is carried out as a conductive adhesive bond or a welded bond. Brazing can also be considered for a conductive bond. In the case of an opening formed as a through-opening, the joint preferably extends along the contour of the opening of at least one connecting pad. In the case of an opening formed as a blind hole, the joint preferably extends across the entire surface.

[0046] To form a welded joint, for example, laser welding, resistance welding, ultrasonic welding, or friction welding can be used.

[0047] At least one connecting pad preferably provides a significantly enlarged connecting surface with respect to the cross-section of the connecting pin. The formation of the metal-fixing material through guide can preferably be carried out independently of the arrangement and coupling of at least one connecting pad. In this way, the connecting surface providing the electrical contact connection can be easily fitted to the housing member as required by adapting the shape and size of the connecting pad, without the need to modify or adapt the metal-fixing material through guide. Furthermore, the shape of the outer connecting pad can be selected independently of the shape of the inner connecting pad, so that the optimal shape and arrangement can be selected for each electrical contact connection.

[0048] In this case, preferably, at least one connecting pad has a shape selected from rounded shapes such as circles or ellipses, or polygonal shapes such as rectangles, squares, triangles, or hexagons, each having rounded corners, respectively. Basically, the shape of at least one connecting pad can be adapted and selected according to the requirements.

[0049] The dimensions of the connection pads of the first connection terminal assembly, i.e., the width and length of the connection pads of the first connection terminal assembly, are preferably selected to provide a large area for butt welding or brazing of the connection portion, such as a connecting tongue. Alternatively, the connection portion may be riveted or press-jointed for fixation. These dimensions may be significantly larger than the connection surface provided by ordinary connection pins alone. With this configuration, preferably, the shape and size of the connection area forming the electrical connection portion can be adapted to each customer without the need to adapt or modify the original electrical through-guide portion of the connection pin by the housing member. Particularly angular shapes can also be easily formed.

[0050] Adhesion of insulating materials can be difficult on smooth surfaces. To improve the adhesion of insulating materials on at least one connection pad and / or substrate, preferably, structural elements are placed on each surface of the connection pad and / or substrate adjacent to the insulating material, and these structural elements roughen each surface and / or form undercuts that allow the insulating material to be hooked.

[0051] Preferably, the substrate has a microstructure in at least the bonding region where the substrate is bonded to at least one connecting pad, and / or at least one connecting pad has a microstructure on the side facing the substrate. This microstructure improves the adhesion of the insulating material and, consequently, increases the strength of the bond between at least one connecting pad and the substrate.

[0052] The microstructures may have a configuration similar to those known in German Patent Application Publication No. 102017123278, and may be a number of grooves and / or recesses that can be formed in such a manner. The depth of the microstructures is preferably selected to be somewhat greater than that of the microstructures described in the same specification for controlling the flow of metallic brazing material in order to improve the adhesion of insulating material.

[0053] Preferably, the recesses in the microstructured areas are laser-structured regions on the surface of the substrate and / or connecting pads. These laser-structured regions may be laser-removed regions and / or regions that are locally deformed by heat from the laser beam and / or regions that are locally deformed by laser-induced pressure. Of course, combinations of these are also possible.

[0054] Alternatively or additionally, other methods for forming microstructures, such as embossing with a microstructured punch, and / or methods for removing material, such as grinding and / or scratching, may be used.

[0055] Advantageously, the microstructures have a groove shape and / or the microstructures have or consist of recesses having circular and / or elliptical diameters. Similarly, square diameters with particularly rounded corners are also possible. Particularly preferably, the recesses are crater-shaped and / or pot-shaped. These shapes can be formed particularly preferably by laser ablation.

[0056] Preferably, the recesses of the microstructured portion have a depth of at least 1 μm, more preferably at least 10 μm, and particularly advantageously at least 100 μm. Recesses up to a depth of 200 μm are referred to as microstructured portions. This depth is measured from the plane of the substrate surface outside the microstructured portion to the deepest point of the microstructured portion; that is, in the case of a crater-shaped recess, from the plane of the substrate surface outside the microstructured portion to the deepest point of the crater bottom.

[0057] Preferably, the substrate and / or at least one connecting pad has a recess or structure with at least one undercut, and an insulating material engages with the undercut to bond the substrate to at least one connecting pad.

[0058] For example, to achieve this, diagonally extending grooves can be machined into the surface of the base and / or connecting pads. Alternatively, the edge of at least one connecting pad could be bent inward so that an annular groove is formed as an undercut.

[0059] The material for at least one connecting pad is preferably a metal with good conductivity. The material for at least one connecting pad consists of aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper and copper alloys, in particular brass and bronze, or preferably includes a material selected from these materials. Alternatively, a so-called contact material may be selected as the material for at least one connecting pad. Contact materials are excellent in terms of good resistance to oxidation and are also resistant to wear from sparks and electric arcs. Suitable contact materials include silver, gold and platinum in particular. Suitable alloys as contact materials include silver-nickel and silver-tin oxides in particular.

[0060] The first connection terminal assembly can be readily obtained in various forms. First, an electrical through-guide is formed by the base. For this purpose, for example, the base, a blank for the fixing material and a connecting pin are prepared, and the metal-fixing material through-guide can be obtained in a heat treatment step. With appropriate dimensional setting and arrangement of the connecting pin, the connecting pin can protrude through the through-opening in the base on one or both sides and then be coupled to one or more connecting pads on one or both sides.

[0061] In one variant, the connecting pad is obtained by punching out a thin metal sheet material that has already been coated with an insulating material, particularly an adhesive. The connecting pad is then positioned above the protruding portion of the connecting pin and pressed against a substrate.

[0062] However, of course, instead of this configuration, it is also possible to punch out the connecting pads from an uncoated metal sheet and apply adhesive to the connecting pads and / or substrate only immediately before placing the connecting pads.

[0063] To use the casting material as an insulating material, the housing component and the connecting pad can be inserted into a single injection mold. The insulating material is then injected into the mold.

[0064] Preferably, the housing member further includes at least one second connection terminal assembly, in which the connection area is formed by a protrusion in the base or by another connection pad electrically connected to the base. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a connection area in the housing member by the base, in particular a connection area formed as an earth terminal or a negative terminal, without providing an electrical through-guide.

[0065] In the alternative embodiment formed as a raised portion, preferably no other component is required for the formation of the second connection terminal assembly. This particularly saves material and reduces weight. Preferably, the raised portion is obtained by deformation processing of the substrate, particularly by indentation processing.

[0066] At least one second terminal assembly can provide a connection point, particularly for grounding, which in a preferred modification is sufficient without further members and provides the same structural height as the first terminal assembly. Thus, the electrical connection to the second terminal assembly can be configured in the same way as the electrical connection to the first terminal assembly. Furthermore, a wall is provided on the opposite side by a protrusion and optionally a corresponding recess, which acts as a bead and increases the mechanical rigidity of the housing member without additional material.

[0067] During the pressing process, the portion of the substrate to be formed as a raised section is moved perpendicular to the rest of the substrate, and the wall thickness of the substrate changes only in the transition region between these sections. As a result, the surface quality remains unchanged. However, other deformation methods, such as deep drawing, can of course be used.

[0068] If another connecting pad is used to form a second connecting terminal assembly, this connecting pad is preferably bonded to the substrate by welding, brazing, or bonding with a conductive adhesive. Preferably, the other connecting pad is formed similarly to or identical to one of the connecting pads of the first connecting terminal assembly. Furthermore, it is conceivable to place another connecting pad not only on the outside, but also on the inside, opposite the housing member.

[0069] Preferably, the overall height of at least one first terminal assembly and the overall height of at least one second terminal assembly are selected to be identical. In this configuration, all areas provided for electrical contact connections are located at the same height relative to the surface of the substrate, thereby allowing all connections to be formed in a mechanically identical form. Not only the height, but preferably other geometric parameters, in particular the shape and size of the second terminal assembly, are adapted to the first terminal assembly and preferably selected to be identical.

[0070] Preferably, the total height of the terminal assembly, i.e., at least one first terminal assembly and optionally at least one second terminal assembly, is selected to be within the range of 10% to 80% of the wall thickness of the substrate, starting from the surface of the substrate. With this configuration, the second terminal assembly in particular can be formed as a raised portion by a deformation process such as indentation.

[0071] The substrate material is selected as needed, preferably a material that can bond well with another housing member. Preferably, the substrate material is selected from metals, particularly iron, iron alloys, iron-nickel alloys, iron-nickel-cobalt alloys, KOVAR, steel, special steels, aluminum, aluminum alloys, AlSiC, magnesium, magnesium alloys, titanium, or titanium alloys.

[0072] Light metals such as aluminum, magnesium, and titanium, as well as their alloys, are particularly preferred due to their low weight.

[0073] The material for the connecting pin is preferably selected from metals with good conductivity. Accordingly, the material for the connecting pin is preferably selected from copper, copper alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, iron, iron alloys, iron-nickel alloys, iron-nickel-cobalt alloys, KOVAR, titanium, titanium alloys, steel, stainless steel, special steel, AlSiC, magnesium, or magnesium alloys.

[0074] The fixing material for holding and insulating the connecting pins within the through-opening of the substrate is preferably selected from glass, glass ceramics, or ceramics. The fixing material is preferably selected in relation to the materials of the substrate and the connecting pins so as to form a metal-fixing material through-guide.

[0075] To obtain a particularly good seal between the metal parts, i.e., between the substrate and the connecting pins of at least one first connecting terminal assembly and the fixing material, the through guide can be formed in the form of a compression seal. In this case, the thermal expansion coefficient of the substrate is selected to be greater than that of the fixing material, so that after the heat treatment that seals the fixing material into the through opening, the substrate shrinks more strongly than the fixing material. This applies sustained pressure to the fixing material by the substrate. This pressure preloads the fixing material, resulting in a particularly resistant seal.

[0076] Moderately preferably, the thermal expansion coefficient of the substrate is greater than that of the fixed material. Particularly preferably, when compressed and sealed, the thermal expansion coefficient of the substrate is selected to be at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, particularly preferably at least 20%, and most preferably at least 50% greater than that of the fixed material.

[0077] Instead of implementing as a compression seal, a matched through-hole interior can be used where the coefficients of thermal expansion of the substrate, the fixing material, and the connecting pins are matched to each other. By "matched" is meant here that the coefficients of thermal expansion differ by at most 2*10 -6 1 / K, especially at most 1*10 -6 1 / K, especially being substantially equal, and / or preferably in the range of 3 - 7*10 -6 1 / K, preferably 4.5 - 5.5*10 -6 1 / K, or in the range of 9*10 -6 1 / K - 11*10 -6 1 / K. Thus, overall the coefficient of thermal expansion may be in the range of 3 - 11*10 -6 1 / K. As far as the coefficient of thermal expansion is concerned within the framework of the present application, here it means the linear coefficient of thermal expansion α in the range of 20 - 300 °C.

[0078] To facilitate the joining of the housing member and another housing component, the housing member preferably has an annular connecting flange.

[0079] The housing member more preferably comprises at least one functional element, which is selected from a safety valve or a filling opening. Such a safety valve is provided, for example, as a target breaking point or weakened section of the housing member, and the target breaking point or weakened section is configured and arranged to break as desired upon the occurrence of a predetermined pressure build-up and release the overpressure from the interior of the housing formed by the housing member.

[0080] The housing member is preferably formed as a cover of the housing. By joining the cover and the housing body, a housing for a power storage device can be formed. The power storage device may include one or more power storage cells, such as battery cells or capacitor cells.

[0081] A corresponding further object of the present invention is to provide an energy storage device, in particular a battery or capacitor, comprising the housing or housing member described herein and at least one energy storage cell.

[0082] Next, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated form. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0083] [Figure 1] This is a view from below of the housing member formed as a cover. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the housing member along the cutting line marked in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a magnified view of the first connection terminal assembly of the cover member. [Figure 4] This figure shows a second example for the first connector assembly. [Figure 5] This figure shows a third example for a first connection terminal assembly. [Figure 6] This figure shows a fourth example for the first connector assembly. [Figure 7] This figure shows a fifth example for the first connector assembly. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the first form of change, as shown in Figure 4. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing the second form of change, as shown in Figure 4. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing the third form of change, as shown in Figure 4.

[0084] Figure 1 shows a view from below of one embodiment of a housing member 10 configured as a cover. In this embodiment, the housing member 10 has a base 12 comprising a first connection terminal assembly 100 and a second connection terminal assembly 200. When the housing member 10 is connected to one or more energy storage cells, such as battery cells or capacitor cells, the first connection terminal assembly 100 can function, for example, as a positive terminal, and the second connection terminal assembly 200 can function, for example, as a negative terminal.

[0085] The housing member 10 may have other functional elements in addition to the connection terminal assemblies 100, 200. In the example shown in Figure 1, a safety device in the form of a safety valve 18 and a filling opening 16 are provided for this purpose. The safety valve 18 may be formed, for example, as a target failure point in the housing member 10, and the safety valve is configured to open when it is subjected to a determined pressure. After all parts of the housing have been assembled, a liquid or gaseous medium, such as an electrolyte, can be filled into the interior through the filling opening 16. After filling, the filling opening 16 is closed as usual.

[0086] For connection with another housing member, an annular coupling flange 14 is provided in the example shown in Figure 1. This coupling flange 14 may be formed, for example, as a welded flange.

[0087] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the housing member from Figure 1, viewed from a plane along the cutting line marked AA in Figure 1. In this cross-sectional view, the structure of the first connection terminal assembly 100 and the structure of the second connection terminal assembly 200 can be clearly seen.

[0088] The first connector assembly 100, shown in an enlarged view in Figure 3, includes a connector pin 102, which is inserted into a through-opening 20 in the base 12 and held in place by a fixing material 106. The fixing material 106 also electrically insulates the connector pin 102 from the base 12. In the illustrated example, the connector pin 102 protrudes above and below the base 12 or through-opening 20.

[0089] A connecting pad 110 is positioned on the upper side of the base body 12, and this connecting pad 110 is attached to the base body 12 by an insulating material 112, such as an adhesive. The connecting pad 110 has an opening 120 into which a connecting pin 102 engages. For this purpose, the opening 120 has substantially the same shape as the cross-section of the connecting pin 102, and the opening 120 is preferably formed somewhat larger so that the connecting pin 102 can engage within the opening 120 even if there are manufacturing tolerances that may occur. The connecting pin 102 is in contact with the connecting pad 110 or there is a small gap between the connecting pin 102 and the connecting pad 110, so that an electrical connection can be formed by a welded joint 130 between the connecting pin 102 and the connecting pad 110. Such a welded joint 130 is preferably formed along the contour of the opening 120. Since the connecting pad 110 is located on the outside after the housing is assembled, the connecting pad 110 can act as a connection area for electrical contact connections.

[0090] In the examples shown in Figures 2 and 3, an inner connection pad 116 is located on the underside of the base 12, and this inner connection pad 116 is attached to the underside of the base 12 via an inner insulating material 114. The inner connection pad 116 also has an opening 120 into which the connection pins 102 engage. The connection pins 102 are electrically connected to the inner connection pad 116 along the contour of the opening 120, for example, by a welded joint 130. Since the inner connection pad 116 is located inside the housing after the housing is assembled, the inner connection pad 116 can act as a connection area for energy storage cells housed inside the housing. For example, the connection tongues of the energy storage cells can be connected to the connection pad, and in particular, these connection tongues can be welded.

[0091] In the examples shown in Figures 1 to 3, the dimensions of the insulating materials 112 and 114 are matched to the dimensions of the connection pads 110 and 116, so that the insulating materials 112 and 114 are completely covered. Alternatively, for example, to increase the creepage distance, the dimensions of the insulating materials 112 and 114 can be increased, causing a portion of the insulating materials 112 and 114 to protrude beyond the connection pads 110 and 116, which is schematically shown as an example in Figures 8 and 9.

[0092] Figure 2 similarly shows a second terminal assembly 200. This second terminal assembly 200 has a raised portion 202 on the outside of the housing member 10 that provides a connection area 210. On the opposite side, on the inside, the second terminal assembly 200 has a corresponding recess 204. In this case, the wall 206 of the formed recess contributes to the rigidity of the housing member 10 like a bead. The raised portion 202 is preferably configured such that the height of the second terminal assembly 200 is equal to the total height of the first terminal assembly 100, i.e., the thickness of the insulating material 112 and the thickness of the connection pad 110. Furthermore, the dimensions of the connection area 210, i.e., the length and width, are preferably selected so that these dimensions correspond to the dimensions of the connection pad 110. Preferably, the first terminal assembly 100 and the second terminal assembly 200 have the same height and dimensions relative to the base 12, thus facilitating electrical contact connection.

[0093] The second connector assembly 200 is preferably obtained by deformation processing of the base material 12. Preferably, the deformation processing is performed by pressing, which moves the region of the raised portion 202 in the vertical direction. In this case, the material thickness of the base material 12 changes only in the transition region, so in the region of the raised portion 202, the material thickness is equal to the material thickness of the base material 12 outside the second connector assembly 200.

[0094] Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the first connector assembly 100. As already described in relation to Figures 1 to 3, the first connector assembly 100 includes an electrical through-guide that holds the connector pin 102 within the through-opening 20 of the substrate 12 via a fixing material 106. The fixing material 106 further seals the connector pin 102 and the walls of the through-opening 20, so the through-guide is sealed. Preferably, the through-guide is configured to be airtight.

[0095] Unlike the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the connecting pad 110 has an opening 120 formed as a blind hole, into which the portion of the connecting pin 102 that protrudes beyond the through-opening 20 engages. Conductive adhesive 140 is applied to the area of ​​the blind hole for electrical connection between the connecting pin 102 and the connecting pad 110. In the remaining area between the connecting pad 110 and the substrate 12, an electrically insulating adhesive is used as an insulating material 112 to fix the connecting pad 110 to the substrate 12.

[0096] As can be seen in Figure 4, there is no joint between the area of ​​the connecting pin 102 and the surface area of ​​the connecting pad 110, so a continuous, flat connecting surface is provided. The connecting pin 102 and the fixing material 106 are completely covered by the connecting pad 110, and in the area of ​​the opening 120 formed as a blind hole, the connecting pad 110 has a thinly formed area 140 with a reduced wall thickness.

[0097] Figures 5, 6, and 7 show three other embodiments of the first connection terminal assembly 100. The base 12 and the electrical through-guide formed by the connection pin 102 and the fixing material 106 are configured as described in relation to the preceding embodiments. The portion of the connection pin 102 that protrudes beyond the through-opening 20 in the base 12 is electrically connected to the connection pad 110 by a welded joint 130, as described in relation to the first embodiment in Figures 1 to 3.

[0098] However, in the first connection terminal assembly 100 shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7, the connection configuration between the connection pad 110 and the base body 12 is different, and a casting material, such as thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic, is used as the insulating material 112. Undercuts 119 are provided in each to allow the insulating material 112 to bond well with the base body 12 and the connection pad 110.

[0099] In the third embodiment shown in Figure 5, an annular recess 118 surrounding the opening 20 is provided on the base 12, and this recess 118 has an annular undercut 119 in the shape of a protruding ridge within the recess 118. The connecting pad 110 has a collar 117 which is an annular undercut 119 formed by folding back the edge.

[0100] In the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 6, similar to the base body 12, an annular recess 118 is provided surrounding the opening 20, and this recess 118 has an undercut 119 in the shape of an annular protruding ridge within the recess 118. The connecting pad 110 has a plurality of recesses in the shape of inclined grooves, and these recesses similarly form the undercut 119 by their configuration.

[0101] In the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 7, the base body 12 and the connecting pad 110 each have recesses 118 in the shape of inclined grooves, and these recesses 118 each provide undercuts 119 as retaining parts for the insulating material 112.

[0102] Instead of, or in addition to, the grooves and recesses shown in Figures 5 to 7, microstructures may be provided on the surfaces of the connecting pad 110 and the substrate 12 facing the insulating material 112. In this configuration, numerous recesses and / or grooves are provided to hold the insulating material 112.

[0103] Figures 8 to 10 show means for increasing the creepage distance at the edge of the connection pad 110. These means are shown here as examples for a second example of the first connection terminal assembly 100 (see Figure 4). Of course, these means are not limited to the connection pad embodiment with an opening 120 formed as a blind hole, but can be combined with other examples of the first connection terminal assembly, particularly the embodiment corresponding to Figures 1 to 3.

[0104] In the first modification for extending the creepage distance, shown in Figure 8, the outer dimensions of the insulating material 112 are selected to be larger than the outer dimensions of the connection pad 110, so that a portion of the insulating material 112 protrudes beyond the connection pad 110.

[0105] In place of or in addition to the protruding portion of the insulating material 112, another insulating element 150 surrounding the side of the connection pad 110 may be provided in the edge region of the connection pad 110. In the second variant for extending the creepage distance shown in Figure 9, the other insulating element 150 is attached, for example, by adhesive to the protruding insulating material 112 at the side near the connection pad 110.

[0106] In the third variant for extending the creepage distance, shown in Figure 10, the insulating material 112 is completely covered by the connecting pad 110. To extend the creepage distance, an insulating creepage extension 151 is provided to cover the joint 152 between the substrate 12 and the connecting pad 110. To provide the creepage extension 151, for example, after the attachment of the connecting pad 110 on the substrate 12, an "adhesive bead" made of insulating material can be placed around the connecting pad 110 in an additional work step. Alternatively, the insulating material may be formed thickly at least partially beneath the connecting pad 110, and / or an additional adhesive bead may be formed beneath the connecting pad 110 in the edge region. In this configuration, when the connecting pad 110 is attached on the substrate 12, the material is extruded at the edge, thereby forming the creepage extension at the joint 152.

[0107] The claims are not limited to the embodiments described herein. In particular, numerous variations are possible by combining the individual features of the embodiments described herein. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 10 Housing components 12 Base 14. Connecting flange 16 Filling opening 18 Safety valve 20 Through-opening A cutting line 100 First connection terminal assembly 102 connection pins 104 Through-opening 106 Fixed materials 110 Connection Pads 112 Insulating materials 114 Inner insulating material 116 Inner connection pad 117 Colors 118 recess 119 Undercut 120 aperture 122 Close Range 130 Welded joint 140 Conductive adhesives 150 Other insulating elements 151 Creepage extension 152 Joint 200 Second connection terminal assembly 202 Ridge 204 Indentation processing section 206 Wall push-in processing section 210 Connection Area

Claims

1. A housing member (10) for an electrical storage device, in particular a battery or a capacitor, comprising a base (12) and at least one first connection terminal assembly (100) having a connection pin (102), the connection pin (102) being guided through a through opening (20) of the base (12) and fixed in the through opening (20) while being electrically insulated via a fixing material (106), the connection pin (102) protruding beyond the through opening (20) on at least one side of the through opening (20), a housing member (10) having connection pads (110, 116) on at least one side of the through opening (20), the connection pads (110, 116) having openings (120) formed as through openings or blind holes, a protruding portion of the connection pin (102) engaging with the openings (120) and electrically connecting to at least one of the connection pads (110, 116) in the region of the openings (120), and the at least one connection pad (110, 116) being electrically insulated by an insulating material (112, 114) and attached to the base (12).

2. 2. The housing member (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection pins (102) protrude beyond the through openings (20) on both sides of the through openings (20), connection pads (110, 116) each having one opening (120) are arranged on both sides of the through openings (20), and each protruding portion of the connection pins (102) engages with each of the openings (120) and is electrically connected to each of the connection pads (110, 116) in the region of the openings (120).

3. 3. The housing member (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one connection pad (110, 116) is attached to the base (12) in an electrically insulated manner using adhesive or a potting compound as the insulating material (112, 114) over the entire surface.

4. 3. The housing element (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the insulating material (112, 114) completely covers the fastening material (106).

5. 3. The housing member (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one connection pad (110, 116) is arranged and configured so that the connection pin (102) does not protrude beyond the opening (120) of the at least one connection pad (110, 116).

6. The housing member (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the shape of the opening (120) of the at least one connection pad (110, 116) corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the connection pin (102), and the size of the opening (120) is preferably selected to be 0.02 mm to 0.1 mm larger than the matching size of the connection pin (102).

7. 3. The housing element (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a conductive adhesive bond, a welded bond or a soldered bond is used to connect the connection pin (102) and the at least one connection pad (110, 116), and in the case of an opening (120) formed as a through opening, such a bond is preferably made along the contour of the opening (120) of the at least one connection pad (110, 116), or in the case of an opening (120) formed as a blind hole, such a bond is preferably made over the entire surface.

8. 3. The housing member (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one connection pad (110, 116) has a shape selected from rounded shapes such as circles or ellipses, or polygonal shapes such as rectangles, squares, triangles or hexagons, each optionally with rounded corners.

9. 3. The housing element (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the base (12) is bonded to the at least one connection pad (110, 116) in at least one bonding area on the base (12) and / or the at least one connection pad (110, 116) has a micro-structuring portion on the side facing the base (12).

10. 3. The housing member (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the base (12) and / or the at least one connection pad (110, 116) has a recess (118) or structure with at least one undercut (119) in which the insulating material (112, 114) engages to couple the base (12) to the at least one connection pad (110, 116).

11. 3. The housing element (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection pads (110, 116) are made of a material selected from aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, copper alloys, in particular brass and bronze, silver, gold, platinum and silver alloys, in particular silver-nickel or silver-tin oxide.

12. The housing member (10) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one second connection terminal assembly (200), wherein the connection area (210) of the second connection terminal assembly (200) is formed by a raised portion (202) on the base (12) or by another connection pad that is conductively connected to the base (12).

13. 13. Housing element (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the raised portion (202) is obtained by deformation, in particular by indentation, of the base body (12).

14. 3. The housing member (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the overall height of the at least one first connection terminal assembly (100) and the overall height of the at least one second connection terminal assembly (200) are selected to be the same.

15. The housing member (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that the overall height of the connection terminal assembly (100, 200) is selected in the range of 10% to 80% of the wall thickness of the base body (12), starting from the surface of the base body (12).

16. 3. The housing element (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the material of the base body (12) is selected from metals, in particular iron, iron alloys, iron-nickel alloys, iron-nickel-cobalt alloys, KOVAR, steel, special steel, aluminum, aluminum alloys, AlSiC, magnesium, magnesium alloys, titanium or titanium alloys.

17. 3. The housing element (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fastening material (106) is selected from the group consisting of glass, glass ceramics and ceramics.

18. 3. The housing element (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the material of the contact pin (102) is selected from copper, copper alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, iron, iron alloys, iron-nickel alloys, iron-nickel-cobalt alloys, KOVAR, titanium, titanium alloys, steel, stainless steel, special steel, AlSiC, magnesium, magnesium alloys.

19. 3. The housing element (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate (12) is greater than the second coefficient of thermal expansion of the fastening material (106).

20. 3. The housing element (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing element (10) is formed as a housing cover and preferably has an annular connecting flange (14) for connecting to another housing element.

21. 3. The housing member (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one first connection terminal assembly (100), together with the base (12), has a bending strength in the region of the through opening (20) that is at least twice as high as the bending strength of the base (12) without the first connection terminal assembly (100).

22. 3. An electric storage device, in particular a battery or capacitor, comprising a housing and at least one storage cell, characterized in that the housing comprises a housing element (10) according to claim 1 or 2.

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