Battery with optimized temperature control

Abstract

A battery (1) comprising a casing and a stack (4) having a plurality of first electrodes (5a) and a plurality of second electrodes (5b) disposed within the casing, wherein the first electrodes (5a) and the second electrodes (5b) are each alternately disposed in the stack (4) via a separator (6), the first electrodes (5a) are electrically connected to a first battery electrode (12a) integrated in the casing, and the second electrodes (5b) are electrically connected to a second battery electrode (12b) integrated in the casing, and the electrodes (5) each have an electrically conductive substrate (7) and an active material layer (8) on at least one surface of the substrate (7), wherein the substrates (7) of the first electrodes (5a) and / or the second electrodes (5b) each form a transverse protrusion (9a) on at least one surface of at least one associated active material layer (8), and A battery (1) is provided, characterized in that the transverse protrusions (9a) of the substrates (7) of the first electrodes (5a) and / or the transverse protrusions (9a) of the substrates (7) of the second electrodes (5b) are connected to a thermally conductive guide element (10), and the at least one guide element (10) contacts the casing and / or forms a section of the casing.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery, in particular, a battery provided as a traction battery for a vehicle capable of providing electrical energy to operate an electric traction motor of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] A battery is an electrochemical-based storage device that stores electrical energy, and when discharged, the stored chemical energy is converted into electrical energy through an electrochemical redox reaction. In the context of the present invention, the term "battery" is understood to refer to both so-called primary batteries intended for single-use discharge rather than recharging, and so-called secondary batteries or accumulators provided for and designed for multiple charges. Charging of a secondary battery refers to the electrolytic reversal of the electrochemical redox reaction that occurs during discharge, which is achieved by applying voltage.

[0003] A battery generally comprises one or typically multiple battery elements disposed within a film casing or housing-type casing, commonly referred to as a "pouch." Each battery element comprises two electrodes, a separator disposed between the electrodes to electrically isolate them, and an electrolyte acting as an ion conductor. The two electrodes of the battery element each contain different active materials, and as a result, one electrode is the anode and the other is the cathode (each based on battery cell discharge). Additionally, the battery generally comprises two battery electrodes integrated into the casing and electrically connected to the electrodes within the casing. All anode electrodes may be connected to one of the battery electrodes, and all cathode electrodes may be connected to the other of the battery electrodes.

[0004] The design of a battery with a housing has the advantage of a higher structural load capacity compared to a battery with a film casing.

[0005] Batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries primarily used as traction batteries in modern vehicles, must be stored and operated—specifically charging and discharging—within a defined temperature range to prevent performance defects, damage, and / or accelerated aging. Exceeding this temperature range does not necessarily require temperature control based solely on correspondingly high ambient temperatures; rather, significant amounts of waste heat are generated within the battery during charging or discharging, leading to self-heating. Therefore, it may be desirable to control the battery temperature to prevent it from falling below or exceeding the temperature range. In the case of automotive traction batteries, this temperature control is typically achieved by integrating the traction battery into the vehicle's cooling system, which can transfer thermal energy to the battery via a heat transfer fluid or dissipate it from the battery. In this case, the casings or housings of the individual batteries or battery modules connected to the so-called battery stack to form the traction battery are generally temperature-controlled. However, typically, multiple individual battery cells are arranged as a stack within the casing. Temperature control through the casing is more effective for stack elements located relatively close to the casing, while the temperature control effect decreases significantly towards the center inside the casing.

[0006] US 6,858,344 B2 discloses a battery having a rectangular housing made of plastic, wherein metal sheets are embedded in the broad face thereof, and the contact sections of these sheets protrude from the housing and are provided to contact a cooling element through which a coolant flows. By incorporating the sheets into the housing, better thermal conductivity across the housing is to be achieved.

[0007] US 10,686,170 B2 describes stacking batteries using film casings in a housing, wherein the film casings are each connected to a strip-shaped holding element on at least two sides, and the holding elements must be able to securely accommodate the stacked batteries within the housing.

[0008] US 6,709,783 B2 discloses a battery stack having a plurality of stacked batteries, and cooling elements forming a plurality of cooling channels for the flow of a cooling medium are disposed between the batteries. The problem to be solved

[0009] The objective of the present invention is to achieve the most desirable temperature control possible for a battery. means of solving the problem

[0010] The above problem is solved by a battery according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments of such a battery are the subject of additional claims and / or appear in the following description of the invention.

[0011] According to the present invention, a battery, particularly a traction battery for automobiles and / or a lithium-ion battery, is provided, comprising preferably a rectangular casing and a stack having a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes arranged within said casing, wherein the first electrodes and said second electrodes are each alternately arranged in the stack with a separator interposed therebetween. The casing preferably completely surrounds the stack having the electrodes and separators, and is also preferably designed to be hermetic (in a usable state).

[0012] The first electrodes are electrically connected to a casing, preferably to a first battery electrode integrated into a first end face of the casing, and the second electrode is also electrically connected to a casing, preferably to a second battery electrode integrated into a second end face of the casing. Each electrode has an electrically conductive substrate, particularly designed as a film, and a prismatic, particularly preferably rectangular active material layer on at least one face of the substrate. The active material layer may have a height (layer thickness) that is very small compared to its length and width. In the case of a preferably provided rectangular active material layer, the stack may also have a (substantially) rectangular shape. To this end, separators may also be designed as rectangular, their wide faces preferably slightly larger than the wide faces of the active material layers, and the separators are disposed between the active material layers in a separable manner. The electrical connections between the electrodes, the battery electrodes, and the substrates serve to conduct current with the lowest possible resistance, so they are preferably designed to have the lowest possible resistivity (e.g., up to 1 Ω*mm² / m at 20°C). The substrates of the first electrodes and / or the second electrodes each form a transverse protrusion on at least one side of the relevant active material layer, particularly the longitudinal side. That is, they protrude transversely or along the width beyond the dimensions of each active material layer. The transverse protrusions of the substrates of the first electrodes (only) (i.e., not the second electrodes) and / or the transverse protrusions of the substrates of the second electrodes (only) (i.e., not the first electrodes) are connected (if necessary, each) to at least one thermally conductive guide element, said at least one guide element contacts the casing and / or forms a section of the casing or is incorporated into the casing. For example, a thermal conductivity of at least 5 W / (m·K) is considered thermally conductive. Preferably, a thermal conductivity of at least 50 W / (m·K), at least 100 W / (m·K), or at least 200 W / (m·K) of the guide element is realized (at 20°C and 50% humidity, respectively).A metal, particularly aluminum, that preferably constitutes at least one guide element in part is considered to be thermally conductive in the sense of the present invention.

[0013] A rectangular prism, and thus a rectangular casing and a rectangular active material layer, has a length, a width, and a height, and according to the present invention, the length is the largest dimension, the width is the intermediate dimension, and the height is the smallest (edge) dimension (preferably where such difference exists). The rectangular prism consists of two broad faces formed by the length and width, two longitudinal faces formed by the length and height, and two end faces formed by the width and height. According to the present invention, the rectangular prism may also be considered as a shape that does not exactly correspond to a geometric rectangular prism due to manufacturing-related deviations.

[0014] The battery according to the present invention features good temperature control across at least one guide element that can be designed over a relatively wide area in the longitudinal plane of the active material layer in a preferred arrangement, and thus in the longitudinal plane of the stack having electrodes and separators. The relatively good temperature control can have a desirable effect with respect to the performance and / or service life of the battery. In addition, this enables a compact design of the battery.

[0015] The casing can preferably be designed as a dimensionally stable housing. A housing is considered to have "dimensional stability" if its three-dimensional shape does not collapse due to its own weight without external load. Preferably, such a housing can be designed to be dimensionally stable in such a way that it does not collapse when exposed to external forces occurring during normal use, and particularly preferably, does not deform to a significant degree ("rigid" housing). The housing can also preferably be manufactured wholly or partially from metal, for example, aluminum, thereby enabling a dimensionally stable housing with excellent thermal conductivity to be realized relatively easily and inexpensively.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the battery according to the present invention, at least one guide element may be electrically connected to a relevant battery electrode among the battery electrodes. This connection serves to conduct current with the lowest possible resistance, and is therefore designed in such a way that it results in the lowest possible resistivity (e.g., up to 1 Ω*mm² / m at 20°C). Such an embodiment of the battery according to the present invention may have a particular advantage regarding the manufacturability of the battery, in particular regarding the manufacturability of the electrodes. This applies particularly when the guide element incorporates the relevant battery electrode as preferably provided. Then, the operation of incorporating the battery electrode into the casing occurs as part of the battery assembly. To this end, an assembly comprising, on the one hand, additional components such as a stack having electrodes and separators and optionally at least one deformation element, and on the other hand, at least one guide element, may be introduced into the base housing of the casing designed as a housing. The at least one guide element may already be connected to the relevant electrodes. For the introduction of the assembly, the base housing may have a corresponding insertion opening. This insertion opening may subsequently be closed using a housing cover. Integrating the battery electrode into the housing can preferably be achieved by having the battery electrode protrude through a through opening in the housing cover after the housing cover is mounted.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of a battery according to the present invention, in which at least one guide element is electrically connected to a relevant battery electrode among the battery electrodes, the at least one guide element comprises a first part element electrically connected to the relevant battery electrode, and a second part element that is at least partially electrically insulating connecting the distance between the first part element and the casing. A component is considered electrically insulating when the relevant current flow is prevented even though a potential difference exists. As a result, an electrical connection between the guide element, particularly the electrically conductive first part element of the guide element, and the casing on the other hand may be prevented, but the guide element is electrically connected to the relevant battery electrode. This may be desirable in terms of safety when using such a battery. Desirable dissipation of thermal energy from a stack having electrodes and separators onto or through the casing can still be achieved through the second part element.

[0018] It may be desirable for the guide element to be partially positioned in the through-opening of the casing. This enables achieving particularly excellent temperature control for a stack having electrodes and separators, as direct heat exchange between the guide element and the environment can be achieved. It is particularly desirable for the guide element to comprise a first section positioned in the through-opening of the casing, which preferably does not contact the casing, and a second section that contacts the casing internally and is designed to be electrically insulating or high-resistance and / or seal gas passage. This makes it possible to design the first section from a thermally conductive material, particularly a metal, preferably aluminum, which is often also electrically conductive, thereby avoiding an electrical connection (low-resistance) between this first section and the casing. At the same time, the second section of the guide element can ensure sufficient sealing of the casing in the through-opening area and / or sufficient support of the guide element for the casing.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the battery according to the present invention, the substrates of the first electrodes may form longitudinal protrusions on one side, preferably at the end side, of each associated (preferably rectangular) active material layer (i.e., they protrude longitudinally beyond the dimensions of each active material layer), and the longitudinal protrusions of the substrates of the first electrodes (only) are connected to the first battery electrode. Alternatively or additionally, the substrates of the second electrodes may form longitudinal protrusions on one side, preferably at the end side, of each associated (preferably rectangular) active material layer, and the longitudinal protrusions of the substrates of the second electrodes (only) are connected to the second battery electrode. Thus, electrical connection between the electrodes and the associated battery electrode can be implemented directly, that is, without passing through at least one guide element. Consequently, if necessary, a preferred structural design of at least one guide element can be realized.

[0020] In a battery according to the present invention, which may be characterized particularly by a simple structural design, the substrates of the first electrodes may form transverse protrusions on two longitudinal planes of the associated active material layer, and these transverse protrusions on both sides are each connected to a guide element or a single guide element. On the other hand, the substrates of the second electrodes may each form longitudinal protrusions and may be directly connected to the second battery electrode. Particularly preferably (and in principle), the first electrodes may also be provided having a substrate made of a cathode active material and / or aluminum. On the other hand, the second electrodes may have a substrate made of an anode active material and / or copper or aluminum.

[0021] At least one guide element of the battery according to the present invention may preferably be designed to have rigidity. The guide element is considered to have "rigidity" if it does not deform to a significant (i.e., recognizable and functionally affecting) degree under loads applied during intended use. Consequently, the guide element may preferably affect the stability of a stack having electrodes and separators or an assembly comprising these components. This may be particularly desirable when assembling the battery according to the present invention.

[0022] For the same reason, at least one guide element can cover the relevant face of the stack, particularly the longitudinal face, by at least 50% or at least 75%.

[0023] In particular, in the design of such a relatively wide surface of at least one guide element, it may be desirable for this guide element to have at least one through opening. This may have a desirable effect on one hand with respect to the possible smaller mass of the guide element and consequently the total mass of the battery. In addition, this through opening may have a desirable effect with respect to the distribution of the electrolyte inside the casing. As part of the battery manufacturing according to the present invention, it may be provided to introduce an assembly comprising a stack having at least electrodes and separators and at least one guide element into the casing, and then introduce an electrolyte into the casing. To this end, the casing may have a corresponding charging opening. In particular, the casing may be provided to have a charging opening on a surface adjacent to at least one guide element, preferably in a longitudinal section, and / or to incorporate a pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve may serve to relieve overpressure caused by damage resulting in gas generation during battery use. The at least one through opening preferably provided in the guide element may preferably enable the gas to be released to the pressure relief valve. These pressure relief valves may use a through opening that also serves as a filling opening. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, these pressure relief valves may be designed as rupture valves that intentionally fail and break when a defined overpressure is reached. In particular, these rupture valves may be designed with a rupture film that covers the through opening of the casing without damage.

[0024] For the safest use of the battery according to the present invention, at least one of the battery electrodes may be electrically insulated from the casing so that current cannot flow between these components as much as possible.

[0025] Additionally, one of the battery electrodes may be connected to the casing with high resistance. An electrical connection that generates an ohmic resistance of 1 kΩ to 100 MΩ is considered "high resistance." This makes it possible to achieve potential equalization between the casing and the corresponding battery electrode or the electrodes electrically connected thereto, so that no significant current flow occurs between these components. Through this potential equalization, corrosion of the casing, which may occur due to chemical interactions with the electrolyte contained within the casing, particularly when a potential difference exists, can be prevented. This applies particularly preferably when the casing provided has at least an interior made of metal, particularly aluminum. The high resistance connection may be formed between the battery electrode electrically connected to the electrode having the cathode active material and the casing, particularly preferably.

[0026] The battery according to the present invention may be, in particular, a traction battery for an automobile or a part of such a traction battery. By such a traction battery, electric energy may be supplied to an electric traction motor of an automobile that provides driving force for the automobile.

[0027] According to the present invention, the “film” is a body in which the length and width (limiting the wide surface of the film) are several times greater than the height (i.e., film thickness), and the height may preferably correspond to a maximum of 1 / 100 or 1 / 500 or 1 / 1000 or 1 / 10000 or 1 / 1000000 of the length and / or width of the film. In particular, the film may be designed with a film thickness small enough that it is noticeably deformed or collapses due to its own weight when unfolded flat without support.

[0028] The present invention is described in more detail below using the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a battery according to the present invention according to a first embodiment combined with two cooling elements. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the first electrode of the battery. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the second electrode of the battery. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a stack having electrodes and separators of a battery. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the basic housing of the battery. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an assembly including a stack having electrodes and separators as well as guide elements of a battery. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the assembly. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the introduction of an assembly into a basic housing as part of battery manufacturing. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a battery according to the present invention according to a second embodiment combined with two cooling elements. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the first electrode of the battery. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a longitudinal cross-sectional combination of a battery according to the present invention according to a third embodiment having two cooling elements. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the second electrode of the battery. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a battery (1) according to the present invention combined with two cooling elements (2). The cooling systems are in contact with the battery (1), which has a casing in the form of a rectangular housing (3), on one longitudinal plane. The cooling elements (2) may be integrated, for example, into a cooling system (not shown) in which a coolant circulates. The coolant may also flow through the cooling elements (2) themselves. By means of the cooling elements, desirable temperature control of the illustrated battery or a number of such batteries can be achieved. A cooling element (2) may be placed between two batteries (1) according to the present invention.

[0031] The illustrated battery (1) includes, in addition to the housing (3), a stack (4) having electrodes (5) and separators (6) disposed within the housing (3), as illustrated in more detail in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the stacking direction of the stack (4) extends parallel to the drawing plane, whereas in FIG. 1, it is aligned perpendicular to the drawing plane.

[0032] The stack (4) includes, alternately, thin (i.e., designed to be low in height) rectangular electrodes (5) and thin, electrically insulating separators (6). The electrodes (5) are alternately placed in the stack (4) as first electrodes (5a) acting as cathodes when the battery (1) is discharged and second electrodes (5b) acting as anodes when the battery (1) is discharged. The separators (6) may be designed to also act as solid electrolytes or may be designed to be immersed in a liquid electrolyte (not shown) when the battery (1) is in a usable state. The central stacking of the rectangular electrodes (5) and separators (6) leads to a stack (4) having a roughly rectangular shape that matches the rectangular shape of the housing (3). The design of the separator (6), which has small protrusions between the various elements of the stack (4) and is slightly larger in circumference than the electrodes (5), is intentionally provided to ensure sufficient separation of the electrodes (5) even if the stacking of these elements is incorrect.

[0033] Each electrode (5) comprises a film-type substrate (7) made of an electrically conductive material, for example, a metal, wherein the substrate (7) has a layer (active material layer) (8) made of an anode or cathode active material provided on both sides of one section, while at least one uncoated section of each substrate (7) forms an arrester belonging to each electrode (5). Such uncoated section of each substrate (7) forms a protrusion (9) on the relevant active material layer (8). The substrate (7) of the first electrode (5a) may preferably be made of aluminum, while the substrate (7) of the second electrode (5b) may preferably be made of copper and / or nickel and / or aluminum.

[0034] The substrates (7) of the first electrode (5a) each form a transverse protrusion (9a) on two longitudinal planes of the associated active material layer (8), and these transverse protrusions (9a) each extend along the entire length of the first electrode (5a) (see FIG. 2). Meanwhile, the substrates (7) of the second electrode (5b) form a longitudinal protrusion (9b) only on one end plane, and this longitudinal protrusion (9b) does not extend along the entire width of each second electrode (5b) (see FIG. 3).

[0035] The transverse protrusions (9a) on both sides of all first electrodes (5a) are grouped and firmly connected to a guide element (10) (see FIG. 7). This guide element (10) is illustrated in more detail in FIG. 6. The connection between the transverse protrusions (9a) and the guide element (10) can be realized particularly by a material joining method, for example, by welding. The guide element (10) includes a U-shaped first part element (11) which can be made entirely of metal, particularly aluminum (in multiple parts if necessary). This first part element (11) primarily serves as an electrical conductor and, for this purpose, electrically connects the transverse protrusions (9b) on both sides of the substrate (7) of the first electrode (5a) to the first battery pole (12a) of the two battery poles (12) of the battery (1). The first battery electrode (12a) is either an integral part of the guide element (10) or is already firmly connected to the first part element (11) of the guide element (10) before being introduced into the housing (3) in combination with the stack (4) (see FIG. 8). After the assembly including the guide element (10) as well as the stack (4) having electrodes (5) and separators (6) is introduced into the housing (3), the first battery electrode (12) protrudes through a through opening (13) of the housing (3), which is slightly larger in circumference, without making direct contact with the housing (3) (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 8). A frame-type sealing element (14) surrounding the first battery electrode (12a) ensures sealing of the gap formed on the circumferential side of the through opening between the housing (3) and the first part element (11) of the guide element.

[0036] The guide element (10) further comprises two second part elements (15), each of which is firmly connected by directly contacting a section of the first part element (11) covering one of the longitudinal faces of the stack (4). Each of the second part elements (15) may preferably be composed of metal, particularly aluminum, and includes a first section (15a) that is in direct contact with the first part element (11). Compared to the first battery electrode (12a), the first section (15a) of each second part element (15) of the guide element (10) protrudes into a through opening (13) of the housing (3), which has a slightly larger circumference, without directly contacting the housing (3). The frame-shaped second section (15b) of each second part element (15) ensures sealing of the gap formed on the circumferential side of the relevant through opening (13) between the housing (3) and the first part element (11) of the guide element, and connects the distance between the first part element (11) of the guide element (10) and the housing (3).

[0037] In principle, the first section (15a) of the second part element (15) of the guide element (10), which is externally accessible due to placement within the through opening (13) of the housing (3), can also serve as the (first) battery electrode (12a) of the battery. However, they are used only as thermal conductors capable of effectively transferring thermal energy from or into the battery (1) (for heating if necessary) through direct contact with one of the cooling elements (2). The wide surface contact between the guide element (10) and the substrate (7) of the first electrode (5a) ensures good heat transfer from or into the stack (4).

[0038] The sealing element (14) surrounding the first battery electrode (12a) and the second section (15b) of the second part element (15) of the guide element (10) are each made of an electrical insulating material or a high-resistance material. To achieve potential equalization between the first electrode (5a) and the housing (3), a high-resistance design is preferred for at least one of these elements. As a result, corrosion of the housing (3) due to electrochemical interaction with the electrolyte can be prevented.

[0039] A guide element (10), specifically a first part element (11) designed to have the rigidity of the guide element (10), covers the adjacent longitudinal faces and end faces of the stack (4) by at least 50% each. Consequently, the guide element (10) can preferably stabilize the stack (4) having electrodes (5) and separators (6) during the assembly of the battery (1). Additionally, it can preferably serve as a guide element when introducing an assembly having these components into the housing (1). Such introduction can be achieved by inserting the assembly into the base housing (16) of the housing (3), which is designed so that one of the end faces is open, according to FIG. 8. The exterior of the first section (15a) of the guide element (10), particularly the second part element (15), can contact the base housing (16) from the inside or slide along the base housing (16) to serve as a guide element. The open end surface of the base housing (16) is closed by the housing cover (17) after inserting the assembly having the stack (4) and guide element (10).

[0040] After closing the housing (3) by the housing cover (17), it may be provided to introduce an electrolyte into the housing (3). To this end, the housing (3) may have a filling opening (18) (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 8) on one of its longitudinal faces. After introducing the electrolyte, this filling opening (18) may be closed. To this end, for example, a film (20) covering the filling opening (18) may be fixed to the housing in a material bonding manner. This film may be designed to tear when a defined overpressure is reached within the housing (3), thereby forming a pressure relief valve.

[0041] To ensure a good distribution of the electrolyte introduced into the housing (3) through the filling opening (18), the guide element (10) has a number of through openings (19) in a section adjacent to the longitudinal face of the housing (3) that incorporates at least the filling opening (18). The separators (6) are immersed in the electrolyte. As a result, they expand to some extent, increasing the dimensions of the stack (4). This applies particularly to the height of the stack (4), but to a lesser extent to the length and width. This increase in the dimensions of the stack (4) ensures that the stack (4) is accommodated within the housing (3) without any gaps and also ensures that the second section (15b) of the second part element (15) is placed in the corresponding housing opening (13).

[0042] All longitudinal protrusions (9b) of the substrate (7) of the second electrode (5b) are grouped and electrically connected to the second battery electrode (12b) of the battery (1). This second battery electrode (12b) can be rigidly integrated into the housing cover (17), and electrical insulation is provided between the second battery electrode (12b) and the housing cover (17). The electrical connection between the longitudinal protrusions (9b) of the substrate (7) of the second electrode (5b) and the second battery electrode (12b) can be performed as part of the battery (1) assembly after introducing the assembly having the stack (4) and guide element (10) into the base housing (16) and before attaching the housing cover (17). To this end, the longitudinal protrusions (9b) of the substrate (7) and the second battery electrode (12b) can preferably be connected to each other by a material bonding method, for example, by welding.

[0043] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a battery (1) according to the present invention, which differs from that according to FIG. 1 in that the guide element (10), in particular the first part element (11) of the guide element (10), is L-shaped. Accordingly, the substrates (7) of the first electrode (5a) form a transverse protrusion (9a) connected to the guide element (10) on only one of the longitudinal planes (see FIG. 10).

[0044] The battery (1) according to the present invention according to FIG. 11 includes two L-shaped guide elements (10), the first guide element (10a) of which, according to FIG. 9, is connected to a transverse protrusion (9a) that forms a substrate (7) of the first electrode (5a) on one of its longitudinal planes. In contrast, in the battery according to FIG. 11, the substrates (7) of the second electrode (5b) each form a transverse protrusion (9a) on one longitudinal plane (see FIG. 12), and the transverse protrusions (9a) of the first electrode (5a) on one side and the second electrode (5b) on the other side are positioned opposite the longitudinal plane of the electrode (5) or the electrode (5) and the separator (6). The transverse protrusions (9a) of the second electrode (5b) are connected to the second guide element (10b) among the guide elements (10). This second guide element (10b) may structurally correspond to the first guide element (10a) and incorporate a second battery electrode (12b). If necessary, at least the materials used may be different. For example, at least the first part element (11) of the second guide element (10b) may be made of copper, while the first part element (11) of the first guide element (10a) may be made of aluminum. Explanation of the symbols

[0045] 1: Battery 2: Cooling element 3: Housing 4: Stack 5: Electrode 5a: First electrode 5b: Second electrode 6: Separator 7: Substrate 8: Active material layer 9: Protrusions on the substrate 9a: Transverse protrusion 9b: Longitudinal protrusion 10: Guide Elements 10a: First guide element 10b: Second Guide Element 11: The first part element of the guide element 12: Battery terminal 12a: 1st battery electrode 12b: Second battery electrode 13: Penetrating opening in the housing 14: Sealing element 15: Second part element of the guide element 15a: 1st section of the 2nd part element 15b: 2nd section of the 2nd part element 16: Basic Housing 17: Housing Cover 18: Charging opening 19: Through opening of guide element 20: Film

Claims

Claim 1 A battery (1) comprising a rectangular casing and a stack (4) having a plurality of first electrodes (5a) and a plurality of second electrodes (5b) disposed within the casing, wherein the first electrodes (5a) and the second electrodes (5b) are each alternately disposed in the stack (4) via a separator (6), the first electrodes (5a) are electrically connected to a first battery electrode (12a) integrated into a first end surface of the casing, and the second electrodes (5b) are electrically connected to a second battery electrode (12b) integrated into a second end surface of the casing, the first end surface and the second end surface are formed by the width and height of the casing, and the electrodes (5) each have an electrically conductive substrate (7) and a rectangular active material layer (8) on at least one surface of the substrate (7), and the first electrodes (5a), the second The substrates (7) of the electrodes (5b) or both of these each form a transverse protrusion (9a) on at least one longitudinal surface formed by the length and height of at least one associated active material layer (8), and the transverse protrusions (9a) of the substrates (7) of the first electrodes (5a), the transverse protrusions (9a) of the substrates (7) of the second electrodes (5b), or both of these are connected to a thermally conductive guide element (10), wherein the at least one guide element (10) contacts the casing or forms a section of the casing. Claim 2 A battery according to claim 1, wherein at least one guide element (10) is electrically connected to a relevant battery pole among the battery poles (12). Claim 3 A battery according to claim 2, wherein at least one guide element (10) incorporates a related battery electrode (12). Claim 4 A battery according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the at least one guide element (10) comprises a first part element (11) electrically connected to a related battery electrode (12), and a second part element (15) connecting the distance between the first part element (11) and the casing and being at least partially electrically insulating or high-resistance. Claim 5 A battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the guide element (10) is partially disposed within the through opening (13) of the casing. Claim 6 A battery according to claim 5, wherein the guide element (10) comprises a first section (15a) disposed in the through opening (13) of the casing, and a second section (15b) that contacts the casing internally and has electrical insulation or high resistance, seals gas passage, or has electrical insulation or high resistance and also seals gas passage. Claim 7 A battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the substrates (7) of the first electrodes (5a) form a longitudinal protrusion (9b) on one side of at least one associated active material layer (8), and the longitudinal protrusions (9b) of the substrates (7) of the first electrodes (5a) are electrically connected to the first battery electrode (12a) integrated into the adjacent end side of the casing, or wherein the substrates (7) of the second electrodes (5b) form a longitudinal protrusion (9b) on one side of at least one associated active material layer (8), and the longitudinal protrusions (9b) of the substrates (7) of the second electrodes (5b) are electrically connected to the second battery electrode (12b) integrated into the adjacent end side of the casing. Claim 8 A battery according to claim 7, wherein the substrates (7) of the first electrodes (5a) form transverse protrusions (9a) on two longitudinal surfaces of the at least one associated active material layer (8), the transverse protrusions (9a) are connected to the guide element (10) or each of the guide elements (10), and the substrates (7) of the second electrodes (5b) form longitudinal protrusions (9b). Claim 9 A battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first electrode (5a) comprises a cathode active material, a substrate made of aluminum, or both. Claim 10 A battery characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 3, the at least one guide element (10) is designed to have rigidity. Claim 11 A battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one guide element (10) covers at least 50% or at least 75% of the relevant surface of the stack (4). Claim 12 A battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one guide element (10) has at least one through opening (19). Claim 13 A battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the casing has a charging opening (18) in a section adjacent to the at least one guide element (10) or incorporates a pressure relief valve. Claim 14 A battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the battery electrodes (12) is electrically insulated from the casing. Claim 15 A battery characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 3, at least one of the battery electrodes (12) is connected to the casing with high resistance.

Images