Accumulator cover for an accumulator, an accumulator equipped therewith and a method for producing the accumulator cover

Abstract

The invention relates to an accumulator cover (3) for an accumulator (1). The accumulator cover (3) comprises: - a cover plate (9) with an outer side (11) and an inner side (13) and a through-opening (16) that penetrates the cover plate (9) between the outer side (11) and the inner side (13); - a rivet (17) that projects through the through-opening (16) of the cover plate (9); - a pole plate (18), wherein the pole plate (18) is arranged on the outer side (11) of the cover plate (9) and is electrically conductively coupled to the rivet (17); - a separating plate (19), wherein the separating plate (19) is arranged on the outer side (11) of the cover plate (9) between the pole plate (18) and the cover plate (9). A current collector (20) is designed as a component independent of the rivet (17), wherein the current collector (20) is electrically conductively coupled to the rivet (17).

Description

[0001] Accumulator cover for an accumulator, as well as an accumulator equipped therewith and a method for producing the accumulator cover

[0002] The invention relates to a battery cover for a battery, as well as to a battery equipped therewith and a method for producing the battery cover.

[0003] US10084176B2 discloses a rechargeable battery with a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The positive terminal and the negative terminal are arranged in a common battery cover.

[0004] The accumulator disclosed in US10084176B2 is of inadequate quality in terms of its construction and also in terms of its manufacturing capability. In particular, the weight of the accumulator can be very high in such a design.

[0005] The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide an improved accumulator cover with a connection pole for an accumulator, as well as an accumulator equipped therewith, and a method for producing the accumulator cover.

[0006] This object is achieved by a device and a method according to the claims.

[0007] According to the invention, a battery cover is provided for a battery. The battery cover comprises:

[0008] - a cover plate having an outer side and an inner side and a through-opening which penetrates the cover plate between the outer side and the inner side, wherein the cover plate is delimited on the outer side by an outer surface and on the inner side by an inner surface, wherein the outer surface and the inner surface are arranged at a distance from one another in a cover plate thickness;

[0009] - a rivet passing through the opening in the cover plate;

[0010] - a pole plate, wherein the pole plate is arranged on the outside of the cover plate and is electrically conductively coupled to the rivet;

[0011] - a separating plate, wherein the separating plate is arranged on the outside of the cover plate between the pole plate and the cover plate. Furthermore, a current collector is formed as a separate component from the rivet, wherein the current collector is electrically conductively coupled to the rivet.

[0012] The battery cover according to the invention offers the advantage that, thanks to a separate current collector that is electrically coupled to the rivet, a weight reduction can be achieved while simultaneously maintaining good functionality and conductivity. In particular, the battery cover according to the invention can exhibit good functionality and high long-term durability.

[0013] The battery cover may comprise a positive terminal and / or a negative terminal. The positive terminal and the negative terminal may each comprise a rivet, a terminal plate, a separator plate, and a current collector. The positive terminal and the negative terminal may have a structurally similar structure.

[0014] In a first exemplary embodiment, it can be provided that the positive terminal is arranged in a first battery cover, and that the negative terminal is arranged in a separate second battery cover. The first battery cover can close the battery on a first side. The second battery cover can close the battery on a second side.

[0015] In a second embodiment, it can be provided that the positive connection pole and the negative connection pole are arranged in a common accumulator cover.

[0016] Furthermore, it may be expedient to provide a stop frame located between the current collector and the cover plate. Such a stop frame offers the advantage of being able to serve to position or insulate the rivet and the current collector.

[0017] Furthermore, it can be provided that the stop frame is designed as an injection-molded part.

[0018] Furthermore, it can be provided that the stop frame comprises a PP homopolymer.

[0019] Such a material is available, for example, under the designation POLYFLAM® RPP 500 D. Furthermore, the stop frame can be made of a material with a surface resistance of more than 1.0E+15 ohms, determined using a method according to IEC 60167. This measure can achieve sufficient insulation between the current collector and the cover plate.

[0020] Furthermore, it can be provided that the separating plate of a negative connection pole is formed from a material with a surface resistance of greater than 1.0E+13 ohms, in particular greater than 5.0E+14 ohms, determined by means of a method according to IEC 60167.

[0021] This measure can achieve sufficient insulation between the pole plate and the cover plate.

[0022] In particular, it can be provided that the separating plate is designed as an injection-molded part.

[0023] Furthermore, it can be provided that the separating plate of the negative connection pole comprises a PA 6. In particular, it can be provided that the material has a glass fiber content, in particular a content of 20% glass fibers.

[0024] In particular, the material of the separator plate of the negative terminal can have the following properties: PA 6, 20% glass fibers, injection-molded, halogen-free, flame-retardant, heat-stabilized. Such a material can have the following ISO molding compound designation: ISO 16396-PA 6,GF20 FR, GF2HR,S 12-060. Such a material is available, for example, under the name Durethan® BKV20FN20000000.

[0025] Furthermore, the separator plate of a positive terminal may be made of a material with a surface resistance between 1.0E+3 ohms and 1.0E+4 ohms, determined using a method according to ASTM D257. Especially for a positive terminal, such a weakly conductive material can offer surprisingly good properties regarding the electrical behavior of a battery.

[0026] In particular, it can be provided that the separating plate of the positive connection pole is formed from an injection-molded material.

[0027] Furthermore, the separator plate of the positive terminal can be made of PA66. In particular, the material of the separator plate of the negative terminal can have the following properties: nylon 6 / 6 resin comprising 10% carbon fiber and 30% glass fiber. Such a material is available, for example, under the name LNP™ STAT-KON™ Compound RX04031.

[0028] Another advantageous embodiment is one in which the separating plate is pot-shaped and has a receiving recess which is delimited by a separating plate casing and a separating plate base, the pole plate being designed to complement the shape of the receiving recess and being received in the receiving recess. This has the advantage that the pole plate can be embedded in the separating plate in a protected manner. Furthermore, this measure can achieve sufficient insulation between the pole plate and the cover plate. Furthermore, this measure can achieve simple positioning of the pole plate when assembling the battery cover. In particular, it can be provided that the pole plate and the separating plate have a shape such that they can only be assembled in the correct position. This can be referred to as Poka Yoke protection.

[0029] According to a further development, it is possible for a base opening to be formed in the base of the separating plate, wherein a centering ring is formed, which is arranged protrudingly on the side of the separating plate facing away from the receiving recess and surrounds the base opening, wherein the centering ring is received in the through-opening of the cover plate. This has the advantage that this measure allows the separating plate to be positioned precisely relative to the cover plate, and sufficient insulation can be achieved by the separating plate between the cover plate and the rivet.

[0030] Furthermore, it may be expedient for the rivet to have a rivet flange, wherein the rivet flange rests against the current collector and wherein the rivet flange is coupled to the current collector by means of a material-to-material connection, in particular a weld seam. This measure can ensure that the rivet can be connected to the current collector with sufficient strength. In particular, a material-to-material connection can be formed between the rivet and the current collector.

[0031] Furthermore, it can be provided that the rivet flange has a recess on its side facing the current collector, wherein, in the joined state of the rivet and the current collector, the rivet flange is at least partially spaced from the current collector. This recess can improve the quality of a welded connection between the rivet and the current collector. In particular, it can be provided that the rivet is coupled to the current collector by means of a laser weld. Furthermore, it can be provided that the rivet is coupled to the current collector by means of a laser soldering connection.

[0032] Furthermore, the centering ring can be provided with a centering ring recess to accommodate the rivet flange. This has the advantage of allowing a compact design of the accumulator cover. In particular, this allows for material savings and thus weight savings.

[0033] Furthermore, the centering ring can be provided with a centering ring height that is greater than the cover plate thickness. This has the advantage that the centering ring can completely penetrate the cover plate, thus avoiding unwanted contact between the rivet and the cover plate as much as possible.

[0034] In a special design, it is possible for the partition plate to be formed as a single-piece injection-molded part. This offers the advantage of simple production of the partition plate and, moreover, high functionality.

[0035] According to an advantageous development, several mold reliefs can be formed on the base of the separator plate, on the side of the receiving recess, surrounding the base opening. This has the advantage of shortening the cycle time during the manufacturing process of the separator plate, since the mold reliefs allow for faster cooling of the separator plate during an injection molding process, thus allowing the separator plate to achieve sufficient strength sooner for ejection.

[0036] In particular, it can be advantageous if a seal is formed which rests against the inner surface of the cover plate and the current collector and is clamped between the inner surface of the cover plate and the current collector, in particular if the seal is in the form of an O-ring. In an alternative embodiment, it can also be provided that the seal is in the form of a flat gasket or a molded gasket. This has the advantage that this measure can achieve sufficient sealing of the inside of the battery cover from the outside of the battery cover. This makes it possible to achieve sufficient sealing against unwanted leakage of the electrolyte. Furthermore, this measure can achieve sufficient electrical insulation of the individual components of the battery cover from one another.

[0037] Furthermore, it can be provided that an annular recess is formed on the inner surface of the cover plate surrounding the through-opening. This has the advantage that the seal can rest against the annular recess. Thus, the annular recess can form a contact surface for the seal with a sufficiently high surface quality. In particular, it can be provided that the annular recess is produced by a cold forming process, such as a stamping process.

[0038] Mutatis mutandis, it can be provided that an annular recess is formed in the current collector, which can also serve to support the sealing element.

[0039] Furthermore, it can be provided that a positioning embossing is formed in the cover plate, wherein the separating plate has a positioning projection complementary in shape to the positioning embossing, in particular that the positioning embossing and the positioning projection have a complementary asymmetrical shape to prevent incorrect assembly. This has the advantage that this measure can be used to achieve precise positioning of the separating plate and the cover plate relative to one another and, furthermore, to prevent incorrect assembly of the separating plate and the cover plate in the sense of Poka-Yoke.

[0040] Also advantageous is a design according to which the stop frame can have a positioning recess complementary to the positioning embossing, in particular that the positioning embossing and the positioning recess have a complementary asymmetrical shape to prevent incorrect assembly. This has the advantage that this measure can achieve precise positioning of the stop frame and the cover plate relative to one another and, moreover, can prevent incorrect assembly of the stop frame and the cover plate in the sense of Poka-Yoke. According to a further development, it is possible for the positioning embossing to be introduced into the cover plate by means of an embossing process.In particular, it can be provided that the positioning embossing is designed in the form of a recess on the outside of the cover plate and correspondingly in the form of a projection on the inside of the cover plate.

[0041] In an alternative embodiment, it can also be provided that the positioning embossing is designed in the form of a projection on the outside of the cover plate and correspondingly in the form of a recess on the inside of the cover plate.

[0042] According to a further development, it is possible for an opening to be formed in the stop frame, wherein the opening has an opening diameter, and for the seal to have an outer seal diameter, wherein the opening diameter is larger than the outer seal diameter. This measure allows the seal to be positioned directly against the current collector and the cover plate, thereby achieving the simplest possible sealing of the inside of the accumulator cover to the outside of the accumulator cover.

[0043] Furthermore, it can be provided that the pole plate has a rivet receiving opening, wherein at least parts of the rivet are received in the rivet receiving opening or partially protrude through it.

[0044] Furthermore, it can be expedient if the rivet has a first rivet section with a first rivet diameter and a second rivet section with a second rivet diameter, wherein the second rivet diameter is larger than the first rivet diameter and a shoulder is formed between the first rivet section and the second rivet section and wherein the pole plate has a rivet receiving opening, wherein the first rivet section is received in the rivet receiving opening and the pole plate rests against the shoulder. This measure makes it possible to easily join the individual components of the accumulator cover. In particular, this measure makes it possible to achieve exact positioning of the pole plate relative to the current collector, whereby excessive compressive stress on the components arranged between these two components can be avoided.

[0045] Furthermore, the shoulder can be provided with degassing recesses. This has the advantage that gases escaping during the joining or manufacturing process, especially during a welding process, can be adequately dissipated, thus preventing any manufacturing defects.

[0046] Furthermore, it can be provided that the pole plate has a rivet receiving opening, wherein the rivet receiving opening has a first opening section with a first opening diameter and a second opening section with a second opening diameter, wherein the second opening section is arranged closer to the inside of the cover plate than the first opening section, wherein the first opening diameter is larger than the second opening diameter, and wherein the rivet is plastically deformed into the first opening section and forms a positive connection with the first opening section. This has the advantage that this measure can achieve a strong connection between the pole plate and the rivet.In particular, when different materials are used between the rivet and the pole plate, for example a rivet made of copper and a pole plate made of aluminum, sufficient strength can be achieved, whereby the additional weld seam can serve for further connection, in particular to improve electrical conductivity.

[0047] According to a particular embodiment, it is possible to form degassing grooves in the second opening section. This has the advantage that gases escaping during the joining or manufacturing process, especially during a welding process, can be adequately dissipated, thus preventing any manufacturing defects.

[0048] According to an advantageous development, it can be provided that, for a negative terminal, the current collector and the rivet are made of a copper material, and the pole plate is made of an aluminum material. This results in particularly good functionality of the accumulator while simultaneously keeping the weight as low as possible.

[0049] In an alternative embodiment, it can be provided that, for a negative terminal, the current collector is made of a copper material and the rivet is made of an aluminum material. This results in particularly good functionality of the accumulator while keeping the weight as low as possible. In particular, it can be advantageous for the current collector, the rivet, and the pole plate to be made of an aluminum material for a positive terminal. This results in particularly good functionality of the accumulator cover while keeping the weight as low as possible.

[0050] Furthermore, the current collector can have a multi-layer structure with a first layer made of aluminum and a second layer made of copper, with the first layer being coupled to the rivet. In particular, these measures can be provided for a negative terminal, with the rivet also being made of aluminum. This results in particularly good functionality of the battery cover while simultaneously keeping the weight as low as possible.

[0051] Furthermore, it can be provided that an intermediate layer made of a different material from the first layer and the second layer is formed between the first layer and the second layer, in particular that the intermediate layer is formed of a nickel-based or tin-based material. This has the advantage that excessive corrosion between the first layer and the second layer can be avoided.

[0052] According to the invention, an accumulator is designed. The accumulator comprises:

[0053] - a battery housing;

[0054] - a battery cover, wherein the battery cover is coupled to the battery housing.

[0055] The accumulator cover is designed according to one of the above characteristics.

[0056] The accumulator according to the invention offers the advantage that, thanks to a separate current collector that is electrically coupled to the rivet, a weight reduction can be achieved while simultaneously maintaining good functionality and conductivity. In particular, the accumulator according to the invention can exhibit good functionality and high long-term durability.

[0057] According to the invention, a method for producing a battery cover is provided.

[0058] The procedure includes the following steps:

[0059] - Providing a cover plate having an outer side and an inner side and a through-opening which penetrates the cover plate between the outer side and the inner side, wherein the cover plate is delimited on the outer side by an outer surface and is delimited on the inner side by an inner surface, wherein the outer surface and the inner surface are arranged at a distance from one another in a cover plate thickness;

[0060] - Providing a rivet;

[0061] - Providing a pole plate;

[0062] - Providing a partition plate,

[0063] A current collector is provided as a component independent of the rivet, wherein in a joining process the current collector is electrically conductively coupled to the rivet and wherein in a joining process the rivet with the current collector coupled thereto is pushed into the cover plate so that the rivet projects through the through-opening of the cover plate and the separating plate and the pole plate are positioned relative to the cover plate so that the pole plate is arranged on the outside of the cover plate and the separating plate is arranged on the outside of the cover plate between the pole plate and the cover plate, wherein in a joining process the pole plate is electrically conductively coupled to the rivet.

[0064] The method according to the invention has the advantage that the accumulator cover can be easily manufactured by the method.

[0065] Furthermore, it may be advantageous to electrically couple the current collector to the rivet using an laser welding process during the joining process, in particular by applying the rivet to the current collector and guiding a laser beam around an outer periphery of the rivet. This has the advantage that this process allows the current collector to be permanently and permanently coupled to the rivet.

[0066] Alternatively, the current collector can be electrically coupled to the rivet using a laser soldering process during the joining process, in particular by applying the rivet to the current collector and guiding a laser beam around an outer periphery of the rivet. This has the advantage that this process allows the current collector to be permanently and consistently coupled to the rivet.

[0067] Furthermore, it can be provided that during the process of connecting the pole plate to the rivet, the rivet is deformed in one step in order to produce a positive connection between the pole plate and the rivet, in particular that the pole plate has a rivet receiving opening, wherein the rivet receiving opening has a first opening section with a first opening diameter and a second opening section with a second opening diameter, wherein the second opening section is arranged closer to the inside of the cover plate than the first opening section, wherein the first opening diameter is larger than the second opening diameter and wherein the rivet is plastically deformed into the first opening section and forms a positive connection with the first opening section.This has the advantage that this measure can achieve an improved mechanical connection between the pole plate and the rivet.

[0068] Furthermore, during the process of connecting the pole plate to the rivet, an electrically conductive connection between the pole plate and the rivet can be created in a further step using a laser welding process. This measure can achieve not only a mechanically durable connection but also a highly electrically conductive connection between the pole plate and the rivet.

[0069] Furthermore, during the process of connecting the pole plate to the rivet, an electrically conductive connection between the pole plate and the rivet can be created in a further step using a laser soldering process. This measure can achieve not only a mechanically durable connection but also a highly electrically conductive connection between the pole plate and the rivet.

[0070] In laser soldering, a distinction can be made between laser brazing with melting temperatures above 450 °C and laser soft soldering at temperatures below that. Unlike welding processes, laser soldering uses a filler metal to join metals together.

[0071] According to a further development, it is possible for the cover plate and / or the pole plate and / or the current collector to be formed as a stamped part from a sheet metal, with a stamping process taking place in a subsequent process step after the stamping. This has the advantage that the components can be easily manufactured. In particular, it can be provided that the cover plate and the pole plate are formed from an aluminum material. This has the advantage that aluminum is lightweight and, for the requirements of the pole plate, is a good conductor of electricity.

[0072] Furthermore, it can be provided that the current collector of a negative connection pole is formed from copper and that the current collector of a positive connection pole is formed from aluminum.

[0073] Furthermore, the cover plate can be provided with a circumferential embossing that forms a shoulder. This embossing allows the cover plate to be easily and precisely positioned in the battery housing to close the battery housing.

[0074] In a further manufacturing step, it can be provided that the pole plate and the current collector are machined in a vibratory grinding process after punching in order to remove the burr resulting from the punching process or to break the sharp edges.

[0075] Furthermore, it can be provided that a filling opening is formed in the cover plate, which serves to fill the accumulator with an electrolyte.

[0076] In particular, it can be provided that in a first method step the battery cover is completely assembled and corresponding connections are made. In a further downstream method step the battery cover can be assembled with the battery housing. Subsequently the battery cover can be welded to the battery housing by means of a welding process, in particular by means of a laser welding process. This makes it possible to achieve a mechanically durable and tight connection between the battery cover and the battery housing. In a further method step it can be provided that an electrolyte is filled into the battery housing through the filling opening. Subsequently a sealing plug can be inserted into the filling opening. The sealing plug can be made of a plastic material.In particular, the sealing plug can be made of a rubber material. A lid can then be placed over the filling opening or close the filling opening. The lid can be made of an aluminum material. Furthermore, the lid can be welded to the cover plate using a laser welding process.

[0077] Furthermore, it can be provided that the rivet and the current collector are coupled together by ultrasonic welding.

[0078] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the rivet and the pole plate are coupled together by ultrasonic welding.

[0079] Furthermore, it can be provided that the rivet and the current collector are coupled together by electromagnetic pulse welding.

[0080] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the rivet and the pole plate are coupled together by electromagnetic pulse welding.

[0081] Furthermore, the rivet and the current collector can be coupled together by friction welding. In this case, the rivet can be rotated around its rotational axis and pressed against the current collector.

[0082] The positive terminal can also be referred to as the plus terminal. The negative terminal can also be referred to as the minus terminal. For the sake of brevity, the individual components of the positive and negative terminals can be designated "plus" and "minus," respectively.

[0083] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

[0084] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

[0085] Fig. 1 is a schematic half-sectional view of a first embodiment of an accumulator;

[0086] Fig. 2 is a schematic half-sectional view of a second embodiment of an accumulator;

[0087] Fig. 3 is a schematic half-sectional view of a first embodiment of a battery cover; Fig. 4 is a perspective half-sectional view of a rivet and a current collector of the first embodiment of the battery cover;

[0088] Fig. 5 is a perspective half-sectional view of a partition plate and a perspective sectional view of a cover plate and a stop frame of the first embodiment of the accumulator cover;

[0089] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the accumulator cover viewed from the inside;

[0090] Fig. 7 is a perspective half-sectional view of the pole plate of the first embodiment of the accumulator cover viewed from the top;

[0091] Fig. 8 is a perspective half-sectional view of another embodiment of the rivet and the current collector with a first layer and a second layer;

[0092] Fig. 9 is a perspective half-sectional view of another embodiment of the rivet and the current collector with a first layer, a second layer and an intermediate layer therebetween;

[0093] Fig. 10 is a schematic half-sectional view of a second embodiment of the accumulator cover.

[0094] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations. The disclosures contained throughout the description can be applied analogously to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure, and these positional information must be applied analogously to the new position in the event of a change in position.

[0095] Fig. 1 shows a schematic half-sectional view of a first embodiment of an accumulator 1.

[0096] As can be seen from Fig. 1, the accumulator 1 can be provided with a accumulator housing 2, which is closed by a first accumulator cover 3 and a second accumulator cover 3. In particular, it can be provided that a positive connection pole 4 and a negative connection pole 5 are formed in the accumulator cover 3.

[0097] As can be seen from Fig. 1, it can be provided that the positive connection pole 4 is arranged in the first battery cover 3 and that a second battery cover 3 is provided in which the negative connection pole 5 is arranged.

[0098] In one of the battery covers 3, in particular in the battery cover 3 in which the positive terminal 4 is formed, a filling opening 6 can also be arranged, into which a sealing plug 7 can be inserted. Furthermore, it can be provided that the filling opening 6 is covered with a sealing cover 8.

[0099] As further evident from Fig. 1, it can be provided that the accumulator cover 3 has a cover plate 9, which forms the base of the accumulator cover 3. In particular, it can be provided that the cover plate 9 is welded to the accumulator housing 2 in order to seal the interior of the accumulator 1 from the environment.

[0100] As further evident from Fig. 1, a circumferential embossing 10 can be arranged in the accumulator cover 3, in particular in the cover plate 9. The circumferential embossing 10 can serve to center or position the accumulator cover 3 on the accumulator housing 2.

[0101] As can be seen from Fig. 1, it can be provided that the battery cover 3 of the positive connection pole 4 and the battery cover 3 of the negative connection pole 5 are arranged on opposite sides of the battery housing 2.

[0102] Fig. 2 shows a schematic half-sectional view of a second embodiment of the accumulator 1, wherein the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the previous Fig. 1. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the previous Fig. 1.

[0103] As can be seen from Fig. 2, it can be provided that both the positive terminal 4 and the negative terminal 5 are arranged in a common accumulator cover 3. In particular, it can be provided that the positive terminal 4 and the negative terminal 5 are arranged in the cover plate 9. In such an embodiment, the accumulator housing 2 can, for example, be designed in the form of a deep-drawn part that is open on only one side. Alternatively, it is of course also conceivable for the accumulator housing 2 to have several sheet metal parts welded together.

[0104] Since the structural design of the individual components of the positive connection pole 4 or the negative connection pole 5 can be the same and differences can only lie in the choice of material, figures that look the same are omitted and at this point it is pointed out that in figures 3 to 10 both the individual components of the positive connection pole 4 and the components of the negative connection pole 5 can be shown.

[0105] Fig. 3 shows a schematic half-sectional view of a first embodiment of the accumulator cover 3, wherein the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the preceding Figures 1 to 2. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figures 1 to 2.

[0106] The terminal 4, 5 shown in Fig. 3 can be either a positive terminal 4 or a negative terminal 5. These two terminals 4, 5 can have the same shape but differ in the materials used.

[0107] As can be seen from Fig. 3, a base of the accumulator cover 3 can be provided as the cover plate 9. The cover plate 9 can have an outer side 11 with an outer surface 12 and an inner side 13 with an inner surface 14. The outer side 11 can be the side that is on the outside when the accumulator 1 is installed. The inner side 13 can be the side that is inside the accumulator 1 in the installed state and faces the interior of the accumulator 1.

[0108] Furthermore, it can be provided that the outer surface 12 and inner surface 14 are spaced apart from each other by a cover plate thickness 15. The cover plate thickness 15 can be between 1 mm and 10 mm, in particular between 2 mm and 5 mm.

[0109] Furthermore, it can be provided that a through-opening 16 is formed in the cover plate 9, which serves to accommodate the positive connection pole 4 or the negative connection pole 5. The through-opening 16 can be designed in the form of a circular hole. In particular, it can be provided that the through-opening 16 is formed by a punching process in the cover plate 9.

[0110] As can be seen from Fig. 3, it can be provided that the positive connection pole 4 or the negative connection pole 5 comprises a rivet 17, which serves to conduct the electrical current between the inner side 13 of the battery cover 3 and the outer side 11 of the battery cover 3.

[0111] Furthermore, the rivet 17 can be coupled to a pole plate 18, which is arranged on the outer side 11 of the battery cover 3. A separating plate 19 can be arranged between the rivet 17 and the pole plate 18. Depending on the application, the separating plate 19 can serve to provide more or less strong electrical insulation between the rivet 17 and the pole plate 18.

[0112] Furthermore, a current collector 20 can be provided, which is electrically conductively coupled to the rivet 17 and which is arranged on the inner side 13 of the battery cover 3. A stop frame 21 can be arranged between the current collector 20 and the cover plate 9. The stop frame 21 can serve to provide more or less strong insulation between the current collector 20 and the cover plate 9, depending on requirements.

[0113] As further shown in Fig. 3, a seal 22 may be arranged between the current collector 20 and the cover plate 9. The seal 22 may rest against the current collector 20 and the cover plate 9 or be clamped between these two components.

[0114] As can also be seen from Fig. 3, it can be provided that the separating plate 19 has a receiving recess 23 in which the pole plate 18 can be received. The receiving recess 23 can form a separating plate casing 24, to which a separating plate base 25 is connected. Furthermore, it can be provided that the separating plate base 25 has a base opening 26 which serves to pass through the rivet 17. The base opening 26 can have a base opening diameter 27. Furthermore, it can be provided that a centering ring 28 is formed in the separating plate 19, concentrically surrounding the base opening 26. The centering ring 28 can be designed to protrude towards the inner side 13. In particular, it can be provided that the centering ring 28 has a centering ring height 29. Furthermore, it can be provided that a centering ring recess 30 is formed in the centering ring 28.

[0115] As further evident from Fig. 3, it can be provided that an opening 31 is formed in the stop frame 21. The opening 31 can have an opening diameter 32. Furthermore, it can be provided that the seal 22 has an outer seal diameter 33. The opening diameter 32 can be larger than the outer seal diameter 33. This makes it possible for the seal 22 to be arranged within the opening 31 and to bear against both the current collector 20 and the cover plate 9.

[0116] As can also be seen from Fig. 3, it can be provided that a rivet receiving opening 34 is formed in the pole plate 18. The rivet receiving opening 34 can have a first opening section 35 and a second opening section 36. The first opening section 35 can have a first opening diameter 37. The second opening section 36 can have a second opening diameter 38. In particular, it can be provided that the first opening section 35 is arranged in the region of the outer side 11 and the second opening section 36 is arranged in the region of the inner side 13. Neither the first opening section 35 nor the second opening section 36 have to have a cylindrical shape. For example, it is also conceivable that the first opening section 35 or the second opening section 36 is partially or completely conical.

[0117] As can be further seen from Fig. 3, it can be provided that the rivet 17 is at least partially plastically deformed in order to form a positive connection with the rivet receiving opening 34.

[0118] Fig. 4 shows a perspective half-sectional view of the rivet 17 and the current collector 20 of the first embodiment of the accumulator cover 3, wherein the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the preceding Figures 1 to 2. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figures 1 to 2.

[0119] The rivet 17 is shown in an undeformed state. As can be clearly seen from Fig. 4, it can be provided that the rivet 17 has a first rivet section 39 which has a first rivet diameter 40. Furthermore, it can be provided that the rivet 17 has a second rivet section 41 which has a second rivet diameter 42. The first rivet diameter 40 can be smaller than the second rivet diameter 42. This can form a shoulder 43. In particular, it can be provided that degassing recesses 44 are formed in the shoulder 43, which can be designed, for example, in the form of grooves. The degassing recesses 44 can be arranged on the shoulder 43 so as to be evenly distributed in the circumferential direction. In particular, it can be provided that the rivet 17 or the degassing recesses 44 are produced in a forming process, in particular a cold forming process.

[0120] As can be seen from a combination of Figures 3 and 4, it can be provided that in the assembled state the shoulder 43 of the rivet 17 rests against an underside 45 of the pole plate 18.

[0121] As further evident from Fig. 4, the rivet 17 can be provided with a rivet flange 46. The rivet flange 46 can, in particular, adjoin the second rivet section 41. In particular, the rivet flange 46 can be provided with a rivet flange diameter 47. The rivet flange diameter 47 can be larger than the second rivet diameter 42.

[0122] As further evident from Fig. 2, a reset 48 can be formed in the region of the rivet flange 46. The reset 48 can be rotationally symmetrical. In particular, the reset 48 can extend from the rivet flange diameter 47 to the center of the rivet 17 up to approximately the second rivet diameter 42. Furthermore, the rivet 17, in particular the rivet flange 46, can be coupled to an upper side 50 of the current collector 20 by means of a rivet weld 49.

[0123] As further evident from Fig. 4, a seal receiving groove 51 can be formed on the upper side 50 of the current collector 20. The seal receiving groove 51 can serve to support the seal 22. In particular, the seal receiving groove 51 can be produced by a stamping process. Furthermore, the seal receiving groove 51 can be annular. An inner diameter 52 of the seal receiving groove 51 can be larger than the rivet flange diameter 47 of the rivet flange 46.

[0124] Furthermore, it can be provided that, in the manufacturing process for producing the current collector 20, the latter is punched from a sheet metal using a punching tool. The punch entry side can be located on an underside 53 of the current collector 20. This can result in a punch indentation 54 on the underside 53 of the current collector 20.

[0125] Fig. 5 shows a perspective half-sectional view of the separating plate 19, the cover plate 9, and the stop frame 21 of the first embodiment of the accumulator cover 3 in an exploded view, wherein the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the preceding Figures 1 to 4. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figures 1 to 4.

[0126] As can be seen from Fig. 5, several molded recesses 55 can be formed on the separating plate base 25 on the side of the receiving recess 23. The molded recesses 55 can surround the base opening 26.

[0127] As further evident from Fig. 5, a positioning embossment 56 can be formed in the cover plate 9. The separating plate 19 can have a positioning projection 57 complementary in shape to the positioning embossment 56. Furthermore, a positioning recess 58 can be formed in the stop element 21. The positioning embossment 56 can protrude into the positioning recess 58. Thus, the positioning embossment 56 can serve to position both the separating plate 19 and the stop frame 21.

[0128] In particular, it can be provided that the positioning embossment 56 has a plurality of individual embossments arranged in a unique pattern on the cover plate 9, thus ensuring the correct positional connection between the cover plate 9 and the separating plate 19, as well as between the cover plate 9 and the stop frame 21. This can be a Poka-Yoke safeguard. In a further, not shown, exemplary embodiment, it is of course also conceivable for the positioning embossment 56 to protrude toward the separating plate 19.

[0129] The positioning embossing 56 can be achieved by punching the cover plate 9. Care should be taken to ensure that the profile of the positioning embossing 56 in the cover plate 9 is not completely punched through.

[0130] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the inner side 13 of the accumulator cover 9, wherein the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the preceding Figures 1 to 5. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figures 1 to 5.

[0131] As can be seen from Fig. 6, an annular recess 59 can be formed on the inner surface 14 surrounding the through-opening 16. The annular recess 59 can serve to support the seal 22. In particular, the annular recess 59 can be produced by a punching or stamping process.

[0132] Fig. 7 shows a perspective half-sectional view of the pole plate 18, wherein the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the preceding Figures 1 to 6. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figures 1 to 6. Here, an upper side 60 of the pole plate 18 is visible.

[0133] As can be seen from Fig. 7, a plurality of degassing grooves 61 can be formed in the second opening section 36. The degassing grooves 61 can extend in the axial direction of the rivet receiving opening 34.

[0134] Furthermore, it can be provided that a pole plate recess 62 is formed on the upper side 60 of the pole plate 18. The pole plate recess 62 can surround the rivet receiving opening 34 in a ring shape and be designed to extend conically towards the rivet receiving opening 34. The pole plate recess 62 can serve to be able to weld the rivet 17 to the pole plate 18 and to accommodate the weld seam in the pole plate recess 62. Fig. 8 shows a perspective half-sectional view of a further embodiment of the rivet 17 and the current collector 20, wherein the same reference numerals or component designations as in the preceding Figures 1 to 7 are used for the same parts. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figures 1 to 7.

[0135] As can be seen from Fig. 8, the current collector 20 can have a multi-layer structure with a first layer 63 and a second layer 64. The first layer 63 and the rivet 17 can be formed from an aluminum material. This measure makes it easy to create a material-to-material connection between the rivet 17 and the first layer 63. The second layer 64 can be formed from a copper material. To produce the first current collector 20, the first layer 63 and the second layer 64 can be roll-plated and then punched out in the shape of the current collector 20. Such a design can be used, for example, for a negative connection pole 5.

[0136] Fig. 9 shows a perspective half-sectional view of another embodiment of the rivet 17 and the current collector 20, wherein the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the preceding Figures 1 to 8. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figures 1 to 8.

[0137] As can be seen from Fig. 9, an intermediate layer 65 can be formed between the first layer 63 and the second layer 64. The first layer 63, the second layer 64, and the intermediate layer 65 can be joined together by roll bonding. As in the exemplary embodiment in Fig. 8, the first layer 63 and the rivet 17 can be formed from an aluminum material. The second layer 64 can be formed from a copper material. The intermediate layer 65 can be formed as a nickel layer. Furthermore, it is also conceivable for the intermediate layer 65 to be formed as a tin layer.

[0138] The intermediate layer can reduce corrosion between the first layer 63 and the second layer 65.

[0139] Fig. 10 shows a second embodiment of the accumulator cover 3, wherein the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the preceding Figures 1 to 9. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figures 1 to 9.

[0140] As can be seen from Fig. 10, the rivet 17 can be provided to butt against the underside 45 of the pole plate 18. In this case, the rivet 17 and the pole plate 18 can be coupled together by friction stir welding. In this case, the friction stir pin can penetrate from above through the pole plate 18 to the rivet 17 in order to weld the rivet 17 and the pole plate 18 together.

[0141] Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the pole plate 18 to be coupled to the rivet 17 by a magnetic pulse welding process. In this case, an electromagnetic coil can be positioned on the outer side 11 of the pole plate 18.

[0142] The embodiments show possible embodiments, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiments with each other are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in the art in this technical field due to the teaching of technical action by means of the objective invention.

[0143] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description.

[0144] All information on value ranges in this description is to be understood as including any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10, ie all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10. For the sake of clarity, it should be pointed out that in order to improve understanding of the structure, some elements have been shown out of scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced.

[0145] Reference symbol list

[0146] Accumulator 32 breakthrough diameter

[0147] Accumulator housing 33 Seal outer diameter Accumulator cover 34 Rivet receiving opening positive terminal 35 first opening section negative terminal 36 second opening section filling opening 37 first opening diameter

[0148] Sealing plug 38 second opening diameter Sealing cover 39 first rivet section Cover plate 40 first rivet diameter Circumferential embossing 41 second rivet section Outside 42 second rivet diameter

[0149] Exterior surface 43 paragraph

[0150] Inside 44 degassing recess

[0151] Inner surface 45 bottom of pole plate

[0152] Cover plate thickness 46 Rivet flange through hole 47 Rivet flange diameter rivet 48 Reset

[0153] Pole plate 49 Riveted weld Separator plate 50 Top side Current collector Current collector 51 Sealing groove

[0154] Stop frame 52 seal receiving grooves inside seal diameter

[0155] Receiving recess 53 Underside of current collector separator shell 54 Punching inlet separator bottom 55 Shape release bottom opening 56 Positioning embossing

[0156] Bottom opening diameter 57 Positioning projection Centering ring 58 Positioning recess Centering ring height 59 Annular recess

[0157] Centering ring recess 60 Top side Pole plate opening 61 Degassing groove Pole plate recess First layer Second layer Intermediate layer

Claims

Patent claims 1. Accumulator cover (3) for an accumulator (1), the accumulator cover (3) comprising: - a cover plate (9) with an outer side (11) and an inner side (13) and a through-opening (16) which penetrates the cover plate (9) between the outer side (11) and the inner side (13), wherein the cover plate (9) is delimited on the outer side (11) by an outer surface (12) and on the inner side (13) by an inner surface (14), wherein the outer surface (12) and the inner surface (14) are arranged at a distance from one another in a cover plate thickness (15); - a rivet (17) which passes through the through opening (16) of the cover plate (9); - a pole plate (18), wherein the pole plate (18) is arranged on the outer side (11) of the cover plate (9) and is electrically conductively coupled to the rivet (17); - a separating plate (19), wherein the separating plate (19) is arranged on the outer side (11) of the cover plate (9) is arranged between the pole plate (18) and the cover plate (9), characterized in that a current collector (20) is designed as a component independent of the rivet (17), wherein the current collector (20) is electrically conductively coupled to the rivet (17).

2. Accumulator cover (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that a stop frame (21) is formed which is arranged between the current collector (20) and the cover plate (9).

3. Accumulator cover (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the separating plate (19) of a negative terminal pole (5) is formed from a material having a surface resistance of greater than 1.0E+13 ohms, in particular greater than 5.0E+14 ohms, determined by a method according to IEC 60167.

4. Battery cover (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating plate (19) of a positive terminal pole (4) is formed from a material having a surface resistance between 1.0E+3 ohms and 1.0E+4 ohms, determined by a method according to ASTM D257.

5. Accumulator cover (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating plate (19) is pot-shaped and has a receiving recess (23) which is formed by a separating plate casing (24) and a separating plate base (25), wherein the pole plate (18) is designed to be complementary in shape to the receiving recess (23) and is received in the receiving recess (23).

6. Accumulator cover (3) according to claim 5, characterized in that a bottom opening (26) is formed in the partition plate bottom (25), wherein a centering ring (28) is formed, which is arranged protrudingly on the partition plate bottom (25) on the side facing away from the receiving recess (23) and surrounds the bottom opening (26), wherein the centering ring (28) is received in the through opening (16) of the cover plate (9).

7. Accumulator cover (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rivet (17) has a rivet flange (46), wherein the rivet flange (46) bears against the current collector (20) and wherein the rivet flange (46) is coupled to the current collector (20) by means of a material connection, in particular a weld seam.

8. Accumulator cover (3) according to claim 6 and 7, characterized in that the centering ring (28) has a centering ring recess (30) for receiving the rivet flange (46).

9. Accumulator cover (3) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the centering ring (28) has a centering ring height (29), wherein the centering ring height (29) is greater than the cover plate thickness (15).

10. Accumulator cover (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating plate (19) is formed as a one-piece injection-molded part.

11. Accumulator cover (3) according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that on the separating plate base (25), on the side of the receiving recess (23), a plurality of shaped reliefs (55) are formed surrounding the base opening (26).

12. Accumulator cover (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a seal (22) is formed which rests on the inner surface (14) of the cover plate (9) and on the current collector (20) and is clamped between the inner surface (14) of the cover plate (9) and the current collector (20), in particular that the seal (22) is designed in the form of an O-ring, a flat seal or a shaped seal.

13. Accumulator cover (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an annular recess (59) is formed on the inner surface (14) of the cover plate (9) surrounding the through opening (16).

14. Accumulator cover (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a positioning embossment (56) is formed in the cover plate (9), wherein the separating plate (19) has a positioning projection (57) complementary in shape to the positioning embossment (56), in particular that the positioning embossment (56) and the positioning projection (57) have a complementary asymmetric shape in order to prevent incorrect assembly.

15. Accumulator cover (3) according to claim 2 and claim 14, characterized in that the stop frame (21) has a positioning recess (58) complementary in shape to the positioning embossment (56), in particular that the positioning embossment (56) and the positioning recess (58) have a complementary asymmetric shape in order to prevent incorrect assembly.

16. Accumulator cover (3) according to claim 2 and 12, characterized in that an opening (31) is formed in the stop frame (21), wherein the opening (31) has an opening diameter (32), and that the seal (22) has an outer seal diameter (33), wherein the opening diameter (32) is larger than the outer seal diameter (33).

17. Accumulator cover (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rivet (17) has a first rivet section (39) with a first rivet diameter (40) and a second rivet section (41) with a second rivet diameter (42), wherein the second rivet diameter (42) is larger than the first rivet diameter (40) and a shoulder (43) is formed between the first rivet section (39) and the second rivet section (41), and wherein the pole plate (18) has a rivet receiving opening (34), wherein the first rivet section (39) is received in the rivet receiving opening (34) and the pole plate (18) rests against the shoulder (43).

18. Accumulator cover (3) according to claim 17, characterized in that the shoulder (43) has degassing recesses (44).

19. Accumulator cover (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pole plate (18) has a rivet receiving opening (34), wherein the rivet receiving opening (34) has a first opening section (35) with a first opening diameter (37) and a second opening section (36) with a second opening diameter (38), wherein the second opening section (36) is arranged closer to the inner side (13) of the cover plate (9) than the first opening section (35), wherein the first opening diameter (37) is larger than the second opening diameter (38) and wherein the rivet (17) is plastically deformed into the first opening section (35) and forms a positive connection with the first opening section (35).

20. Accumulator cover (3) according to claim 19, characterized in that degassing grooves (61) are formed in the second opening section (36).

21. Accumulator cover (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the case of a negative connection pole (5), the current collector (20) and the rivet (17) are formed from a copper material and the pole plate (18) is formed from an aluminum material.

22. Accumulator cover (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the case of a positive connection pole (4), the current collector (20), the rivet (17) and the pole plate (18) are formed from an aluminum material.

23. Accumulator cover (3) according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the current collector (20) has a multi-layer structure with a first layer (63) made of an aluminum material and a second layer (64) made of a copper material, wherein the first layer (63) is coupled to the rivet (17) and the rivet (17) is formed from an aluminum material.

24. Accumulator cover (3) according to claim 23, characterized in that between the first layer (63) and the second layer (64) an intermediate layer (65) made of a material different from the first layer (63) and the second layer (64) is formed, in particular that the intermediate layer (65) is formed of a nickel-based or tin-based material.

25. Accumulator (1) comprising: - an accumulator housing (2); - a battery cover (3), wherein the battery cover (3) is coupled to the battery housing (2), characterized in that the battery cover (3) is designed according to one of the preceding claims.

26. Method for producing a battery cover (3) comprising the method steps: - Providing a cover plate (9) with an outer side (11) and an inner side (13) and a through-opening (16) which penetrates the cover plate (9) between the outer side (11) and the inner side (13), wherein the cover plate (9) is delimited on the outer side (11) by an outer surface (12) and on the inner side (13) by an inner surface (14), wherein the outer surface (12) and the inner surface (14) are arranged at a distance from one another in a cover plate thickness (15); - providing a rivet (17); - providing a pole plate (18); - Providing a separating plate (19), characterized in that a current collector (20) is provided as a component independent of the rivet (17), wherein a connecting process, the current collector (20) is electrically conductively coupled to the rivet (17), and wherein in a joining process, the rivet (17) with the current collector (20) coupled thereto is pushed into the cover plate (9) so that the rivet (17) projects through the through-opening (16) of the cover plate (9) and the separating plate (19) and the pole plate (18) are positioned relative to the cover plate (9), so that the pole plate (18) is arranged on the outer side (11) of the cover plate (9) and the separating plate (19) is arranged on the outer side (11) of the cover plate (9) between the pole plate (18) and the cover plate (9), wherein in a connecting process, the pole plate (18) is electrically conductively coupled to the rivet (17).

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that in the connection process the current collector (20) is electrically conductively coupled to the rivet (17) by means of a laser welding process, in particular that the rivet (17) is applied to the current collector (20) and a laser beam is guided around an outer circumference of the rivet (17).

28. Method according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that during the process of connecting the pole plate (18) to the rivet (17), the rivet (17) is deformed in one step in order to produce a positive connection between the pole plate (18) and the rivet (17), in particular that the pole plate (18) has a rivet receiving opening (34), wherein the rivet receiving opening (34) has a first opening section (35) with a first opening diameter (37) and a second opening section (36) with a second opening diameter (38), wherein the second opening section (36) is arranged closer to the inside (13) of the cover plate (9) than the first opening section (35), wherein the first opening diameter (37) is larger than the second opening diameter (38) and wherein the rivet (17) is plastically deformed into the first opening section (35) and a forms a positive connection with the first opening section (35).

29. Method according to claim 28, characterized in that during the process of connecting the pole plate (18) to the rivet (17), an electrically conductive connection between the pole plate (18) and the rivet (17) is produced in a further step by means of a laser welding process.

30. Method according to claim 28, characterized in that during the process of connecting the pole plate (18) to the rivet (17), an electrically conductive connection between the pole plate (18) and the rivet (17) is produced in a further step by means of a laser soldering process.

31. Method according to one of claims 26 to 30, characterized in that the cover plate (9) and / or the pole plate (18) and / or the current collector is formed as a (20) stamped part from a sheet metal, wherein a stamping process takes place in a method step following the stamping.

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