Electrode with insulation regions for improving a flow of current within the electrode

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrode for a battery, comprising a collector and an active material applied to at least a first side of the collector, wherein the collector has one or more collector insulation regions and / or the active material has one or more active material insulation regions, wherein the collector insulation regions and the active material insulation regions are electrically insulating regions. The invention further relates to a battery having two electrodes according to the invention.

Description

Electrode with insulating areas to improve current flow within the electrode

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode for a battery (primary battery or secondary battery) and a battery with two electrodes according to the invention.

[0002] A battery comprises at least one battery cell with a positive and a negative electrode in an ion-conducting electrolyte, with the electrodes separated by a separator. During a discharge process, the negative electrode is called the anode and the positive electrode the cathode. The anode and cathode each consist of a collector or current conductor and an active material applied to it.

[0003] During the discharge of a battery, charged particles migrate from the anode through the electrolyte and separator to the cathode, where they are stored. The oxidation process simultaneously releases electrons. These flow From the negatively charged anode via an external electrical connection to the positive cathode, where a reduction process takes place and electrons are (reversibly) absorbed. The external current flow can power electrical devices. During charging, the exact reverse process occurs. Charged particles migrate from the cathode to the anode, where they are stored.

[0004] Due to their high energy density and low self-discharge, lithium-ion batteries are frequently used. In the Li-ion battery cells used in Li-ion batteries, Li-ions migrate as charged particles from one electrode to the other during charging and discharging.

[0005] The electrolyte used in currently used lithium-ion battery cells, which are used for example in the consumer sector (mobile phones, MP3 players, etc.) or as energy storage devices in electric or hybrid vehicles, often consists of a liquid electrolyte which contains, for example, the lithium conducting salt lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPFe) dissolved in organic solvents.

[0006] The negative electrode of the cell in Li-ion batteries typically consists of a copper foil as a current collector and an active layer made of graphite or a lithium-alloyed material (active material). Especially in secondary batteries, intercalation materials such as graphite are often used as active materials for the electrodes, as they are capable of reversibly intercalating and releasing (lithium) ions. During charging, the positively charged lithium ions required to provide power are intercalated in the active layer.

[0007] The positive electrode in Li-ion batteries often consists of mixed oxides (active material) deposited on an aluminum collector. Transition metal oxides containing cobalt, manganese, or nickel are the most common compounds. The deposited oxide layer serves as a lithium source when charging the cell.

[0008] However, due to overcharging of the battery or due to aging of the anode, it is possible that the lithium ions are not evenly deposited in the graphite, but in the form of Lithium needles grow on the graphite. These lithium needles are also called lithium dendrites. This problem also occurs when metallic lithium is used as an anode. With a metallic lithium anode, lithium is deposited on the anode when the battery is charged. However, this often does not occur in the form of a planar, metallic lithium layer; rather, the lithium tends to deposit in a spongy, porous, and dendritic form.

[0009] As the lithium dendrites grow in size, contact eventually occurs between the lithium dendrites and the battery cell separator. If a lithium dendrite pierces and damages the separator, the separator can no longer fulfill its function of insulating the anode from the cathode both electrically and mechanically. This can lead to a short circuit between the anode and cathode. Such a short circuit causes the battery cell to overheat, posing a fire hazard. The occurrence of lithium dendrites therefore represents a major safety concern.

[0010] In principle, however, there are other problems with the known batteries.

[0011] For example, series of tests (Verena Müller et al 2019 J. Electrochem. Soc. 166 A3796) show that in a lithium-ion battery, the pressure is greatest in the area of ​​the poles after a small number of 50 discharge cycles.

[0012] From "C. Veth, D. Dragicevic, and C. Merten: "Thermal characterizations of a large-format lithium ion cell focused on high current discharges," Journal of Power Sources, No. 267, pp. 760-769, 2014," it is also known that the temperature at the beginning of a discharge process is highest in the region of the poles. Even at the end of the discharge process, the temperature is not completely evenly distributed across the battery surface.

[0013] In “CM Costa et al.: “Magnetically active lithium-ion batteries towards battery performance improvement”, iScience, No. 24, 2021” it is assumed that the performance and service life of batteries can be improved if a magnetic field is generated that causes the lithium ions to be suitably attracted to the anode and The lithium ion flow impinges on the cathode surface, resulting in a more even distribution of the lithium ion flow. A homogeneous current distribution and appropriate impingement of the lithium ions should therefore lead to reduced dendrite formation. It is assumed that this can also lead to a more even distribution of pressure and temperature within the battery, which can also lead to a longer service life and better performance.

[0014] There are now several approaches to reducing dendrite formation. For example, the publication "Kang Shen et al.: "Magnetic Field-Suppressed Lithium Dendrite Growth for Stable Lithium-Metal Batteries," Advanced Energy Material, 2019," proposes generating an external magnetic field between the anode and cathode to reduce dendrite formation and thus extend the battery's lifespan. The problem with this proposal is that enormous energy expenditure is required to generate the external magnetic field.

[0015] Overall, no satisfactory solution to the problems mentioned has been found so far.

[0016] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an electrode for a battery and a battery that enables a more uniform current distribution or ion flow within the battery. Furthermore, a more uniform heat development or distribution and improved magnetic field alignment are to be achieved, so that the ions migrating through the electrolyte strike the anode or cathode as perpendicularly as possible. The measures required for this should be as simple, cost-effective, and energy-efficient as possible.

[0017] The object is achieved according to the invention by an electrode having the features of claim 1 and a battery having the features of claim 8. Preferred embodiments of the electrode and battery according to the invention emerge from the subclaims, the present description and the drawings.

[0018] The electrode according to the invention for a battery comprises a collector and an active material applied to at least one first side of the collector. The collector has at least one collector insulating region and / or the active material has at least one active material insulating region, wherein the collector insulating region and the active material insulating region are electrically insulating regions.

[0019] Accordingly, either the collector or the active material, or both, are permeated with an electrically insulating, i.e., non-conductive, material, whereas conventional electrodes do not have such a material. The insulating material helps prevent electrically charged particles (ions in the active material; electrons in the collector) from spreading freely, but instead must follow a predetermined path depending on the positioning of the insulating regions. This counteracts disordered particle movement within the electrode.

[0020] The active material is preferably applied as a layer on the first side as usual.

[0021] The battery according to the invention comprises a first electrode according to the invention, wherein the first electrode is designed as an anode, and a second electrode according to the invention, wherein the second electrode is designed as a cathode. Furthermore, the battery comprises an electrolyte arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a separator located in the electrolyte and extending substantially in a direction perpendicular to a shortest connecting line between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0022] When the battery is charged or discharged, a flow of ions occurs within the electrolyte or active material, while electrons move in the collector. The presence of insulating regions in the collector and / or active material restricts the movement of these charged particles. This allows for orderly movement. Depending on the arrangement and number of insulating regions, the movement of the particles within the electrode can be controlled, thus achieving a more uniform particle distribution and movement. Furthermore, the insulating areas offer the possibility of positively influencing the magnetic field generated in the battery, thus advantageously altering the movement of charged particles in the electrolyte. In particular, this can ensure that the ions impinge on the active material essentially perpendicularly.

[0023] Accordingly, the formation of dendrites can be suppressed. Overall, this results in higher C-rates (charge and discharge rates) and an increase in the number of charge cycles, thus increasing the battery's service life.

[0024] The battery according to the invention is not limited to a secondary battery (“accumulator”), but can in principle also be designed as a primary battery, although in this case no increase in the charging cycles can be achieved.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the electrode, at least one of the one or more collector insulation regions extends substantially in a direction perpendicular to the first side. If the active material is applied to the first side in the form of a layer, the collector insulation region thus extends perpendicular to the surface of the active material layer.

[0026] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the collector has a second side, the second side being opposite the first side, the collector having a plurality of collector insulation regions, at least some of the collector insulation regions extending substantially in a direction parallel to a shortest connection between the first side and the second side, the collector insulation regions being arranged offset from one another in this direction.

[0027] For example, some of the collector insulation regions are arranged closer to the active material than others. In other words, some of the collector insulation regions are arranged closer to the first side of the collector than to the second side of the collector. The first side of the collector and the second side of the collector are preferably arranged parallel to each other. In this case, the collector insulation regions extend substantially perpendicular to the first side and the second side.

[0028] Such a staggered arrangement of the collector insulation regions in the collector impedes the path of charged particles, particularly in a direction perpendicular to the main extension direction of the collector insulation regions. Thus, such an arrangement can ensure that the charged particles in the collector propagate perpendicular to the first side of the collector or in a direction parallel to the main extension direction of the collector insulation regions.

[0029] The collector preferably has a second side opposite the first side, wherein at least one of the one or more collector insulation regions extends from the first side to the second side and divides the collector into a first collector region and a second collector region, such that the first collector region and the second collector region are electrically insulated from one another. This restricts the freedom of movement of charged particles within the collector such that movement of charged particles between the first collector region and the second collector region is no longer possible. The current flow within different regions of the collector is thus significantly restricted. Accordingly, chaotic current distribution can be prevented.

[0030] In another embodiment, at least one of the one or more collector insulation regions extends substantially in a direction parallel to the first side. If the first side and the second side of the collector run parallel, the collector insulation region also extends parallel to the second side. Furthermore, the collector insulation region runs substantially parallel to the surface of the active material, provided this is arranged as a layer on the first side of the collector.

[0031] In a further embodiment of the electrode, the active material has a first active material surface facing away from the collector and a second active material surface facing the collector, wherein at least one of the one or more of the active material insulating regions extends substantially in a direction perpendicular to the first active material surface, in particular extending from the first active material surface to the second active material surface.

[0032] The first active material surface and the second active material surface preferably run substantially parallel to one another. Particularly preferably, at least the second active material surface runs substantially parallel to, and particularly preferably flush with, the first side of the collector.

[0033] The active material isolation region restricts or directs the movement of the charged particles in the active material. In particular, movement perpendicular to the main direction of the active material isolation region is severely restricted, especially when multiple such regions are present. However, movement along the main direction of the active material isolation region is permitted.

[0034] If the active material insulation region extends from the first active material surface to the second active material surface, two separate regions of the active material are created between which charged particles cannot move. For example, if an ion from an electrolyte hits one of the two regions, this ion is trapped in that region and cannot move to the other region of the active material.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the electrode, an electrically conductive region is arranged within at least one of the one or more collector insulation regions. This can achieve a better alignment of the magnetic field developing in the battery, in particular such that the ions impinge on the active material surface as perpendicularly as possible. The electrically conductive region can be formed, for example, from iron.

[0036] In one embodiment of the battery, the first electrode and the second electrode are each formed such that the collector has a second side opposite the first side, wherein the collector insulation region extends from the first side to the second side and divides the collector into a first collector region and a second collector region, such that the first collector region and the second collector region are electrically insulated from each other. Consequently, the anode has a first anode collector region and a second collector region electrically insulated from the first anode collector region. second anode collector region, and the cathode has a first cathode collector region and a second cathode collector region electrically insulated from the first cathode collector region, wherein the first anode collector region and the first cathode collector region are substantially opposite each other on the shortest connecting line, wherein the collector insulating region of the anode and the collector insulating region of the cathode are substantially opposite each other on the connecting line, and wherein the second anode collector region and the second cathode collector region are substantially opposite each other on the connecting line.

[0037] The battery thus comprises an anode and a cathode, each with (at least) two electrically insulated regions, wherein the insulated regions are substantially opposite one another. Therefore, the first anode collector region and the first cathode collector region are preferably substantially the same size. The same applies to the second anode collector region and the second cathode collector region, as well as to the respective collector insulation regions of the anode and cathode.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the battery, the first anode collector region is configured to be contacted with a first electrical conductor on a first anode contacting side, and the first cathode collector region is configured to be contacted with a second electrical conductor on a first cathode contacting side, wherein the first anode contacting side and the first cathode contacting side are located on opposite sides of the battery.

[0039] Particularly preferably, the opposite sides of the battery are located on sides that run perpendicular to the respective first sides of the anode and cathode collectors. Particularly preferably, the anode contact side and the first side of the anode collector meet at an edge of the anode collector. The same applies to the cathode, with the anode contact side and the cathode contact side preferably being diametrically opposite each other across the battery separator.

[0040] The first conductor and the second conductor are preferably connected to each other via a consumer.

[0041] With this embodiment, it is possible to ensure that the direction of current flow at the anode contact side matches the direction of current flow at the cathode contact side. This allows the magnetic field propagating within the battery to be influenced. While in conventional batteries the current flow at the anode contact is opposite to that at the cathode contact, the present invention enables a co-directional current flow. Accordingly, in contrast to conventional batteries, a different, ultimately advantageous magnetic field is generated.

[0042] In a further embodiment of the battery, the second anode collector region is configured to be contacted with the first electrical conductor on a second anode contacting side, and the second cathode collector region is configured to be contacted with the second electrical conductor on a second cathode contacting side, wherein the second anode contacting side and the second cathode contacting side are located on opposite sides of the battery, and wherein the second anode contacting side and the first anode contacting side are located on opposite sides of the battery.

[0043] The invention will be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1A is a schematic representation of a structure of a conventional battery in a side view; Fig. 1B is a schematic representation of the magnetic field forming in the battery according to Fig. 1A when discharging the battery in a plan view; Fig. 1C is a schematic representation of the ion flow between the electrodes of the battery according to Fig. 1A in a side view; Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the electrode according to the invention in a side view; Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the electrode according to the invention in a side view; Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the electrode according to the invention in a side view; Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a collector of a fourth embodiment of the electrode according to the invention in a side view; Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a collector of a fifth embodiment of the electrode according to the invention in a side view; Fig. 7A is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the battery according to the invention in a plan view; Fig. 7B shows the collector of the first electrode of the battery of Fig. 7A in a sectional view along the line AA; Fig. 7C shows the collector of the second electrode of the battery from Fig. 7A in a sectional view along the line BB; Fig. 8A is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the battery according to the invention in a plan view; Fig. 8B is a sectional view of the battery 100 shown in Fig. 8A taken along the line AA; Fig. 8C is a sectional view of the battery 100 shown in Fig. 8A taken along the line B-B; Fig. 9A is a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the battery 100 according to the invention in a plan view; Fig. 9B shows the collectors of the electrodes of the battery shown in Fig. 9A in side view.

[0044] Fig. 1A shows a schematic representation of the structure of a conventional battery 500 in a side view. The battery 500 comprises a first electrode 10a (anode) and a second electrode 10b (cathode). The designations anode and cathode refer, as usual, to the discharge process. Both electrodes 10a and 10b each have a collector 12 and an active material 14 arranged on the collector and are surrounded by an electrolyte 40. In particular, the electrolyte 40 is located between the two electrodes 10a and 10b. Furthermore, a separator 30 is located between the two electrodes 10a and 10b. The separator 30 is located in the electrolyte 40. It extends essentially in a direction perpendicular to a shortest connecting line between the first electrode 10a and the second electrode 10b. The first electrode 10a is connected to the second electrode 10b via a line 50.The current flow in line 50 when discharging battery 500 is indicated by the arrow.

[0045] Fig. 1B shows a schematic representation of the magnetic field that develops in the battery 500 according to Fig. 1A during discharging of the battery 500, in a top view. Current flows from the collector 12 of the first electrode 10a to the cathode. The field lines shown can be easily derived using Lenz's law. The magnetic field generated during discharging repels the electrodes 10a and 10b, generating a magnetic field perpendicular to the ion flow.

[0046] Fig. 1C shows a schematic representation of the ion flow between the electrodes 10a and 10b of the battery 500 according to Fig. 1A in a side view. Positively charged ions, in the case of a Li-ion battery as battery 500, Li+ ions, flow during discharging. from the anode to the cathode. They are deflected upward due to the magnetic field. The deflection of the ions by the B field results in the ions not hitting the cathode, or more precisely, its active material 14, vertically, thus promoting dendrite formation.

[0047] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the electrode 10 according to the invention in a side view. The electrode 10 comprises a collector 12 and an active material 14. The active material 14 is arranged as a layer on a first side 121 of the collector 12. The side of the collector 12 opposite the first side 121 is provided with the reference numeral 122. In the embodiment shown, both sides 121 and 122 run parallel to each other. The second active material surface 142 runs flush with the first side of the collector 121. The first active material surface 141 is located opposite it.

[0048] In the present case, the collector 12 further comprises a plurality of L-shaped collector insulation regions 120. The collector insulation regions 120 extend (perpendicularly) into the collector 12 from the first side 121 of the collector 12 and then bend in a direction parallel to the first side 121. This influences the electron flow within the collector. In particular, the current density tends to be increased further away from the active layer. This results in the greatest heat generation of the collector occurring further away from the active layer.

[0049] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the electrode 10 according to the invention in a side view. The electrode 10 in the second embodiment is constructed exactly like the electrode 10 in the first embodiment, apart from insulating regions. In contrast to the first embodiment, the electrode 10 shown in Fig. 3 does not have a collector insulating region 120, but only active material insulating regions 140. These extend continuously from the first active material surface 141 to the second active material surface 142. The active material insulating regions 140 are spaced apart from one another in a direction parallel to the first active material surface 141 (and to the second active material surface 142).

[0050] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the electrode 10 according to the invention in a side view. Like the electrode 10 in the first embodiment, the electrode 10 in the third embodiment also has a collector insulation region 120. More precisely, the electrode 10 according to the third embodiment has two collector insulation regions 120. An electrically conductive region 16 is arranged within each of the collector insulation regions 120. This electrically conductive region 16 is completely enclosed by electrically insulating material.

[0051] Fig. 5 shows a schematic side view of a collector 12 of a fourth embodiment of the electrode 10 according to the invention. The collector 12 has a plurality of collector insulation regions 120. The collector insulation regions 120 divide the collector 120 into a plurality of collector regions that are electrically insulated from one another, in particular into a first collector region 220, a second collector region 222, a third collector region 224, etc. The electrical contacting of the various collector regions takes place in an alternating manner. This meansWhile the contact side of the first collector region is on the left in the illustration shown (indicated by the arrow pointing left, which is intended to represent the direction of current flow from the second collector region 220), the contact side of the second collector region is on the right (indicated by the arrow pointing right, which is intended to represent the direction of current flow from the second collector region 222). In the third collector region 224, the contact is on the same side as in the first collector region 220, etc. As a result, the current flow from the collector 12 is not concentrated on a single contact, but is distributed across several contact points. Furthermore, the direction of current flow from the collector 12 is not always the same. Rather, the direction of current flow is opposite in adjacent collector regions. Magnetic fields around the individual collector regions therefore partially cancel each other out.An electrode with such a collector 12, installed in a battery 100, can therefore influence a magnetic field forming there, in particular with regard to the magnetic field in the electrolyte 40.

[0052] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a collector 12 of a fifth embodiment of the electrode 10 according to the invention in a side view. The hatched area forms a collector insulation region 120. The collector insulation region 120 extends "snaking" through the collector 12. While this does not create completely electrically insulated areas, it does create largely separate areas. Due to the arrangement of the electrical contact of the collector 120 (for connection to a conductor) or the arrangement of the tab 150, an opposing current flow develops in many adjacent areas (indicated by the arrows shown). The current flow within the collector 12 is thus influenced or controlled by the use of the collector insulation area 120.

[0053] Fig. 7A shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the battery 100 according to the invention in a plan view. The battery 100 has a first electrode 10a (anode) and a second electrode 10b (cathode). As is customary, a separator 30 is arranged between the first electrode 10a and the second electrode 10b. The electrolyte 40 is not shown for reasons of clarity.

[0054] The first electrode 10a and the second electrode 10b have a collector 12 and an active material 14. In this case, the active material 14 is applied to both sides of the plate-shaped collector 12 for both electrodes 10a and 10b. The collector 12 of the first electrode 10a has a plurality of spaced-apart collector insulation regions 120 that divide the collector 12 into a plurality of electrically insulated collector regions (220a, 222a, etc.). The collector 12 of the second electrode 10b also has a plurality of spaced-apart collector insulation regions 120 that divide the collector 12 into a plurality of electrically insulated collector regions (220b, 222b, etc.). The dimensions of the positioning of the collector insulation regions 120 and the collector regions of the two electrodes 10a and 10b are selected such that the first anode collector region 220a is substantially opposite the first cathode collector region 220b via the separator 30.The same applies to the adjacent respective collector insulation regions of the cathode and anode. Furthermore, the second anode collector region 222a and the second cathode collector region 222b are also substantially opposite each other.

[0055] The electrical contacting of adjacent anode collector regions takes place alternately from above and below. A small circle is shown in the first anode collector region 220a, which is intended to indicate that the current flow in the first anode collector region occurs from bottom to top. The first anode contacting side 221a is therefore located on the underside of the first anode collector region 220a. In contrast, a cross is depicted in the second anode collector region 222a, indicating that the current flows from top to bottom in this region. The second anode contact side 223a is therefore located on the top side of the first anode collector region 220a. Contacting is effected in a similar manner at the cathode or second electrode 10b. Accordingly, the current flow direction in the first anode collector region 220a and the first cathode collector region 220b is the same. The same applies to the second anode collector region 222a and the second cathode collector region 222b, with the current flow direction from the first cathode collector region 220b being opposite to the current flow direction from the second cathode collector region 222b.

[0056] For a better illustration of the electrical contacting of the electrodes, Figs. 7B and 7C can be used. Fig. 7B shows the collector 12 of the first electrode 10a from Fig. 7A in a sectional view along line AA. Fig. 7C shows the collector 12 of the second electrode 10b from Fig. 7A in a sectional view along line BB. The arrows represent the direction of current flow into or out of the individual regions of the collectors 12.

[0057] Due to the current flow shown, induced by the insulating regions and the contacts, corresponding magnetic fields form in the battery 100. In Fig. 7A, the resulting magnetic field is (roughly) represented by the arrows, which are intended to indicate the magnetic field direction. From Figs. 7A and 7B, it can be seen that adjacent anode and cathode collector regions have opposing magnetic fields. As a result, adjacent collector regions repel each other (at least slightly) and form an even more favorable magnetic field. A magnetic field is then formed as in Fig. 1B, with the only difference that the field lines point in the direction of the lithium-ion flow and not perpendicular to the flow.

[0058] Fig. 8A shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the battery 100 according to the invention in a plan view. The battery 100 has a first electrode 10a (anode) and a second electrode 10b (cathode). Between the first electrode 10a As usual, a separator 30 is arranged between the first electrode 10b and the second electrode 10b. The electrolyte 40 is not shown for reasons of clarity.

[0059] The first electrode 10a and the second electrode 10b each have a collector 12 and an active material 14. In this case, the active material 14 is applied to both sides of the plate-shaped collector 12 of both electrodes 10a and 10b. The collector 12 of the first electrode 10a has a plurality of spaced-apart collector insulation regions 120. The collector 12 of the second electrode 10b also has a plurality of spaced-apart collector insulation regions 120. Clearly visible in Fig. 8A are collector insulation regions 120, which ensure a division into several mutually electrically insulated regions (220a, 222a, 220b, 222b, etc.) in the two electrodes 10a and 10b (respectively), wherein in such adjacent regions of an electrode (10a, 10b) the current flows in opposite directions (indicated by small circles or crosses in the respective regions).

[0060] Fig. 8B shows a cross-sectional view of the battery 100 shown in Fig. 8A along line AA. It can be seen that the electrodes 10a and 10b not only have collector insulation regions 120, which separate them into electrically isolated regions, but also have L-shaped collector insulation regions 120 in their collectors 12 (more precisely, collector regions 220a, 220b, etc.). These L-shaped collector insulation regions are arranged in both collector regions 220a and 220b in sequence from top to bottom at a predetermined distance from each other. While a part of the L-shaped collector insulation region 120 runs from the first side 121 perpendicular to the first side 121 within the collector 12, another part of the collector insulation region 120 runs parallel to the first side 121 at a distance from the side 121 (as well as from the side 122).This design has the advantage that the greatest current density develops further away from the active layer. Thus, the greatest heat generation of collector 12 occurs further away from the active layer 14.

[0061] While the collector region 220a has a tab 150 at its lower end for electrical contact, the collector region 220b has a tab 150 at its upper end. This ensures that the current flows in the two collector regions 220a and 220b in the same direction, namely from top to bottom.

[0062] Fig. 8C shows a sectional view of the battery 100 shown in Fig. 8A along line BB. Shown in particular are the collector regions 222a and 222b, which, like the collector regions 220a and 220b, have L-shaped collector insulation regions 120. While the collector region 222a has a tab 150 at its upper end for electrical contact, the collector region 222b has a tab 150 at its lower end. This ensures that the current flows in the two collector regions 222a and 222b in the same direction, namely from bottom to top.

[0063] Fig. 9A shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the battery 100 according to the invention in a plan view. The battery 100 has a first electrode 10a and a second electrode 10b, which are separated by a separator 30. An electrolyte 40 is not shown. Each of the electrodes 10a and 10b has a collector 12 and an active layer 14. The tabs 150 for electrically contacting the electrodes 10a and 10b are diametrically opposite one another via the separator 30. In other words, in the view shown, the tab 150 of the first electrode 10a is located on the left side of the first electrode 10a, while the tab of the second electrode 10b is located on the right side of the second electrode 10b.

[0064] In Fig. 9B, the collectors 12 of the electrodes 10a and 10b of the battery 100 shown in Fig. 9A are shown side by side in a side view (more precisely, from the front). This view clearly shows that the collector 12 of the first electrode 10a comprises collector insulation regions 120, which are arranged offset from one another in a direction from top to bottom and each extend to an edge of the collector 12. As a result, electrons are forced to follow a "snaking line" on their way to tab 150 of the collector 12. Since the collector 12 of the electrode 10b has an analogous structure, the same applies to the collector 12 of the electrode 10b.

[0065] In this configuration, the current directions of the anode and cathode point in the same direction over large areas, so that a more favorable magnetic field can be formed overall. Furthermore, the adjacent areas within the electrodes (areas separated by insulation) repel each other, thereby aligning the magnetic field even more favorably. Furthermore, the current flow cannot be move uncontrollably. Furthermore, the number of arrester tabs is reduced in this design.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Electrode (10) for a battery (100), with a collector (12), and an active material (14) applied to at least a first side (121) of the collector (12), characterized in that the collector (12) has one or more collector insulation regions (120) and / or the active material (14) has one or more active material insulation regions (140), wherein the collector insulation regions (120) and the active material insulation regions (140) are electrically insulating regions.

2. Electrode (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the one or more collector insulation regions (120) extends substantially in a direction perpendicular to the first side (121).

3. Electrode (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the collector (12) has a second side (122), opposite the first side, wherein the collector (12) has a plurality of collector insulation regions (120), wherein at least some of the collector insulation regions (120) extend substantially in a direction parallel to a shortest connection between the first side (121) and the second side (122), wherein the collector insulation regions (120) are arranged offset from one another in this direction.

4. Electrode (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the collector (12) has a second side (122), opposite the first side, wherein at least one of the one or more collector insulation regions (120) extends from the first side (121) to the second side (122) and divides the collector (12) into a first collector region (124) and a second collector region (126) such that the first collector region (124) and the second collector region (126) are electrically insulated from one another.

5. Electrode (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one of the one or more collector insulation regions (120) extends substantially in a direction parallel to the first side (121).

6. Electrode (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the active material (14) has a first active material surface (141) facing away from the collector (12) and a second active material surface (142) facing the collector, wherein at least one of the one or more active material insulating regions (140) extends substantially in a direction perpendicular to the first active material surface (141), in particular extending from the first active material surface (141) to the second active material surface (142).

7. Electrode (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that an electrically conductive region (16) is arranged within at least one of the one or more collector insulation regions (120).

8. Battery (100), comprising a first electrode (10a) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first electrode (10a) is designed as an anode, a second electrode (10b) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second electrode (10b) is designed as a cathode, an electrolyte (40) arranged between the first electrode (10a) and the second electrode (10b), and a separator (30) located in the electrolyte (40) and extending substantially in a direction perpendicular to a shortest connecting line between the first electrode (10a) and the second electrode (10b).

9. Battery (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that the first electrode (10a) and the second electrode (10b) are formed according to claim 4, so that the anode has a first anode collector region (220a) and a second anode collector region (222a) electrically insulated from the first anode collector region (220a), and so that the cathode has a first cathode collector region (220b) and a second cathode collector region (222b) electrically insulated from the first cathode collector region (220b), wherein the first anode collector region (220a) and the first cathode collector region (220b) are located opposite each other substantially on the shortest connecting line, wherein the collector insulating region (120) of the anode and the collector insulating region of the cathode (120) are located substantially on the connecting line opposite,and wherein the second anode collector region (222a) and the second cathode collector region (222b) are substantially opposite each other on the connecting line., 10. Battery (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that the first anode collector region (220a) is configured to be contacted with a first electrical conductor on a first anode contacting side (221a), and in that the first cathode collector region (220b) is configured to be contacted with a second electrical conductor on a first cathode contacting side (221b), wherein the first anode contacting side (221a) and the first cathode contacting side (221b) are located on opposite sides of the battery (100).

11. Battery (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that the second anode collector region (222a) is designed to be contacted with the first electrical conductor on a second anode contacting side (223a), and in that the second cathode collector region (222b) is designed to be contacted with the first electrical conductor on a second Cathode contacting side (223b) to be contacted with the second electrical conductor, wherein the second anode contacting side (223a) and the second cathode contacting side (223b) are located on opposite sides of the battery (100) and wherein the second anode contacting side (223a) and the first anode contacting side (221a) are located on opposite sides of the battery (100).

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