Feed-through component

Abstract

A feed-through component for a conductor feed-through which passes through a part of a housing, for example a battery housing, is embedded in a glass or glass ceramic material and has at least one conductor, for example an essentially pin-shaped conductor, and a head part. The surface, in particular the cross-sectional surface, of the head part is greater than the surface, in particular the cross-sectional surface, of the conductor, for example of the essentially pin-shaped conductor. The head part is embodied such that is can be joined to an electrode-connecting component, for example an electrode-connecting part, which may be made of copper, a copper alloy CuSiC, an aluminum alloy AlSiC or aluminum, with a mechanically stable and non-detachable connection.

Claims

1. A feed-through for passing through an opening in a part of a housing, the feed-through comprising: one of a glass material and a glass ceramic material; at least one conductor embedded in said one of a glass material and a glass ceramic material, said at least one conductor defining a longitudinal axis and including a main body embedded in said one of a glass material and a glass ceramic material and a head part connected to said main body, said main body having a body width which extends in a direction perpendicular to said longitudinal axis and said head part having a head width which extends in a direction perpendicular to said longitudinal axis and is greater than said body width, said head part being configured to be joined with an electrode connecting component to form a mechanically stable and non-detachable electrical connection having good conductivity; and a base body for inserting into said opening in said part of said housing, said base body being formed from a metal and having a base body opening through which said at least one conductor embedded in said one of a glass material and a glass ceramic material is guided, wherein said base body opening is sealed by said one of a glass material and a glass ceramic material.

2. The feed-through according to claim 1, wherein the part of a housing is for a battery housing.

3. The feed-through according to claim 1, wherein said at least one conductor is an essentially pin-shaped conductor.

4. The feed-through according to claim 1, wherein said electrode connecting component consists essentially of one of copper, a copper ally, CuSiC, an aluminum alloy, AlSiC and aluminum.

5. The feed-through according to claim 3, said head part further comprising a centering part.

6. The feed-through according to claim 5, said centering part being an extension protruding over said head part of said essentially pin-shaped conductor.

7. The feed-through according to claim 6, wherein said extension is round.

8. The feed-through component according to claim 6, wherein said extension is not round and is a twist lock.

9. The feed-through according to claim 7, said electrode connecting component having a centering opening configured to accommodate said extension of said head part.

10. The feed-through according to claim 1, said electrode connecting component being connected with said head part by one of welding, soldering, grouting, caulking, flanging, shrinking and clamping.

11. The feed-through according to claim 1, said electrode connecting component further comprising a coating.

12. The feed-through according to claim 11, said coating being at least one of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), gold (Au), palladium (Pd), zinc (Zn) and silver (Ag).

13. The feed-through according to claim 12, said head part further comprising a projection.

14. The feed-through according to claim 13, said essentially pin-shaped conductor including one of an aluminum alloy, aluminum, a copper alloy, copper, a silver alloy, silver, a gold alloy, gold, magnesium and a magnesium alloy.

15. The feed-through according to claim 1, wherein said one of a glass material and a glass ceramic material includes: TABLE-US-00006 P.sub.2O.sub.5 35-50 mole percent (mol-%); Al.sub.2O.sub.3 0-14 mol-%; B.sub.2O.sub.3 2-10 mol-%; Na.sub.2O 0-30 mol-%; M.sub.2O 0-20 mol-%, wherein M is one of potassium (K), cesium (Cs) and rubidium (Rb); PbO 0-10 mol-%; Li.sub.2O 0-45 mol-%; BaO 0-20 mol-%; and Bi.sub.2O.sub.3 0-10 mol-%.

16. The feed-through component according to claim 15, said one of a glass material and a glass ceramic material including: TABLE-US-00007 P.sub.2O.sub.5 39-48 mol-%; Al.sub.2O.sub.3 2-12 mol-%; B.sub.2O.sub.3 4-8 mol-%; Na.sub.2O 0-20 mol-%; M.sub.2O 12-19 mol-%; PbO 0-9 mol-%; Li.sub.2O 0-40 mol-%; BaO 5-20 mol-%; and Bi.sub.2O.sub.3 1-5 mol-%.

17. The feed-through component according to claim 16, said one of a glass material and a glass ceramic material including: TABLE-US-00008 Li.sub.2O 17-40 mol-%; and Bi.sub.2O.sub.3 2-5 mol-%.

18. The feed-through according to claim 15, said one of a glass material and a glass ceramic material including: TABLE-US-00009 P.sub.2O.sub.5 38-50 mol-%; Al.sub.2O.sub.3 3-14 mol-%; B.sub.2O.sub.3 4-10 mol-%; Na.sub.2O 10-30 mol-%; K.sub.2O 10-20 mol-%; and PbO 0-10 mol-%.

19. The feed-through according to claim 18, said one of a glass material and a glass ceramic material including: TABLE-US-00010 P.sub.2O.sub.5 39-48 mol-%; Al.sub.2O.sub.3 4-12 mol-%; B.sub.2O.sub.3 4-8 mol-%; Na.sub.2O 14-20 mol-%; K.sub.2O 12-19 mol-%; and PbO 0-9 mol-%.

20. A method of producing a feed-through component for feeding through a part of a housing, the method comprising the steps of: providing a feed-through component including at least one essentially pin-shaped conductor and a head part; providing an electrode connecting component which is separate from said feed-through component; and connecting said feed-through component with said electrode connecting component in a region of said head part through a mechanically stable, non-detachable connection.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein said housing is a battery housing.

22. The method according to claim 20, further comprising the step of treating a surface of said electrode connecting component.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein said treating step includes coating said surface of said electrode connecting component prior to connecting said electrode connecting component with said feed-through component.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein said electrode connecting component is coated with one of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), nickel (Ni), gold (Au), palladium (Pd) and zinc (Zn).

25. The method according to claim 20, wherein said step of connecting said feed-through component with said electrode connecting component in said region of said head part by one of welding, soldering, caulking, flanging, shrinking, pressing, clamping and crimping.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein said welding includes one of laser welding, resistance welding, electron beam welding, ultrasonic welding and friction welding.

27. The method according to claim 20, further comprising the step of providing said electrode connecting component with a reinforcement stamping.

28. The method according to claim 27, further comprising the step of providing said electrode connecting component with a centering opening which is one of round and not round and which provides one of a centering possibility and a twist lock.

29. The method according to claim 20, further comprising the step of sealing said feed-through component in one of a glass material and a glass ceramic material into one of a base body and an opening of the part of the housing prior to said step of connecting said feed-through component with said electrode connecting component.

30. The method according to claim 29, said one of a glass material and a glass ceramic material including: TABLE-US-00011 P.sub.2O.sub.5 35-50 mole percent (mol-%); Al.sub.2O.sub.3 0-14 mol-%; B.sub.2O.sub.3 2-10 mol-%; Na.sub.2O 0-30 mol-%; M.sub.2O 0-20 mol-%, wherein M is one of potassium (K), cesium (Cs) and and rubidium (Rb); PbO 0-10 mol-%; Li.sub.2O 0-45 mol-%; BaO 0-20 mol-%; and Bi.sub.2O.sub.3 0-10 mol-%.

31. The method according to claim 27, said one of a glass material and a glass ceramic material including: TABLE-US-00012 P.sub.2O.sub.5 39-48 mole percent (mol-%); Al.sub.2O.sub.3 2-12 mol-%; B.sub.2O.sub.3 4-8 mol-%; Na.sub.2O 0-20 mol-%; M.sub.2O 12-19 mol-%; PbO 0-9 mol-%; Li.sub.2O 0-40 mol-%; BaO 5-20 mol-%; and Bi.sub.2O.sub.3 1-5 mol-%.

32. The method according to claim 31, said one of a glass material and a glass ceramic material including: TABLE-US-00013 Li.sub.2O 17-40 mol-%; and Bi.sub.2O.sub.3 2-5 mol-%.

33. The method according to claim 30, said one of a glass material and a glass ceramic material including: TABLE-US-00014 P.sub.2O.sub.5 38-50 mol-%; Al.sub.2O.sub.3 3-14 mol-%; B.sub.2O.sub.3 4-10 mol-%; Na.sub.2O 10-30 mol-%; K.sub.2O 10-20 mol-%; and PbO 0-10 mol-%.

34. The method according to claim 33, said one of a glass material and a glass ceramic material including: TABLE-US-00015 P.sub.2O.sub.5 39-48 mol-%; Al.sub.2O.sub.3 4-12 mol-%; B.sub.2O.sub.3 4-8 mol-%; Na.sub.2O 14-20 mol-%; K.sub.2O 12-19 mol-%; and PbO 0-9 mol-%.

35. A housing, comprising: an electrode connecting component; and at least one feed-through component connected with said electrode connecting component, said at least one feed-through component including: one of a glass material and a glass ceramic material; and at least one conductor embedded in said one of a glass material and a glass ceramic material, said at least one conductor having a cross sectional surface and including a head part having a head part surface which is larger than said cross sectional surface of said at least one conductor, said head part being joined with said electrode connecting component to form a mechanically stable and non-detachable electrical connection having good conductivity.

36. The housing according to claim 35, wherein the housing is a battery housing.

37. The housing according to claim 35, wherein the housing includes a light metal.

38. The housing according to claim 37, wherein said light metal is one of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, magnesium, a magnesium alloy, titanium and a titanium alloy.

39. The housing according to claim 36, wherein the housing includes a metal.

40. The housing according to claim 39, wherein said metal is one of steel, high-grade steel, stainless steel, and tool steel.

41. The feed-through according to claim 1, wherein said base body has a ring-shape.

42. The feed-through according to claim 1, wherein said metal of said base body is a light metal.

43. The feed-through according to claim 42, wherein said light metal is one of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, AlSiC, magnesium, a magnesium alloy, titanium, and a titanium alloy.

44. The feed-through according to claim 1, wherein said metal of said base body is steel.

45. The feed-through according to claim 44, wherein said metal of said base body is one of stainless steel, high grade steel, and tool steel.

46. The feed-through according to claim 1, wherein a coefficient of thermal expansion in the temperature range of 20 C. to 300 C. of said one of a glass material and glass ceramic material is different from a coefficient of thermal expansion in the temperature range of 20 C. to 300 C. of a material of at least one of said base body and said at least one conductor in such a way that a compression seal feed-through is formed.

47. A device, comprising: a housing having a housing opening; and a feed-through placed in said housing opening, said feed-through including: a base body formed from a metal and inserted into said housing opening in said housing, said base body having a base body opening formed therein; one of a glass material and a glass ceramic material sealing said base body opening; and at least one conductor embedded in said one of a glass material and a glass ceramic material, said at least one conductor defining a longitudinal axis and including a main body embedded in said one of a glass material and a glass ceramic material and a head part connected to said main body, said main body having a body width which extends in a direction perpendicular to said longitudinal axis and said head part having a head width which extends in a direction perpendicular to said longitudinal axis and is greater than said body width, said head part being configured to be joined with an electrode connecting component to form a mechanically stable and non-detachable electrical connection having good conductivity.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a first arrangement of a feed-through component with an electrode connecting component connected to the feed-through component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a feed-through component with an electrode connecting component, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

(4) FIGS. 3a-3c illustrate a feed-through component without an electrode connecting component in an embodiment of the present invention with a base body;

(5) FIGS. 4a-4b illustrate a feed-through component without an electrode connecting component with a base body in an additional embodiment of the present invention;

(6) FIGS. 5a-5b illustrate a feed-through component without a connecting component with a base body in a further embodiment of the present invention;

(7) FIGS. 6a-6b illustrate a battery cell with a battery cell housing and a feed-through with a feed-through component without a head part and with an electrode connecting component according to the present invention;

(8) FIGS. 7a-7b illustrate a battery cell with a battery cell housing and a feed-through with a feed-through component with a head part according to the present invention and with an electrode connecting component; and

(9) FIGS. 8a-8d illustrate a feed-through component with/without an electrode connecting component and with/without an outer ring.

(10) Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(11) Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a first embodiment of a feed-through component 1 with an electrode connecting component 10 which is connected with feed-through component 1. Electrode connecting component 10 is connected with electrode 20, which forms the cathode or anode of the electrochemical cell or respectively battery cell. The feed-through component includes an essentially pin-shaped conductor 3 as well as a head part 5. Head part 5 of the feed-through component has a thickness D as well as a dimension A1 essentially vertical to thickness D. As can be seen in FIG. 1, dimension A1 vertical to thickness D of component 5 is substantially greater, in other words, head component 5 or respectively head part 5 is a substantially flat component. Dimensions A2 of the essentially pin-shaped conductor 3 which is connected with the head part 5 are smaller than dimension A1 of the head part. Dimension A2 is, for example, the diameter of the essentially round pin-shaped conductor 3. Because of dimension A1 which is greater than dimension A2 of the essentially pin-shaped conductor 3, head part 5 of pin-shaped conductor 3 protrudes beyond a surface of pin shaped conductor 3. If head part 5 is also essentially round, then the surface of head part 5 is always greater than the surface of pin-shaped conductor 3. Head part 5 is configured so that it can be joined with electrode connecting component 10, forming a mechanically stable, non-detachable connection. In the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 1, electrode connecting part 10 is provided with reinforcement stamping 12. However, region 14 of the electrode connecting part fits against the head part. In region 14, the electrode connecting component is connected mechanically stable, non-detachable and with good conductivity with head part 5 of feed-through component 1. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the mechanically stable and non-detachable connection with electric conductivity of electrode connecting part 10 with head part 5 of feed-through component 1 is made through laser welding, flanging or caulking. In order to connect electrode connecting part 10 with head part 5 of feed-through component 1, feed-through component 1 includes in addition to head part 5 and essentially pin-shaped conductor 3 in the form of an extension 30 protruding beyond head part 5, and which for example engages in a centering opening 32 of electrode connecting component 10, so that the possibility of centering is provided for the electrode connecting part, based on centering opening 32 and extension 30. For this purpose extension 30 can be round, as well as not round. In addition to providing a centering possibility the arrangement of the extension also provides for a twist lock. This would be the case if the extension and the centering opening are not round, but for instance oval.

(12) As can be seen in FIG. 1, electrode connecting component 10 has a dimension A3, which is substantially consistent with the width of electrode 20. This way guarantees that for the entire current path from the battery cell to the electrode connections, an essentially uniform cable cross section is ensured, so that no heat dissipation occurs in the entire cable path.

(13) Reinforcement stamping 12 of electrode-connecting part 20 prevents bending during installation of the feed-through into a housing part and thereby a short circuit.

(14) For optimum connection of electrode connecting part 10 with head part 5, the electrode connecting part 10 may be provided with a surface coating, for example consisting of copper or aluminum. Other coating materials such as for example Ag, Ni, Au, Pd and Zn would also be possible. A silver or gold alloy would also be possible. The electrode itself can consist of essentially any desired material, for example a metal, such as a light metal, for example aluminum, an aluminum alloy, magnesium or magnesium alloy.

(15) It is feasible for electrode connecting component 10 and the feed-through component 1 may be produced in a separate process. This allows for optimum process control in regard to material selection, as well as production method. A connection between electrode connecting component 10 and head part 5 of feed-through component 1 is established only subsequently, for example through a joining process such as laser welding, ultrasonic welding, bonding, friction welding, caulking, flanging, resistance welding or soldering.

(16) As can be seen in FIG. 1, feed-through component 1 with electrode connecting component 10 distinguishes itself through a very flat configuration which occupies very little space inside a battery cell. This is shown in detail in FIGS. 7a to 7b. Insulating components in the interior space of the battery or respectively the battery cell interior space can be achieved with the inventive arrangement.

(17) Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an embodiment of the present invention wherein electrode connecting part 110 features an individual configuration and for example in region 140, provides an individual anode or respectively cathode connection to the electrochemical cell of the battery. In the region of the individual anode or respectively cathode connection 140, surfaces 142.1, 142.2 can be optionally treated, for example by applying materials, in particular Cu or Al. Cu is generally used if region 140 is connected to the cathode of the electrochemical cell and Al is used if region 140 is connected to the anode. Aluminum or other well insulating materials can be used as the base material for the non-coated electrode connecting component 110. It can be seen clearly that in the arrangement according to FIG. 2, electrode connecting component 110 protrudes in its dimension A3 beyond dimension A1 of head part 105 of feed-through component 100. In the arrangement according to FIG. 2 identical components as in FIG. 1 are identified with reference numbers increased by 100. Feed-through component 100 includes an essentially pin-shaped conductor 103, as well as head part 105, whereby head part 105 again has a thickness D. In the arrangement according to FIG. 2 an essentially circular centering bore 132 is again provided in electrode connecting component 110, and the feed-through component 100 includes extension 130 which engages into the essentially circular centering bore 132 of electrode connecting part 110. Materials used for electrode connecting component 110 can, for example, be copper or aluminum. Other materials which offer good conductivity are also possible. Copper or aluminum can also be used for conductor 103, for example essentially pin-shaped conductor 103 as well as for head part 105 and extension 130. Other possible materials are CuSiC, AlSiC, NiFe and a copper core, that is a NiFe-jacket with a copper interior part, aluminum alloys, magnesium, magnesium alloys, copper alloys, silver, a silver alloy, gold, a gold alloy as well as a cobalt-iron alloy. Head part 105 and extension 130 are, for example, essentially circular components. In contrast, electrode connecting component 110 is, for example rectangular, whereby always individual anode/cathode connections are provided at the edges. Electrode connecting component 110 can be provided with reinforcement stamping. The shape of extension 130 may also be other than circular and would then represent a twist lock connection.

(18) The feed-through component may not be sealed directly into a housing opening, but rather into a base body prior to being placed in the opening. The feed-through is then composed of the feed-through component, the glass or glass ceramic material and the base body.

(19) Referring now to FIGS. 3a-5b, there is shown sealing of feed-through component 201, 301 into a base body 200, 300, resulting in a feed-through which can be placed into an opening in a housing component, for example a battery housing or respectively battery cell housing (see FIGS. 6a-7b). Sealing into a base body 200, 300 as shown in FIGS. 3a-5b has the advantage when compared to direct sealing into an opening, that a pre-assembly is possible. In other words, sealing of the feed-through component 201, 301 into the base body 200, 300 can occur before placing the feed-through into the opening in the housing part, in particular into the battery cell housing. The battery cell housing illustrated in FIGS. 6a-7b is a housing for a battery cell, for example a lithium-ion battery.

(20) Base body 200 which accommodates the essentially pin-shaped conductor 203 of feed-through component 201 is, for example, substantially ring shaped. The material of base body 200 is for example a metal, such as a light metal, for example aluminum, AlSiC, but also steel, stainless steel, for example high grade steel. An aluminum alloy, magnesium, a magnesium alloy, a titanium alloy or titanium are also possible. In order to provide a hermetic feed-through of the conductor, in particular essentially pin-shaped conductor 203 through base body 200 and thereby the opening in the housing part, the conductor 203, in particular pin-shaped conductor 203 is sealed into a glass plug of glass or glass ceramic material, in other words, base body 200 and essentially pin-shaped conductor 203 are sealed with glass or glass ceramic material 280. The sealing temperature of the glass- or glass ceramic material may be 20K to 100K below the melting temperature of the material of base body 200 or the housing part into which the opening is worked (not illustrated) and or the pin-shaped conductor. If base body 200 is constructed of a metal having a low melting point, in particular a light metal, such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, magnesium, a magnesium alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy or AlSiC, then a glass material through which the conductor is guided and which includes the following components in mole percent (mol.-%) may be used:

(21) TABLE-US-00003 P.sub.2O.sub.5 35-50 mol-%, for example 39-48 mol %; Al.sub.2O.sub.3 0-14 mol-%, for example 2-12 mol %; B.sub.2O.sub.3 2-10 mol-%, for example 4-8 mol %; Na.sub.2O 0-30 mol-%, for example 0-20 mol %; M.sub.2O 0-20 mol-%, for example 12-19 mol %, whereby M is, for example, K, Cs or Rb; PbO 0-10 mol-%, for example 0-9 mol %; Li.sub.2O 0-45 mol-%, for example 0-40 mol %, or 17-40 mol %; BaO 0-20 mol-%, for example 0-20 mol %, or 5-20 mol %; and Bi.sub.2O.sub.3 0-10 mol-%, for example 1-5 mol %, or 2-5 mol %.

(22) In accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention, the glass composition includes the following components in mol %:

(23) TABLE-US-00004 P.sub.2O.sub.5 38-50 mol-%, for example 39-48 mol %; Al.sub.2O.sub.3 3-14 mol-%, for example 4-12 mol %; B.sub.2O.sub.3 4-10 mol-%, for example 4-8 mol %; Na.sub.2O 10-30 mol-%, for example 14-20 mol %; K.sub.2O 10-20 mol-%, for example 12-19 mol %; and PbO 0-10 mol-%, for example 0-9 mol %.

(24) Below, eight examples (AB1-AB8) are shown in Table 1 for the aforementioned glass compositions:

(25) TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 1 Examples: Mol % AB1 AB2 AB3 AB4 AB5 AB6 AB7 AB8 P.sub.2O.sub.5 47.6 43.3 43.3 43.3 37.1 40.0 42.0 46.5 B.sub.2O.sub.3 7.6 4.8 4.7 4.8 4.9 6.0 6.0 7.6 Al.sub.2O.sub.3 4.2 8.6 8.7 2.0 2 12.0 12.0 4.2 Na.sub.2O 28.3 17.3 15.0 16.0 28.3 K.sub.2O 12.4 17.3 17.3 18.0 19.0 12.4 PbO 9.0 BaO 8.7 8.7 15.4 14 Li.sub.2O 17.3 34.6 42.1 Bi.sub.2O.sub.3 5 1 Hemispherical 513 554 564 540 625 553 502 Temperature ( C.) (20-300 C.) (10.sup.6/K) 19 16.5 14.9 13.7 14.8 16.7 16.0 19.8 Tg ( C.) 325 375 354 369 359 392 425 347 Density grams per cubic 2.56 3 3.02 2.63 centimeter [g/cm.sup.3] Leaching In Mass % 18.7 14.11 7.66 12.63 1.47 3.7 29.01 8.43 Weight Loss (%) after 70 10.7 0.37 0.1 0.13 0.13 n.b. 0.006/0.001 0.45/0.66 hours in 70 C. water

(26) The aforementioned special glass composition distinguishes itself in that the glass materials have very high thermal expansions (20 C. and 300 C.) in the range of >1510.sup.6/K, for example in the range 1510.sup.6/K to 2510.sup.6/K, and therefore in the range of the thermal expansion of light metals such as aluminum, but also of similar metals for the essentially pin-shaped conductors 203 which are guided through the glass material, namely for example copper. At room temperature, aluminum has a thermal expansion of =2310.sup.6/K, copper of 16.510.sup.6/K. In order to avoid that during the sealing process the light metal of the base body and possibly also the metal pin melts or deforms, the melting temperature of the glass material is below the melting temperature of the material of the base body and/or the conductor. The sealing temperature of the listed glass composition is then in the range of 250 C. to 650 C. Sealing of the essentially pin-shaped conductor 203 into base body 200 prior to placing the feed-through into the opening (not illustrated) is achieved in that the glass together with the conductor, for example the pin-shaped conductor is heated to the sealing temperature of the glass, so that the glass material softens and surrounds the pin-shaped conductor 203 and fits against base body 200. If, for example as described above, aluminum is used as a light material having a melting point T.sub.melt=660.32 C. then the sealing temperature of the glass material is, for example, as described above in the range of 350 C. to 640 C. The material of pin-shaped conductor 203 may be identical to the material of the base body 200 which has the advantage that the coefficient of expansion for the base body and for the metal pin is identical. Coefficient of expansion of the glass or glass ceramic material in the temperature range of 20 C. to 300 C. may either be adapted to the material in which case there is no compression seal feed-through, or it may have another coefficient of expansion than the base body or respectively the pin-shaped conductor in which case there is a compression seal feed-through. An advantage of the compression seal feed-through is higher separating forces for the feed-through component. Alternatively, the pin shaped conductor may include copper, CuSiC- or NiFe-alloys.

(27) Sealing temperature of the glass or glass ceramic material is to be understood to be the temperature of the glass or the glass ceramic material at which the glass or ceramic material softens and then fits closely against the metal with which is to be sealed so that a bonded joint connection is obtained between the glass or the glass ceramic and the metal.

(28) The sealing temperature may for example be determined through the hemispherical temperature as described in R. Grke, K. J. Leers: Keram. Z. 48 (1996) 300-305, or according to DIN 51730, ISO 540 or CEN/TS 15404 and 15370-1 whose disclosure content is incorporated in its entirety into the current patent application. The measurement of the hemispherical temperature is described in detail in DE 10 2009 011 182 A1 whose disclosure content is incorporated in its entirety into the current patent application.

(29) The glass compositions which may be used as solder glasshaving become known from DE 10 2009 011 182 A1, pertain to high temperature applications, for example fuel cells.

(30) The previously cited phosphate glass compositions have a lithium share of up to 45 mol-%, for example 35 mol-%. Surprisingly, these glass compositions are crystallization-stable, meaning they do not display detrimental crystallization or substantial crystallization.

(31) The previously mentioned glass compositions contain lithium which is integrated in the glass structure. The glass compositions are hereby especially suited for lithium-ion storage devices which include electrolytes based on lithium, for example a 1 M LiPF.sub.6 solution, including a 1:1 mixture of ethylene-carbonate and dimethyl-carbonate.

(32) Low sodium or respectively sodium-free glass compositions are also feasible, since the diffusion of the alkali-ions occurs in Na+>K+>Cs+ sequence and since therefore low sodium with up to 20 mol % Na.sub.2O or respectively sodium-free glasses are especially resistant to electrolytes, especially those which are used in lithium-ion storage devices. Except for contaminants lead free glasses, meaning that they include less than 100 parts per million (ppm), for example less than 10 ppm, or less than 1 ppm of lead are feasible for use in accordance with the present invention.

(33) The previously cited special glass compositions have a thermal expansion in the range of 20 C. to 300 C.>1410.sup.6/K, for example between 1510.sup.6/K and 2510.sup.6/K. An additional advantage of the glass composition is that sealing of the glass with the surrounding light metal or respectively the metal of the conductor, in particular in the embodiment of a metal pin, is possible also in a gaseous atmosphere which is not an inert gas atmosphere. In contrast to the previously used method, a vacuum is also no longer necessary for aluminum-sealing. This type of sealing can rather occur under atmospheric conditions. For both types of sealing nitrogen (N.sub.2) or argon (Ar) can be used as inert gas. As a pre-treatment for sealing, the metal is cleaned and/or etched, and if necessary is subjected to targeted oxidizing or coating. During the process temperatures of between 300 and 600 C. are used at heating rates of 0.1 to 30 degrees Kelvin per minute (K/min) and dwell times of 1 to 60 minutes.

(34) The housing part into which the feed-through or respectively feed-through component illustrated in the previously mentioned drawings is inserted is also, for example, produced from aluminum. The housing part has an outside and an inside. The outside is characterized in that it extends outward from the battery cell; the inside in that it extendsfor example in the case of a lithium-ion accumulatortoward the electrolyte of the battery cell. This is illustrated in FIGS. 6a to 7b.

(35) In the case of lithium-ion batteries, typically a non-aqueous electrolyte, typically consisting of a carbonate, such as a carbonate mixture, for example a mixture of ethylene-carbonate and dimethyl-carbonate is used, whereby the aggressive non-aqueous battery electrodes include a conducting salt, for example conducting salt LiPF.sub.6 in the form of a 1 M solution.

(36) Feed-through components 201, 301 illustrated in FIGS. 3a-5b have an essentially pin-shaped conductor 203, 303 as well as a head part 205, 305 according to FIGS. 1a-2b, whereby the dimensions A1 of head part 205, 305 are greater than dimensions A2 of essentially pin-shaped conductor 203, 303. Head part 205, 305 is configured so that it can be connected with an electrode connecting part as illustrated in FIGS. 1a to 2b; it is particularly provided with an extension 230 which can serve as a centering part for the electrode connecting part. After installation into the opening of the housing part, the electrode connecting part (illustrated in FIGS. 1a-2b) which can be attached to head part 205 is oriented toward the inside that is toward the electrolyte of the battery cell. This is shown in FIGS. 7a-7b. In the arrangement according to FIGS. 3a-5b, the sealing can occur not only between pin-shaped conductor 203which, through the ring-shaped base body 200 can in turn be inserted into a housing partand base body 200, but the glass material or respectively glass ceramic material 280 can also be introduced between base body 200 and head part 205. This is advantageous for stabilization of the electrode connecting components.

(37) An extension 230 protrudes beyond head part 205, for example into the interior of the battery cell (as illustrated in FIGS. 7a-7b), whereby extension 230 can serve to center the electrode connecting part (illustrated in FIGS. 1a-2b). Extension 230 of the conductor is always round, regardless of the shape of the essentially pin-shaped conductor 203, which may for example be oval or round.

(38) Ring-shaped base body 200 may assume different shapesfor example as shown in FIGS. 3a-3c an oval outside shape 290, whereby then also the conductor can be oval in the region in which it is guided through the oval base body, that is in region 211. However, the top view of extension 230 as illustrated in FIG. 3c shows it to be round for connection of the electrode connecting part.

(39) Alternatively to an oval configuration of the ring-shaped base bodywhich is advantageous especially with narrow battery coversit is possible to configure the pin-shaped conductor as well as the extension and the base body to be ring-shaped.

(40) A ring-shaped base body with ring-shaped pin-shaped conductor is shown in FIGS. 4a-4b. Same components as shown in FIGS. 3a-3c are identified with reference numbers increased by 100. In FIGS. 4a-4b the pin-shaped conductor is identified for example with reference number 303, the head part with 305 and the ring-shaped base body with 300. The ring-shaped outside shape is identified with 390 and the region in which the conductor is guided through the base body with 311.

(41) In order to connect other connection parts or connection components to the electrodes, it is provided in an arrangement according to FIGS. 5a-5b to project the head surface F.sub.HEAD PART of head part 405 over the diameter of the opening. In addition to the previously described joining methods, the flanging of head part 405 allows joining of the connecting components by through-welding, resistance welding or riveting due to accessibility from both sides. In FIG. 5a the inventive characteristic of the feed-through component, especially that the surface of head part 405 (F.sub.HEAD PART) is larger than the surface of pin-shaped conductor 403 (F.sub.CONDUCTOR) can be clearly seen. Since in the arrangement according to FIG. 5a the dimensions and shape of extension 430 of pin-shaped conductor 403 correspond, the cross sectional surface of extension 430 illustrated in the top view is consistent with the surface of the pin-shaped conductor. Same components as shown in FIGS. 3a-3c are identified with reference numbers increased by 200, in other words the pin-shaped conductor is identified with reference number 403, and the ring-shaped base body with 400. On the projection of the head part 405, electrode connecting parts may, for example, be attached by resistance welding or riveting as shown in FIGS. 2a-2b, for example based on the accessibility from both sides of the projection as described above.

(42) In contrast to the arrangements illustrated in FIGS. 3a-5b of base body 200, 300, 400 as a basic ring, it can however also be in the form of a conical ring (not illustrated) which is inserted into a conically progressing opening in the housing part. The connection between the feed-through occurs again between the side walls of the conical opening and the conical base body, for example through welding, soldering, flanging or shrinking. It is however also possible to press the essentially conically progressing ring-shaped base body into the conical opening in the housing part or respectively the housing component. Due to the conical form of the opening as well as of the base body, a relative movement of the feed-through in the direction of outside of the housing part is avoided, since the conical bore and the conically shaped base body act as a barb and a relative movement in the direction of the outside leads to a positive locking fit between the base body of the feed-through and the sidewalls of the opening.

(43) One advantage of the arrangement having a conical base body is that even under increased loads on the feed-through, for example pressure load, expulsion of the feed-through with the metal pin out of the feed-through opening is securely avoided. The openings may be introduced into the housing part through a simple manufacturing method, for example punching.

(44) Referring now to FIGS. 6a-7b, there are shown complete battery cells with inserted feed-throughs according to the present invention. FIGS. 6a-6b illustrate one arrangement of the present invention wherein the feed-through component is not equipped with a head part. In contrast thereto, FIGS. 7a-7b show a battery or respectively a battery cell with a housing and feed-throughs located therein, whereby the feed-through component is equipped with a head part according to the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 6a illustrates the principle configuration of a battery cell 1000. Battery cell 1000 includes housing 1100 with side walls 1110 and a cover part 1120. Openings 1130.1, 1130.2 are produced in cover part 1120 of housing 1100, for example by stamping. Feed-throughs 1140.1, 1140.2 are inserted in both openings 1130.1, 1130.2.

(45) FIG. 6b shows a detailed section of battery cover 1120 with opening 1130.1 and the therein inserted feed-through 1140.1. Feed-through 1140.1 includes a pin-shaped conductor 2003, as well as a base body 2200. Pin-shaped conductor 2003 without a head part is sealed with a glass or glass ceramic material 2280 into base body 2200. After having been sealed into base body 2200 with glass or glass ceramic material 2280, pin-shaped conductor 2003 is inserted into opening 1130.1 as a complete component, for example in that base body 2200 of the feed-through, which consists, for example of aluminum, is joined for example through welding with strain-hardened cover part 1120 consisting of aluminum. Because of the sealing, only base body 2200 is, for example, softened.

(46) A recess 2002 in which an electrode connecting part 2020 is inserted is provided on the pin-shaped conductor 2003. The electrode connecting component serves again either as cathode or as anode of electrochemical cell 2004 of battery cell 1000. The electrochemical cell of the lithium-ion battery is also referred to as battery cell 2004. Housing 1100 which surrounds battery cell 1000 is referred to as battery cell housing 1100.

(47) As can be seen in FIG. 6a, based on the structure of feed-through 1140.1, 1140.2 with a pin-shaped conductor and an electrode connecting component which is inserted in recess 2002 of the pin-shaped conductor and which is to be connected with battery cell 2004, a large space 2006 which is created between battery cell 2004 and cover 1120 is associated herewith.

(48) Due to the inventive flat structure of feed-through component as shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b, it is possible to minimize the unused space in the battery cell housing. Identical components as in FIGS. 6a and 6b are identified with reference numbers increased by 2000 in FIGS. 7a-7b. Feed-throughs 3140.1, 3140.2 are again inserted in openings 3130.1, 3130.2 of cover 3120 of battery cell housing 3100. In contrast to the feed-through component of the feed-throughs according to FIGS. 6a and 6b, the feed-through component is now provided with a pin-shaped conductor 3003 as well as with a head part 3005. The head part 3005 is equipped with an extension 3030, as well as with an electrode connecting component 3010 which is firmly attached to head part 3005 by welding, soldering or other previously described method. The electrode connecting component has a segment 3140, whereby segment 3140 serves as cathode or respectively anode for electrochemical cell, in this case the battery cell. As can be seen from FIGS. 7a-7b the advantage of the inventive feed-through component is clearly recognizable. The configuration of the feed-through illustrated in FIGS. 7a-7b determines that as little space as possible inside the battery cell housing remains unused.

(49) The arrangement of the feed-through according to FIGS. 7a and 7b is substantially consistent with the arrangement of the feed-throughs shown in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 5a-5b. The description for FIG. 2 is hereby incorporated in its entirety into the current description of the battery cell.

(50) In an alternative arrangement of a feed-through, as is illustrated in FIGS. 8a-8d, a pin-shaped conductor 10003 with head part 10005 is sealed into an opening 10130 of a housing 10110, in particular a battery cell housing in such a manner that head part 10005 of pin-shaped conductor 10003 is connected with outside 15000 of the battery housing 10110. Outside 15000 of battery housing 10110 in the current example is to be understood to be the side of the battery housing which is not facing toward the inside of the battery cell, but instead to the outside. The positioning of head part 10005 on outside 15000 serves to increase rigidity, in particular on thin-walled battery housings. The essentially pin-shaped conductor is sealed into a glass or respectively glass ceramic material 10080. In the illustrated embodiment, the glass or respectively glass ceramic material 10080 is not only introduced between the essentially pin-shaped conductor 10003 and inside wall 10210 of opening 10130, but also between head part 10005 and outside 15000 of the battery housing. In an additional process step after sealing, an attachment 20000 is connected on inside 15050 of the battery housing with essentially pin-shaped conductor 10003 on its inside 20100. Between attachment 20000 and inside 15050 of battery housing 10110 a support disk 20200 can be provided for stabilization. Attachment 20000 can be welded or soldered together on inside 20100 with the essentially pin-shaped conductor 10003 protruding into the inside. Attachment 20000 serves as the connection with the electrodes (not illustrated) of the battery cell, however it can also serve as contact between the battery cells. In this respect attachment 20000 is an electrode connecting component in accordance with the present invention. In the arrangement according to FIG. 8a the thickness of the battery housing in the region of the opening or respectively feed-through opening 10130 was increased in a reshaping process, thereby increasing the length of the seal.

(51) An additional option to reinforce battery housing 10110 is to provide an outer ring 20300 which will be connected with outside 15000 of battery housing 10110, for example through welding. A longer seal length may also be provided herewith. After installation of outer ring 20300 as illustrated in FIGS. 8b and 8c to outside 15000 of the battery housing or respectively the battery cover, essentially pin-shaped conductor 10003 is sealed. In contrast to the procedure according to FIG. 8a, such a procedure offers the advantage that during sealing or sealing of the essentially pin shaped conductor into the battery housing leakages are avoided. Same components in FIGS. 8b-8c as in FIG. 8a are identified with the same reference numbers. In the arrangement with outer ring 20300 according to FIG. 8b, a simple pin-shaped conductor without head part is used. FIG. 8c, as does FIG. 8a, shows one embodiment with head part 10005. Head part 10005 of pin 10003 facilitates increasing strength and rigidity. As in FIG. 8a, the feed-through according to FIG. 8c illustrates attachment 20000, as well as a support part 20200. Sealing 10080, for example will glass or a glass ceramic according to the present invention occurs in opening 10130 of the battery housing and between head part 10005 and outer ring 20300. The advantage compared to the arrangement in FIG. 8a is that when welding the pin-shaped conductor into the battery housing, leakages are avoided. An additional advantage is that outer ring 20300 can consist of a different material than the battery housing. Fabrication is simplified, since the battery housing does not need to be reshaped in the region of the opening. A disadvantage of reshaping is that material is required in the region which is to be reshaped or, in the region of the through-opening the structure is weakened locally in the region of inside wall 10210 and the transfer, which can lead to cracking. In contrast, outer ring 20300 is mounted separately with the result that the hole that is to be formed is easier to produce. The structure in the feed-through is more stable, due to avoidance of the reshaped material. Moreover, as described above the outer ring can be fabricated from a different material. A more effective seal attachment can hereby be ensured. The outer ring can moreover have a higher specific heat capacity than the surrounding housing, so that temperature spikes during operation can be better intercepted and the glass feed-through be relieved.

(52) FIG. 8d shows a modified embodiment of the feed-through of FIG. 8a. As in FIG. 8a, FIG. 8d shows the housing in the region of feed-through opening 10130 as a single part component and the length of the sealing extended through reshaping. Same components as in FIG. 8a are identified with the same reference numbers. However, in contrast to FIG. 8a no pin-shaped conductor protruding beyond head part 10005 is provided. Also, the pin-shaped conductor protruding over attachment 20000 is missing.

(53) A very high stability, in particular against mechanical stresses such as vibration is achieved with the arrangement of the pin-shaped conductors with a head part and the therewith connected electrode connecting components.

(54) The current invention cites for the first time a feed-through for a housing, in particular a battery cell housing, for example for a lithium-ion battery which can be pre-manufactured and which is especially suited to be utilized in housing components of battery cell housings consisting essentially of a light metal, in particular aluminum (Al) or an aluminum alloy. However, metals such as steel or high-grade steel, in particular stainless steel are also possible as materials for the battery cell housing. In such a case the materials of the pin-shaped conductor with head part and if applicable of the base body are selected and adapted accordingly.

(55) The inventive solution further allows reverting to a cost-effective manufacturing process and basic materials. Moreover, the entire feed-through can be in the embodiment of a pre-manufactured component into which the metal pin is sealed into a base body by a bonding material that is for example a glass plug, before the base body is placed into the housing component. This ensures that there is no loss of strain-hardening of the housing component. Moreover, material thicknesses and materials for the housing component and the base body can be selected independently. The feed-through can be mechanically as well as thermally relieved through a special arrangement with a relief device.

(56) With the feed-through component according to the present invention, a battery housing can be provided which is hermetically sealed even in the event of a deformation of the battery housing, as opposed to plastic feed-throughs which have a tendency to crack formation. With batteries having battery housings which are equipped with an inventive feed-through an especially high fire resistance is hereby provided in the event of an accident. This is particularly relevant in the use of batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries in the automobile industry.

(57) While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.