Patent Application
20080182158
The present inventions relate generally to batteries or cells (e.g., lithium batteries or cells such as lithium-ion batteries or cells) and battery assemblies or modules that utilize such batteries or cells. The present inventions relate more particularly to battery cell stick modules for use in vehicles such as hybrid electric and electric vehicles.
Battery modules for use in vehicles and other suitable applications are generally known. However, such known battery modules tend to have certain disadvantages. For example, known methods of coupling cells together tend to be relatively cumbersome and require the use of several additional parts. Additionally, where cells are arranged end-to-end (as in a stick module), it would be beneficial to provide structures that accommodate venting structures that allow gas and/or effluent to escape from within individual batteries.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved design for batteries and battery assemblies that provide for relatively simple and efficient assembly and which may be readily adapted for use in existing battery assemblies. It would also be desirable to provide a mechanism for coupling batteries together in an end-to-end manner. It would be advantageous to provide batteries and/or battery systems that include any one or more of these or other advantageous features as will be apparent to those reviewing the present disclosure.
One embodiment of the disclosure relates to a battery having a housing. The housing has a first end and a second end. The second end has a protrusion. A terminal is located adjacent the first end of the housing and has a recess. The recess is configured to receive a protrusion of a second battery when two or more batteries are coupled together.
Another embodiment of the disclosure relates to a battery module having a first battery and a second battery. The first battery includes a housing, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. The first end has a terminal. The terminal has a recess. The second end has a protrusion. The second battery includes a housing, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. The first end has a terminal. The terminal has a recess. The second end has a protrusion. The protrusion of the second battery is received in the recess of the first battery when the batteries are coupled end to end.
Referring to
The cells are shown as generally cylindrical bodies. According to an exemplary embodiment, the battery includes electrodes (not shown) provided therein that are rolled into a generally cylindrical electrode roll. It should be noted that according to other exemplary embodiments, the shapes of the cells may differ. Features described herein should be understood as having application in other embodiments in which cells of different sizes, shapes, and configurations are used (e.g., flat plate cells, oval shaped cells, etc.).
A terminal 122 is provided at the first end of the cells, and has a recess or dimple 124 provided therein. The terminal is conductively coupled to one or more electrodes (not shown) provided within the cell. According to an exemplary embodiment, the terminal 122 is a negative terminal and is formed from copper or a copper alloy. According to other exemplary embodiments, the terminal 122 may be a positive terminal and/or may be formed of a different material. A seal 128 is provided between the terminal 124 and the first end 120 of the cell 110.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the housings 112 of the cells are conductively coupled to a second electrode in the cell and is configured to act as the second terminal of the cell.
The second end 130 of the cell 110 includes a region or area 134 (see
As shown in
A member or element 140 (e.g., an insulator cap) as shown in
As illustrated in
In the event that pressure is required to be released from one of the cells, as mentioned above and described in the patent applications incorporated herein by reference, the area or region 134 of the end cap 130 may break away from the end cap. To prevent the material from the area 134 from making contact with the adjacent cell, a recessed area 146 is provided in the member 140 that will allow gas or effluent to escape from the cell and exit the battery module 100 through an opening or aperture 148 formed in the member 140. Aperture 148 is adjacent and in fluid communication with recessed area 146.
According to an exemplary embodiment, a battery or cell (e.g., a lithium-ion battery) is provided that includes a housing, a first end, and a second end. The first end includes a crimped terminal having a recess or dimple provided therein, and the second end includes a protrusion or extension. The recess or dimple is configured to engage a protrusion or extension included in another cell when two or more cells are coupled together in an end-to-end manner. A member or element (e.g., an insulative ring) is provided intermediate or between adjacent cells to prevent the ends of adjacent batteries from coming into contact with each other and to provide a space where a venting mechanism may operate without contacting an adjacent cell.
The construction and arrangement of the elements of the batteries and battery modules as shown in the illustrated and other exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited herein (e.g., materials for formation of the conductive and insulating components, technology for the internal components of the cell, the shape of the cells, etc.). For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the battery module may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability (such as aluminum, steel, copper) in any of a wide variety of colors, combinations and suitable materials. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present inventions. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present inventions as expressed herein.
This application claims priority from U.S. Application 60/874,940, filed Dec. 14, 2006, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The present application also expressly incorporates herein by reference the entire disclosures of the following patent applications: U.S. Patent Application No. 60/808,386 filed May 25, 2006; U.S. Patent Application No. 60/795,818 filed Apr. 28, 2006; and U.S. Patent Application No. 60/816,501 filed Jun. 26, 2006.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60874940 | Dec 2006 | US |
