Patent Application
20140154536
This disclosure relates to devices for indicating the venting of a battery cell.
Hybrid vehicles typically include a high voltage battery pack adapted to provide power to various components of the vehicles, including motors, transmissions, and electrical accessories. A battery pack may be a lithium ion battery, such as a nickel metal hydride or a nickel cadmium battery. The battery pack may include multiple cells connected in series. Each cell may include a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte. The electrolyte is a medium that allows the electrical charge to flow between the anode and the cathode. It is the electromagnetic reactions that occur within the cell that allows a battery pack to serve as an energy source.
The performance of the battery packs often needs to be checked, as they may degrade overtime from frequent use. Certain batteries may need to be monitored for overcharging. A lithium-ion battery, for instance, may completely be ruined once overcharged. Once overcharged and depleted, they may cause an electrical short, which may ruin certain electronic devices. When the batteries are overcharged or when they are substantially depleted, one or more of their cells typically have vented. Depending on the battery type, cell venting may be characterized by the cell being pressured, discharge of gases from the cell, such as hydrogen, or propulsion of the electrolyte out of the cell. Batteries typically include vent ports to accommodate the pressure, gas release, or electrolyte being propelled out of the cells.
A vehicle is provided that includes an electric machine, a battery adapted to provide power to the electric machine, and a gauge adapted to change its physical appearance in response to venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery.
A vehicle is provided that includes an electric machine, a battery adapted to provide power to the electric machine, and a pressure sensitive gauge adapted to provide a visible response to pressure associated with venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery.
A vehicle is provided that includes an electric machine, a battery adapted to provide power to the electric machine, and a chemically sensitive gauge adapted to chemically respond to venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery.
Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and other embodiments can take various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features could be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. As those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures can be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of features illustrated provide representative embodiments for typical applications. Various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure, however, could be desired for particular applications or implementations.
The present disclosure includes various embodiments of battery cell venting indicators, which may be used for various batteries and environments where batteries are commonly used as a power source, including hybrid vehicles. The various embodiments of the battery cell venting indicators may be used in battery test facilities or laboratories where battery packs may be stored without electronic monitoring and where battery packs are not attached to vehicles. Some embodiments may include pressure sensitive gauges that provide a visible response to battery venting, chemically sensitive gauges that provide a chemical response to battery venting, or gauges that change in physical appearance in response to battery venting. The disclosure may be referring to batteries for hybrid vehicles, or vehicle applications, to provide exemplary applications and to aid in the clarity of the descriptions. However, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to a certain battery type. The various embodiments of the present disclosure are also not limited to automotive applications.
Referring now to
In hybrid vehicles, battery packs are typically sealed. They may also be secured in the rear of the vehicles and covered by vehicle upholstery. When their performance conditions need to be checked, it is desirable to determine whether the battery cells have vented without having to perform substantial disassembly of the vehicle upholstery or mounts that secure the battery packs. Even if a battery pack is not covered, such as by vehicle upholstery, or even if the battery pack is not attached to a vehicle, it is desirable to have an external indicator that would allow one to visually determine whether the cells have vented without having to break the battery seal, as breaking the battery seal may compromise the battery. Where the battery is in a repair facility, a laboratory, or in a similar place, a visual battery cell venting indicator may save a technician from being exposed to hazardous materials resulting from cell venting. It can be appreciated that the battery cell venting indicator 20 may provide these advantages.
In
The universal paper indicator 22 is preferably mounted adjacent to the vent port 24 by a bottom frame 25 adapted to hold the bottom portion of the universal paper indicator 22. A top frame 26 with a transparent portion or window 28 is preferably positioned at the top portion of the universal paper indicator 22. The universal paper indicator 22 held by the top frame 26 and the bottom frame 25 may be mounted to a battery housing (not shown on
Where the battery includes multiple cells 23a-23h, as shown in
Referring now to
Referring now to
With reference now to
Referring now to
It is noted that the tubes 34 or 44 that are attached directly to the cell vent port may be optional. Certain battery cells may have built-in vent channels, or vent channels may be created within battery cells. The various gauges or indicators, such as the universal paper indicator, the chemically coated cartridge, the deformable member, or the moveable member, may be operatively connected to these vent channels so they can receive the electrolyte, gas, or pressure and indicate cell venting, as previously described.
While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms encompassed by the claims. The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. As previously described, the features of various embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the invention that may not be explicitly described or illustrated. While various embodiments could have been described as providing advantages or being preferred over other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more desired characteristics, those of ordinary skill in the art recognize that one or more features or characteristics can be compromised to achieve desired overall system attributes, which depend on the specific application and implementation. These attributes can include, but are not limited to cost, strength, durability, life cycle cost, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, serviceability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. As such, embodiments described as less desirable than other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more characteristics are not outside the scope of the disclosure and can be desirable for particular applications.
