Overcharge protection for a battery module

Abstract

The present disclosure includes a lithium-ion battery module that has a housing and a plurality of lithium-ion battery cells disposed in the housing. Each of the plurality of lithium-ion battery cells includes a first terminal with a first polarity, a second terminal with a second polarity opposite to the first polarity, an overcharge protection assembly, and a casing electrically coupled to the first terminal such that the casing has the first polarity, the casing having an electrically conductive material. The lithium-ion battery module includes a vent of the overcharge protection assembly electrically coupled to the casing and a conductive component of the overcharge protection assembly electrically coupled to the second terminal. The vent is configured to contact the conductive component to cause a short circuit and to vent a gas from the casing into the housing when a pressure in the casing reaches a threshold value.

Description

Background technique [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of batteries and battery modules. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to battery cell features that protect the battery module from heat dissipation during an overcharge event. [0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art, which may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described below. This discussion is considered helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of various aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. [0003] Vehicles that use one or more battery systems for powering all or part of the vehicle may be referred to as xEVs, where the term "xEV" is defined herein to include all vehicles that use electric power for all or part of their vehicle powe...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In addition, under certain circumstances, for example, due to changing environmental conditions or other operating conditions, battery cells can be affected by overcharging

Overcharge testing and overcharging can lead to heat dissipation caused by overheating of the battery cells (e.g. internal short circuit)

Heat dissipation can render battery cells and associated battery modules permanently inoperable

Images