Battery assembly for a medical device

Abstract

In some examples, a battery assembly for an implantable medical device includes a first anode plate including a first anode current collector and a first active material on the first anode current collector; a second anode plate including a second anode current collector and a second active material on the second anode current collector; and a cathode plate between the first anode plate and the second anode plate, wherein the cathode plate includes a cathode current collector having an exposed portion, wherein the first active material is recessed relative to the exposed portion of the cathode plate such that a first closest perimeter of the first active material is farther from the exposed portion of the cathode current collector than a second closest perimeter of the second active material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to batteries, such as batteries used in medical devices. Background Technology

[0002] For example, implantable medical devices (IMDs) include multiple devices for delivering treatment (e.g., electrical simulations or medications) to a patient, monitoring the patient's physiological parameters, or both. IMDs typically contain many functional components encapsulated in a housing. The housing is implanted into the patient's body. For example, the housing may be implanted in a recess formed in the patient's torso. The housing may contain various internal components such as batteries and capacitors to deliver energy to the treatment delivered to the patient and / or power circuitry for monitoring the patient's physiological parameters and controlling the functionality of the medical device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some aspects, this disclosure relates to battery assemblies for use, for example, in medical devices, and techniques for manufacturing battery assemblies. As further described in detail below, a battery assembly may have one or more cathodes with recessed active material and / or one or more anodes with recessed active material. In some instances, the recessed active material of the anode may be recessed relative to an exposed portion (e.g., a tab) of the current collector of an adjacent cathode. In some instances, the recessed active material of the cathode may be recessed relative to a tab (e.g., an edge of a tab) of the current collector of an adjacent anode. Example battery assemblies may have a stacked plate design comprising multiple electrode plates, although other battery assembly designs are contemplated.

[0004] In one example, this disclosure relates to a battery assembly comprising: a first anode plate including a first anode current collector and a first active material on the first anode current collector; a second anode plate including a second anode current collector and a second active material on the second anode current collector; and a cathode plate between the first anode plate and the second anode plate, wherein the cathode plate includes a cathode current collector having an exposed portion, wherein the first active material is recessed relative to the exposed portion of the cathode plate such that a first nearest periphery of the first active material is farther from the exposed portion of the cathode current collector than a second nearest periphery of the second active material.

[0005] In another instance, this disclosure relates to a method for forming a battery assembly, the method comprising assembling an electrode stack including: a first anode plate including a first anode current collector and a first active material on the first anode current collector; a second anode plate including a second anode current collector and a second active material on the second anode current collector; and a cathode plate between the first anode plate and the second anode plate, wherein the cathode plate includes a cathode current collector having an exposed portion, wherein the first active material is recessed relative to the exposed portion of the cathode plate such that a first nearest periphery of the first active material is farther from the exposed portion of the cathode current collector than a second nearest periphery of the second active material.

[0006] In another instance, this disclosure relates to a battery assembly comprising: an anode plate including an anode current collector and a first active material on the anode current collector, the anode current collector having a connecting piece portion; and a cathode plate adjacent to the anode plate, the cathode plate including a cathode current collector and a second active material, wherein the second active material includes a recessed portion recessed relative to the connecting piece portion of the first anode current collector.

[0007] In another instance, this disclosure relates to a method for forming a battery assembly, the method comprising assembling an electrode stack including: a first anode plate including a first anode current collector and a first active material on the first anode current collector, the first anode current collector having a first exposed portion; a second anode plate including a second anode current collector and a second active material on the second anode current collector, the second anode current collector having a second exposed portion; and a cathode plate between the first anode plate and the second anode plate, wherein the cathode plate includes a cathode current collector, wherein the cathode current collector is recessed relative to the first exposed portion of the first anode current collector and the second exposed portion of the second current collector.

[0008] Details of one or more embodiments of this disclosure are set forth in the following drawings and description. Other features, objects, and advantages of this disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 A conceptual diagram illustrating an example medical device system that can be used to deliver treatment to a patient.

[0010] Figure 2 To explain Figure 1 A conceptual diagram of a partial exploded view of the IMD.

[0011] Figure 3 A conceptual diagram illustrating a plan view of an example battery assembly according to an example of this disclosure.

[0012] Figures 4A-4DA conceptual perspective view illustrating a portion of an example battery assembly according to an example of this disclosure.

[0013] Figures 5A-5C To explain Figures 4A-4D A conceptual perspective view of a portion of the example battery assembly shown.

[0014] Figure 6 A conceptual plan view illustrating a portion of an example battery assembly according to an example of this disclosure.

[0015] Figures 7A-7D A conceptual plan view illustrating a portion of an example battery assembly according to an example of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 8A and 8B A conceptual plan view illustrating a portion of an example battery assembly according to an example of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 9 A conceptual perspective view illustrating a portion of an example battery assembly according to an example of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 10A and 10B A conceptual diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a portion of an example battery assembly according to an example of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 11 A conceptual plan view illustrating a portion of an example battery assembly according to an example of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 12A-12F A conceptual perspective view illustrating a portion of an example battery assembly according to an example of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 13 A conceptual diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a portion of an example battery assembly according to an example of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 14 A conceptual plan view illustrating a portion of an example battery assembly according to an example of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Various medical devices can utilize one or more batteries as a power source to provide operating power. For example, an implantable medical device (IMD) that provides cardiac rhythm management therapy to a patient may include a battery to power the generation of electrical therapy or other functions of the IMD. For ease of illustration, examples of this disclosure will be described primarily with respect to batteries used in IMDs that provide cardiac rhythm management therapy. However, as will be apparent from the description herein, examples of this disclosure are not limited to IMDs that provide such therapy. For example, in some cases, one or more of the example batteries described herein may be used by a medical device configured to deliver electrical stimulation to a patient in the form of neurostimulation therapy (e.g., spinal cord stimulation therapy, deep brain stimulation therapy, peripheral nerve stimulation therapy, peripheral nerve region stimulation therapy, pelvic floor stimulation therapy, etc.). In some instances, the example batteries of this disclosure may be used in a medical device configured to monitor one or more patient physiological parameters (e.g., by monitoring the patient's electrical signals alone or in conjunction with the delivery of therapy to the patient). In still other instances, the batteries of this disclosure may be used as a power source in devices other than medical devices.

[0024] In some instances, the battery of an IMD may comprise multiple electrode plates (e.g., both anode and cathode plates) stacked on top of each other, each of which contains a terminal block extending therefrom. The terminal blocks of the anode plates may be aligned with each other in the stack and electrically connected to each other to collectively form the anode of the battery. In this sense, the terminal block stack can serve as an electrical interconnect between the anode plates. Similarly, the terminal blocks of the cathode plates may be aligned with each other in the stack and electrically connected to each other to collectively form the cathode of the battery. In some instances, such batteries may be referred to as planar batteries or stacked plate batteries.

[0025] In some instances, each electrode plate comprises a current collector and an anode or cathode active material on the current collector. The current collector may comprise a conductive layer having opposing main surfaces forming a body, wherein tabs extend or protrude from the body. The body and tabs may be integral, for example, formed from a single sheet of material, or they may be separate sheets of the same or different materials mechanically, electrically, and / or chemically attached. The active material may also be applied in layers, for example, on one or more of the main surfaces of the current collector. For instance, each electrode plate may comprise one or more layers of active material, wherein each layer is adjacent to (e.g., directly on) the main surface of the current collector.

[0026] In some instances, the electrode plates are electrically insulated from each other by separators disposed between the plates. The separators can take various forms, but are typically formed of a porous, non-conductive material in the form of pouches or sachets. Porous, non-conductive materials that can be used include porous polyethylene or porous polypropylene. Each pouch may substantially or completely surround the body and active material of the current collector, and the pouch is sealed to the body of the current collector across one or both sides of the base of the terminal block, such that at least some portions of the terminal block are exposed. The sealed electrode plates are stacked in an alternating configuration (e.g., alternating between anode and cathode plates) to form at least a portion of the battery assembly.

[0027] IMDs used to provide cardiac rhythm management therapy may require high-power batteries with a capacity of at least about 5 Ah. Given the high volumetric energy density of metallic lithium as the anode active material, primary lithium batteries can be used for such applications. During a typical charging step in a cell cycle of a lithium metal battery, lithium cations can gain electrons to form lithium metal. This reduction of lithium cations can occur on the surface or edges of the lithium metal anode active material, resulting in the growth or plating of lithium metal from the surface or edges. If lithium metal grows from the lithium metal anode through the separator to the exposed portion of the cathode terminal, it is undesirable to affect the operation of, for example, primary lithium metal batteries and / or secondary lithium-ion batteries in the form of stacked assemblies as described above.

[0028] The rate and extent of lithium plating can depend on any number of intrinsic and / or environmental factors, such as the temperature within and closely surrounding the cell. Lithium-metal batteries used in IMDs can withstand thermal gradients across the cell, depending on the location and manner of IMD implantation. For example, if an IMD is implanted in the pectoral muscle, the battery can withstand a thermal gradient caused by body temperature rising inwards from the skin towards the body core. In such instances, for stacked battery assemblies, for example, based on the patient's body temperature, the temperature of the side of the stack closest to the skin may be lower than the temperature of the opposite side of the battery stack furthest from the skin. As heat flows through the IMD, an induced temperature gradient can persist, resulting in a voltage difference across the lithium-metal anode.

[0029] Temperature differences can affect lithium plating, allowing lithium ions to discharge on the cooler side and plate on the hotter side. The orientation of the hot and cold sides of the anode can depend on how the IMD is oriented within the patient, and in at least some cases, the orientation of the implanted IMD can change over time, thereby altering any existing thermal gradient and the orientation of the lithium plating.

[0030] According to some examples of this disclosure, a battery assembly is described, and in at least some examples, the assembly includes a plurality of anode plates and a plurality of cathode plates arranged alternately to form an electrode stack. Each plate includes a current collector and active material. The anode plates and cathode plates are electrically insulated from each other using spacers distributed between the plates. Electrical connections between cathode plates are achieved through contact between exposed cathode tabs protruding from the plates; the cathode tabs are exposed in the sense that they are not insulated by the spacers. Similarly, electrical connections between anode plates are achieved through contact between exposed anode tabs protruding from the plates.

[0031] In at least some instances, the battery assembly incorporates lithium metal as the anode active material. For some or all of the anode plates, the lithium metal is recessed relative to its nearest exposed cathode tab; this means, for example, that a section or portion of the outer edge of the lithium metal on the anode plate forms a groove relative to the nearest exposed portion of the cathode tab. This recess of the lithium anode material on the anode plate relative to the exposed portion of the adjacent cathode plate can be referred to as a "fan" of the anode or anode material.

[0032] The arrangement of the recessed anode plates can vary. In some instances, the outermost anode plate of the electrode stack contains recessed lithium metal, and in other instances, both outermost anode plates contain recessed lithium metal. This configuration can be useful when one or more outer surfaces of the battery assembly are subjected to, or may be subjected to, higher temperatures compared to the interior regions of the assembly. If more than one anode plate contains recessed lithium metal, the amount of recess can be the same or different.

[0033] In some instances, the outermost anode plate of the electrode stack contains a certain amount of recessed area, and one or more of the inner and outer anode plates contain the same or different amounts of recessed area. The relationship between the plates can allow for a gradient in the amount of recessed area per plate; for example, the outermost anode plate may have the largest recessed area, while the amount decreases for each subsequent anode plate. This configuration can be useful for battery assemblies that may experience higher temperatures on a given side compared to other sides. In another instance, the relationship between the plates can allow for a decrease in the amount of recessed area per plate towards the center of the electrode stack for each subsequent anode plate, and then an increase thereafter. This configuration can be useful for battery assemblies that may experience higher temperatures on more than one side.

[0034] For example, compared to a configuration where the exposed portions of the anode active material and the cathode tabs are directly adjacent, for a given anode plate and adjacent cathode plates, making the anode active material fan-shaped or recessed increases the shortest distance between the outer edge of the anode active material and the exposed portion of the cathode tab protruding from the adjacent cathode plate. By recessing the anode active material in this way, the distance that lithium (or the anode active material) needs to be plated to short-circuit the battery is increased, which can increase the lifespan of the battery assembly.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, recessing the anode active material can cause localized imbalance at the cathode, placing a greater burden on this edge of the lithium (or anode active material) to support its adjacent cathode and the cathode material lacking lithium for balance. As a result, the lithium edge (or anode active material edge) can discharge faster than a typical edge (or an edge without a recess or fan). In some larger fan / recess areas, the rate of discharge reduction can exceed the plating rate, and the net edge growth can be zero or always reduced. In other words, the rate of lithium discharge can depend on the amount of area ratio between the anode and cathode. In some instances, battery assemblies can be nominally designed with equal areas to obtain the full benefit of battery power. Where the anode area is larger than the cathode area, the unopposed anode area essentially does not discharge. Conversely, if the anode area is smaller compared to the cathode, the anode near the unopposed cathode will discharge at a higher rate to support the cathode lacking a localized cathode. The result is a retreating lithium edge. The larger the recess in the anode active material, the higher the localized edge erosion. Plating mechanisms cause edge growth of the lithium (or anode active material). If edge growth extends to the edge of the anode separator bag, pressure can be applied to the separator bag. Similarly, lithium can grow through openings (normal openings or defects) in the separator bag. Therefore, in some instances, the balance between edge erosion and edge growth of the anode active material can be balanced / adjusted by the size / distance of the recessed active anode material.

[0036] In addition to or as an alternative to lithium plating on the anode active material, in some instances, the active material of the cathode plate in the battery assembly may expand during the battery's operational life (e.g., during battery discharge). In some instances, the expansion of the cathode active material may cause the cathode active material and / or the separator surrounding the cathode active material to interact (e.g., contact) with adjacent anode current collectors (e.g., anode terminals). In some instances, due to the expansion of the cathode active material, the edges of the anode terminals may contact the separator surrounding the cathode active material, causing damage (e.g., puncture) to the separator. Additionally or alternatively, the expansion of the cathode active material may cause the cathode active material to contact exposed portions of the anode terminals, which may be undesirable for battery operation.

[0037] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a battery assembly may include: an anode plate comprising an anode current collector having a tab portion and a cathode plate adjacent to the anode plate, wherein a second active material on the cathode current collector of the cathode plate is recessed relative to the tab portion of the anode current collector. As will be described below, recessing the second active material of the cathode plate may increase the closest distance between the tab portions of the anode current collector to prevent contact between the second active material and / or the separator on the second active material, for example, when the second active material expands during the operating life of the battery assembly at the edges of the tab portions of the anode current collector. In some embodiments where the battery assembly comprises multiple cathode plates, the active material of each cathode plate may be recessed relative to the tab portion of the adjacent anode current collector, for example, rather than only some of the cathode plates having recessed active material.

[0038] In some instances, the battery assembly may include an anode plate having recessed active material in the manner described herein and a cathode plate having recessed active material in the manner described herein. In other instances, only one or more anode plates of the battery assembly may have recessed active material in the manner described herein, or only one or more cathode plates of the battery assembly may have recessed active material in the manner described herein.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example medical device system 10 that can be used to provide electrotherapy to a patient 12. The patient 12 is typically, but not necessarily, human. System 10 may include an IMD 16 and an external device 24. Figure 1 In the example described herein, IMD 16 has a battery 26 positioned within a housing 40 of IMD 16. The battery 26 may be a primary battery or a secondary battery (e.g., a lithium primary battery or a lithium-ion secondary battery).

[0040] While examples of this disclosure are described primarily with respect to a battery 26 positioned within the housing 40 of IMD 16 for delivering electrical therapy to the heart of patient 12, in other instances, battery 26 may be used in conjunction with other implantable medical devices. For example, battery 26 may be used with implantable drug delivery devices, implantable monitoring devices for monitoring one or more physiological parameters of patient 12, implantable neurostimulators (e.g., spinal cord stimulators, deep brain stimulators, pelvic floor stimulators, peripheral nerve stimulators, etc.). Furthermore, while examples of this disclosure are described primarily with respect to implantable medical devices, the examples are not limited thereto. Instead, some examples of the batteries described herein may be employed in any medical device that includes non-implantable medical devices. For example, the example battery may be used to power a medical device configured to deliver therapy to a patient externally or via a transdermal lead or drug delivery catheter.

[0041] exist Figure 1In the examples depicted, IMD 16 is connected (or “coupled”) to leads 18, 20, and 22. IMD 16 may be a device for providing cardiac rhythm management therapy to the heart 14, for example, and may include an implantable pacemaker, cardioreverter, and / or defibrillator that provides therapy to the heart 14 of the patient 12, for example, via electrodes coupled to one or more of leads 18, 20, and 22. In some instances, IMD 16 may deliver pacing pulses but not cardioreverting or defibrillating shocks, while in other instances, IMD 16 may deliver cardioreverting or defibrillating shocks but not pacing pulses. Additionally, in other instances, IMD 16 may deliver pacing pulses, cardioreverting shocks, and defibrillating shocks.

[0042] The IMD 16 may include electronic devices and other internal components necessary or desired for performing functions associated with the device. In one example, the IMD 16 includes one or more of the following: processing circuitry, memory, signal generation circuitry, sensing circuitry, telemetry circuitry, and power supply. Generally, the memory of the IMD 16 may contain computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor of the IMD, cause the processor to perform various functions of the device as described herein. For example, the processing circuitry of the IMD 16 may control the signal generator and sensing circuitry according to instructions and / or data stored in the memory to deliver treatment to the patient 12 and perform other functions related to treating the patient's condition with the IMD 16.

[0043] The IMD 16 may include or be one or more processors or processing circuitry, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), general-purpose microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry. Therefore, the terms "processor" and "processing circuitry" as used herein may refer to any of the foregoing structures or any other structures suitable for implementing the techniques described herein.

[0044] Memory can contain any volatile or non-volatile medium, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, etc. Memory can be a storage device or other non-transitory medium.

[0045] As an example, the signal generation circuitry of the IMD 16 can generate an electrical therapy signal delivered to the patient 12 via electrodes on one or more of leads 18, 20, and 22 to provide a pacing signal or cardioversion / defibrillation shock. The sensing circuitry of the IMD 16 can monitor the electrical signals from the electrodes on leads 18, 20, and 22 of the IMD 16 to monitor the electrical activity of the heart 14. In one example, the sensing circuitry may include a switching circuit to select which of the available electrodes on leads 18, 20, and 22 of the IMD 16 are used to sense heartbeats. Additionally, the sensing circuitry of the IMD 16 may include multiple detection channels, each of which includes an amplifier and an analog-to-digital converter for digitizing the signals received from the sensing channels (e.g., electrocardiographic signal processing by the processing circuitry of the IMD).

[0046] The telemetry circuitry of IMD 16 can be used to communicate with another device (e.g., external device 24). Under the control of the processing circuitry of IMD 16, the telemetry circuitry can receive downlink telemetry from external device 24 and transmit uplink telemetry to said external device via an antenna that can be internal or external.

[0047] The various components of IMD 16 can be coupled to a power source, such as battery 26, which can be a primary lithium battery. Battery 26 may be able to maintain its charge for several years. Generally, battery 26 can supply power to one or more electrical components of IMD 16, such as signal generation circuitry, to allow IMD 16 to deliver treatment to patient 12, for example, in the form of monitoring one or more patient parameters, delivery of electrical stimulation, and / or delivery of therapeutic drug fluid. Battery 26 may include a lithium-containing anode and cathode, which contain active materials that react with lithium electrochemistry within an electrolyte to generate electricity.

[0048] Leads 18, 20, and 22 coupled to IMD 16 can extend into the heart 14 of patient 12 to sense the electrical activity of heart 14 and / or deliver electrical therapy to heart 14. Figure 1In the example shown, the right ventricle (RV) lead 18 extends through one or more veins (not shown), the superior vena cava (not shown), and the right atrium 30, and enters the right ventricle 32. The left ventricle (LV) coronary sinus lead 20 extends through one or more veins, the vena cava, and the right atrium 30, and enters the coronary sinus 34, reaching the area of ​​the free wall of the left ventricle 36 adjacent to the heart 14. The right atrium (RA) lead 22 extends through one or more veins and the vena cava, and enters the right atrium 30 of the heart 14. In other examples, in addition to or instead of delivering treatment via electrodes through intravascular leads 18, 20, 22, the IMD 16 may also deliver treatment to the heart 14 from an extravascular tissue site. In the illustrated example, there is no electrode in the left atrium 36. However, in other examples, electrodes may be included in the left atrium 36.

[0049] IMD 16 can be coupled to an electrode of at least one of leads 18, 20, 22. Figure 1 (Not shown) to sense electrical signals (e.g., cardiac signals) accompanying depolarization and repolarization of the heart 14. In some instances, the IMD 16 provides pacing pulses to the heart 14 based on the cardiac signals sensed within the heart 14. The electrodes of the IMD 16 for sensing and pacing can be configured as unipolar or bipolar. The IMD 16 can also deliver defibrillation and / or cardioversion therapy via electrodes located on at least one of leads 18, 20, and 22. The IMD 16 can detect arrhythmias of the heart 14, such as fibrillation of ventricles 32 and 36, and deliver defibrillation therapy to the heart 14 in the form of an electric shock. In some instances, the IMD 16 can be programmed to deliver progression of therapy (e.g., electric shocks with increasing energy levels) until the fibrillation of the heart 14 ceases. The IMD 16 can detect fibrillation by employing one or more fibrillation detection techniques known in the art. For example, the IMD 16 can identify cardiac parameters of heart signals (e.g., R waves) and detect fibrillation based on the identified cardiac parameters.

[0050] In some instances, external device 24 may be a handheld computing device or a computer workstation. External device 24 may include a user interface that receives input from a user. The user interface may include, for example, a keypad and a display, which may be, for example, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or a light-emitting diode (LED) display. The keypad may take the form of a numeric keypad associated with specific functions or a reduced set of keys. External device 24 may additionally or alternatively include a peripheral pointing device, such as a mouse, through which the user can interact with the user interface. In some embodiments, the display of external device 24 may include a touchscreen display, through which the user can interact with external device 24.

[0051] Users such as doctors, technicians, other clinicians or nurses, or patients can interact with external device 24 to communicate with IMD 16. For example, users can interact with external device 24 to retrieve physiological or diagnostic information from IMD 16. Users can also interact with external device 24 to program IMD 16 (e.g., select values ​​for operating parameters of IMD 16).

[0052] External device 24 may communicate with IMD 16 wirelessly using any technology known in the art. Examples of communication technologies may include, for example, low-frequency or radio-frequency (RF) telemetry, but other technologies are also conceivable. In some instances, external device 24 may include a communication head that can be positioned close to the patient's body near the IMD 16 implantation site to improve the quality or security of communication between IMD 16 and external device 24.

[0053] exist Figure 1 In the example depicted, IMD 16 is connected (or “coupled”) to leads 18, 20, and 22. In this example, leads 18, 20, and 22 are connected to IMD 16 using connector block 42. For example, leads 18, 20, and 22 are connected to IMD 16 using lead connector ports in connector block 42. Once connected, leads 18, 20, and 22 are in electrical contact with the internal circuitry of IMD 16. Battery 26 may be positioned within housing 40 of IMD 16. Housing 40 may be hermetically sealed and bio-inert. In some examples, housing 40 may be formed of a conductive material. For example, housing 40 may be formed of materials including, but not limited to, titanium, stainless steel, etc.

[0054] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The concept diagram of IMD 16 shows that portions of connector block 42 and housing 40, not shown, have been removed to illustrate some of the internal components within housing 40. IMD 10 includes housing 40, control circuitry 44 (which may contain processing circuitry), battery 26 (e.g., organic electrolyte battery), and capacitor 46. Control circuitry 44 can be configured to operate via leads 18, 20, and 22 (in... Figure 2 (Not shown) Controls one or more sensing and / or therapeutic delivery processes from IMD 16. Battery 26 includes a battery assembly housing 50 and an insulator 48 (or liner) disposed therearound. Battery 26 charges capacitor 46 and powers control circuitry 44.

[0055] Figure 3 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating aspects of example battery 26. Battery 26 includes a bottom housing portion 50A and a top housing portion 50B (in... Figure 2The assembly includes a housing 50, a feedthrough assembly 56, and an electrode assembly 58 (shown in the diagram). Electrolyte can be filled into the housing 50 via a fill port (not shown). The housing 50 fills the electrode assembly 58 with the electrolyte. The top portion 50B and the bottom portion 50A of the housing can be soldered or otherwise attached to seal the encapsulation assembly of the battery 26 within the housing 50. The feedthrough assembly 56, formed by pins 62 and an insulating member / ring 64, is electrically connected to jumper pin 60B. The connection between pins 62 and jumper pin 60B forms the positive terminal of the battery. Conductor 60A is electrically connected to the housing 50A to form the negative terminal of the battery.

[0056] As mentioned above, the fill port (not shown) allows the introduction of a liquid electrolyte into the electrode assembly 58. The electrolyte creates an ion pathway between the anode 66 and cathode 68 of the electrode assembly 58. During the electrochemical reactions with these electrodes, the electrolyte acts as a medium for the migration of ions between the anode 66 and cathode 68.

[0057] Electrode assembly 58 is depicted as a stacked assembly (also referred to as a stacked plate assembly). Cathode 68 includes a set of sealed cathode plates, with a set of tabs 78 protruding from corresponding cathode plates disposed within a partition bag (described below). Tabs 78 are electrically connected to each other and to conductive member 60A. Side welds 92A-92C are used to mechanically connect the tabs 78 to each other, providing stability to the stack and / or mitigating stresses gained by any one or more of the tabs 78. In some instances, spacers (e.g., conductive spacers) may be located between the corresponding tabs 78.

[0058] The anode 66 can be constructed in a similar manner to the cathode 68. The anode 66 includes a set of sealed anode plates, with a set of tabs 76 protruding from corresponding anode plates disposed within a partition bag (described below). The tabs 76 are arranged in a stacked configuration. Optional alignment members 80 extend vertically through the tabs 76 from the top tab to the bottom tab via orifices formed in each tab. Although Figure 3 Not shown, but the cathode tab 78 may have a similar optional alignment member extending through it. Side welds 90A-90C may be used to mechanically connect the tabs 78 to each other, providing stability to the stack and / or reducing stresses gained by any one or more of the tabs 76. In some instances, spacers (e.g., conductive spacers) may be located between the respective tabs 76.

[0059] As will be described separately below, one or more anode plates of electrode assembly 58 may have recessed peripheral portions. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, the first anode current collector 94 includes a recessed portion defined by a first nearest periphery 96. The recessed portion is recessed relative to the exposed portion of the cathode terminal 78.

[0060] The materials used to form the anode and cathode current collectors can be any useful conductive material, such as titanium, aluminum, nickel (e.g., for the anode current collector), copper, and / or alloys thereof. The first active material includes the active material of the anode and may be referred to herein as the anode active material. The first active material may include any useful anode material capable of releasing electrons under conditions of using the battery assembly. The first active material may include an active metal such as lithium metal. The active material for the cathode (referred to herein as the cathode active material in some contexts) may include any useful material capable of being reduced under conditions of using the battery assembly. For example, the cathode active material may include metal oxides such as lithium cobalt oxide, Li... 1-x CoO2. Other examples of cathode active materials include metal oxides such as vanadium oxide, silver vanadium oxide (SVO), manganese dioxide, and carbon monofluoride (CF). x Mixtures with carbon monofluoride, such as CF x +MnO2 or a combination of silver vanadium oxides (CSVO).

[0061] Figures 4A-4D This is a conceptual perspective view illustrating a portion of the example battery assembly 100. The battery assembly 100 can be connected to... Figure 3 All or part of the batteries 26 shown are identical or substantially similar. Example battery assembly 100 includes alternating stacks 104 between sealed anode plates 102 and sealed cathode plates 104, arranged in a stacked manner on a cover 106. Figure 4A In the perspective view shown, only the topmost sealing anode plate 102A is visible. Figures 5A-5C To explain Figures 4A-4C Conceptual diagrams of different perspective views of a portion of the same battery assembly 100 shown. Figures 5A-5C In the bottom view, the battery assembly 100 is shown without the cover 106, so that the bottommost sealed anode plate 102H is... Figure 5A As can be seen in the text.

[0062] Each sealed anode plate of assembly 102 includes an anode plate 180, and each anode plate includes an anode current collector 112 and a first (anode) active material 114 on one or both opposing main surfaces of the anode current collector 112. The first active material 114 is present on the main surface of the anode current collector, for example, when the main surface is adjacent to the cathode plate. For battery assembly 100, each of the outermost (e.g., "top" and "bottom") sealed anode plates 102A and 102H in the electrode plate stack may have a layer of first active material 114A and 114H on the inner-facing main surface of the respective current collectors 112A and 112H. For battery assembly 100, additional sealed anode plates (not shown) are present between the outermost sealed anode plates 102A and 102H. Each of these additional sealed anode plates includes two layers of the first active material, one layer on each opposing main surface of the current collector. Figure 4D The battery assembly 100 is shown, with the topmost sealed cathode plate 104A removed from the view. The first active material 114B of the sealed anode plate below the sealed anode plate 102A comprises two layers, with an anode current collector 112B (not shown) between the two layers. Figure 4D In the example, the first active material 114A of the topmost sealing anode plate 102A includes a recessed portion, and the first active material 114B of the sealing anode plate below the topmost sealing anode plate 102A does not include such... Figure 4D The recessed portion shown.

[0063] The battery assembly described in this disclosure may have any number of sealed anode plates between the outermost sealed anode plates 102A and 102H. In some instances, six additional sealed anode plates may be present between the sealed anode plates 102A and 102H, for a total of eight sealed anode plates; a total of seven sealed cathode plates may be included.

[0064] Figure 4B The sealed anode plate 102A without the partition bag 182 is shown, making the anode current collector 112A and the lower first active material 114A visible. Figure 5B The sealed anode plate 102H is shown in the top portion without the septum bag, making the anode current collector 112H and the lower first active material 114H visible. The bottom portion 118H of the septum bag is shown in... Figure 5BAs can be seen, it lies below the anode current collector 112H and the first active material 114H. The first active material 114A includes the side of the exposed portion 128H of the adjacent cathode current collector closest to the sealed cathode plate 104H, and this side is defined by an outer edge or periphery comprising a substantially linear peripheral portion 190 and a recessed peripheral portion 192. The first active material 114H is recessed relative to a first active material that does not have a groove, for example, wherein the side closest to the exposed portion 128H is substantially linear. The recessed peripheral portion 192 includes the nearest periphery to the exposed portion 128H because it defines a portion of the periphery of the first active material 114H closest to the exposed portion 128H.

[0065] For example, in battery assembly 100, each anode current collector includes a body formed by two opposing main surfaces and a terminal piece protruding from the body. Sealed anode plates are stacked such that the terminal pieces are aligned, with spacers between the terminal pieces. Figure 4C The body 120A of the anode current collector 112A is shown, with the terminal block 122A protruding from the body. Spacers 124 are visible on top of a stack 126 (partially visible) formed by additional alternating terminal blocks and spacers. The terminal blocks 122 and alternating spacers are located... Figure 4A and 4B Below the top space insulator 116 shown.

[0066] The battery assembly 100 includes a stack 103 of sealed cathode plates 104 arranged alternately with sealed anode plates 102. Figure 4B and 4C In the middle, the topmost sealed cathode plate 104A is visible below the anode current collector 112A and the first active material 114A. Figure 5C In the middle, the bottommost sealed cathode plate 104G is visible behind the anode current collector 112H and the first active material 114H.

[0067] Each sealed cathode plate 104 includes a cathode current collector (not shown) and a second active material (not shown) on two opposing main surfaces of each cathode current collector. The second active material may also be referred to herein as cathode active material. The cathode current collector and the second active material are sealed within a separator bag, which is typically a porous polymer material formed as a bag or pouch. Each bag may substantially or completely surround the body of the cathode current collector and the cathode active material, and the separator bag is sealed to the body of the cathode current collector across one or both sides of the base of the terminal block, such that at least some portions of the terminal block are exposed.

[0068] The battery assembly described in this disclosure may have any number of sealed cathode plates 104 that alternate with the sealed anode plate 102 and between the outermost sealed anode plates 102A and 102H.

[0069] For example, in battery assembly 100, each cathode current collector includes a body formed by two opposing main surfaces and a terminal piece 128 protruding from the body. Sealed cathode plates 104 are stacked such that the terminal pieces 128 are aligned, with spacers between the terminal pieces. Figure 4A The topmost sealed cathode current collector 104A has a connecting piece 128A shown. Connecting piece 128A may include an exposed portion because it is not sealed within the partition bag of the sealed cathode plate 104A. Spacers 130 are visible on top of the stack 132 formed by the additional alternating connecting pieces 128 and the spacers. Connecting pieces 128... Figures 4A-4D and Figures 5A-5C None of them are fully visible because they are obscured by alternating spacers in the stack 132. Each terminal block 128 includes an exposed portion, and the exposed portion includes the base of the terminal block.

[0070] For example, such as Figure 4B The battery assembly 100 shown has a first active material 114A comprising a side 134 of the exposed portion 128A of the adjacent cathode current collector closest to the sealed cathode plate 104A. The side 134 is defined by an outer edge or periphery comprising a substantially linear peripheral portion 136 and a recessed peripheral portion 138. The first active material 114A is recessed relative to a first active material without a groove, for example, wherein the side closest to the exposed portion 128A is substantially linear. The recessed peripheral portion 138 includes the nearest periphery to the exposed portion 128A because it defines a portion of the periphery of the first active material 114A closest to the exposed portion 128A.

[0071] Figure 6 To illustrate the example battery assembly, such as Figures 4A-4D and Figures 5A-5C A conceptual plan view of a portion of the battery assembly 100 shown. Figure 6 In this embodiment, a first active material 152 is located between an anode current collector 150 and a sealed cathode plate, wherein a septum bag 154 of the sealed cathode plate is visible. In this example, the first active material 152 has a first recessed portion defining a first nearest edge or first nearest periphery 158. An exposed portion 156 of a cathode current collector (not shown) within the septum bag 154 protrudes from the septum bag 154 and is in the form of a tab. In this example, a first nearest distance D defines the distance between any portion of the first nearest periphery 158 and the exposed portion 156, such that D defines the minimum distance between any point on the first nearest periphery 158 and any point on the exposed portion 156. In this example, the first nearest periphery 158 and the exposed portion 156 are equidistant from each other, and D is substantially the same.

[0072] The first active material 152 may comprise lithium metal, and as described above, lithium plating may occur at any edge of the lithium metal material. The recessed portion having a first nearest periphery 158 includes a recess (also referred to as a "fan" in some instances). The minimum distance D is greater than (e.g., the minimum distance between the non-recessed first active material and the exposed portion 156) of one of the other anode plates within the battery assembly. Due to the recess, the distance that metal plating needs to travel during growth before reaching the exposed portion 156 is increased.

[0073] Figure 6 A portion of the battery assembly shown can be used in the battery assembly such that the outermost anode plate contains grooves for lithium metal material. If the battery assembly is used in a device that experiences temperature differences on different sides of the device in addition to the temperature gradients for IMD described above, then the grooves in the outermost plate can cause a time delay in the loss of electrical isolation between the plated active material and the exposed cathode terminals, because the plating needs to occur over a longer distance compared to the distance without the grooves.

[0074] The first active material of the battery assembly described in this disclosure may be recessed such that the minimum distance or first distance between the first nearest periphery and the exposed portion is any useful distance. The first distance may depend on many factors, such as the device in which the battery assembly is used. The design considerations of the recessed portion, including its shape and size, take into account the potential reduction in battery capacity due to the recessed portion. In some instances, the first distance between the first nearest periphery and the exposed portion is at least about 0.6 mm. In some instances, the first distance between the first nearest periphery and the exposed portion is about 0.6 mm to about 2.5 mm. In some instances, the first distance between the first nearest periphery and the exposed portion is about 1.0 mm to about 2.0 mm.

[0075] Figures 7A-7D This is a conceptual plan view illustrating a portion of an example battery assembly, where the recessed portion of the first active material includes various shapes. An exposed portion 160 protrudes from the separator pouch 162 of the cathode plate. Figure 7A In this process, the first active material 164A has an asymmetrically bent nearest periphery 166A. Figure 7B In this process, the first active material 164B has a symmetrically curved nearest periphery 166B. Figure 7C In this embodiment, the first active material 164C has a semi-circular nearest periphery 166C, such that the substantially linear edge or periphery 168 of the first active material 164C comprises two portions 168A and 168B. Figure 7D In this embodiment, the first active material 164D has a nearest periphery 166D, which includes edges 170A and 170B that are substantially perpendicular to each other. Any suitable shape for the recessed periphery is conceivable.

[0076] Figure 8A and 8B This is a conceptual plan view illustrating a portion of the example battery assembly 181, which may be substantially similar to a battery 26 and / or battery assembly 100, such as one or more anode plates and one or more cathode plates arranged in a stacked configuration. Figure 8A In the description, the cathode current collector 172A of the cathode plate (the cathode active material is not shown for ease of illustration) covers the anode current collector (not shown) on the anode plate having the anode terminal 188 and the anode active material 176. When the cathode current collector, which includes the cathode active material on the opposing main surface of the cathode current collector 172, is sealed with a separator bag, the cathode current collector 172 includes exposed (e.g., not covered with active cathode material) cathode terminal 174, as described, for example, with respect to battery assembly 100. In this example, the first active anode material 176 may include lithium metal, and the first active material is recessed as shown by the nearest periphery 178 as described above with respect to battery assembly 100.

[0077] Figure 8B Shown in Figure 8A The cathode current collector 172B of the cathode plate below the first active anode material 176 of the anode plate is shown. As shown, the first active material 176 is recessed relative to the exposed cathode terminal piece 174B of the lower cathode plate in the same manner as described above for the battery assembly 100, for example, rather than around the periphery of the active anode material along the dashed line 177.

[0078] As described herein, in some instances, in addition to or as an alternative to recesses / fans of the anode active material relative to exposed cathode tabs, one or more cathode plates of a battery assembly may have similar recesses / fans of the anode active material relative to the anode tabs of adjacent (lower and / or upper) anode plates. In some instances, fan-shaped / recessed anode active material may be present to reduce potential stress from adjacent anode tabs on the cathode, which can occur when the cathode active material swells (e.g., during the battery's operational life). For example, the stress on the anode tabs on the cathode separator bag may depend on the proximity of the anode tabs and the bending / deflection of the anode tabs in the electrode stack interconnects. Unlike some instances of recesses / fans of the anode active material that can be used to address problems associated with temperature / voltage gradients across the stack of electrode plates in a battery assembly, all or substantially all cathode plates in the stack may contain fan-shaped / recessed anode active material relative to one or more adjacent anode tabs, because expansion of the cathode active material can be present in all cathode plates, as described herein, compared to plating of the anode active material that may be biased toward one side of the electrode stack of the battery assembly.

[0079] Figure 8AAn example of a cathode fan-shaped / recessed shape is also shown. As shown, the cathode current collector 172A is recessed / fan-shaped along the periphery 186 in region 184 of the cathode current collector 172A. Figure 8A The outer periphery of the cathode current collector 172A shown typically corresponds to the active material of the cathode plate containing the current collector 172A. Figure 8A The periphery (not shown in the image). Figure 8A In this example, the active material of the cathode plate is recessed / fan-shaped relative to the exposed anode terminal 188 of the lower anode plate current collector through a "notch" portion of region 184 of the cathode current collector 172A. Additional examples of cathode recesses / fan shapes are referenced below. Figure 12A-12F And 13 are described in further detail.

[0080] Figure 9 This is a conceptual exploded perspective view illustrating a portion of an example battery assembly 201 according to the present disclosure. In this example, the battery assembly 201 includes a stack comprising a first anode plate 200, a first cathode plate 220, and a second anode plate 240. The first anode plate 200 includes a first anode current collector 202 having a tab 204, and a first active material 206 is deposited on the main surface of the current collector (the underside of the current collector). The first active material 206 includes a recessed portion having a first nearest peripheral edge 210. The first cathode plate 220 includes a cathode current collector 224 having a tab 226. The cathode active material comprises two layers 222 and 228, one layer on each opposite main surface of the cathode current collector 224. The second anode plate 240 includes a second anode current collector 246 having a tab 244 disposed between two layers of second active material 242 and 248, one layer on each opposite main surface of the second anode current collector 246.

[0081] exist Figure 9 In the example shown, the first active material 206 and the second active materials 242 and 248 may comprise lithium metal. The first active material 206 includes a recessed portion relative to the tab 226 of the cathode plate 224, while the second active materials 242 and 248 do not have a recessed portion relative to the tab 226 of the cathode plate 224. Figure 9 In this example, the peripheries of active materials 242 and 248 are closer to the terminal piece 226 of the cathode plate 224. As described herein, in other examples, active materials 242 and / or 248 may be recessed relative to the terminal piece 226 to, for example, the same extent or less than that of active material 206. A separator bag (not shown) is used to electrically insulate the alternating electrode plates, exposing the terminal piece. For example, the cathode plate 220 is sealed within the separator bag, leaving the cathode terminal piece 226 exposed. By recessing the first active material 206, the advantages described above are achieved, while any reduction in battery capacity is minimized because the second active materials 242 and 248 are not recessed.

[0082] As described above, the battery assembly described in this disclosure can be used in an IMD and is therefore susceptible to temperature differences, depending on the orientation of the implant within the patient. Lithium plating can occur more quickly and to a greater extent on the sides of the assembly closer to the patient's warmer region (e.g., the side of the battery assembly facing inwards away from the patient's skin) compared to plating that occurs on the side closer to the cooler region (e.g., the side of the battery assembly facing the patient's skin). Figure 10A This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a portion of a battery assembly 300, another example that can be used in this type of IMD. The battery assembly 300 may be substantially similar to the battery assembly 100. In this example, the battery assembly 300 includes first active anode materials 302A to eighth active anode materials 302H. For ease of illustration, the active materials 302A-302H may be arranged in... Figure 10A On each of the anode current collectors not shown. As mentioned above, each anode plate, not the outermost anode plate, may include two layers of anolyl active material, one layer on each side of the corresponding anode current collector. For ease of illustration, for each of these inner anode plates, only one layer of anolyl active material is present. Figure 10A As shown, for example, anode active material 302B represents two layers of active anode material that may exist on the second anode current collector, and so on to 302G. For ease of illustration, the cathode active material of the electrode stack and the separator portion (e.g., separator bag) of the battery assembly 300 are also not shown. Figure 10A As shown in the image.

[0083] The battery assembly 300 also includes a first cathode current collector 303A having an exposed portion 304A, and a seventh current collector 303G having a seventh exposed portion 304G. The active anode material 302 may include lithium metal. The first active material 302A includes a recessed portion, as indicated by a distance D1 between the nearest periphery of the first active material and the location on the exposed tab 304A closest to the nearest periphery as indicated by axis 305. Distances D2 to D8 are also indicated and as described with respect to the paired active materials 302 and exposed portions 304 with respect to D1. An IMD including the example battery assembly 300 may be implanted into a patient, such that the IMD is oriented to have a side closest to D1 (warmer area) adjacent to the patient's torso and a side closest to D8 (cooler area) adjacent to the patient's skin. Distance D1 is greater than distance D2, distance D2 is greater than distance D3, and so on.

[0084] Figure 10AThe illustrated example is a stacked battery assembly 300, in which the indentation of the active material 302 of the anode plate shows a gradient along the electrode stack relative to the exposed portion 304 of the cathode plate 303. In other examples, the active material 302 of the respective anode plates in the electrode stack may be indented relative to the exposed portion 304 only on one or both of the “top” and “bottom” anode plates of the electrode stack, wherein the active material 302 of the intermediate anode plates is not indented relative to the exposed portion 304. In other examples, the active material 302 of one or both of the “top” and “bottom” anode plates may be indented more than the intermediate anode plates, each of which may be unindented or indented to a smaller degree / distance than the active material of the “top” and / or “bottom” anode plates in the electrode stack. In other examples, the active material 302 of the “top” or “bottom” plate may be indented more than the active material 302 of the remaining anode plates, wherein the active material 302 of the other anode plates in the electrode stack all have a nearest periphery at substantially the same distance from the exposed portion 304.

[0085] Figure 10B This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a portion of an example battery assembly 400 that can be used in an IMD. Battery assembly 400 may be substantially similar to battery assembly 300. Battery assembly 400 also includes a cathode current collector 303 with an exposed portion 304, as described above for... Figure 10A The battery assembly 400 includes an anode active material 402, which may be disposed on a corresponding anode current collector (not shown). The anode active material 402 may include lithium metal.

[0086] However, in Figure 10B In the example, the recess distance D from the nearest peripheral edge of each anode active material 402 to the corresponding exposed portion 304 of the cathode terminal 304 decreases from D1 to D4 for active materials 402A to 402D, moving from the “top” of the electrode stack to the “middle” of the electrode stack, and then increases again from D4 to D1 for active materials 402E-402H, moving from the “middle” to the “bottom” of the electrode stack. An IMD containing the example battery assembly 400 can be implanted into a patient, and regardless of the orientation of the IMD, the outer regions of the battery assembly adjacent to the patent can exhibit less lithium plating, even in warmer regions. As described above, the battery assembly described in this disclosure can be used in an IMD and therefore can withstand thermal gradients across the assembly.

[0087] Figure 11This is a conceptual plan view illustrating a portion of the example battery assembly 500. In this example, a first active material 502A is recessed as indicated by a first nearest periphery 504A, a second active material 502B is recessed as indicated by a second nearest periphery 504B, and a third active material 502C is recessed as indicated by a third nearest periphery 504C. A separator bag 506 of the lower cathode plate is visible, with an exposed portion 508 protruding from the separator bag. In this example, the amount of recessed area associated with the first active material 504A is greater than that of the second active material 504B, which in turn is greater than that of the third active material 504C. The first nearest periphery 504A of the first active material 502A is further from the exposed portion 508 than the second nearest periphery 504B of the second active material 502B. Similarly, the second nearest periphery 504B of the second active material 502B is further from the exposed portion 508 than the third nearest periphery 504C of the third active material 502C. In other instances, the first nearest periphery 504A of the first active material 502A is further from the exposed portion 508 than the second nearest periphery 504B of the second active material 502B and the third nearest periphery 504C of the third active material 502C, wherein the second nearest periphery 504B and the third nearest periphery 504C are substantially the same distance from the exposed portion 508 (e.g., in the case where only the first nearest periphery 504A is recessed relative to the exposed portion 508).

[0088] As described above, examples of this disclosure may also include battery assemblies in which the cathode active material of one or more cathode plates is recessed / fan-shaped relative to the anode terminals of an anode current collector from an adjacent anode plate within the assembly. Figure 12A-12F This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example battery assembly 1100 including a cathode plate with an example recessed / fan-shaped design. The battery assembly 1100 can be used with, for example... Figure 4A-5C All or part of the battery assemblies 100 shown are substantially identical, and similar features are similarly numbered (e.g., Figure 4A The separator bag 182 of the battery assembly 100 shown is... Figure 12A The separator bag 1182 of the battery assembly 1100 is the same as or substantially similar to that of the battery assembly 1100.

[0089] like Figure 12A As shown, the battery assembly 1100 includes a sealed cathode plate (e.g., Figure 12B The electrode stack 1103 shows alternating sealed cathode plate 1104A and sealed anode plate (e.g., sealed anode plate 1102A). Figure 12BThe battery assembly 1100 is shown, wherein a separator 1182 is removed from a sealed anode plate 1102A to expose an anode current collector 1112A and an anode active material 1114A. As shown, the anode current collector 1112A includes an anode terminal block 1122A extending from the main base of the current collector. As previously described, current collectors from each anode plate are electrically connected to each other via corresponding terminal blocks extending from each current collector and surrounding the base or main portion of the anode current collector and the anode active material. Figure 12B Also shown is a sealed cathode plate 1104A comprising a partition bag 1183, the partition bag surrounding a portion of the cathode current collector and the cathode active material of the sealed cathode plate 1104A.

[0090] Figure 12C A battery assembly 1100 is shown, wherein a separator 1183 is removed from a sealed cathode plate 1104A to expose a cathode current collector 1172 and cathode active material 1173 of the sealed cathode plate 1104A. The cathode current collector 1172 includes a terminal piece 1128A extending from its base or main portion. Similar to the anode, current collectors from each cathode plate are electrically connected to each other via corresponding terminal pieces such as terminal piece 1128A extending from each current collector and surrounding the base or main portion of the cathode current collector and the cathode active material. Figure 12C In the figure, a portion 1184 of the active cathode material 1173, recessed / fan-shaped relative to the anode terminal block 1122A, is visible. As shown, the portion 1184 of the active cathode material 1173 and the cathode current collector 1172 is recessed relative to the anode terminal block 1122A to increase the distance between the nearest periphery of the active cathode material 1173 and the edge 1125 of the anode terminal block 1122A of the anode current collector 1112A. In this way, during the operating life of the battery assembly 1100, in the absence of contact between the active cathode material 1173 (and / or the separator 1183 surrounding the active cathode material 1173) and the edge 1152 of the anode terminal block 1122A (and / or the exposed portion of the anode terminal block 1122A) (e.g., compared to the case where the active cathode material 1173 is not recessed as described), the recessed portion 1184 allows for a greater amount of expansion of the active cathode material 1173.

[0091] exist Figure 12DIn this disclosure, according to at least some embodiments, the sealed anode plate 1102A is concealed to better illustrate the lower portions of the assembly 1100, such as the cathode active material 1173 (black) and the cathode current collector 1172 (blue), and wherein the periphery 1187 of the active cathode material 1173 is recessed / fan-shaped 1184. The recessed / fan-shaped portion 1182 of the cathode active material 1173 allows the periphery 1186 of the cathode active material 1172 to interact with the edge 1125 of the anode current collector 1112A in the region of the terminal block 1122A. Figure 12C The distance between them is greater. As described above, the increase in the distance 1187 between the periphery 1187 and the edge 1152 of the anode terminal 1122A (e.g., compared to the periphery along the dashed line 1185) allows the active cathode material 1173 to expand, for example, during the operating life of the battery, without the expansion of the active cathode material 1173 causing the upper separator 1183 and / or the active material 1173 itself to contact the edge 1125 of the anode terminal 1122A and / or other portions (e.g., exposed portions).

[0092] exist Figure 12E In, with Figure 12D In contrast to the one shown, the active cathode material 1173 is hidden to show the cathode current collector 1172. Figure 12F Similar to Figure 12E However, the active cathode material 1173 is partially transparent to show the cathode current collector 1172. As shown, in example assembly 1100, the recessed portion 1184 of the active cathode material 1173 is achieved by shaping the cathode current collector 1172 to have a corresponding groove and then depositing the active cathode material 1173 to have an outer periphery of the region containing the recessed portion 1184 that is substantially the same as that of the cathode current collector 1172. In some examples, the cathode plate containing the cathode current collector 1172 and the active cathode material 1172 on the current collector 1172 can use a cathode plate having a shape similar to the cathode current collector 1172. Figure 12E and 12F A mold forming a similar recessed profile is used to constrain the active material 1173 to the edge / outer periphery of the cathode current collector 1172. Alternatively, a mold can be used to form the active cathode material 1173 with a “straight” profile (e.g., following the profile of the dashed line 1185), and subsequently, the active cathode material in the recessed / fan-shaped portion 1184 can be mechanically removed to form the recessed periphery 1185 of the active material 1173. The same or similar techniques can be used to form an anode plate with recessed / fan-shaped active anode material, as in the examples described above.

[0093] Although Figure 12A-12FThe example illustrates an active material 1173 having an elongated "U"-shaped recess 1184, but the recess 1184 can have any suitable shape and size. For example, the shape and size of the recess 1184 can be similar to those described herein. Figures 7A-7D The recessed active material of the anode plate is described as having the same or substantially similar shape and size. In some instances, the recessed periphery of the active material of one or more cathode plates may be substantially the same as the periphery of the underlying cathode current collector, such that the cathode current collector may define a recessed portion that is the same as or similar to the overlying active cathode material.

[0094] Figure 13 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a portion of an example battery assembly 600 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The battery assembly 600 can be coupled with... Figure 12A-12F The assembly shown is basically similar to 1100. Figure 13 It can represent assembly 1100 along Figure 12A The simplified cross-sectional view of cross section AA is shown. As will be described, Figure 13 Examples of recessed / fan-shaped portions containing active cathode material in each of the cathode plates are described above for the individual sealed cathode plate 1102A.

[0095] In the illustrated example, the battery assembly 600 includes first active cathode materials 603A through seventh active cathode materials 603G. For ease of illustration, active cathode materials 603A-603H may be disposed on individual cathode current collectors not shown in FIG12. Although individual cathode current collectors may have two layers of active cathode material (e.g., layers on the top and bottom of the current collector), for ease of illustration, the active cathode material is... Figure 13 The diagram shows a single layer of active cathode material 603A-603H. Therefore, in some instances, active cathode material 603A represents two layers of active cathode material, which may exist in... Figure 13 The topmost cathode current collector in the stack shown is shown, and so on up to 603H. For ease of illustration, the anode active material and separator portions (e.g., separator bags) of the electrode stacks of the battery assembly 600 are also not shown. Figure 13 As shown in the image.

[0096] The battery assembly 600 also includes a first anode current collector 602A having a terminal block portion 604A to an eighth current collector 602H having an eighth terminal block portion 604H. In some instances, the first anode current collector 602A may correspond to, for example... Figure 12B The anode current collector 1112A shown herein, wherein the first terminal portion 604A corresponds to, for example Figure 12B The terminal block 1122A is shown. As previously mentioned... Figure 12A-12FThe first active cathode material 603A may be recessed relative to the terminal piece 606A of the first anode current collector 602A, for example, by one or more edges of the terminal piece 604A of the exposed portion of the first anode current collector 602A. Figure 13 In one example, a portion of the terminal block 604A closest to the first active cathode material 603A (e.g., one or more terminal block edges 1152) may be made of Figure 13 The dashed line 605 indicates that portion 604A to the "right" of dashed line 605 is the exposed portion of the first anode current collector 602A that is not covered by the separator and / or not covered by the active anode material. The portion of the first anode current collector 602A to the "left" of the dashed line may indicate the portion covered by the active anode material and / or the separator.

[0097] In some instances, the dashed line 605 may represent the location of a portion of the first anode current collector 602A having one or more edge portions that may undesirably interact with the first active cathode material 603A (and / or the upper partition, such as partition 1182) when the first active cathode material 603A expands without a recess distance H at the location on the first anode current collector 602A where the nearest periphery of the first active cathode material 603A intersects with the dashed line 605. For example, in an instance where the nearest periphery of the first active cathode material 603A is substantially flush with, rather than recessed by a distance H from, the dashed line 605, the expansion of the first active cathode material 603A during the operational life of the battery assembly 600 could cause the first active cathode material 603A to contact a portion of the terminal portion 604A and / or terminal portion 604B of the adjacent anode current collectors 602A and 602B (e.g., directly or by “pushing” an upper separator such as separator 1182 against the terminal portion 604A and / or terminal portion 604B). Such undesirable contact can be avoided by recessing the first active cathode material 603A by a distance H.

[0098] like Figure 13 As shown, each of the first active cathode materials 603A to the seventh active cathode material 603G is recessed at a distance H relative to its adjacent anode current collector in the manner described for the first active cathode material 603A. Figure 13In some examples, each of the first active cathode materials 603A to the seventh active cathode material 603G may be recessed by substantially the same distance from each other, for example, because the expansion of the active cathode material of each cathode plate in the battery assembly 600 can exist throughout the entire electrode stack compared to the lithium plating of the anode active material closer to the top and / or bottom of the electrode stack as described herein. However, the examples are not limited to battery assemblies in which the active cathode material for each cathode is recessed / fanned at the same distance. In some examples, the active cathode material for each cathode plate in a battery assembly such as assembly 600 may be recessed / fanned to a certain extent, but not all of them have the same distance H. In other examples, the active cathode material of some, but not all, cathode plates may be recessed / fanned in a battery assembly such as assembly 600, for example, only the nearest periphery of the active cathode material of some of the cathode plates in the stack is substantially flush with the dashed line 605.

[0099] Figure 14 A conceptual diagram illustrating another example of a battery assembly 701 according to this disclosure is provided. In this example, battery assembly 701 includes an anode plate 740 and a cathode plate 700 stacked on top of a bottom housing portion 750A. The cathode plate 700 includes a cathode tab 726 and a cathode active material 722 covering one or both main surfaces of a cathode current collector (not shown) in a manner previously described for other assemblies. The anode plate 740 includes an anode tab 744 and an anode active material 742 covering one or both main surfaces of an anode current collector (not shown) in a manner previously described for other assemblies. The compositions of the anode active material 742 and the cathode active material 722 include those materials previously described for other example battery assemblies (e.g., the anode active material 742 may contain lithium).

[0100] exist Figure 14 In the perspective view shown, the cathode plate 700 covers the anode plate 740, making only a relatively small portion 742a of the active material 742 of the anode plate 740, directly adjacent to the terminal block 744, visible. Figure 14 In the example shown, the anolyte active material 742 includes a recessed portion relative to the exposed portion defined by the cathode tab 726 of the cathode plate 700. For example, as shown by... Figure 14As indicated by the arrows approaching the terminal block 726, the periphery 705 (indicated by the dashed line) of the anodic active material 742, closest to the exposed portion defined by the cathode terminal block 726, is recessed compared to the periphery of the cathode plate 700 directly adjacent to the cathode terminal block 726, which is covered with cathode active material 722. Unlike some of the previously described examples, the periphery 705 of the anodic active material 742 adjacent to the exposed portion of the terminal block 726 follows a substantially linear path, rather than a curved periphery at the recessed portion, such that some portions of the periphery 705 of the anodic active material 742 are farther from the exposed portion of the terminal block 726 compared to other portions. The recessed distance indicated by the arrows adjacent to the terminal block 726 and the periphery 705 can be any distance, such as at least about 20 mils, at least about 50 mils, at least about 100 mils, such as about 20 mils to about 200 mils, about 50 mils to about 200 mils, or about 100 to about 200 mils. Consider other values.

[0101] Similarly, the cathode active material 722 is recessed relative to the exposed portion defined by the anode terminal 744 of the anode plate 740. For example, the periphery 707 of the cathode active material 722 closest to the exposed portion defined by the anode terminal 744 is recessed compared to the periphery of the anode plate 740, which is directly adjacent to the anode terminal 744 and covers the anode active material 742. Figure 14 In the view shown, the recess allows a portion 742A of the anodic active material 742 to remain uncovered by the cathode active material 722. Similar to the anodic recess, the periphery 707 of the cathode active material 722 adjacent to the exposed portion of the tab 744 follows a substantially linear path, rather than a curved periphery at the recessed portion, such that some portions of the periphery 707 of the anodic active material 742 are farther from the exposed portion of the tab 726 compared to other portions. This linear periphery allows for easier fabrication compared to the fabrication of a curved recess. The recess distance indicated by the arrows adjacent to the tab 744 and the periphery 707 can be any distance, such as at least about 20 mils, at least about 50 mils, at least about 100 mils, such as about 20 mils to about 200 mils, about 50 mils to about 200 mils, or about 100 to about 200 mils. Other values ​​are contemplated.

[0102] In some instances, both the cathode active material and the anode active material used in the battery assembly 701 can be... Figure 14The recess is shown in the manner described herein. In other embodiments, only the anode material or only the cathode active material may be recessed. By recessing only the anode active material 742, the advantages described above are obtained, while any reduction in battery capacity is minimized since the cathode active material 722 is not recessed. Furthermore, although assembly 701 is described with respect to a single anode plate and a single cathode plate, in other embodiments, battery assembly 701 may be multiple cathode plates and / or multiple anode plates, for example, similar to the previously described embodiments. In the case of multiple anode plates and / or multiple cathode plates, all or part of the anode and / or cathode plates may be recessed relative to the exposed portions of adjacent plate tabs in the manner described herein.

[0103] Although not shown, in assembly 701, a partition bag can be used to electrically insulate the alternating electrode plates, exposing the terminals. For example, cathode plate 700 can be sealed within the partition bag, making cathode terminal 726 an exposed portion, and anode plate 740 can be sealed within the partition bag, making anode terminal 744 an exposed portion.

[0104] While the examples of this disclosure are described above primarily with respect to battery assemblies with stacked electrode plate designs having more than one cathode plate and more than one anode plate, examples of this disclosure are not limited to such battery assemblies. For example, example electrode assemblies that may have recessed active anode material and / or recessed active cathode material may include battery assemblies with a high-rate winding design, separate stacked plate designs (e.g., one cathode plate and one anode plate), battery assemblies with a jelly roll (winding) configuration, battery assemblies with a “serpentine” configuration (e.g., in the case of lithium braiding between cathode plates), and battery assemblies with an “accordion-like” configuration of single-sided electrodes with “Z-shaped” folds in the assembly. Examples of battery assembly configurations described in U.S. Patent No. 5,147,737 to Post et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,933,074 to Frustaci et al., and U.S. Patent No. 7,592,097 to Urso et al. may be modified in the manner described herein to include recessed active anode material and / or recessed active cathode material. The entire contents of each of the patents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0105] As will be apparent from the foregoing description, examples of this disclosure can provide one or more benefits. In some instances, mechanisms affecting high-power batteries involve lithium plating that can ultimately suppress electrical isolation between the anode and cathode terminals. In some instances, the distance from the cathode terminal to the edge of the lithium at its highest temperature is strongly dependent on the duration of contact between the active anode material and the exposed cathode terminal. In coil designs with a single terminal, the terminal can be offset from the hotter side of the battery to reduce the tendency to lose electrical isolation between the anode and cathode. In the current implementation of stacked high-rate batteries, it may not be possible to move the terminal. However, the edge of the lithium can be moved away from, for example, the terminal closest to the hot side of the battery. While the entire anode could be moved away from the edge of the uninsulated cathode terminal, the impact on energy density would be greater. Creating a recess / fan shape for the lithium near the cathode terminal can have two positive effects on this mechanism. First, it increases the distance the lithium needs to be plated to allow the battery to lose electrical isolation between the active anode material and the cathode terminal, which can increase battery life. Second, it can cause localized imbalance at the cathode. This places a greater burden on the lithium edge to support its adjacent cathode and the cathode material, which lacks lithium for balance. As a result, the lithium edge will discharge faster than a typical edge. In some larger fan-shaped areas, the rate of discharge reduction can exceed the rate of plating, and the net edge growth can be zero or always reduced.

[0106] As described herein, in some instances, the battery assembly may include a recessed / fan-shaped edge of lithium (or other anode active material) adjacent to the cathode tab. This can be applied to high-rate winding designs, but also to high-rate stacked batteries. In some instances, the lithium recess / fan shape can increase the distance between the anode edge where lithium plating can occur and the adjacent cathode tab. It can also cause cathode imbalance and should result in additional discharge at the same lithium edge, thereby reducing the net plating rate of said edge.

[0107] Various examples have been described in this disclosure. These and other examples are within the scope of the appended terms and claims.

[0108] Clause 1. A battery assembly comprising: a first anode plate including a first anode current collector and a first active material on the first anode current collector; a second anode plate including a second anode current collector and a second active material on the second anode current collector; and a cathode plate between the first anode plate and the second anode plate, wherein the cathode plate includes a cathode current collector having an exposed portion, wherein the first active material is recessed relative to the exposed portion of the cathode plate such that a first nearest periphery of the first active material is farther from the exposed portion of the cathode current collector than a second nearest periphery of the second active material.

[0109] Clause 2. The battery assembly as described in Clause 1, wherein the exposed portion is the base of the terminal block of the cathode current collector.

[0110] Clause 3. The battery assembly according to any one of Clauses 1 or 2, wherein the first nearest periphery is equidistant from the exposed portion of the cathode current collector.

[0111] Clause 4. The battery assembly according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the first nearest periphery is asymmetrically curved.

[0112] Clause 5. The battery assembly according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the first nearest periphery is symmetrically curved.

[0113] Clause 6. The battery assembly according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the first nearest periphery comprises two edges that are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0114] Clause 7. The battery assembly according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the first distance between the first nearest periphery and the exposed portion is at least about 0.6 mm.

[0115] Clause 8. The battery assembly according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the first distance between the first nearest periphery and the exposed portion is about 0.6 mm to about 2.5 mm.

[0116] Clause 9. The battery assembly according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the first distance between the first nearest periphery and the exposed portion is about 1.0 mm to about 2.0 mm.

[0117] Clause 10. A battery assembly according to any one of Clauses 1 to 9, wherein the cathode plate includes a first cathode plate and the exposed portion includes a first exposed portion, and the assembly further includes: a third anode plate, the third anode plate including a third anode current collector and a third active material on the third anode current collector; and a second cathode plate between the second anode plate and the third anode plate, wherein the second cathode plate includes a second cathode current collector having a second exposed portion; wherein the first active material is recessed relative to the first exposed portion of the first cathode plate, and the second active material is recessed relative to the second exposed portion of the second cathode plate.

[0118] Clause 11. The battery assembly according to Clause 10, wherein the first nearest periphery of the first active material is a first distance from the first exposed portion of the first cathode current collector, the second nearest periphery of the second active material is a second distance from the second exposed portion of the second cathode current collector, and the first distance and the second distance are substantially the same.

[0119] Clause 12. The battery assembly according to Clause 10, wherein the first nearest periphery of the first active material is a first distance from the first exposed portion of the first cathode current collector, the second nearest periphery of the second active material is a second distance from the second exposed portion of the second cathode current collector, and the first distance is greater than the second distance.

[0120] Clause 13. The battery assembly according to any one of Clauses 10 to 12, wherein the first exposed portion is a first base of a first terminal piece of the first cathode current collector, and the second exposed portion is a second base of a second terminal piece of the second cathode current collector.

[0121] Clause 14. The battery assembly according to any one of Clauses 10 to 13, further comprising a third cathode plate adjacent to the third anode plate, wherein the third cathode plate includes a third cathode current collector having a third exposed portion; wherein the third active material is recessed relative to the third exposed portion of the third cathode plate.

[0122] Clause 15. The battery assembly according to Clause 14, wherein the first nearest periphery of the first active material is a first distance from the first exposed portion of the first cathode current collector, the second nearest periphery of the second active material is a second distance from the second exposed portion of the second cathode current collector, and the third nearest periphery of the third active material is a third distance from the third exposed portion of the third cathode current collector, and the first distance, the second distance, and the third distance are substantially the same.

[0123] Clause 16. The battery assembly according to Clause 14, wherein the first nearest periphery of the first active material is a first distance from the first exposed portion of the first cathode current collector, the second nearest periphery of the second active material is a second distance from the second exposed portion of the second cathode current collector, the third nearest periphery of the third active material is a third distance from the third exposed portion of the third cathode current collector, and the first distance is greater than the second distance, and the second distance is greater than the third distance.

[0124] Clause 17. The battery assembly according to any one of Clauses 14 to 16, wherein the first exposed portion is a first base of a first terminal piece of the first cathode current collector, the second exposed portion is a second base of a second terminal piece of the second cathode current collector, and the third exposed portion is a third base of a first terminal piece of the third cathode current collector.

[0125] Clause 18. A method of forming a battery assembly, the method comprising assembling an electrode stack, the electrode stack comprising: a first anode plate including a first anode current collector and a first active material on the first anode current collector; a second anode plate including a second anode current collector and a second active material on the second anode current collector; a cathode plate between the first anode plate and the second anode plate, wherein the cathode plate includes a cathode current collector having an exposed portion, wherein the first active material is recessed relative to the exposed portion of the cathode plate such that a first nearest periphery of the first active material is farther from the exposed portion of the cathode current collector than a second nearest periphery of the second active material.

[0126] Clause 19. The method according to Clause 18, wherein assembling the electrode stack includes stacking the first anode plate, the second anode plate, and the cathode plate between the first anode plate and the second anode plate, and only the exposed portion of the cathode current collector is visible behind the first anode current collector.

[0127] Clause 20. The method according to any one of Clauses 18 or 19, wherein the exposed portion is the base of the terminal block of the cathode current collector.

[0128] Clause 21. The method according to any one of Clauses 18 to 20, wherein the first nearest periphery is equidistant from the exposed portion of the cathode current collector.

[0129] Clause 22. The method according to any one of Clauses 18 to 21, wherein the first nearest periphery is asymmetrically curved.

[0130] Clause 23. The method according to any one of Clauses 18 to 21, wherein the first nearest periphery is symmetrically curved.

[0131] Clause 24. The method according to any one of Clauses 18 to 21, wherein the first nearest periphery comprises two edges that are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0132] Clause 25. The method according to any one of Clauses 18 to 24, wherein the first distance between the first nearest periphery and the exposed portion is at least about 0.6 mm.

[0133] Clause 26. The method according to any one of Clauses 18 to 24, wherein the first distance between the first nearest periphery and the exposed portion is about 0.6 mm to about 2.5 mm.

[0134] Clause 27. The method according to any one of Clauses 18 to 24, wherein the first distance between the first nearest periphery and the exposed portion is about 1.0 mm to about 2.0 mm.

[0135] Clause 28. The method according to any one of Clauses 18 to 27, wherein the cathode plate comprises a first cathode plate and the exposed portion comprises a first exposed portion, and the assembly further comprises: a third anode plate, the third anode plate comprising a third anode current collector and a third active material on the third anode current collector; and a second cathode plate between the second anode plate and the third anode plate, wherein the second cathode plate comprises a second cathode current collector having a second exposed portion; wherein the first active material is recessed relative to the first exposed portion of the first cathode plate, and the second active material is recessed relative to the second exposed portion of the second cathode plate.

[0136] Clause 29. The method according to Clause 28, wherein the first nearest periphery of the first active material is a first distance from the first exposed portion of the first cathode current collector, the second nearest periphery of the second active material is a second distance from the second exposed portion of the second cathode current collector, and the first distance and the second distance are substantially the same.

[0137] Clause 30. The method according to Clause 28, wherein the first nearest periphery of the first active material is a first distance from the first exposed portion of the first cathode current collector, the second nearest periphery of the second active material is a second distance from the second exposed portion of the second cathode current collector, and the first distance is greater than the second distance.

[0138] Clause 31. The method according to any one of Clauses 28 to 30, wherein the first exposed portion is a first base of a first terminal piece of the first cathode current collector, and the second exposed portion is a second base of a second terminal piece of the second cathode current collector.

[0139] Clause 32. The method according to any one of Clauses 28 to 31, wherein the assembly further includes a third cathode plate adjacent to the third anode plate, wherein the third cathode plate includes a third cathode current collector having a third exposed portion; wherein the third active material is recessed relative to the third exposed portion of the third cathode plate.

[0140] Clause 33. The method according to Clause 32, wherein the first nearest periphery of the first active material is a first distance from the first exposed portion of the first cathode current collector, the second nearest periphery of the second active material is a second distance from the second exposed portion of the second cathode current collector, and the third nearest periphery of the third active material is a third distance from the third exposed portion of the third cathode current collector, and the first distance, the second distance, and the third distance are substantially the same.

[0141] Clause 34. The method according to Clause 32, wherein the first nearest periphery of the first active material is a first distance from the first exposed portion of the first cathode current collector, the second nearest periphery of the second active material is a second distance from the second exposed portion of the second cathode current collector, the third nearest periphery of the third active material is a third distance from the third exposed portion of the third cathode current collector, and the first distance is greater than the second distance, and the second distance is greater than the third distance.

[0142] Clause 35. The method according to any one of Clauses 28 to 34, wherein the first exposed portion is a first base of a first terminal piece of the first cathode current collector, the second exposed portion is a second base of a second terminal piece of the second cathode current collector, and the third exposed portion is a third base of a first terminal piece of the third cathode current collector.

[0143] Clause 36. An implantable medical device comprising: a housing; processing circuitry; and a battery assembly according to any one of Clauses 1 to 17 within the housing, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to use power supplied by the battery assembly to control the delivery of electrical therapy from the implantable medical device to a patient.

[0144] Clause 37. A battery assembly comprising: an anode plate including an anode current collector and a first active material on the anode current collector, the anode current collector having a terminal block portion; and a cathode plate adjacent to the anode plate, the cathode plate including a cathode current collector and a second active material, wherein the second active material includes a recessed portion recessed relative to the terminal block portion of the first anode current collector.

[0145] Clause 38. The battery assembly according to Clause 37, wherein the recessed portion of the second active material is recessed relative to the edge of the terminal piece portion of the first anode current collector.

[0146] Clause 39. The battery assembly as described in Clause 37 or 38, wherein the terminal block portion includes the exposed portion of the anode current collector.

[0147] Clause 40. The battery assembly according to Clause 39, wherein the exposed portion of the first anode current collector is the base of the terminal block portion of the anode current collector.

[0148] Clause 41. The battery assembly according to Clause 37, wherein the anode plate includes a first anode plate, the anode current collector includes a first anode current collector, and the terminal portion includes a first terminal portion, the assembly further including a second anode plate including a second anode current collector and the first active material on the second anode current collector, the second anode current collector having a second terminal portion, wherein the cathode plate is between the first anode plate and the second anode plate, and wherein the recessed portion of the second active material is recessed relative to the second terminal portion of the second anode current collector.

[0149] Clause 42. The battery assembly according to Clause 41, wherein the recessed portion of the second active material of the cathode plate includes a recessed periphery, and the recessed periphery is equidistant from the first exposed portion of the first anode current collector and the second exposed portion of the second anode current collector.

[0150] Clause 43. The battery assembly according to any one of Clauses 37 to 42, wherein the recessed portion of the second active material includes a recessed periphery, and the recessed periphery is asymmetrically curved.

[0151] Clause 44. The battery assembly according to any one of Clauses 37 to 42, wherein the recessed portion of the second active material includes a recessed periphery, and the recessed periphery is symmetrically curved.

[0152] Clause 45. The battery assembly according to any one of Clauses 37 to 42, wherein the recessed portion of the second active material includes a recessed periphery, and the recessed periphery includes two edges that are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0153] Clause 46. The battery assembly according to any one of Clauses 37 to 42, wherein the recessed portion of the second active material includes a recessed periphery, and the recessed periphery includes three edges forming a substantially rectangular groove along the edge of the cathode current collector.

[0154] Clause 47. The battery assembly according to any one of Clauses 37 to 46, wherein the recessed portion of the second active material includes a recessed periphery, and the distance between the recessed periphery and the terminal portion of the anode current collector is at least about 0.6 mm.

[0155] Clause 48. The battery assembly according to any one of Clauses 37 to 47, wherein the recessed portion of the second active material includes a recessed periphery, and the distance between the recessed periphery and the terminal portion of the anode current collector is about 0.6 mm to about 2.5 mm.

[0156] Clause 49. The battery assembly according to Clause 37, wherein the cathode plate includes a first cathode plate and the cathode current collector includes a first cathode current collector, and the assembly further includes: a second anode plate, the second anode plate including a second anode current collector and the first active material on the second anode current collector, the second anode current collector having a second terminal portion; a third anode plate, the third anode plate including a third anode current collector and the first active material on the third anode current collector, the third anode current collector having a third terminal portion; and a second cathode plate between the second anode plate and the third anode plate, wherein the second cathode plate includes the second active material, wherein the first cathode plate is between the first anode plate and the second anode plate, wherein the second active material of the second cathode plate includes a second recessed portion, the second recessed portion being recessed relative to the second terminal portion of the second anode current collector.

[0157] Clause 50. The battery assembly according to Clause 49, wherein the recessed portion of the second active material of the first cathode plate is substantially the same as the second recessed portion of the second active material of the second cathode plate.

[0158] Clause 51. The battery assembly according to Clause 49, wherein the distance between the first periphery of the recessed portion of the second active material of the first cathode plate and the first terminal portion of the first anode current collector is substantially the same as the distance between the second periphery of the second recessed portion of the second active material of the second cathode plate and the second terminal portion of the second anode current collector.

[0159] Clause 52. A method of forming a battery assembly, the method comprising assembling an electrode stack, the electrode stack comprising: a first anode plate including a first anode current collector and a first active material on the first anode current collector, the first anode current collector having a first exposed portion; a second anode plate including a second anode current collector and a second active material on the second anode current collector, the second anode current collector having a second exposed portion; and a cathode plate between the first anode plate and the second anode plate, wherein the cathode plate includes a cathode current collector, wherein the cathode current collector is recessed relative to the first exposed portion of the first anode current collector and the second exposed portion of the second current collector.

[0160] Clause 53. A method comprising forming a battery assembly according to any one of Clauses 37 to 51.

[0161] Clause 54. An implantable medical device comprising: a housing; processing circuitry; and a battery assembly within the housing, according to any one of Clauses 37 to 51, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to use power supplied by the battery assembly to control at least one of delivering electrotherapy from the implantable medical device to a patient or sensing bioelectrical signals of the patient.

[0162] Clause 55. A battery assembly comprising: an anode current collector including an anode terminal portion and a first active material on the anode current collector; and a cathode current collector including a cathode terminal portion and a second active material on the cathode current collector, wherein at least one of the following: the first active material is recessed relative to an exposed portion of the cathode terminal portion, or the second active material is recessed relative to the anode terminal portion.

[0163] Clause 56. The battery assembly according to Clause 55, wherein the first active material is recessed relative to the exposed portion of the cathode terminal portion, and the second active material is recessed relative to the anode terminal portion.

Claims

1. An assembly comprising: It includes a first anode current collector and a first anode plate with a first active material on the first anode current collector; It includes a second anode current collector and a second anode plate with a second active material on the second anode current collector; and A cathode plate is located between the first anode plate and the second anode plate and adjacent to the first anode plate, wherein the cathode plate includes a cathode current collector having an exposed portion. The first active material is recessed relative to the exposed portion of the cathode plate, such that the first nearest periphery of the first active material is farther from the exposed portion of the cathode current collector than the second nearest periphery of the second active material.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the exposed portion is the base of the terminal piece of the cathode current collector.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first nearest periphery is equidistant from the exposed portion of the cathode current collector.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first nearest periphery is symmetrically curved.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first nearest periphery is substantially linear.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first distance between the first nearest periphery and the exposed portion is at least about 0.6 mm.

7. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cathode plate includes a first cathode plate, the cathode current collector includes a first cathode current collector, and the exposed portion includes a first exposed portion, and the assembly further includes: A third anode plate, the third anode plate comprising a third anode current collector and a third active material on the third anode current collector; and A second cathode plate between the second anode plate and the third anode plate, wherein the second cathode plate includes a second cathode current collector having a second exposed portion; The first active material is recessed relative to the first exposed portion of the first cathode plate, and the second active material is recessed relative to the second exposed portion of the second cathode plate.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the first nearest periphery of the first active material is a first distance from the first exposed portion of the first cathode current collector, the second nearest periphery of the second active material is a second distance from the second exposed portion of the second cathode current collector, and the first distance and the second distance are substantially the same.

9. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the first nearest periphery of the first active material is a first distance from the first exposed portion of the first cathode current collector, the second nearest periphery of the second active material is a second distance from the second exposed portion of the second cathode current collector, and the first distance is greater than the second distance.

10. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the first exposed portion is the first base of the first terminal piece of the first cathode current collector, and the second exposed portion is the second base of the second terminal piece of the second cathode current collector.

11. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and 8 to 10, further comprising an implantable medical device including a housing and processing circuitry, wherein the first anode plate, the second anode plate, and the cathode plate are within the housing, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to use power generated by the first anode plate, the second anode plate, and the cathode plate to control the delivery of electrical therapy from the implantable medical device to a patient.

Images