Battery stack support for vehicle battery unit
By designing multiple raised ribs in the battery cell can to support the electrode stack and form channels, the problem of limited gas flow in the prior art is solved, and the ventilation effect and efficiency of the battery system are improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202311385904.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-06-15
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-24
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing battery spacers limit gas flow, resulting in poor ventilation and affecting the efficiency of the battery system.
A battery cell can is designed including a plurality of raised ribs that provide a support surface on the electrode stack receiving area, and the vents are spaced from the side walls to form a passage for gas discharge and reduce airflow restrictions.
By improving the gas emission path, the ventilation effect of the battery system is enhanced, the temperature and gas emission blockage are reduced, and the charging and discharging efficiency of the battery is improved.
Smart Images
Figure CN119153886A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of rechargeable energy storage systems and, more particularly, to a battery stack support for a rechargeable vehicle battery system. Background Art
[0002] A rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) typically includes one or more battery packs with rechargeable energy storage cells. The battery packs may be connected to an external charging system that replenishes the electrical energy lost to a load. The charging system may be part of the vehicle, or may be part of an external charging station. When power is provided to the vehicle, the battery packs release the stored electrical energy. Replenishing and releasing the stored electrical energy results in the generation of gas that is exhausted from the battery packs.
[0003] There are a variety of systems for venting batteries. For example, many batteries will include a spacer disposed between the bottom surface of the battery cell can and the electrode stack. The spacer is typically formed of a heat resistant material. The spacer forms a channel in the bottom surface that directs the gas to the vent. While existing systems are effective, current spacers restrict gas flow, thereby restricting ventilation. Therefore, the art would welcome a spacer that is more open to airflow so as to reduce the restriction in the ventilation flow. Summary of the invention
[0004] According to a non-limiting example, a battery cell for a vehicle includes a battery cell can having a first wall, a second wall disposed opposite to the first wall, a first side wall extending between the first wall and the second wall and connecting the first wall to the second wall, and a second side wall positioned opposite to the first side wall, the second side wall extending between the first wall and the second wall and connecting the first wall to the second wall. The first wall, the second wall, the first side wall and the second side wall define an electrode stack receiving area. A vent is formed in the second wall. The vent is spaced apart from the first side wall and the second side wall. The vent connects the electrode stack receiving area to an external fluid of the battery cell can. The electrode stack is positioned in the electrode stack receiving area. The electrode stack is spaced apart from the first side wall by a channel. The battery cell may include a plurality of raised ribs formed in the second wall. Each of the plurality of raised ribs includes a support surface. The electrode stack rests on the support surface in the electrode stack receiving area.
[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, the plurality of raised ribs includes a first plurality of ribs formed in the second wall and extending between the first sidewall and the vent and a second plurality of ribs formed in the second wall and between the second sidewall and the vent.
[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the plurality of raised ribs includes a rectangular cross-section.
[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the plurality of raised ribs includes a circular cross-section.
[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the plurality of raised ribs includes a plurality of raised bumps formed in the second wall.
[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, a plurality of passages extend between the first sidewall and the vent, the plurality of passages being formed by the plurality of raised ribs.
[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, a channel extends between the electrode stack and the first sidewall, the channel being fluidly connected to the plurality of passages.
[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, the plurality of passages includes a first plurality of passages extending between the first sidewall and the vent and a second plurality of passages extending substantially perpendicular to the first plurality of passages.
[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, the plurality of raised ribs includes a first plurality of ribs formed in the second wall and a second plurality of ribs formed in the second wall, wherein the first plurality of ribs establish a first plurality of passages extending between the first side wall and the vent, and the second plurality of ribs establish a second plurality of passages extending between the second side wall and the vent.
[0013] In addition to one or more features described herein, a plastic support member is disposed between the electrode stack and the support surface.
[0014] According to a non-limiting example, a vehicle includes a vehicle body, an electric motor supported in the vehicle body, and a battery pack supported in the vehicle body and connected to the electric motor. The battery pack includes a battery cell having a battery cell can, the battery cell can including a first wall, a second wall disposed opposite to the first wall, a first side wall extending between the first wall and the second wall and connecting the first wall to the second wall, and a second side wall positioned opposite to the first side wall, the second side wall extending between the first wall and the second wall and connecting the first wall to the second wall. The first side wall and the second side wall define an electrode stack receiving area. A vent is formed in the second wall. The vent is spaced apart from the first side wall and the second side wall. The vent connects the electrode stack receiving area to an external fluid of the battery cell can. The electrode stack is positioned in the electrode stack receiving area. The electrode stack is spaced apart from the first side wall by a channel. The unit may include a plurality of raised ribs formed in the second wall. Each of the plurality of raised ribs includes a support surface. The electrode stack rests on the support surface in the electrode stack receiving area.
[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, the plurality of raised ribs includes a first plurality of ribs formed in the second wall and extending between the first sidewall and the vent and a second plurality of ribs formed in the second wall between the second sidewall and the vent.
[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the plurality of raised ribs includes a rectangular cross-section.
[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the plurality of raised ribs includes a circular cross-section.
[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the plurality of raised ribs includes a plurality of raised bumps formed in the second wall.
[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, a plurality of passages extend between the first sidewall and the vent, the plurality of passages being formed by the plurality of raised ribs.
[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, a channel extends between the electrode stack and the first sidewall, the channel being fluidly connected to the plurality of passages.
[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, the plurality of passages includes a first plurality of passages extending between the first sidewall and the vent and a second plurality of passages extending substantially perpendicular to the first plurality of passages.
[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, the plurality of raised ribs includes a first plurality of ribs formed in the second wall and a second plurality of ribs formed in the second wall, wherein the first plurality of ribs establish a first plurality of passages extending between the first side wall and the vent, and the second plurality of ribs establish a second plurality of passages extending between the second side wall and the vent.
[0023] In addition to one or more features described herein, a plastic support member is disposed between the electrode stack and the support surface.
[0024] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, from the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0026] Figure 1 is a left side view of a vehicle including a battery pack having a battery stack support according to a non-limiting example;
[0027] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a battery pack having a battery cell including a battery stack support according to a non-limiting example;
[0028] Figure 3 According to non-limiting examples Figure 2 a cross-sectional end view of a battery cell;
[0029] Figure 4 According to a non-limiting example, a battery stack support Figure 2 A top view of a battery cell; and
[0030] Figure 5 is a top view of a battery cell including a battery stack support according to another non-limiting example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts and features.
[0032] According to a non-limiting example, the vehicle Figure 11. The vehicle 10 is generally indicated at 10. The vehicle 10 includes a body 12 supported on a plurality of wheels 16. One or more of the plurality of wheels 16 are steerable. The body 12 partially defines a passenger compartment 20 having seats 23 positioned behind an instrument panel 26. A steering controller 30 is disposed between the seats 23 and the instrument panel 26. Operation The steering controller 30 is operated to control the orientation of the steerable wheel(s).
[0033] The vehicle 10 includes an electric motor 34 connected to a transmission 36 that provides power to one or more of the plurality of wheels 16. A rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) 38 is disposed in the vehicle body 12 and provides power to the electric motor 34. At this point, it should be understood that the location of the electric motor 34, the transmission 36, and the RESS 38 in the vehicle body 12 may vary. The RESS 38 has a battery pack 40 that includes a plurality of battery cell cans 44, one of which is located at a position 44. Figure 2 and Figure 3 At this point, it should be understood that the battery pack 40 includes a plurality of battery modules (not shown), each of which is formed of a plurality of battery cells (also not shown) having a battery cell can 44 .
[0034] In a non-limiting example, the battery cell can 44 includes a first wall 46 and a second wall 48. The battery cell can 44 includes a first side wall 50, a second side wall 52, a third side wall 54 ( Figure 3 ) and the fourth side wall 56 ( Figure 3 ) extends between and connects the first wall 46 and the second wall 48. The first wall 46, the second wall 48 and the side walls 50, 52, 54 and 56 define an electrode stack receiving area 60. In the non-limiting example shown, the first wall 46 is a top wall supporting a first terminal 64 and a second terminal 66. The first terminal 64 and the second terminal 66 are electrically connected to an external load, such as the motor 34. In the non-limiting example shown, the second wall 48 defines a bottom wall and includes a vent 70.
[0035] In a non-limiting example, an electrode stack 74 is disposed in the electrode stack receiving area 60. The electrode stack 74 stores electrical energy through the first terminal 64 and the second terminal 66 and releases the electrical energy to, for example, the motor 34. To this end, the first tab 76 and the second tab 78 provide an electrical interface between the electrode stack 74 and the corresponding terminals in the first terminal 64 and the second terminal 66. In a non-limiting example, a channel 80 extends around the electrode stack 74. The channel 80 provides a path for gases that may be generated by the electrode stack 74 during charging and / or discharging. The gas can pass along the channel 80 and escape the battery cell can 44 through the vent 70.
[0036] In a non-limiting example, the battery cell can 44 includes a plurality of raised ribs 84 that support the electrode stack 74. The raised ribs 84 take the form of depressions 86 formed in the second wall 48. Figure 4 In the non-limiting example shown, the plurality of raised ribs 84 include a first plurality of ribs 90 extending between the first sidewall 50 and the vent 70 and a second plurality of ribs 92 extending between the second sidewall 52 and the vent 70. In this non-limiting arrangement, the vent 70 is centrally located between the first plurality of ribs 90 and the second plurality of ribs 92.
[0037] In a non-limiting example, the first plurality of ribs 90 are spaced apart from each other and from the third sidewall 54 and the fourth sidewall 56 by a first plurality of passages 94. Similarly, the second plurality of ribs 92 are spaced apart from each other and from the third sidewall 54 and the fourth sidewall 56 by a second plurality of passages 96. The first plurality of passages 94 and the second plurality of passages 96 direct gas from the electrode stack 74 into the channel 80 to the vent 70. The number of ribs and passages may vary.
[0038] Reference will continue to be made when describing one of the first plurality of ribs 90. Figure 4 , it should be understood that the remaining ribs in the first plurality of ribs and the second plurality of ribs 92 include corresponding structures. Each of the first plurality of ribs 90 includes a generally rectangular cross-section and has a first end 103 spaced from the first sidewall 50 and a second end 105 spaced from the vent 70. The support surface 108 ( Figure 2 ) extends between the first end 103 and the second end 105.
[0039] In a non-limiting example, the electrode stack 74 is supported on a support surface 108 in the electrode stack receiving area 60. In a non-limiting example, a plastic sheet 110 is disposed on the support surface 108. The plastic sheet 110 includes a flat surface (not separately labeled) that eliminates stress concentrations that may occur when the electrode stack 74 is supported directly on the plurality of raised ribs 84. The raised ribs 84 provide a platform that lifts the electrode stack 74 from the second wall 48 to provide a clear path to allow gases that may be generated in the battery cell can 44 to vent to the environment.
[0040] Now refer to Figure 5A plurality of raised ribs 117 are described according to another exemplary aspect. The number, shape, and arrangement of the raised ribs 117 may vary. The raised ribs 117 take the form of depressions formed in the second wall 48. The raised ribs 117 include a first plurality of ribs 120 disposed between the first side wall 50 and the vent 70 and a second plurality of ribs 122 disposed between the second wall 52 and the vent 70. In a non-limiting example, the first plurality of ribs 120 and the second plurality of ribs 122 include a generally circular cross-section and are arranged in rows forming cross-flow paths.
[0041] In a non-limiting example, the first plurality of ribs 120 define a first plurality of passages 128 extending between the first sidewall 50 and the vent 70 and a second plurality of passages 130 extending between the third sidewall 54 and the fourth sidewall 56. The first plurality of passages 128 and the second plurality of passages 130 extend between adjacent ribs in the first plurality of ribs 90 and intersect at a substantially perpendicular angle. Similarly, the second plurality of ribs 122 define a third plurality of passages 133 extending between the second sidewall 52 and the vent 70 and a fourth plurality of passages 135 extending between the third sidewall 54 and the fourth sidewall 56. The second plurality of passages 133 and the fourth plurality of passages 135 extend between adjacent ribs in the second plurality of ribs 92 and intersect at a substantially perpendicular angle.
[0042] In a non-limiting example, each of the first plurality of ribs 90 and the second plurality of ribs 92 includes an upper surface or support surface 137. The electrode stack 74 rests on the support surface 137 of each of the first plurality of ribs 90 and the second plurality of ribs 92. In an alternative non-limiting example, a plastic sheet 110 is disposed on each support surface 137. The plastic sheet 110 includes a flat surface (not separately labeled) that eliminates stress concentrations that may occur when the electrode stack 74 is supported directly on the plurality of raised ribs 117. The raised ribs 84 provide a platform that lifts the electrode stack 74 from the second wall 48 to provide a clear path to allow gases that may be generated in the battery cell can 44 to vent to the environment.
[0043] At this point, it should be understood that the raised ribs according to the disclosed non-limiting example form a path for improving the venting of gases that may pass through the electrode stack during the charge and discharge cycle. In the event that the electrode stack overheats or experiences thermal overload, the enhanced venting also helps reduce temperature and gas emissions.
[0044] The terms "one" and "an" do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term "or" means "and / or". References to "aspects" throughout the specification mean that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in conjunction with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.
[0045] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present.
[0046] Unless otherwise indicated herein, all test standards are the most current standards in effect as of the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standards appear.
[0047] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.
[0048] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from its scope. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the basic scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.
Claims
1. A battery unit for a vehicle, comprising: A battery can may include a first wall, a second wall disposed opposite to the first wall, a first side wall extending between and connecting the first wall and the second wall, and a second side wall located opposite to the first side wall and extending between and connecting the first wall and the second wall, wherein the first wall, the second wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define an electrode stack receiving area; a vent formed in the second wall, the vent being spaced apart from the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the vent fluidly connecting the electrode stack receiving area with an exterior of the battery cell can; as well as an electrode stack positioned in the electrode stack receiving area, the electrode stack being spaced apart from the first side wall by a channel, Wherein, the battery can include a plurality of raised ribs formed in the second wall, each of the plurality of raised ribs including a support surface on which the electrode stack rests in the electrode stack receiving area.
2. The battery cell of claim 1, wherein the plurality of raised ribs include a first plurality of ribs formed in the second wall and extending between the first side wall and the vent, and a second plurality of ribs formed in the second wall between the second side wall and the vent. 3 . The battery cell of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of raised ribs comprises a rectangular cross-section. The battery cell of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of raised ribs comprises a circular cross-section. 5 . The battery cell of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of raised ribs comprises a plurality of raised bumps formed in the second wall. 6 . The battery cell of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of passages extending between the first side wall and the vent, the plurality of passages being formed by the plurality of raised ribs. 7 . The battery cell of claim 6 , further comprising a channel extending between the electrode stack and the first sidewall, the channel being fluidly connected to the plurality of passages.
8. A battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of raised ribs include a first plurality of ribs formed in the second wall and a second plurality of ribs formed in the second wall, the first plurality of ribs establishing a first plurality of passages extending between the first side wall and the vent, and the second plurality of ribs establishing a second plurality of passages extending between the second side wall and the vent. 9 . The battery cell of claim 1 , further comprising a plastic support member disposed between the electrode stack and the support surface.
10. A vehicle comprising: Car body; an electric motor supported in the vehicle body; as well as A battery pack supported in the vehicle body and connected to the electric motor includes the battery cell according to claim 1.