Battery stack support for vehicle battery cell

Abstract

A battery unit for a vehicle includes a battery can having a first wall, a second wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The first wall, the second wall, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall define an electrode stack receiving region. An exhaust port is formed in the second wall. The exhaust port is spaced from the first side wall and the second side wall. The vent fluidly connects the electrode stack receiving region with an exterior of the battery can. An electrode stack is positioned in the electrode stack receiving region. The electrode stack is spaced from the first sidewall by a channel. A cell stack support is disposed in the electrode stack receiving region and supports the electrode stack over the second wall. The cell stack support includes at least one passage that delivers gas from the channel to the vent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of rechargeable energy storage systems and, more particularly, to a cell stack support for rechargeable vehicle battery cells. Background Art

[0002] A rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) typically includes one or more battery packs with rechargeable energy storage cells. The battery packs can be connected to an external charging system that replenishes the electrical energy lost to a load. The charging system can be part of the vehicle, or it can 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, which is discharged from the battery packs.

[0003] There are a variety of systems for venting batteries. For example, many batteries include a spacer disposed between the bottom surface of the battery 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 the flow of gas, thereby restricting venting. Therefore, there is a desire in the art for a spacer that is more open to airflow in order 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 can having a first wall, a second wall disposed opposite to the first wall, a first side wall extending and connected between the first wall and the second wall, and a second side wall positioned opposite to the first side wall and extending and connected between the first wall and the second wall. An exhaust port is formed in the second wall, and the exhaust port is spaced apart from the first side wall and the second side wall. The exhaust port connects an electrode stack receiving area to an external fluid of the battery 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. A battery stack support is arranged in the electrode stack receiving area to support the electrode stack above the second wall. The battery stack support includes at least one passage for transporting gas from the channel to the exhaust port.

[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, the battery stack support includes a first member and a plurality of support members, the first member including a first surface and an opposite second surface, the first surface being arranged on the second wall, the plurality of support members extending from a first end connected to the second surface to a second end, and the at least one passage being defined between adjacent support members among the plurality of support members.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, a second member is connected to the second end of each of the plurality of support members.

[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first member includes a plurality of openings extending through the first surface and the second surface.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, the battery stack support includes a body having a first surface and a second surface, and the at least one passage is formed in the body substantially perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface.

[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, the at least one passageway has a circular cross-section.

[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, the body is formed of a porous material, and the at least one passageway includes a plurality of passageways defined between interstitial spaces in the porous material.

[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, one of the plurality of support members extends across the second surface at a first angle and another of the plurality of support members extends across the second surface at a second angle, and the at least one passageway is a tapered passageway.

[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, the tapered channel includes an inlet and an outlet, the tapered channel converging from the inlet to the outlet.

[0013] In addition to one or more features described herein, one of the plurality of support members is formed by a first plurality of angled fins spaced apart from one another across the second surface, and another of the plurality of support members is formed by a second plurality of angled fins spaced apart from one another across the second surface, the first plurality of angled fins and the second plurality of angled fins being spaced apart from one another by the at least one passage.

[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 including a battery cell supported in the vehicle body and connected to the electric motor. The battery cell includes a battery cell can, the battery can having a first wall, a second wall disposed opposite to the first wall, a first side wall extending and connected between the first wall and the second wall, and a second side wall positioned opposite to the first side wall and extending and connected between the first wall and the second wall, the first wall, the second wall, the first side wall and the second side wall defining an electrode stack receiving area. An exhaust port is formed in the second wall. The exhaust port is spaced apart from the first side wall and the second side wall. The exhaust port connects the electrode stack receiving area to an external fluid of the battery 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. A battery stack support is arranged in the electrode stack receiving area to support the electrode stack above the second wall. The battery stack support includes at least one passage for conveying gas from the channel to the exhaust port.

[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, the battery stack support includes a first member and a plurality of support members, the first member including a first surface and an opposing second surface, the first surface being arranged on the second wall, the plurality of support members extending from a first end connected to the second surface to a second end, and the at least one passage being defined between adjacent support members among the plurality of support members.

[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, a second member is connected to the second end of each of the plurality of support members.

[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first member includes a plurality of openings extending through the first surface and the second surface.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, the battery stack support includes a body having a first surface and a second surface, and the at least one passage is formed in the body substantially perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, the at least one passageway has a circular cross-section.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, the body is formed of a porous material, and the at least one passageway includes a plurality of passageways defined between interstitial spaces in the porous material.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, one of the plurality of support members extends across the second surface at a first angle and another of the plurality of support members extends across the second surface at a second angle, and the at least one passageway is a tapered passageway.

[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, the tapered channel includes an inlet and an outlet, the tapered channel converging from the inlet to the outlet.

[0023] In addition to one or more features described herein, one of the plurality of support members is formed by a first plurality of angled fins spaced apart from one another across the second surface, and another of the plurality of support members is formed by a second plurality of angled fins spaced apart from one another across the second surface, the first plurality of angled fins and the second plurality of angled fins being spaced apart from one another by the at least one passage.

[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 battery cells including a battery stack support according to a non-limiting example;

[0027] Figure 2 is a front cross-sectional view of a battery cell with a battery stack support according to a non-limiting example;

[0028] Figure 3 According to non-limiting examples Figure 2 An end view of a battery cell;

[0029] Figure 4 is an end view of a battery stack support according to a non-limiting example;

[0030] Figure 5 is an end view of a battery stack support according to another non-limiting example;

[0031] Figure 6 is a top view of a battery stack support according to a non-limiting example;

[0032] Figure 7 is an end view of a battery stack support according to yet another non-limiting example;

[0033] Figure 8 is an end view of a battery cell including a battery stack support according to another non-limiting example;

[0034] Fig. 9 is a bottom view of a battery stack support according to a non-limiting example; and

[0035] Fig.10 is a bottom view of a battery stack support according to another non-limiting example; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] 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.

[0037] According to a non-limiting example, the vehicle Figure 1 1. 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. The steering controller 30 is operated to control the orientation of the steerable wheels.

[0038] 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 cell cans 44, one of which is located in a plurality of locations. 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 can 44 .

[0039] In a non-limiting example, the battery can 44 includes a first wall 46 and a second wall 48. The battery 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 an exhaust port 70.

[0040] In a non-limiting example, the electrode stack 74 is arranged 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, the channel 80 extends around the electrode stack 74. The channel 80 provides a passage for gases that may be generated by the electrode stack 74 during charging and / or discharging from the battery can 44. The gas can pass along the channel 80 and escape the battery can 44 through the exhaust port 70.

[0041] In a non-limiting example, the electrode stack 74 is supported above the second wall 48 by a battery stack support 84. At this point, it should be understood that the number, arrangement, and relative thickness of the battery stack supports may vary. Figure 4 The battery stack support 84 includes a first member 94 having a first surface 96 and a second surface 98 . The second surface 98 is opposite the first surface 96 .

[0042] A plurality of support members 100 protrude outwardly from the first surface 96. The support members 100 extend substantially perpendicularly relative to the first member 94. Each support member 100 includes a first end 102 and a second end 104, the first end being coupled to the first surface 96. In the non-limiting example shown, the second end 104 is cantilevered from the first surface 96. The support members 100 are spaced apart from one another so as to create channels 108 when supporting the electrode stack 74. The channels 108 direct gases that may escape the electrode stack 74 to the exhaust port 70. The number and arrangement of the channels 108 may vary.

[0043] like Figure 5 As shown, the battery stack support 84 may also include a second member 112 coupled to the second end 104. With this arrangement, the electrode stack 74 may rest on the second member 112. Figure 6 , the first member 94 is shown as including a plurality of openings that fluidly connect the electrode stack receiving area 60 with the channel 108 to further enhance venting of gases that may escape the electrode stack 74 during charge and discharge cycles or thermal runaway events.

[0044] Figure 7A battery stack support 126 is shown having a body 130 including a first surface 132 and a second surface 134. The second surface 134 is opposite the first surface 132. A plurality of channels 136 extend through the body 130 between the first surface 132 and the second surface 134. The channels 136 direct gases that may escape the electrode stack 74 from the channels 80 through the exhaust ports 70 to the environment during charge and discharge cycles or thermal runaway events. In the non-limiting example shown, the channels 136 include a circular cross-section.

[0045] However, it should be understood that the cross-section of the passage 136 can take various forms and shapes, including circular and non-circular geometries. In addition, it should be understood that the number and arrangement of the passages 136 can vary. The passages 136 can be arranged in a single row as shown, or in multiple rows. The passages 136 can be aligned with each other or can be offset relative to each other. Figure 8 Depicted is a body 130 formed of a porous material 143. The porous material 143 includes a plurality of interstitial spaces that form passages for exhaust gases.

[0046] Fig. 9 A battery stack support 148 according to another non-limiting example is shown. The battery stack support 148 includes a body 150 having a first surface (not shown) supporting the electrode stack 74 and a second surface 154 opposite the first surface. The battery stack support 148 includes a support member 156 and a second support member 158 extending from the second surface 154. The first support member 156 is spaced apart from the second support member 158 to form a passage 160.

[0047] The first support member 156 includes a first side surface 162 having a first angle, and the second support member 158 includes a second side surface 165 having a second angle. The passage 160 is defined between the first side surface 162 and the second side surface 165. The first angle and the second angle impart a taper to the passage 160. The taper creates a flow restriction that enhances the flow of gas transferred from the passage 80 to the exhaust port 70.

[0048] exist Fig.10 , the battery stack support 170 is shown to include a body 172 having a first surface (not shown) supporting the electrode stack 74 and a second surface 180 opposite the first surface. A first plurality of support members 182 protrude from the second surface 180, and a second plurality of support members 182 protrude from the second surface 180 spaced apart from the first plurality of support members 182. A central passage 186 extends between the first plurality of support members 182 and the second plurality of support members 184 along a central axis "A" of the battery stack support 170.

[0049] The first plurality of support members 182 are spaced apart from one another by a first plurality of gaps 190, and the second plurality of support members 184 are spaced apart from one another by a second plurality of gaps 192. Each of the first plurality of support members 182 is angled relative to the central axis "A". Likewise, each of the second plurality of support members 184 is angled relative to the central axis "A". Because the first plurality of support members 182 and the second plurality of support members 184 are angled, each of the first plurality of gaps 190 and the second plurality of gaps 192 are angled. The angled first plurality of support members 182 and the second plurality of support members 184 form additional flow paths that enhance the flow rate of gas passing from the passage 80 to the exhaust port 70.

[0050] At this point, it should be understood that the battery stack support according to the disclosed non-limiting example includes an improved exhaust path for gases that may pass from the electrode stack during the charge and discharge cycle. The enhanced exhaust also helps to reduce the temperature in the event that the electrode stack overheats or experiences thermal overload.

[0051] The term "one" does not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicates the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 having a first wall, a second wall disposed opposite to the first wall, a first side wall extending between and connected to the first wall and the second wall, and a second side wall located opposite to the first side wall and extending between and connected to 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 third wall and the fourth wall, the vent fluidly connecting the electrode stack receiving area with an exterior of the battery can; an electrode stack positioned in the electrode stack receiving area, the electrode stack being spaced apart from the third wall by a passage; as well as A cell stack support is disposed in the electrode stack receiving area and supports the electrode stack above the second wall, the cell stack support including at least one passageway that delivers gas from the channel to the exhaust port.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: The battery stack support includes a first member and a plurality of support members, the first member includes a first surface and an opposite second surface, the first surface is arranged on the second wall, the plurality of support members extend from a first end connected to the second surface to a second end, and the at least one passage is defined between adjacent support members among the plurality of support members. 3 . The battery cell according to claim 2 , further comprising a second member connected to the second end of each of the plurality of support members.

4. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein: The first member includes a plurality of openings extending through the first surface and the second surface.

5. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: The battery stack support includes a body having a first surface and a second surface, and the at least one passage is formed in the body substantially perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface. The battery cell of claim 5 , wherein the at least one passage has a circular cross-section.

7. The battery cell according to claim 5, wherein: The body is formed of a porous material, and the at least one passage includes a plurality of passages defined between interstitial spaces in the porous material.

8. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: One of the plurality of support members extends across the second surface at a first angle, and another of the plurality of support members extends across the second surface at a second angle, and the at least one passageway is a tapered passageway.

9. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: One of the plurality of support members is formed by a first plurality of angled fins spaced apart from one another across the second surface, and another of the plurality of support members is formed by a second plurality of angled fins spaced apart from one another across the second surface, the first plurality of angled fins and the second plurality of angled fins being spaced apart from one another by the at least one passage.

10. A vehicle comprising: Car body; an electric motor supported in the vehicle body; as well as The battery unit according to claim 1, the battery unit being supported in the vehicle body and connected to the electric motor.

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