Battery pack system

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a battery pack involving one or more stacks of battery cells wherein the stacks of battery cells are captured between plates or other members that are controlled to maintain forces on the cells to manage pressure on the cells in the stack. Some battery cell techniques, such as some forms of solid state cells, operate optimally at controlled stacking pressures provided by the systems described herein.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 343,433, filed on May 18, 2022, entitled “Battery Pack System,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the invention generally relate to systems and methods for controlling forces on a battery cell to maintain proper operation of the battery cell during its charge and discharge cycles. Background Art

[0004] Solid-state battery cells are often deployed in a pouch configuration. A battery cell typically includes a layered structure that includes an anode and a cathode separated by a solid electrolyte. The layered structure, which may include multiple units of anode, electrolyte, cathode layers, is enclosed in a flexible layered structure, which in some cases is referred to as a pouch. Flexible pouches are used in some solid-state batteries because the discrete cells expand and contract during charging and discharging.

[0005] More specifically, with reference to the example of a cathode material containing a lithium compound, during charging, Li+ ions are extracted from the cathode and migrate to the anode through the solid electrolyte, and electrons are transferred from the cathode to the anode through any device that charges the battery. Conversely, during discharge, Li+ ions and electrons migrate and flow in opposite directions, with cathode reduction and anode oxidation. Here, electrons flow through any device powered by the battery. Pouch-like housings are advantageous because the anode and cathode expand and contract during charging and discharging, albeit unevenly. That is, the anode expands disproportionately more than the cathode contracts, resulting in a net positive expansion of the cell when ions move from the cathode to the anode during charging. Conversely, the anode then contracts disproportionately more than the cathode expands, resulting in a net negative contraction of the cell during discharge.

[0006] Complicating the situation where cells shrink and expand differentially, it is advantageous to maintain contact and pressure between particles that make up the various layers and between layers. In addition, it may be important to manage the pressure so that it is evenly distributed and to maintain the pressure at any given value for any particle cell type. Improper pressure management can lead to a variety of problems, including increased resistance, non-uniformity within the cell, capacity fade, reduced cycle life, dendrite growth, etc.

[0007] It is with these observations, as well as other factors, that various aspects of the present disclosure were conceived. Summary of the invention

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a battery force management system, comprising a first cell stack positioned between a first member and a second member, the cell may be a solid-state cell, and more specifically a solid-state pouch cell, the first member being movably mounted and arranged to apply a force on the first cell stack. The system includes a drive unit operably coupled to the first member to move the first member, thereby controllably applying the force. The drive unit may be operably coupled to the first member to move the first member, thereby controllably applying the force in response to a determination of a force on the first cell stack. The determination of the force on the first cell stack may be based on changes in the first cell stack during charging or discharging of the cell stack.

[0009] In a particular aspect, the system may further include a first threaded drive rod operably coupled to a drive unit to rotate the first threaded drive rod, the first threaded drive rod operably coupled to a threaded portion of a first member, and the operable coupling of the threaded drive rod to the threaded portion of the first member moves the first member to controllably apply the force in response to the determination of the force during the change of the cell stack. In another aspect, the system may further include a second threaded drive rod operably coupled to a drive unit to rotate the second threaded drive rod, wherein the second member is movably mounted and arranged to cooperate with the first member to apply the force to the cell stack, and the first threaded drive rod and the second threaded drive rod each include a first threaded portion and a second threaded portion, and wherein the first threaded portion is coupled to a corresponding first threaded portion of the first member, and the second threaded portion is coupled to a corresponding second threaded portion of the second member, so that the first member and the second member move inwardly toward each other or outwardly away from each other, thereby controllably applying the force in response to the determination of the force during the change of the cell stack.

[0010] In various possible examples, the drive unit includes a planetary gear assembly having planetary gears operably coupled to a drive rod and a sun gear for driving the planetary gears. The drive unit may further include a motor supporting a worm gear to drive the sun gear. In another example, the drive unit includes a belt and pulley system having a pulley coupled to the drive rod and a motor coupled to the pulley via a belt. In this example, the motor is coupled to the movable member.

[0011] In another example, the system may include a second battery cell stack positioned between a third member and a fourth member, the second battery cell stack may also be a solid-state battery cell, and the third member is movably mounted and arranged to apply a force on the second battery cell stack. In this example, a drive unit is positioned between the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack, and the drive unit is further operably coupled to the third member to move the third member, thereby controllably applying the force in response to the determination of the force during the change of the battery cell stack. The drive unit may be a motor configured to rotate a threaded axle cooperating with a first threaded portion of the first member and a third threaded portion of the third member to move the first member toward or away from the second member and move the third member toward or away from the fourth member, thereby controllably applying the force in response to the determination of the force during the change of the battery cell stack.

[0012] In various possible examples and arrangements, the system may include a load cell positioned to determine forces on the first cell stack and / or other cell stacks.

[0013] In various possible examples, the first component, the second component, the third component and / or the fourth component may be plates, and more specifically, may be box end plates.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of controlling a pressure of a battery cell stack, the method comprising or accessing a value indicating a pressure of a cell stack; and in response to the value indicating a pressure of a cell stack, controllably changing the position of at least one member that operably engages a cell stack, wherein the change in the position of the at least one member changes the pressure of the cell stack. The cell stack may include a plurality of solid-state soft-pack cells, wherein each of the plurality of solid-state soft-pack cells changes volume in response to charging or discharging. In one arrangement, at least one member is a plate that operably contacts at least one cell in the cell stack, and the change in the position of the plate adjusts the force on the cell stack. The value may indicate the pressure of the cell stack and be a force measurement. The value may indicate a change in the pressure of the cell stack during charging and discharging of the solid-state soft-pack cells. In addition, the value may indicate the pressure of the cell stack and be a sensor measurement indicating the force on the at least one member. In addition, at least one member may include a first plate and a second plate, wherein the first plate and the second plate may be controllably movable relative to the cell stack, the cell stack being positioned between the first plate and the second plate, such as relative movement of at least one of the first plate or the second plate adjusting the force on the cell stack.

[0015] These and other aspects of the disclosure are described in further detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] From the following description of specific examples of those inventive concepts, various objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure set forth herein will be apparent, as shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and may contain only certain features representing various features of specific examples, with emphasis on illustrating the principles and other aspects of the inventive concepts. Also, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals may refer to the same or similar parts throughout the different views. It is intended that the specific examples and drawings disclosed herein be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0017] Figure 1A is a representative top view of a battery pack including a translationally supported end plate that is movably controlled to provide a force on a battery cell, wherein the cell is in a relatively discharged state such that the cell has a smaller width than in a more fully charged state;

[0018] Figure 1B for Figure 1A A representative top view of a battery pack with cells in relatively more states of charge and with end plates relatively further apart to accommodate a larger battery pack. Figure 1A More discharge states with higher relative widths while maintaining appropriate forces on the cell;

[0019] Figure 2 A representative isometric view of a possible example of a solid-state pouch cell;

[0020] Figure 3A is a front view of a planetary gear drive assembly for rotating a drive rod in one embodiment;

[0021] Figure 3B is a side view of a battery pack using a planetary gear drive assembly;

[0022] Figure 4 is a front view of an alternative planetary gear assembly for rotating a drive rod in one embodiment;

[0023] Figure 5A is a representative top view of a battery pack including translationally supported end plates, the end plates being positioned and supported to provide pressure on pouch cells disposed therebetween, the end plates being movably controlled to provide forces on battery cells, the end plates being driven relatively inwardly or outwardly by a pulley system to maintain forces on the pouch cells between the plates;

[0024] Figure 5Bis a representative top view of a battery pack having opposed battery modules, the battery modules each including a translationally supported end plate, the end plates positioned and supported to provide pressure on battery cells disposed therebetween, the end plates movably controlled to provide a force on the battery cells, the end plates being relatively driven inwardly or outwardly to maintain the force on the plates via a pulley system operably coupled to the two battery modules;

[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 5A A front view of the pulley system;

[0026] Figure 7 is a representative top view of a battery pack having a battery cell including translationally supported end plates that are movably controlled to provide a force on the battery cell, the end plates being relatively driven inwardly or outwardly to maintain the force on the plates via an alternative pulley system;

[0027] Figure 8 A flow chart depicting a method of maintaining pressure on a battery cell stack in one embodiment;

[0028] Fig. 9A is a representative top view of a battery pack having cells including translationally supported end plates of respective pressure modules, the end plates translating to maintain pressure on the cells via motors positioned between the pressure modules;

[0029] Fig. 9B is a representative top view of a battery stack including translationally supported end plates of respective pressure modules of the stack that translate to maintain pressure on battery cells within respective modules via bi-directional piston actuators positioned between the pressure modules.

[0030] Fig. 9C is a representative top view of a battery pack including translationally supported end plates of respective pressure modules of the pack, the end plates translating to maintain pressure on battery cells within the respective modules by piston actuators mounted on one plate such that the piston actuator translates with the plate and the piston rods engage the opposing plate such that the end plates of the respective modules each translate due to extension or retraction of the piston rods;

[0031] Fig.9D is a representative top view of a battery pack including translationally supported end plates of respective pressure modules of the pack, the end plates translating to maintain pressure on battery cells within the respective modules by a pair of piston actuators mounted on one plate such that the pair of piston actuators translate with the plate and the piston rods engage the opposing plate such that the end plates of the respective modules each translate due to extension or retraction of the piston rods;

[0032] Fig.10is a diagram of a computing system that may be used to provide control in the various arrangements described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to various systems and methods that monitor cells of a battery pack, which may be pouch-type cells, and adjust external forces on the cells to maintain optimal pressures on and within the cells for optimal operation when a group of such cells are cycled between a charging state and a discharging state, and to maintain appropriate pressures when the group of cells is in a balanced state and is not charging or discharging. At a high level, in order to function properly, it is advantageous to maintain uniform and appropriate pressures on each battery cell for optimal operation. Providing appropriate pressures is advantageous for various cell types, including hybrid solid / liquid cells, some liquid cells (including cells using lithium metal and silicon anodes), and solid-state battery cells. In the various examples set forth herein, reference may be made to solid-state battery cells, but it should be understood that various aspects of the present disclosure can be used for various forms of rechargeable battery cells, where appropriate pressure application is advantageous for the operation of the cells and any battery pack incorporating multiple batteries.

[0034] In general, for various cell types, it is advantageous to maintain appropriate and relatively evenly distributed particle contacts within the cell and between the various layers of any particular cell configuration. When appropriate contact and / or pressure is not maintained, there may be various possible problems, including non-uniformity and increased resistance, which may lead to various possible adverse effects on the cell or on the operation of the cell or cell group. Thus, various specific examples discussed herein monitor the external forces of the cell and control the external forces on the cell to provide the optimal force on the cell and the pressure within the cell, while adapting to the expansion of the cell during charging and the contraction of the cell during discharge. In addition to the expansion and contraction from charging and discharging, other factors may be factors that change the forces on the cell stack, such as temperature, state of charge, atmospheric pressure, and other factors, either individually or in combination. Various aspects of the present disclosure may also enhance the uniform distribution of forces on the cell, so that the pressure within the cell and the accompanying particle contact are relatively evenly distributed, which can help avoid discontinuities in any given layer or between layers, as well as other advantages.

[0035] The term "battery" in the art and herein may be used in various ways and may refer to an individual cell having an anode and a cathode separated by an electrolyte, which may be a solid electrolyte, and may also refer to a collection of such cells connected in various arrangements. A solid electrolyte battery cell may include more than one anode and cathode separated by a solid electrolyte layer, and may be enclosed in a flexible "pouch" that accommodates the expansion and contraction of the anode and cathode as the battery cell is charged and discharged. Although many examples are discussed herein, it should be understood that the described systems and methods may be applied to many different types of batteries, battery chemistries, and may range from individual cells to batteries involving different possible interconnections of cells, such as cells in parallel, in series, and in parallel and in series. The various embodiments discussed herein may also be applied to battery arrangements of different structures, including soft-pack battery cells and other battery structures that can accommodate changes in the size of the electrodes.

[0036] Figure 1A and 1B A representative system diagram of a battery pack 100 is shown, the battery pack including a battery in a discharged state ( Figure 1A ) and charging status ( Figure 1B ) of a solid-state soft-pack battery cell 102. Note that Figure 1A Some of the details shown in Figure 1B It is not present in the battery pack. It can be seen that the individual cells expand in the charged state relative to the discharged state. The battery pack may include some form of packaging or housing 104 to house the cells. Any number of possible housing configurations and arrangements are contemplated. As described above, Figure 1A and 1B The example cells mentioned in are solid-state battery cells; however, the battery pack is not limited to use with solid-state cells and can be used with various cell types where providing a controlled force on the cell may be advantageous. It should be noted that the term stack is not meant to refer to vertical orientation or battery cells stacked on top of each other, but rather is meant to refer to multiple battery cells, which may be pouch cells, positioned adjacent to each other in a battery pack.

[0037] Figure 21 is a representative isometric view of a possible example of a soft-pack battery cell 102. The shape of the soft-pack battery cell is generally rectangular, with conductive tabs 200A and 200B extending from each end of the corresponding battery cell. In another arrangement, a pair of conductive tabs may extend from the same side of the battery cell. The conductive tab 200A from one end of the battery cell is connected to the anode (or usually the anode) of the battery cell, usually at one or more current collectors that form part of the layered structure and are in electrical contact with the anode, and the conductive tab 200B at the other end of the battery cell is connected to the cathode (or usually the cathode) of the battery cell, also at one or more current collectors, which also form part of the layered structure and are in electrical contact with the cathode. The soft-pack battery cell may have different configurations, shapes and sizes. In the representative example shown, there is a boundary area 202, at which the outer flexible bag material layer encapsulating the layered battery cell structure therein is joined and seals the layered structure therein. The portion of the bag at the inner layered structure 204 is relatively wider than the sealed area, and is the portion of the bag that is subject to expansion and contraction of the battery cells 206 therein, wherein the direction of expansion and contraction is indicated by the arrows drawn perpendicular to the outer surface of the area 204. Typically, the anode is the negative electrode of the cell, and the cathode is the positive electrode of the cell. As already mentioned, battery pack systems can be used for a variety of different cell types including various different types of solid-state cells. In general, each unit has some specified open circuit voltage and capacity (usually specified in Ah (ampere hours)). In a battery pack, the cells are interconnected in various possible series and parallel arrangements to provide the total battery pack voltage, capacity, and charge / discharge current characteristics of the system that the group is powering.

[0038] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1B As in other figures, the corresponding battery cell 102 is shown in a top view, and a separator 106 is provided between each soft-pack battery cell. Figure 1A and 1B ) are shown as flat rectangular shapes in the various views, but it should be noted that wider areas, such as Figure 2 The area 204 of the various cells is not too complicated. Figure 1A and 1B 1 and 10 (not shown) are connected to corresponding power rails. It is worth noting that the tabs and power rails extending from the cells may not be depicted in all views to avoid overcomplicating the views. In addition, although the power rails are referred to as being located along either side of the group of adjacent tabs, the power rails may be arranged in other locations, and similarly, tabs may extend from other portions of any particular type of pouch cell.

[0039] The battery cell 102 is positioned between the first end plate 108 and the second end plate 110. The end plate may be planar. In alternative examples, particularly in configurations that may experience a wide range of pressures and high pressures (e.g., 50PSI to 1500PSI), the end plate may include a reinforcing structure to prevent or eliminate bending or other deformation. In other examples, the end plate may define some preset reverse curves that deform and flatten into a planar orientation under the battery stack pressure applied by the system. In one example, one or both end plates may be box end plates. The end plate, or more generally a retaining member, captures a collection of pouch-shaped battery cells, and as will be discussed in more detail throughout, and maintains the force (pressure) on the collection of cells by controllably moving inward toward each other as the cells discharge and their volume decreases or by controllably moving outward away from each other as the cells charge and their volume increases. Essentially, the collection of cells between the plates is squeezed with controlled force by and between the end plates to maintain the proper force / pressure on the cells as they expand and contract during charge and discharge cycles. The end plates maintain a consistent pressure on the facing surfaces of the cells arranged in parallel and adjacent to each plate, which is translated through the pouch cells positioned in parallel between the end plates, and which is maintained consistently over the possible range of variation.

[0040] The end plate is movably supported within the battery pack 100. Figure 1A and 1B In the example of and other examples discussed below, drive rods 112A, 112B are positioned between the end plates along the sides of the battery pack. In one example, there are four rods positioned between the corresponding corners and extending longitudinally between the rectangular end plates. The third and fourth (lower) drive rods are not visible in the top view. In one example, the drive rods include threaded portions 114A, 114B, which are supported in corresponding threaded portions of orifices 116 defined at the four corners of the rectangular end plates (or threaded nuts mounted coaxially with the orifices (e.g., welded to the end plates)). By rotating the threaded drive rods, the end plates can be driven inwardly toward each other and outwardly away from each other.

[0041] In one example, each drive rod has a first threaded portion 114A and a second threaded portion 114B. The first threaded portion of the drive rod engages the first plate 108, and the second threaded portion of the drive rod engages the second plate 110. The two threaded portions are generally helical, and by rotating the threaded drive rod, the end plate moves by engaging corresponding threads in corresponding orifices (or drive nuts). The first threaded portion is oppositely threaded to the second threaded portion. With opposite threads, rotating the drive rod in one direction can move the plates inward, and rotating the drive rod in the opposite direction can move them outward. In Figure 1A and 1BIn the view of FIG. 1 , rotating the drive rod in one direction will move the left box end plate 110 to the right (inward), and the right box end plate 108 will move relatively to the left (inward). Rotating the drive rod in the opposite direction will move the left box end plate 110 to the left (outward), and the right box end plate 108 will move relatively to the right (outward).

[0042] Typically, the end plates will move between a maximum spacing distance (outward) and a minimum spacing distance (inward). The range of separation distances is established to accommodate at least the range between the maximum width change and the minimum width change that the battery cell set will experience between a fully charged state and a fully discharged state. Depending on the extent of any charge or discharge cycle, the end plates may move to a certain extent that is less than the maximum or minimum spacing distance. Nevertheless, the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion of each tie rod should have sufficient length to accommodate the maximum spacing and the minimum spacing between the plates in any given group arrangement of the battery cells. The drive rod may be evenly subdivided into half of the drive rods including the threaded portion 114A and the other half including the threaded portion 114B; however, in various specific examples, the threaded portions may only extend sufficiently to accommodate the amount of plate movement, and / or may be unevenly sized. In some of the various specific examples discussed herein, the two end plates move inward or outward to maintain appropriate pressure on the battery cells. However, in some arrangements, it may be sufficient to fix one plate and move the other plate to accommodate expanding and contracting batteries. In such an arrangement, the separation between the end plates is achieved by moving only one plate to accommodate cell expansion and contraction. In such an arrangement, one plate may contain a threaded aperture, nut, threaded insert, or some other threaded arrangement, and the other plate may contain a bearing or other structure to support the rod.

[0043] In order to maintain a relatively uniform force (pressure) applied by the end plates on the battery cells, the end plates are arranged and maintained parallel to each other, and the bags are arranged so that the relative planar portions of the battery cells facing the corresponding end plates are also generally parallel to each other and parallel to the end plates. In one example, the plates are maintained in such an arrangement by a pull rod in each corner. The pitch between the four drive rods and the corresponding orifices is the same, so the uniform rotation of the drive rods moves the corresponding plates uniformly. Therefore, the corresponding planes of the plates facing inwardly toward the battery cells are parallel, and parallel orientations are maintained when the plates move inwardly and outwardly, and the parallel planes maintain a uniform pressure distribution on the battery. In addition, the end plates may include one or more guide members supported in the guide rails 120, which are positioned below and above the bagged battery cells in the group, positioned on either side of the soft pack battery cells or in the sidewalls of the group, or positioned in other possible arrangements and other possible guide structures. The guide members may be planar and assembled in the guide grooves of the guide rails, or the guide members may define the narrow slots and the guide rails are planar members. In either arrangement, the cooperation of the guide members and rails (or members and tracks as the case may be) maintains the end plates in a consistent plane perpendicular to the inward and outward movement axes to enhance consistent pressure on the cell stack squeezed between the plates.

[0044] In various examples, the drive rods are driven by a drive unit 118. Generally, the drive unit rotates the corresponding drive rod in response to a determination of the force that needs to be applied to the battery cell. The drive unit communicates with a controller 122. The controller can receive sensor or other information indicating various parameters including pressure, force, temperature, battery pack position, and / or other parameters, and includes control processes for moving and positioning the plates to provide pressure on the battery cells within the pack.

[0045] Figure 3A A front view of one possible example of a drive unit 300 is shown. Figure 3B is a side view of an alternative drive unit 350 . Figure 3B Further depicted is an interior portion of a battery pack including a plurality of stacked pouch cells 102 separated by compliant pads 106 and compressed by a threaded tie rod 112 and end plates 108, 110 arrangement driven by a drive unit 350. The drive unit may be positioned at one of the end plates on a side of the end plate opposite the cell stack. Figure 3A In the specific example of , the drive unit includes a planetary gear system 320 having planetary gears 322A to 322D coupled to corresponding drive rods 312A to 312D. Figure 3A and 3BIn the example of , there are four planet gears for the corresponding four drive rods. The sun gear 324 is positioned to engage and drive the planet gears. It should be noted that some definitions of conventional planetary gear systems involve the planet gears rotating around the sun gear; however, in various specific examples discussed herein, the planet gears do not rotate or orbit the sun gear. Figure 3A and 3B In the particular example shown, four planet gears are driven by a single sun gear 324. The planet gears are axially located with each drive rod 112 and can be coupled to each drive rod such that rotation of the planet gears rotates the corresponding drive rod, and the rotation of the gears, and therefore the drive rods, is the same, thereby causing uniform planar movement of the end plates 108, 110 inwardly and outwardly consistent with the helical conformity between the threads on the rods. In addition, each planet gear has the same size, so rotation of the sun gear causes each planet gear to rotate uniformly, thereby helping to maintain the above-mentioned plane-parallel orientation of the end plates.

[0046] Figure 3A The planetary gear assembly arrangement of is shown as having an equidistant relationship between the planetary gears in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Thus, the planetary gears are also equidistantly distributed around the outer diameter of the sun gear that meshes with each of the planetary gears. In such a symmetrical arrangement, driving the planetary gears with a single motor can be enhanced because the forces are evenly distributed to each drive rod through the corresponding planetary gears. Because large forces may be involved, up to 1500PSI for some cells, the arrangement can become advantageous, especially in situations where a single motor is involved and space for a relatively large power motor is not available, practical, or is avoided for other reasons. Figure 3B A similar arrangement is shown, albeit with non-equidistantly spaced planet gears. The sun gear is powered to rotate the corresponding planet gears. In one arrangement, the sun gear may be driven directly by a motor 352 axially connected to the planet gear axles, such as Figure 3B Alternatively, and as Figure 3A As shown in , the motor 354 is positioned adjacent to the planetary gears. The motor 354 includes a drive gear 356 that meshes with the planetary gears 324 to rotate them. The adjacent arrangement provides the possibility of positioning the motor assembly in a relatively small area compared to the area where the motor is directly coupled to the sun gear shaft. The motor and the drive gear can be positioned between any of the corresponding planetary gears. If the motor and its drive axis are positioned transverse to the sun gear, the motor can include a worm drive gear to mesh with the sun gear.

[0047] As mentioned, the rotation of the planetary gears rotates the drive rods that drive the plates inward or outward. However, depending on whether the cells are expanding or contracting, the pressure from the cells between the plates will push the plates more or less. In the specific example of using a worm gear to drive the sun gear, no holding force from the motor is required because the worm gear cannot be back-driven. That is, the pressure from the plates translated back to the sun gear by the planetary gears will not rotate the worm gear. In this way, when the battery pack is not charging or discharging and therefore will not expand or contract, the pressure can be set by positioning the plates to maintain the pressure on the cell stack, but power can be removed from the system when the pressure is set (e.g., the motor does not have to be powered to maintain the pressure) because the pressure from the cells on the plates will not back-drive the worm gear.

[0048] Figure 4 An alternative planetary gear arrangement 400 for a drive unit is shown. Figure 3A and 3B As shown in , each drive rod has a planetary gear. However, the first pair of planetary gears 404A, 404B to one side of the box end plate 406 are driven by the first sun gear 408, and the second pair of planetary gears 404C, 404D on the opposite side of the box end plate 406 are driven by the second sun gear 410. Each sun gear is driven. In one example, the first motor 424 can be positioned to directly drive the first sun gear 408, and the second motor 414 can be positioned to directly drive the second sun gear 410. Alternatively, the sun gears can be driven by corresponding drive gears. Each drive gear can be driven by a single motor that drives a third drive gear (not shown). Alternatively, the sun gears are each driven by a corresponding drive gear, and each drive gear is powered by a corresponding motor. In another alternative, a worm gear can be positioned between the sun gears and mesh with each of the sun gears to rotate each sun gear.

[0049] Generally speaking, Figure 3A and 3B The specific example of can be used with square or nearly square end plates that are configured to engage similarly square or nearly square soft-pack cells. Thus, a square end plate configuration with rectangular or other shaped soft-pack cells can be deployed. On the other hand, Figure 4Specific examples of may be used with more elongated rectangular shaped soft pack cells and correspondingly more elongated rectangular end plates. Typically, the shape and size of the end plates correspond to the side shape and size of the soft pack cells to provide relatively uniform pressure on the cells across the side surface area of ​​the cells, which facilitates uniform pressure distribution and optimizes the overall size of the battery pack, among other benefits. However, it should be noted that the plates may be sized and shaped based on the cell shapes that are particularly pressurized in any given arrangement and need not correspond to the shapes in the manner described. Furthermore, in some configurations, it may be beneficial for the plates to be larger than the cells to ensure that pressure is relatively evenly distributed across the pouch surface relative to the surface of the internal cells and is not differentially concentrated on the internal cells.

[0050] Figure 5A FIG. 5 is a top view of a battery pack 500 having an alternative drive unit assembly 502 that is configured to have a plurality of drive units disposed within the battery pack 500. Figure 6 is shown in side view in the form of a belt and pulley assembly. These Figure 1A . However, it should be appreciated that alternative drive units may be used for other group configurations, such as other drive units discussed herein. In this arrangement, a pulley 504 is positioned at one end of each drive rod 112. The pulley may be integrally formed at the end of the drive rod or operably coupled to the end of the drive rod. Regardless, rotation of the respective pulley rotates the respective drive rod, which in turn moves the end plates 110 and 108 inwardly or outwardly.

[0051] In one example, the motor 508 is positioned between the respective pulleys and includes a drive pulley 510. The drive pulley and the drive rod pulley are shown as having the same diameter; however, depending on the desired torque, motor characteristics, and other factors, the drive pulley may be larger or smaller than the drive rod pulley. The motor includes a shaft 512 to rotate the drive pulley. A belt 514 is positioned around the respective pulleys and the drive pulley so that the rotation of the drive pulley drives each pull rod pulley through the belt. A belt tensioner may also be included, but is not shown. In this example, the motor is fixedly fixed near the maximum outward extent of one of the end plates 108. In a specific example, the motor is a flat motor and is mounted on a plate 516, which may be an outer side wall of the battery pack housing, wherein the plate is positioned at or outside the maximum outward extent of one of the end plates. The motor may also be mounted on some other frame assembly. As discussed above, the drive rod is threaded and engages with a corresponding threaded structure 116 of the respective end plate to translate one or more end plates inwardly or outwardly by rotating the rod. The drive rod extends through a support plate 516 to which the motor is fixed, and supports a corresponding pulley 504 at the end of the rod, wherein the pulley is aligned with the drive pulley plane of the axle fixed to the motor. The axle may be cantilevered from the motor, or the end region of the drive axle may be supported in a bearing structure to reduce the lateral load on the axle and the motor. In an alternative arrangement, the bearing structure may be located in the support plate, rather than mounting the motor on the support plate, and the motor is mounted to a group surface, bracket, etc., so that the axle extends outwardly toward the support plate, and the drive pulley is located between the motor and the support plate. In any case, the drive pulley is aligned with the drive rod pulley plane.

[0052] In an alternative arrangement, the drive shaft extending from the motor may be a splined shaft to form a drive pulley, or as shown, a different drive pulley may be used depending on the torque requirements of the drive pulley relative to the drive wheel shaft diameter. In either case, the belt 514 may be toothed, single-sided or double-sided, depending on the route around the drive rod pulley and the drive pulley. The drive pulley may be similarly toothed to engage a toothed belt. Such a toothed system may be used to maintain consistent application of torque on the pulleys through the belt and avoid slippage therebetween.

[0053] Figure 5B is an alternative embodiment, wherein Figure 5A and 6 The drive unit assembly is used to provide pressure to a pair of battery packs. In this example, each pack can be similar to Figure 1A As depicted in Figure 5B Various details are not shown in FIG. The pulleys of the drive units are coupled to pairs of drive rods, one member of the pair being from one group and the other member of the pair being from the other group. Thus, one drive unit is positioned to control the plates in the corresponding group and to provide controlled pressure to the battery cells in each group.

[0054] exist Figure 7 In the alternative arrangement shown in , another alternative drive unit assembly includes a motor 700 mounted on an end plate 702, which can be a flat motor. Thus, when the end plate moves inward or outward, the motor moves with the plate. In such an arrangement, a drive pulley 704 can be mounted on a corresponding drive shaft 706 to rotate the drive shaft and move inward and outward laterally along the corresponding drive shaft. A drive pulley 708 can be similarly mounted on a spline motor axle 710. The drive rod pulley and the motor (drive pulley) can be captured in a frame assembly 712 to maintain planar alignment therebetween. The frame assembly can be supported in translation by a rail system, or can float freely and be supported by a corresponding drive rod and pulley. In such an arrangement, when the motor is carried inward and outward by the end plate, the pulley assembly moves similarly, and the drive rod pulley moves inward or outward along the corresponding drive rod with the end plate.

[0055] In another alternative arrangement, the drive rod pulley is supported and fixed in place by the pulley assembly. In such an arrangement, the lateral range of the drive shaft movement along the pulley may include a spline shaft section to accommodate the lateral movement of the drive pulley and to rotate the shaft when the pulley rotates. Here, when the motor translates inwardly and outwardly and thereby moves relative to the corresponding drive rod pulley, the drive pulley can move along the drive shaft and maintain alignment with the drive rod pulley. If the amount of lateral movement and spacing requires a larger lateral movement than the spline axle can accommodate alone, the motor axle may also be retractable. Alternatively, the axle may be retractable, and the pulley is fixed to the axle as the motor moves relative to the drive rod pulley accommodated by the retractable drive axle. Using a retractable axle for the drive pulley can also accommodate smaller spaces, and therefore allows a more compact overall design.

[0056] In another alternative specific example, the drive pulley may further include a coaxial drive gear operably connected to a worm gear powered by a motor. Such an arrangement can provide a similar ability to maintain a static equilibrium position without being back-driven and without requiring electricity. Other pulley systems may include a certain form of mechanical brake, which is actuated when the system is powered off, so that the power of the motor does not need to be maintained, for example, when the vehicle is parked and not inserted into a charging station. The mechanical brake can take various forms and is connected to various components of the controllably movable plate or directly engaged plate of the pulley system. Typically, the mechanical brake may include a feature that causes engagement to limit the movement of the plate when not powered and involves releasing the brake under power. For example, various spring-loaded brakes can be used, in which the spring biases the brake member into engagement and is operably contracted to disengage when powered or otherwise when commanded. The contraction of the brake member can be completed mechanically, electrically, magnetically, electromechanically, and by other changes alone or in combination.

[0057] In various specific examples, the system may further include a load measurement system of some form, such as one or more load cells, one or more strain gauges, or other mechanisms, by which the force applied by the end plate to the captured battery cell can be measured and forms part of a feedback loop, through which various drive mechanisms are controlled to adjust the position of the plate. Although the term force is used herein to describe various load measurement arrangements, the term is also intended to cover other possible measurements including torque and pressure. Thus, other sensors, such as pressure sensors, can be used. In addition, force can be measured or derived from other measurements. Force (pressure) can also be calculated by measuring the position derived from the motor control measurement, the plate position derived from the motor position, etc. The battery system can also be fully characterized so that the charge state, temperature, and other factors can be used to determine the position of the plate to provide the necessary pressure on the bag to provide optimal operation. In various possibilities, the position of one or more plates relative to each other is based on the compression force and pressure applied to the battery cell stack between the plates.

[0058] In one specific example, strain gauges are attached to one or more of the tie rods to relate axial compression or extension and more generally displacement of the tie rods to forces on the end plates. In another example, the strain gauges may be positioned to measure rotational torques on the tie rods and to relate such rotational torques to forces on the end plates and similar pressures across the surfaces of the soft pack cells. Various forms of force sensors are also contemplated. For example, one or more force sensors may be positioned between one or both end plates and a first adjacent cell. Depending on the arrangement, additional plates may be positioned inwardly from the end plates so that the additional plates abut the first cell or pad and the force sensors are positioned between the plates. In such an arrangement, a flexible resilient pad may be positioned between the plates to maintain the additional inner plates in a planar arrangement with the outer end plates to ensure uniform force distribution across the plane of the plates while transferring the force to the force sensors therebetween.

[0059] Regardless of the load measurement or load calculation or calculation arrangement and reference Figure 8, the method 800 for controlling the force on the stack of pouch-shaped battery cells involves a load measurement system obtaining a force from the cells on one or more end plates (operation 802). In the case of calculating force / pressure, the controller may control one or more motors or other mechanisms for controlling the position of the plate, as well as calculating the pressure. The system may include a certain force or some forces to maintain the cell. In some examples, the force may be a function of other conditions, such as the state of charge, temperature, and the number of charge and discharge cycles. Therefore, it is possible that the set force may change during the course of the charge or discharge cycle or within multiple cycles, and may vary based on the type of cell. In any case, the system obtains one or more force values ​​and controls the drive unit to maintain any target force (operation 804). Thus, for example, if the cells in the group each expand during the cycle and therefore jointly push the end plate outward, an increased force will be detected. As the force increases, one or more plates may be moved outward to accommodate the expanding cell and maintain the cell under an appropriate force or within a certain range of force on the cell for proper operation. Similarly, when the cell contracts in the opposite cycle and the force from the current position of the plates decreases, one or more plates move inward to maintain pressure on the contracting cell. The method may involve a feedback loop in which one or more plates are moved until a target force is achieved (e.g., repeatedly adjusting plate position until a certain target force is achieved).

[0060] Each cell may be electrically coupled to another cell to form a series connection or a parallel connection and / or may be coupled to a busbar or other structure of the battery pack. Whether a cell is coupled to another cell or to a busbar or possibly to both, there is some accommodation for movement of the cells relative to each other and relative to the busbar to which the cells may be electrically coupled. Thus, the cell tabs may be of sufficient length to accommodate movement, whether the tabs of adjacent cells are interconnected or the tabs are welded or otherwise electrically connected to the busbar. Alternatively or in addition, depending on the arrangement, a wire or some form of conductor may be conductively coupled to the tabs of the respective cells, and the conductors interconnected to adjacent tabs or busbars.

[0061] Figures 9A to 9D An alternative arrangement of the battery pack is shown. Fig. 9A , battery pack 900A involves two battery pressure modules 902, 904 of stacked cells 906 within each module. Similar to other embodiments, the battery cells here may be solid state cells or other cell types that benefit from maintaining pressure on the cells. In the embodiment shown, each module includes fixed outer end plates 908, 910 and movably supported inner end plates 912, 914. In various embodiments, the fixed end plates can be different plates, or can be the outer walls of the battery pack. The corresponding inner movably mounted plates face each other with one or more drive units 916 therebetween. Instead, except Figure 5BThe above embodiments may be considered to have a single battery pressure module having one or two moveably controlled pressure (or force) plates that move relatively inwardly toward each other or outwardly away from each other to maintain an optimal pressure on the battery cells captured therebetween. Fig. 9A In a specific example, one or more drive units can controllably drive each inner plate 912 , 914 to maintain an appropriate force on the battery cells of each pressure module 902 , 904 .

[0062] In the example shown, the force on the cells of one or two battery modules can be measured. If the cell count and type are the same for each module, it can be assumed that the force required for each battery pressure module is the same. Regardless, the system includes one or more force modules to obtain the force on the cells. As the cells expand or contract within the corresponding battery pressure module, the motors can be controlled to maintain the appropriate force.

[0063] exist Fig. 9A In the example shown in , a threaded collar 918 is coupled to each movable inner end plate 912, 914, and the threaded collars are axially aligned. The motor 916 is positioned with a threaded motor drive shaft 920 extending from each side of the motor. The motor shaft is axially aligned with the corresponding threaded collar and is sized to engage with the threaded collar. The threaded fit is such that rotation of the motor shaft drives each end plate away from the motor, thereby maintaining the proper force on the cell as the cell contracts, or pulls the end plate toward the motor, thereby maintaining the proper force on the cell as the cell expands.

[0064] The motor may be a flat motor. It is also possible to drive each inner plate with its own motor. It is also possible to add a compression spring to supplement the force provided by one or more motors. For example, the compression spring may be positioned between the motor and each corresponding inner plate. The spring may be coaxial with the annular tube and the shaft. It is also possible to include more than one spring engaged with each inner plate. In addition, a central wall parallel to each inner plate may be provided, and the central wall has a size and shape similar to the inner plate. The spring may be arranged between the central wall and the corresponding inner plate, and the spring is distributed at each corner. In various possible arrangements using one or more springs engaged with each inner plate, the spring will supplement the force on the inner plate provided by one or more motors, and will work in conjunction with the motor. The use of springs will allow the use of relatively small motors because some part of the overall force will be provided by the spring. Compared with a system using only springs, the combination will also allow the use of relatively light weight springs, and the variable force distribution experienced within the compression range of the spring will be compensated by the motor controlling the force. In one possible example, a spring that provides a spring force less than the minimum required pressure on the inner plate will be selected. In such an arrangement, the spring will not be able to overstress the battery, and the motor will account for the difference between the spring force and any force that needs to be applied to the corresponding stack to maintain normal operation. By using a smaller motor, such an arrangement will use less energy than the specific example using only a motor.

[0065] Fig. 9B An alternative arrangement of a battery pack 900B is shown, which involves two battery pressure modules 902, 904 of stacked cells within each module. Similar to other embodiments, the cells here can be solid-state cells or other cell types that benefit from maintaining pressure on the cells. In the embodiment shown, each module includes fixed outer end plates 908, 910 and movably supported inner end plates 912, 914. In various embodiments, the fixed end plates can be different plates, or can be the outer walls of the battery pack. The corresponding inner movably mounted plates face each other with a piston assembly 940 between them.

[0066] The piston assembly may be any of a variety of possible pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, electromagnetic and other devices that controllably drive one or more piston rods 942, including but not limited to linear actuators, stepper motor driven linear actuators, pneumatic cylinders, piston actuators, double acting actuators, etc. Fig. 9BIn the specific example shown in , the piston assembly may include two piston rods, which are individually controlled to engage with the adjacent plate of each corresponding module. The piston assembly housing is installed between the relative plates 912 and 914, and the piston assembly housing can be installed equidistantly, wherein the piston rod extends from the housing to engage with the adjacent plate of the relative module. Alternatively, there may be a first piston assembly and a different second piston assembly, the first piston assembly having an associated piston rod engaged with the end plate of one module, and the second piston assembly having an associated piston rod engaged with the end plate of the relative module. In another alternative, there may be two different piston assemblies positioned at the outer end of a plate (e.g., plate 912), and two different piston assemblies positioned at the outer end of the end plate (e.g., plate 914) of the relative battery module. In such an arrangement, four piston assemblies are positioned in the space between two battery modules (e.g., between modules 902 and 904). In this type of arrangement can be used to set the size of the piston assembly to minimize the space required between the modules while providing the range of forces required for the pressure range of a given module. In such cases, with the end plates mounted on respective rails to maintain a parallel position with the cells with the module, the two motors can provide force at each corner while maintaining a parallel position of the end plates, thereby maintaining an even pressure distribution on the cells, even if perfectly accurate motor control is not achieved. However, accurate and common force control can be used to control each motor that engages the plate.

[0067] exist Fig. 9C In an alternative battery pack 900C shown in FIG. 1 , a housing 950 of a piston assembly 952 supporting a motor or other drive mechanism may be coupled to one plate 912 and positioned so that a piston rod 942 engages an opposing plate 914. In such an arrangement, the piston assembly housing moves with the plate to which it is attached, and extension or retraction of the piston rod causes more or less force to be placed on the plate of the corresponding module, thereby providing more or less pressure on the cells within the corresponding module. In such an arrangement, there is a single control point for providing pressure to both modules. Fig. 9C The piston assembly is mounted substantially along the center line between the plates; Fig.9D In the alternative battery pack 900D shown in FIG. 1 , the system may include two piston assemblies 950 mounted on and between opposite ends of the end plates 912, with respective piston rods 942 engaging respective end regions of the opposite plates 914 of the opposite modules 904. Such an arrangement contemplates the use of relatively smaller piston assemblies to provide greater collective force, or may be used when smaller piston assemblies would be beneficial (e.g., for space considerations) but are insufficient to provide sufficient force alone. In such an arrangement, each piston assembly is synchronously controlled to ensure equal forces at the ends of the plates.

[0068] refer to Fig.10 , a detailed description of an example computing system 1000 having one or more computing units that can implement various systems and methods discussed herein is provided. The computing system 1000 may be part of a controller, may be in operative communication with various embodiments discussed herein, may run various operations related to one or more methods discussed herein, and may be part of the entire system discussed herein. For example, if used in conjunction with a group deployed in a vehicle, the system 1000 may be part of a battery management system (BMS). The computing system 1000 may receive force measurements or calculate force or other sensor readings about force, and control various described motors or pumps to maintain pressure on the battery cell stack through charging and discharging cycles. It should be understood that specific embodiments of these devices may have different possible specific computing architectures ranging from controllers to more complex systems, and may be discrete systems responsible for a range of tasks or parts of larger integrated systems, such as battery management systems, not all of which are specifically discussed herein, but will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. In such various possible embodiments, more or fewer components discussed below may be included, interconnected and other changes may be made, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0069] Computer system 1000 may be a computing system capable of executing a computer program product to perform a computer process. Data and program files may be input into computer system 1000, which reads the files and executes the programs therein. Some components of computer system 1000 are Fig.10 1000, including one or more hardware processors 1002, one or more data storage devices 1004, one or more memory devices 1006, and / or one or more ports 1008 to 1012. In addition, other elements that those skilled in the art will recognize may be included in the computing system 1000 but are not shown. Fig.10 The various elements of computer system 1000 may be communicated via one or more communication buses, point-to-point communication paths, or Fig.10 Similarly, in various embodiments, various elements disclosed in the system may or may not be included in any given embodiment.

[0070] The processor 1002 may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and / or a combination thereof, which may include one or more internal levels of cache. There may be one or more processors 1002, such that the processor 1002 includes a single processing unit, or multiple processing units capable of executing different instruction sets and / or performing operations in parallel with each other, commonly referred to as a parallel processing environment.

[0071] The presently described techniques, in various possible combinations and particularly in relation to control methods, may be implemented at least in part in software stored on one or more data storage devices 1004, stored on one or more memory devices 1006, and / or communicated via one or more of ports 1008 to 1012, thereby Fig.10 The computer system 1000 in FIG. 1 is transformed into a special-purpose machine for performing the operations described herein.

[0072] The one or more data storage devices 1004 may include any non-volatile data storage device capable of storing data generated or employed within the computing system 1000, such as computer executable instructions for executing computer processes, which may include instructions for both application programs and operating systems (OS) that manage various components of the computing system 1000. The data storage device 1004 may include, but is not limited to, a magnetic disk drive, an optical disk drive, a solid state drive (SSD), a flash drive, and the like. The data storage device 1004 may include removable data storage media, non-removable data storage media, and / or external storage devices available via a wired or wireless network architecture, the computer program products including one or more database management products, network server products, application server products, and / or other additional software components. Examples of removable data storage media include compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disk read-only memory (DVD-ROM), magneto-optical disk, flash drive, and the like. Examples of non-removable data storage media include internal magnetic hard disks, SSDs, and the like. The one or more memory devices 1006 may include volatile memory (eg, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), etc.) and / or nonvolatile memory (eg, read only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.).

[0073] A computer program product containing mechanisms for implementing systems and methods according to the presently described techniques may reside in data storage device 1004 and / or memory device 1006, which may be referred to as a machine-readable medium. It should be appreciated that a machine-readable medium may include any tangible, non-transitory medium capable of storing or encoding instructions to perform any one or more operations of the present disclosure for execution by a machine, or any tangible, non-transitory medium capable of storing or encoding data structures and / or modules utilized by or associated with such instructions. The term "machine-readable medium" may include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database and / or associated caches and servers) storing one or more executable instructions or data structures.

[0074] In some embodiments, the computer system 1000 includes one or more ports, such as input / output (I / O) ports 1008, communication ports 1010, and subsystem ports 1012, for communicating with other computing, network, or vehicle devices. It should be understood that ports 1008 to 1012 may be combined or separated, and more or fewer ports may be included in the computer system 1000. The I / O port 1008 may be connected to an I / O device or other device, whereby information is input to or output from the computing system 1000. Such I / O devices may include, but are not limited to, one or more input devices, output devices, and / or environmental transducer devices.

[0075] In one embodiment, the input device converts human-generated signals such as human voice, body movement, physical touch or pressure into electrical signals as input data input into the computing system 1000 via the I / O port 1008. In some instances, such input may be different from the various systems and methods discussed with respect to the previous figures. Similarly, the output device may convert electrical signals received from the computing system 1000 via the I / O port 1008 into signals that can be sensed or used by the various methods and systems discussed herein. The input device may be an alphanumeric input device that includes alphanumeric keys and other keys for conveying information and / or command selections to the processor 1002 via the I / O port 1008.

[0076] Environmental transducer devices convert one form of energy or signal into another form of energy or signal for input into or output from computing system 1000 via I / O port 1008. For example, an electrical signal generated within computing system 1000 may be converted into another type of signal, and / or vice versa. In one embodiment, environmental transducers may include a variety of possible sensors that measure force, load, pressure, or sense characteristics or aspects of the environment local to or remote from computing device 1000, such as battery voltage, open circuit battery voltage, charge current, load current, and battery temperature.

[0077] In one embodiment, the communication port 1010 can be connected to a network by means of which the computer system 1000 can receive network data useful for executing the methods and systems set forth herein and for transmitting information and network configuration changes determined thereby. For example, charging protocols can be updated, battery measurements or calculations data can be shared with external systems, and so on. The communication port 1010 connects the computer system 1000 to one or more communication interface devices that are configured to transmit and / or receive information between the computing system 1000 and other devices by means of one or more wired or wireless communication networks or connections. Examples of such networks or connections include, but are not limited to, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC), Long Term Evolution (LTE), etc. One or more such communication interface devices can be utilized via the communication port 1010 to communicate with one or more other machines directly through a point-to-point communication path, through a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet), through a local area network (LAN), through a cellular (e.g., third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), or fifth generation (5G)) network, or through another communication means.

[0078] The computer system 1000 may include a subsystem port 1012 for communicating with one or more systems associated with a device charged according to the methods and systems described herein to control the operation of the system and / or exchange information between the computer system 1000 and one or more subsystems of the device. Examples of such subsystems of a vehicle include, but are not limited to, motor controllers and systems, battery management systems, and the like.

[0079] Fig.10 The system described in is only one possible example of a computer system that can be employed or configured according to various aspects of the present disclosure. It should be understood that other non-transitory tangible computer-readable storage media that store computer-executable instructions for implementing the techniques of the present disclosure on a computing system can be utilized.

[0080] Specific examples of the present disclosure include various operations described in this specification, which may also be referred to as steps. The operations may be performed by hardware components or may be embodied in machine-executable instructions, which may be used to cause a general-purpose or special-purpose processor programmed with the instructions to perform the operations. Alternatively, the operations may be performed by a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware.

[0081] Although various representative embodiments of the present invention have been described above with a certain degree of accuracy, those skilled in the art may make a large number of changes to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter of the present invention as described in the specification. All directional references (e.g., top, bottom, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, higher than, lower than, vertical, horizontal, clockwise and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to assist the reader in understanding the embodiments of the present invention, and will not specifically limit the position, orientation or use of the present invention, unless specifically described in the claims. Connection references (e.g., attachment, connection, connection, etc.) should be widely interpreted and may include intermediate members between the connection of elements and the relative movement between elements. Thus, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and are in a fixed relationship to each other.

[0082] In some cases, components are described with reference to an "end" having particular characteristics and / or being connected to another part. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to components that terminate beyond their points of connection to other parts. Therefore, the term "end" should be interpreted broadly in a manner that includes an area adjacent to, rearward, forward of, or otherwise proximate to the end of a particular element, connector, component member, etc. In the methods directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operations, but those skilled in the art will recognize that the steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0083] Various modifications and additions may be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, although the embodiments described above, also referred to as embodiments or examples, refer to specific features, the scope of the invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Therefore, the scope of the invention is intended to encompass all such alternatives, modifications and variations, and to combine in various possible combinations of various different features of different embodiments to form additional alternative embodiments and all equivalents thereof.

[0084] Although specific examples are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the above description and drawings are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting. Many specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, in some cases, well-known or conventional details are not described to avoid confusing descriptions.

[0085] Reference to "one specific example" or "specific example" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the specific example is included in at least one specific example of the present disclosure. The appearances of the phrase "in one specific example" or similarly "in an example" or "in one case" in various places in this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same specific example, nor are separate or alternative specific examples mutually exclusive of other specific examples. In addition, various features are described that may be exhibited by some specific examples but not by other specific examples.

[0086] In the context of the present disclosure and in the specific context of using each term, the terms used in this specification sheet generally have their common meanings in the art. For any one or more terms in the terms discussed herein, alternative language and synonyms can be used, and no matter whether the terms are described in detail or discussed herein, special meanings should not be added. In some cases, synonyms of some terms are provided. The detailed description of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The examples used anywhere in this specification sheet (including the examples of any terms discussed herein) are only illustrative and are not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the present disclosure or any example terms. Similarly, the present disclosure is not limited to the various specific examples provided in this specification sheet.

[0087] In the case of not intending to limit the scope of the present disclosure, the examples of instruments, equipment, methods and related results thereof according to the specific examples of the present disclosure are given below. It should be noted that, for the convenience of the reader, titles or subtitles can be used in various specific examples, which should never limit the scope of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein all have the same meaning as the meanings commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. In the case of conflict, this document (including definitions) shall prevail.

[0088] Various features and advantages of the present disclosure are set forth in the description, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing the principles disclosed herein. The features and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery power management system, comprising: a first battery cell stack positioned between a first member and a second member, the first member being movably mounted and arranged to exert a force on the first battery cell stack; as well as A drive unit is operably coupled to the first member to move the first member so as to controllably apply the force. 2 . The battery force management system of claim 1 , wherein the drive unit is operably coupled to the first member to move the first member to controllably apply the force in response to determining the force on the first battery cell stack. 3 . The battery force management system of claim 2 , wherein the determination of the force on the first battery cell stack is based on changes in the first battery cell stack during charging or discharging of battery cells in the first battery cell stack.

4. The battery force management system according to claim 2 further includes a first threaded drive rod, which is operably connected to the drive unit to rotate the first threaded drive rod, and the first threaded drive rod is operably connected to the threaded portion of the first member, and the operable connection between the first threaded drive rod and the threaded portion of the first member moves the first member to controllably apply the force in response to the determination of the force during the change of the first battery cell stack.

5. The battery force management system according to claim 4, further comprising a second threaded drive rod, which is operably connected to the drive unit to rotate the second threaded drive rod, and the second member is movably mounted and arranged to cooperate with the first member to apply the force on the first battery cell stack, the first threaded drive rod and the second threaded drive rod each including a first threaded portion and a second threaded portion, the first threaded portion is connected to the corresponding first threaded portion of the first member, and the second threaded portion is connected to the corresponding second threaded portion of the second member, so that the first member and the second member are moved inwardly toward each other or outwardly away from each other, thereby controllably applying the force in response to the determination of the force during a change in the first battery cell stack. 6 . The battery power management system according to claim 4 , wherein the driving unit comprises a planetary gear assembly having planetary gears operably coupled to the driving rod and a sun gear for driving the planetary gears. 7 . The battery power management system according to claim 6 , wherein the driving unit further comprises a motor supporting a worm gear to drive the sun gear. 8 . The battery power management system of claim 4 , wherein the driving unit comprises a belt and pulley system having a pulley coupled to the driving rod and a motor coupled to the pulley through a belt.

9. The battery power management system of claim 8, wherein the motor is coupled to the movable member.

10. The battery power management system of claim 1, wherein the first member is a first plate. The battery power management system of claim 10 , wherein the first plate is a first box end plate.

12. The battery force management system of claim 1, further comprising a second battery cell stack positioned between the third member and the fourth member, the third member being movably mounted and arranged to exert a force on the second battery cell stack; and Wherein the drive unit is positioned between the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack, the drive unit is further operably coupled to the third member to move the third member so as to controllably exert the force on the second battery cell stack.

13. The battery force management system according to claim 12, wherein the drive unit is a motor, and the motor is configured to rotate a threaded axle that cooperates with the first threaded portion of the first member and the third threaded portion of the third member to move the first member toward or away from the second member, and move the third member toward or away from the fourth member, thereby controllably applying the force on the first battery cell stack and applying the force on the second battery cell stack.

14. The battery force management system of claim 1, further comprising a load cell positioned to determine the force on the first battery cell stack.

15. The battery power management system of claim 1, wherein the first battery cell stack comprises solid-state pouch cells.

16. The battery force management system of claim 1, wherein the drive unit comprises a motor that drives a threaded shaft operably coupled to a threaded aperture of the first member, whereby rotation of the threaded shaft moves the first member to exert the force on the first battery cell stack. 17 . The battery force management system of claim 1 , wherein the drive unit comprises a piston rod and an actuator, the piston rod being coupled with the first member to move the first member to exert the force on the first battery cell stack.

18. The battery power management system of claim 17, further comprising a second battery cell stack positioned between the third member and the fourth member, the third member being movably mounted and arranged to exert a force on the second battery cell stack; and Wherein the actuator is coupled to the third member of the second battery cell stack, actuation of the piston rod moves both the first member and the third member to control a force on the first battery cell stack and a force on the second battery cell stack.

19. A method for controlling battery cell stacking pressure, comprising: accessing a value indicative of pressure on a plurality of battery cells; as well as In response to the value indicative of the pressure, a position of at least one member operably engaging the plurality of battery cells is controllably modified, the modification of the position of the at least one member varying the pressure.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the plurality of battery cells comprises a plurality of solid-state pouch cells, each of the plurality of solid-state pouch cells changing volume in response to charging or discharging.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the alteration of the position of the at least one member operably engaging the plurality of solid state pouch cells maintains a predetermined pressure on the plurality of solid state pouch cells during the change in the volume in response to charging or discharging.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the at least one member is a plate in operative contact with at least one solid state pouch cell of the plurality of battery cells, modification of a position of the plate modulating forces on the plurality of battery cells.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein the value indicative of the pressure is a force measurement.

24. The method of claim 20, wherein the value indicative of the pressure changes during charging and discharging of the solid-state pouch cell.

25. The method of claim 19, wherein accessing the value indicative of the pressure is a sensor measurement indicative of a force on the at least one member.

26. The method of claim 19, wherein the at least one member comprises a first plate and a second plate, the first plate and the second plate being controllably movable relative to the plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells being positioned between the first plate and the second plate, the relative movement of at least one of the first plate or the second plate regulating the forces on the plurality of battery cells.

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