Battery cell tab configuration

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a battery cell tab configuration. A battery cell may include a housing including a first edge, a second edge on a side of the housing opposite the first edge, a third edge extending between the first edge and the second edge, and a fourth edge on a side of the housing opposite the third edge and extending between the first edge and the second edge. The size of the first edge and the size of the second edge are larger than the size of any other edge of the housing. The battery cell may include a first tab protruding outwardly from the first edge. The battery cell may include a second tab protruding outwardly from the second edge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an electrified vehicle traction battery pack, and more particularly, to battery cell tab configurations. Background Art

[0002] High-voltage traction battery packs typically supply power to the motors and other electrical loads of an electrified vehicle. The traction battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery cell that includes: a housing including a first edge, a second edge on a side of the housing opposite the first edge, a third edge extending between the first edge and the second edge, and a fourth edge on a side of the housing opposite the third edge and extending between the first edge and the second edge, wherein the dimensions of the first edge and the second edge are greater than the dimensions of any other edge of the housing; a first tab protruding outwardly from the first edge; and a second tab protruding outwardly from the second edge.

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery cell, wherein: the housing includes a centerline extending perpendicular to the first edge and the second edge, a centerline of the first tab is spaced apart from the centerline of the housing in a direction of the third edge, and a centerline of the second tab is spaced apart from the centerline of the housing in a direction of the fourth edge.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery cell, wherein the centerline of the first tab is spaced apart from the centerline of the housing by a different distance compared to the centerline of the second tab.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery cell, wherein: the first tab presents a larger surface area than the second tab, and the centerline of the first tab is spaced apart from the centerline of the housing by a smaller distance compared to the centerline of the second tab.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery cell, wherein the distance between the first tab and the third edge is greater than the distance between the second tab and the fourth edge.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery cell, wherein the distance between the first tab and the third edge is greater by substantially 50% than the distance between the second tab and the fourth edge.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery cell in which the centerline of the second tab is spaced from the centerline of the housing by a distance that is greater by substantially 50% than the distance by which the centerline of the first tab is spaced from the centerline of the housing.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery cell in which the surface area of the first tab is substantially twice the surface area of the second tab.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery cell in which the dimensions of the end of the first tab are substantially twice the dimensions of the end of the second tab.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery cell in which the first tab and the second tab each protrude outwardly beyond the respective first and second edges by the same distance.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery cell in which the housing is a flexible pouch.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery cell that is part of a battery pack of an electrified vehicle.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery cell comprising: a housing including a first edge, a second edge on a side of the housing opposite the first edge, a third edge extending between the first and second edges, and a fourth edge on a side of the housing opposite the third edge and extending between the first and second edges, wherein the dimensions of the first edge and the second edge are greater than the dimensions of any other edge of the housing; a first tab protruding outwardly from the first edge; a second tab protruding outwardly from the second edge; wherein the first tab presents a greater surface area than the second tab, and wherein the first tab is closer to the third edge than the fourth edge, and the second tab is closer to the fourth edge than the third edge.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery cell in which the surface area of the first tab is substantially twice the surface area of the second tab.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery cell in which the dimensions of the end of the first tab are substantially twice the dimensions of the end of the second tab.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery cell in which the first tab is spaced from the third edge by a distance that is greater by substantially 50% than the distance by which the second tab is spaced from the fourth edge.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a battery cell in which: the housing includes a centerline extending perpendicular to the first and second edges, the centerline of the first tab is spaced from the centerline of the housing in the direction of the third edge, and the centerline of the second tab is spaced from the centerline of the housing in the direction of the fourth edge.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method that includes: arranging a first tab and a second tab relative to a housing of a battery cell such that the first tab protrudes outward from a first edge of the housing and the second tab protrudes outward from a second edge of the housing, wherein the dimensions of the first edge and the second edge are greater than the dimensions of any other edge of the housing.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method in which: the housing includes a centerline extending perpendicular to the first and second edges, the centerline of the first tab is spaced from the centerline of the housing in the direction of the third edge, and the centerline of the second tab is spaced from the centerline of the housing in the direction of the fourth edge.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method in which the first tab presents a different surface area than the second tab. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 An electrified vehicle is schematically shown.

[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a traction battery pack of the electrified vehicle.

[0025] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a schematic cross-sectional view of the height of the traction battery pack of

[0026] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a battery cell for use within the traction battery pack. In Figure 4 it, the battery cell presents a first tab cell configuration.

[0027] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a top view of the battery cell of

[0028] Figure 6A battery cell having a second tab cell configuration is shown.

[0029] Figure 7 A battery cell having a third tab cell configuration is shown.

[0030] Figure 8 A battery cell having a fourth tab cell configuration is shown.

[0031] Figure 9 A battery cell having a fifth tab cell configuration is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present disclosure generally relates to an electrified vehicle traction battery pack and, more particularly, to battery cell tab configurations. The battery cell tab configurations of the present disclosure provide a minimum temperature and current density gradient for the battery cell tabs such that the variations in temperature and current density across the battery cell tabs are minimized. In turn, the present disclosure provides battery cells with improved performance, improved efficiency, and consistent charging. These and other features are discussed in more detail in the following paragraphs of this detailed description.

[0033] Figure 1 An electrified vehicle 10 is schematically shown. The electrified vehicle 10 can include any type of electrified powertrain. In an embodiment, the electrified vehicle 10 is a battery electric vehicle (BEV). However, the concepts described herein are not limited to BEVs and can extend to other electrified vehicles, including but not limited to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), fuel cell vehicles, and the like. Thus, although not specifically shown in the exemplary embodiments, the powertrain of the electrified vehicle 10 can be equipped with an internal combustion engine that can be employed alone or in combination with other power sources to propel the electrified vehicle 10.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the electrified vehicle 10 is depicted as an automobile. However, the electrified vehicle 10 can alternatively be a sport utility vehicle (SUV), a van, a pickup truck, or any other vehicle configuration. Although specific component relationships are shown in the drawings of the present disclosure, the illustrations are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The placement and orientation of the various components of the electrified vehicle 10 are schematically shown, and within the scope of the present disclosure, this placement and orientation can vary.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the electrified vehicle 10 is a pure electric vehicle that is propelled only by electricity (such as by one or more motors 12) without the assistance of an internal combustion engine. The motor 12 can operate as an electric motor, a generator, or both. The motor 12 receives electrical power and can convert the electrical power into torque for driving one or more wheels 14 of the electrified vehicle 10.

[0036] The voltage bus 16 can electrically connect the motor 12 to the traction battery pack 18. The traction battery pack 18 is an exemplary electrified vehicle battery. The traction battery pack 18 can be a high-voltage traction battery pack assembly that includes a plurality of battery cells capable of outputting electrical power to supply the motor 12 and / or other electrical loads of the electrified vehicle 10. Other types of energy storage devices and / or output devices can alternatively or additionally be used to power the electrified vehicle 10.

[0037] The traction battery pack 18 can be fixed to the vehicle body bottom 20 of the electrified vehicle 10. However, within the scope of the present disclosure, the traction battery pack 18 can be located elsewhere on the electrified vehicle 10.

[0038] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Additional details associated with the traction battery pack 18 of the electrified vehicle 10 are shown. The traction battery pack 18 can include one or more battery arrays 22 (e.g., battery assemblies or groups of rechargeable battery cells 24) capable of outputting electrical power to supply the motor 12 and / or other electrical loads of the electrified vehicle 10. Other types of energy storage devices and / or output devices can alternatively or additionally be used to power the electrified vehicle 10.

[0039] The battery cells 24 can be stacked side by side along a stacking axis to form a group of battery cells 24, sometimes referred to as a "cell stack". In the Figure 3 schematic height depiction, the battery cells 24 are stacked in the direction into the page to form each battery array 22, and thus the battery arrays 22 can extend in the vehicle transverse direction. However, other configurations can also be possible. The total number of battery arrays 22 and battery cells 24 provided within the traction battery pack 18 is not intended to limit the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the battery cells 24 of each battery array 22 are pouch-type lithium-ion cells.

[0040] The battery arrays 22 and various other battery internal components (e.g., bus electrical centers, battery electrical control modules, wiring, connectors, etc.) can be housed within an internal region 26 of a housing assembly 28 (see Figure 3 ). The housing assembly 28 can include a housing cover 30 and a housing tray 32. The housing cover 30 can be fixed (e.g., bolted, welded, adhered, etc.) to the housing tray 32 to provide the internal region 26. The size, shape, and overall configuration of the housing assembly 28 are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 4Shown is one of the battery cells 24 that may be disposed within the traction battery pack 18. Each battery cell 24 includes a housing 36 and a pair of tab terminals 38, 40 that project outwardly from the housing 36. In an embodiment, each battery cell 24 includes two tab terminals 38, 40, which may be referred to as battery cell tabs or simply tabs. The tabs 38, 40 may be made of different materials. In one example, tab 38 is a positive tab terminal and is made of aluminum, while tab 40 is a negative tab terminal and is made of copper. The tabs 38, 40 are electrically connected to electrodes within the housing 36.

[0042] In this example, the housing 36 is provided by a non-rigid flexible pouch. The housing 36 includes a length L1, a width W1, and a height H1. The length L1 is greater than the width W1. The width W1 is greater than the height H1.

[0043] The housing 36 includes a first edge 42, a second edge 44 on a side of the housing 36 opposite the first edge 42, a third edge 46 extending between the first edge 42 and the second edge 44, and a fourth edge 48 on a side of the housing 36 opposite the third edge 46 and extending between the first edge 42 and the second edge 44. The first edge 42 and the second edge 44 exhibit a dimension equal to the length L1, and the third edge 46 and the fourth edge 48 exhibit a dimension equal to the width W1. The first edge 42 and the second edge 44 exhibit a greater dimension than any other edge of the housing 36. The edges 42, 44, 46, 48 are outer edges of the housing 36 and provide the perimeter of the housing 36. In this embodiment, the housing 36 is generally rectangular. The edges 42, 44, 46, 48 may be formed by sealing the material of the housing 36.

[0044] In the present disclosure, the tabs 38, 40 project outwardly from the first edge 42 and the second edge 44, rather than from the third edge 46 or the fourth edge 48. In terms of the size and position of the tabs 38, 40, arranging the tabs 38, 40 such that they project from the first edge 42 and the second edge 44, which exhibit the greatest dimension of any edge of the housing 36, provides greater design flexibility.

[0045] With common reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , tab 38 includes a free end 50 and a first side 52 and a second side 54 leading to the free end 50. Tab 40 similarly includes a free end 56 and a first side 58 and a second side 60 leading to the free end 56.

[0046] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to offsetting the tabs 38, 40. In an embodiment, the tab 38 is closer to the third edge 46 than to the fourth edge 48, and the second tab 40 is closer to the fourth edge 48 than to the third edge 46. In particular, the housing 36 includes a centerline C1 that bisects the first edge 42 and the second edge 44. The centerline C1 extends perpendicular to the first edge 42 and the second edge 44. The centerline C2 of the tab 38 is spaced apart from the centerline C1 in the direction of the third edge 46. Additionally, the centerline C3 of the tab 40 is spaced apart from the centerline C1 in the direction of the fourth edge 48. The centerlines C2, C3 bisect the respective tabs 38, 40 and extend parallel to the centerline C1.

[0047] In a particular aspect of the present disclosure, the centerlines C2, C3 of the respective tabs 38, 40 are spaced apart from the centerline C1 by different distances. In a particular embodiment, the centerline C2 of the tab 38 is spaced apart from the centerline C1 by a distance D1, and the centerline C3 of the tab 40 is spaced apart from the centerline C1 by a distance D2. In an example, the distance D2 is greater than the distance D1. In a more particular example, the distance D2 is greater than the distance D1 by substantially 50%.

[0048] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the tabs 38, 40 are spaced apart from the third edge and the fourth edge by different amounts, respectively. For example, the tab 38 and particularly the side 54 is spaced apart from the third edge 46 by a distance D3, while the tab 40 and particularly the side 58 is spaced apart from the fourth edge 48 by a distance D4. In an example, the distance D3 is greater than the distance D4. In a more particular example, the distance D3 is greater than the distance D4 by substantially 50%.

[0049] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to sizing the tabs 38, 40 differently. In particular, the tabs 38, 40 exhibit different surface areas. Specifically, in Figure 4 and Figure 5 embodiments, the tab 38 exhibits a larger surface area than the tab 40. The surface area of the tab 38 is defined by a free end 50 having a length L2 and sides 52, 54 having a width W2. The surface area of the tab 40 is defined by a free end 56 having a length L3 and sides 58, 60 having a width W3. In this example, the widths W2, W3 are equal. In this example, the length L2 is substantially twice the length L3 of. Accordingly, the surface area of the tab 38 is substantially twice the surface area of the tab 40.

[0050] In Figure 4 and Figure 5In an embodiment, the tabs 38, 40 (i) project from the longest edges of the housing 36, (ii) are arranged asymmetrically along the edges 42, 44 (i.e., their respective centerlines C2, C3 are spaced from the centerline C1 in opposite directions), and (iii) are sized asymmetrically (i.e., they present different surface areas). Although Figure 4 and Figure 5 embodiments may have certain benefits, the present disclosure extends to other tab configurations where the tabs 38, 40 project from the longest edges of the housing 36. For example, in Figure 6 , the tabs 38, 40 present a length equal to the length L1 of the first edge 42 and the second edge 44. In Figure 6 , the tabs 38, 40 are arranged symmetrically along the first edge 42 and the second edge 44 and are sized symmetrically. In Figure 7 , the tabs 38, 40 are arranged symmetrically along the first edge 42 and the second edge 44 and are sized symmetrically, but present a length less than the length L1 of the first edge 42 and the second edge 44. In Figure 8 , the tabs 38, 40 are arranged asymmetrically along the first edge 42 and the second edge 44, but are sized symmetrically. In Figure 9 , the tabs 38, 40 are arranged symmetrically along the first edge 42 and the second edge 44, but are sized asymmetrically.

[0051] It should be understood that terms such as "about," "substantially," and "generally" are not intended to be unbounded terms and should be interpreted in a manner consistent with how those terms would be interpreted by one of ordinary skill in the art. It should also be understood that directional terms such as "upper," "top," "vertical," "forward," "rearward," "side," "above," "below," etc. are used herein for purposes of explanation only relative to the normal operating attitude of the vehicle and should not be considered limiting.

[0052] Although the different examples have the specific components shown in the figures, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those specific combinations. Some of the components or features from one of the examples may be used in combination with the features or components from another of the examples. Additionally, the various figures of the present disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be enlarged or minimized to show certain details of a particular component or arrangement.

[0053] One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the above embodiments are exemplary and not restrictive. That is, modifications to the present disclosure will fall within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the appended claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.

[0054] According to the present invention, a battery cell is provided, the battery cell having: a housing including a first edge, a second edge on a side of the housing opposite the first edge, a third edge extending between the first edge and the second edge, and a fourth edge on a side of the housing opposite the third edge and extending between the first edge and the second edge, wherein the dimensions of the first edge and the second edge are greater than the dimensions of any other edge of the housing; a first tab protruding outward from the first edge; a second tab protruding outward from the second edge; wherein the first tab presents a larger surface area than the second tab, and wherein the first tab is closer to the third edge than the fourth edge, and the second tab is closer to the fourth edge than the third edge.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the surface area of the first tab is substantially twice the surface area of the second tab.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the dimension of the end of the first tab is substantially twice the dimension of the end of the second tab.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the distance by which the first tab is spaced from the third edge is greater by substantially 50% than the distance by which the second tab is spaced from the fourth edge.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the housing includes a center line extending perpendicular to the first edge and the second edge, the center line of the first tab being spaced from the center line of the housing in the direction of the third edge, and the center line of the second tab being spaced from the center line of the housing in the direction of the fourth edge.

[0059] According to the present invention, a method includes: arranging a first tab and a second tab relative to a housing of a battery cell such that the first tab protrudes outward from a first edge of the housing and the second tab protrudes outward from a second edge of the housing, wherein the dimensions of the first edge and the second edge are greater than the dimensions of any other edge of the housing.

[0060] In one aspect of the present invention, the housing includes a center line extending perpendicular to the first edge and the second edge, the center line of the first tab being spaced from the center line of the housing in the direction of the third edge, and the center line of the second tab being spaced from the center line of the housing in the direction of the fourth edge.

[0061] In one aspect of the present invention, the first tab presents a different surface area than the second tab.

Claims

1. A battery cell, comprising: a housing comprising a first edge, a second edge on a side of the housing opposite the first edge, a third edge extending between the first edge and the second edge, and a fourth edge on a side of the housing opposite the third edge and extending between the first edge and the second edge, wherein a size of the first edge and a size of the second edge are larger than a size of any other edge of the housing; a first pole tab, the first pole tab protruding outward from the first edge; as well as A second pole tab protrudes outward from the second edge.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes a centerline extending perpendicular to the first edge and the second edge, The centerline of the first pole tab is spaced apart from the centerline of the housing in the direction of the third edge, and A centerline of the second tab is spaced apart from a centerline of the housing in a direction of the fourth edge.

3. The battery cell of claim 2, wherein the centerline of the first tab is spaced a different distance from the centerline of the housing than the centerline of the second tab.

4. The battery cell according to claim 3, wherein: The first tab presents a larger surface area than the second tab, and The centerline of the first pole tab is spaced a smaller distance from the centerline of the housing than the centerline of the second pole tab. 5 . The battery cell of claim 4 , wherein the distance between the first electrode tab and the third edge is greater than the distance between the second electrode tab and the fourth edge.

6. The battery cell of claim 5, wherein the first tab is spaced apart from the third edge by a distance that is substantially 50% greater than the distance that the second tab is spaced apart from the fourth edge.

7. The battery cell of claim 4, wherein the centerline of the second tab is spaced apart from the centerline of the case by a distance that is substantially 50% greater than the centerline of the first tab is spaced apart from the centerline of the case.

8. The battery cell of claim 7, wherein the surface area of ​​the first tab is substantially twice the surface area of ​​the second tab.

9. The battery cell of claim 8, wherein the size of the end of the first tab is substantially twice the size of the end of the second tab.

10. The battery cell of claim 9, wherein the first tab and the second tab protrude outwardly beyond the corresponding first edge and the second edge by the same distance, respectively.

11. The battery cell of claim 1, wherein the housing is a flexible pouch.

12. The battery cell of claim 1, wherein the battery cell is part of a battery pack for an electrified vehicle.

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