Battery cell comprising snap-fit insulator
By using snap-fitting insulators in the battery cell tank, the problem of slow electrolyte filling is solved, and the uniform distribution and rapid filling of electrolytes in the battery cell is achieved, thereby improving the insulation performance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202410311662.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-01-22
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-19
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-22
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, the absorption rate of the battery cell tank is slow when filled with electrolyte, resulting in a multi-day filling process and affecting the insulation performance.
Using snap-fitting an insulator, the surface of the insulator is designed into multiple openings and raised ridges, and a snap-fit connection is formed with the end members of a specific angle to the surface of the battery stack to promote uniform distribution of the electrolyte.
The absorption rate of electrolyte in the battery cell tank is improved, the filling time is shortened, and the insulation performance of the battery cell is ensured.
Smart Images
Figure CN120357121A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of vehicles, and more particularly, to a vehicle including a battery assembly having battery cells with snap-fit insulators. Background Art
[0002] Many modern vehicles include a rechargeable energy storage system that powers a drive unit. The drive unit powers one or more wheels. The rechargeable energy storage system typically includes battery cells that store and release electrical energy. Each battery includes a cathode and an anode that are insulated from each other by a separator. An electrical storage medium is disposed within the battery cell and connected to the cathode and the anode.
[0003] The electrical storage medium is typically disposed within a battery cell canister that supports the cathode and the anode. The battery cell canister is typically filled with an electrolyte that insulates the electrical storage medium. The battery cell canister includes a fill opening through which the electrolyte is introduced into the battery cell canister. Typically, the electrolyte accumulates at the fill opening, resulting in a weak wicking or absorption rate. The weak absorption rate typically results in a multi-day filling process for the battery cell canister in order to achieve the desired insulation performance. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a system that facilitates complete filling of the battery cell canister with electrolyte in a shorter period of time. Summary of the Invention
[0004] According to a non-limiting example, a battery cell for a rechargeable energy storage system includes a battery cell canister including a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a top wall extending between and connecting the first side wall and the second side wall. The battery cell canister includes an internal storage volume. A battery stack is disposed within the internal storage volume. The battery stack includes a base surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, and a top surface spaced from the top wall. An insulator is disposed between the top surface and the top wall. The insulator includes an insulator surface extending along the top surface. The insulator surface includes a first end located at the first side surface and a second end located at the second side surface. The insulator surface further includes a first end member protruding from the first end along the first side surface and a second end member extending from the second end along the second side surface. The insulator is snap-fit attached to the battery stack.
[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the insulator surface includes a plurality of openings.
[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the insulator surface includes a plurality of raised ridges.
[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the top surface of the battery cell canister may include an electrolyte fill port.
[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, the insulator surface includes a first portion, a second portion, and a vertex portion, the first portion extending from the first end to the vertex portion at a first angle, and the second portion extending from the second end to the vertex portion at a second angle.
[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first angle is different from the second angle.
[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, the electrolyte filling port is aligned with the vertex portion of the insulator.
[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, a support is disposed between the top surface of the battery stack and the first portion.
[0012] In addition to one or more features described, another support is disposed between the top surface of the battery stack and the second portion.
[0013] In addition to one or more features described herein, the insulator is formed of one of a plastic material and a plastic composite material.
[0014] By way of non-limiting example, a vehicle includes a body, an electric drive unit supported in the body, and a battery assembly supported in the body and electrically connected to the electric drive unit. The battery assembly includes a plurality of battery cells, each of the plurality of battery cells including a battery cell canister, the battery cell canister including a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a top wall extending between and connecting the first side wall and the second side wall. The battery cell canister includes an internal storage volume. A battery stack is disposed in the internal storage volume. The battery stack includes a base surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, and a top surface spaced from the top wall. An insulator is disposed between the top surface and the top wall. The insulator includes an insulator surface extending along the top surface. The insulator surface includes a first end located at the first side surface and a second end located at the second side surface. The insulator surface further includes a first end member protruding from the first end along the first side surface and a second end member extending from the second end along the second side surface. The insulator is snap-fit attached to the battery stack.
[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, the insulator surface includes a plurality of openings.
[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, the insulator surface includes a plurality of raised ridges.
[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, the top surface of the battery cell canister may include an electrolyte filling port.
[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, the insulator surface includes a first portion, a second portion, and a vertex portion, the first portion extending from the first end to the vertex portion at a first angle, and the second portion extending from the second end to the vertex portion at a second angle.
[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first angle is different from the second angle.
[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, the electrolyte filling port is aligned with the vertex portion of the insulator.
[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, the support is disposed between the top surface of the battery stack and the first portion.
[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, another support is disposed between the top surface of the battery stack and the second portion. Packaging
[0023] In addition to one or more features described herein, the insulator is formed of one of a plastic material and a plastic composite material.
[0024] When taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the above-described features and advantages of the present disclosure, as well as other features and advantages, are apparent from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Other features, advantages, and details appear only by way of example in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0026] Figure 1 is a left side view of a vehicle including a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) having battery cells according to a non-limiting example;
[0027] Figure 2 is according to a non-limiting example Figure 1 of a RESS in an exploded view, the RESS having a plurality of battery cells provided with snap-fit insulators;
[0028] Figure 3 is according to a non-limiting example Figure 2 of a cross-sectional view of one of a plurality of battery cells, which shows a snap-fit insulator;
[0029] Figure 4 is according to a non-limiting example Figure 3 of a left perspective view of a snap-fit insulator;
[0030] Figure 5 is according to a non-limiting example Figure 3 of a right perspective view of a snap-fit insulator;
[0031] Figure 6 is a right side perspective view of a snap-fit insulator including an overflow barrier according to a non-limiting example;
[0032] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a snap-fit insulator according to another non-limiting example; and
[0033] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a snap-fit insulator according to yet another non-limiting example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.
[0035] According to a non-limiting example, a vehicle is generally designated by 10 in Figure 1 . The vehicle 10 includes a body 12 supported on a plurality of wheels 16. The body 12 partially defines a passenger compartment 20 having a seat 23 positioned behind a dashboard 26. A steering controller 30 is disposed between the seat 23 and the dashboard 26. The steering controller 30 operates to control the orientation of a selected one of the plurality of wheels 16. The vehicle 10 includes an electric drive unit 34 that provides power to one or more of the plurality of wheels 16.
[0036] A rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) or battery pack 38 is disposed in the body 12 and supplies power to the electric drive unit 34. At this time, it should be understood that the positions of the electric drive unit 34 and the battery pack 38 can vary. As Figure 2 shown, the RESS 38 includes a housing 50 having a base 52, an outer cover 54, and a plurality of inner covers 56. The inner covers 56 shield and protect a plurality of battery cells 60 in a plurality of adjacent rows 62 disposed on the base 52.
[0037] Reference will now be made to Figure 3, to describe one of a plurality of battery cells 60 according to a non - limiting example. The battery cell 60 includes a cell can 64 having a bottom wall 66, a first side wall 68, a second side wall 70, and a top wall 72. The cell can 64 includes an internal storage volume 74. The top wall 72 includes an electrolyte filling port 76 that provides a path for electrolyte (not shown) to flow into the internal storage volume 74. The top wall 72 also supports a first terminal or cathode 78 and a second terminal or anode 80. The first terminal 78 and the second terminal 80 are connected to a top cover 81 that extends substantially parallel to the top wall 72. The top cover 81 includes an opening 82 that is aligned with the electrolyte filling port 76. A cell stack 83 is disposed in the internal storage volume 74 and is connected to the first terminal 78 and the second terminal 80, as will be discussed herein.
[0038] In a non - limiting example, the cell stack 83 includes a base surface 84 that may rest on or near the bottom wall 66, a first side surface 86, a second side surface 88, and a top surface 90. The cell stack 83 includes a first electrode tab 92 that extends from the first side surface 86 and a second electrode tab 93 that extends from the second side surface 88. A first current collector 94 is connected to the first electrode tab 92, and a second current collector 96 is connected to the second electrode tab 93. The first current collector 94 is electrically connected to the first terminal 78 through a first current collector isolator 97, and the second current collector 96 is electrically connected to the second terminal 80 through a second current collector isolator 98.
[0039] In a non - limiting example, an insulator 100 is disposed between the top surface 90 and the top cover 81. The insulator 100 isolates the cell stack 83 from the top cover 81 and the first terminal 78 and the second terminal 80. As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the insulator 100 includes an insulator member 110 having a first end 112, a second end 114, and an insulator surface 116 that extends between the first end 112 and the second end 114. The insulator 100 includes a first end member 120 that is connected to and extends from the first end 112 and a second end member 122 that is connected to and extends from the second end 114. The insulator 100 is sized such that the first end member 120 engages the first side surface 86 of the cell stack 83, and the second end member 122 engages the second side surface 88 of the cell stack 83, thereby forming a snap - fit interface with the cell stack 83.
[0040] In a non - limiting example, the insulator surface 116 includes a first portion 130 that extends from a first end member 120 at a first angle at a first side surface 86 of the battery stack 83 and a second portion 132 that extends from a second end member 122 at a second angle at a second side surface 88 of the battery stack 83. In a non - limiting example, the first angle and the second angle are different. The first portion 130 and the second portion 132 meet at a vertex portion 140. In the illustrated non - limiting example, the vertex portion 140 is substantially aligned with the electrolyte filling port 76.
[0041] In a non - limiting instance, the insulator surface 116 includes a plurality of openings 144 that allow electrolyte introduced into the electrolyte filling port 76 to flow into the internal storage volume 74. The angles of the first portion 130 and the second portion 132, together with the plurality of openings 144, facilitate a more uniform distribution of the electrolyte into the internal storage volume 74 in order to increase the overall absorption rate of the battery stack 83. The insulator surface 116 also includes one or more raised ridges 148 that extend between a first end 112 and a second end 114. The raised ridges 148 further enhance the overall uniform distribution of the electrolyte within the internal storage volume 74.
[0042] In a non - limiting example, the insulator 100 may include a first support 154( Figure 3 ) that supports the first portion 130, as well as a second support 158 and a third support 160 that support the second portion 134. The first support 154 is integrally formed with the insulator surface 116 and extends between the first portion 130 and the top surface 90 of the battery stack 83. The second support 158 and the third support 160 are integrally formed with the insulator surface 116 and extend between the second portion 134 and the top surface 90. The first support 154, the second support 158, and the third support 160 provide structural support for the insulator 100.
[0043] In a non - limiting example, the insulator 100 is formed from a plastic material or a plastic composite material having a selected amount of flexibility to facilitate snap - fit connections. The amount of flexibility may vary depending on the battery stack geometry and the level of clamping force required for a particular application. Additionally, as Figure 6 shown, it should be understood that the insulator 100 may include overflow barriers, such as those shown at 190 and 192 and 194 and 196, which direct the electrolyte to the outer ends 112, 114 (not separately labeled) of the first portion 130 and the second portion 132, as Figure 6 shown. Further, although described as including angled portions, the insulator may be substantially linear, such as Figure 7 shown at 240. Still further, although shown as including openings 144, the insulator 260 may be formed without openings, as Figure 8As shown. As shown, the insulator 240 and / or 260 can be angled or formed without an angle.
[0044] The terms "a" and "an" do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the term "or" means "and / or". References to "aspect" throughout the specification mean that the particular elements (e.g., features, structures, steps, or characteristics) described in connection with that aspect are included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. Additionally, it should be understood that the described elements can be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.
[0045] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, no intervening elements are present.
[0046] The terms "about" and "substantially" are intended to include the degree of error associated with a particular quantity measurement based on the equipment available at the time of filing the application. For example, "about" and / or "substantially" can include a range of ±8% or 5% or 2% of a given value.
[0047] Unless stated to the contrary herein, all test standards are the latest standards in effect as of the filing date of this application, or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standards appear.
[0048] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.
[0049] Although the foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and elements can be replaced with equivalents without departing from its scope. Additionally, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the basic scope thereof. Accordingly, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.
Claims
1. A battery cell for a rechargeable energy storage system, comprising: A battery cell can, the battery cell can including a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall and a top wall, the top wall extending between and connecting the first side wall and the second side wall, the battery cell can including an internal storage volume; A battery stack disposed in the internal storage volume, the battery stack including a base surface, a first side surface, a second side surface and a top surface spaced from the top wall; And An insulator disposed between the top surface and the top wall, the insulator including an insulator surface extending along the top surface, the insulator surface including a first end at the first side surface and a second end at the second side surface, the insulator surface further including a first end member protruding from the first end along the first side surface and a second end member extending from the second end along the second side surface, the insulator being snap - fit attached to the battery stack.
2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the insulator surface comprises a plurality of openings.
3. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the insulator surface includes a plurality of raised ridges.
4. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The top surface of the battery cell can includes an electrolyte filling port.
5. The battery cell according to claim 4, wherein the insulator surface includes a first portion, a second portion and a vertex portion, the first portion extending from the first end to the vertex portion at a first angle, and the second portion extending from the second end to the vertex portion at a second angle.
6. The battery cell according to claim 5, wherein, The first angle is different from the second angle.
7. The battery cell according to claim 5, wherein the electrolyte filling port is aligned with the vertex portion of the insulator.
8. The battery cell according to claim 5, further comprising: A support disposed between the top surface of the battery stack and the first portion; And Another support disposed between the top surface of the battery stack and the second portion.
9. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The insulator is formed of one of a plastic material and a plastic composite material.
10. A vehicle, comprising: A vehicle body; An electric drive unit supported in the vehicle body; A battery assembly supported in the vehicle body and electrically connected to the electric drive unit, the battery assembly including the battery cell according to claim 1.