Apparatus and method for controlling battery cell enclosure potential

Abstract

An apparatus and method for controlling a battery cell enclosure potential are provided. A product is disclosed that may include a lithium-ion battery cover plate comprising a metal and a conductive path member in electrical contact with the lithium-ion battery cover plate, where the conductive path member may be slightly or sufficiently conductive to allow charge transfer between a terminal and the cover plate to provide electrochemical stability to the cover plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field generally involves batteries, battery compartments, and methods of using them. Background Technology

[0002] To date, thermoplastics have been used as the insulating layer between the terminals and the cell enclosure in battery manufacturing.

[0003] It is desirable to make the insulating layer between the terminals and the unit from a material comprising additional or alternative components of thermoplastic. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the variations disclosed herein will become apparent, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and foregoing description, and in light of the following detailed description and appended claims. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Multiple variations may include a product comprising: a lithium-ion battery cover including a metal; and a conductive path component in electrical contact with the lithium-ion battery cover, wherein the conductive path component is slightly or sufficiently conductive to allow charge transfer between the terminals and the cover, thereby providing electrochemical stability to the cover.

[0005] Multiple variations may include a product in which the conductive path component comprises a first polymer material and a conductive filler.

[0006] Multiple variations may include a product in which the conductive path component includes a conductive strip having an adhesive layer and a backing layer, and wherein the backing layer includes a first polymer material and a conductive filler.

[0007] Multiple variations may include a product in which a conductive path component is received in an electrically insulating portion of an internal insert, wherein the electrically insulating portion comprises a non-conductive second polymer material.

[0008] Multiple variations may include a product in which the conductive path component includes a first through-hole sized, configured, and arranged to receive at least one of a first terminal or a first solder plate, and wherein the electrically insulating portion includes a first through-hole sized, configured, and arranged to receive at least one of a first terminal or a first solder plate.

[0009] Multiple variations may include a product in which the electrically insulating portion includes a second through-hole, the second through-hole being sized, constructed and arranged to receive at least one of a second terminal or a second solder plate.

[0010] Multiple variations may include a product that further includes at least one lithium-ion battery cell having at least a first electrode having a first electrode tab, and wherein conductive path components are electrically connected to the first electrode tab, such that the lithium-ion battery cover is electrochemically stable.

[0011] Multiple variations may include a product that further includes a first terminal extending through a lithium-ion battery cover.

[0012] Multiple variations may include a product that further includes an insulating material that electrically isolates the first terminal from the lithium-ion battery cover.

[0013] Multiple variations may include a product that further includes a first welding plate welded to the first terminal and the first electrode tab.

[0014] Multiple variations may include a product that further includes at least one lithium-ion battery cell having at least a first electrode having a first electrode tab, and wherein conductive path components are slightly or sufficiently conductive to allow charge transfer between terminals and a cover plate, thereby providing electrochemical stability to the cover plate.

[0015] Multiple variations may include a product comprising: a lithium-ion battery including a plurality of battery cells, wherein each battery cell includes a first electrode and a second electrode, and a separator between the first electrode and the second electrode, and wherein the first electrode includes a first electrode tab; a lithium-ion battery cover including metal; and a conductive path component electrically in contact with the lithium-ion battery cover and the first electrode tab, wherein the conductive path component is slightly or sufficiently conductive to allow charge transfer between the terminals and the cover, thereby providing electrochemical stability to the cover.

[0016] Multiple variations may include a method comprising: electrically connecting a lithium-ion battery cover comprising a metal to a conductive path component, wherein the conductive path component makes the lithium-ion battery cover electrochemically stable.

[0017] Multiple variations may include a method in which the conductive path component comprises a first polymer material and a conductive filler.

[0018] Multiple variations may include a method in which the conductive path component includes a conductive strip having an adhesive layer and a backing layer, and wherein the backing layer includes a first polymer material and a conductive filler.

[0019] Multiple variations may include a method in which a conductive path component is received in an electrically insulating portion of an internal insert, wherein the electrically insulating portion comprises a non-conductive second polymer material.

[0020] Multiple variations may include a method further comprising forming an internal insert using a two-stage injection molding method, the two-stage injection molding method comprising forming a conductive path component by injecting a flowable first polymer material and a conductive filler into a first mold, and curing the flowable first polymer material to form the conductive path component, retaining the conductive path component in the first mold or moving the conductive path component to a second mold, and forming an electrically insulating portion by injecting a flowable second polymer material into the first mold or the second mold, and curing the flowable second polymer material such that the conductive path component and the electrically insulating portion are physically or chemically bonded together at least one of the following.

[0021] Multiple variations may include a method that further includes forming an internal insert using a two-stage injection molding method, the two-stage injection molding method including forming an electrically insulating portion by injecting a flowable second polymer material into a first mold and curing the flowable second polymer material to form the electrically insulating portion, retaining the electrically insulating portion in the first mold or moving the electrically insulating portion to a second mold, forming a conductive path component by injecting a flowable first polymer material and a conductive filler into the first mold or the second mold, and curing the flowable first polymer material to form the conductive path component, and such that the conductive path component and the electrically insulating portion are physically or chemically bonded together at least one of the following.

[0022] Multiple variations may include a method in which electrically connecting a lithium-ion battery cover to a conductive path component includes adhering a conductive strip to a first terminal and the lithium-ion battery cover.

[0023] Multiple variations may include a method that further includes a first electrode tab electrically connecting a first terminal to a first electrode of a semiconductor lithium-ion battery cell, such that the lithium-ion battery cover is electrochemically stable. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The variations will be described below with reference to the following figures, wherein the same numbers denote the same elements, and wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the selection of components and methods based on multiple variations of lithium-ion batteries;

[0026] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the selection of components and methods based on multiple variations of lithium-ion batteries;

[0027] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of selected components based on several variations of lithium-ion batteries, with some parts removed;

[0028] Figure 4It is a schematic diagram based on multiple variations of lithium-ion batteries;

[0029] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of a conductive path component with polymer material and conductive filler according to multiple variations;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram based on a portion of several variants of lithium-ion batteries;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a conductive path component with several variations, the conductive path component including a strip having an adhesive layer and a backing layer, the backing layer including a polymer material and a conductive filler;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram based on several variations of a lithium-ion battery, wherein conductive paths are provided in a first electrically insulating layer and contact a cover plate and a first terminal and / or a first welding plate; and

[0033] Figure 9 It is a top cross-sectional view of the conductive path provided in the first electrical insulation layer 124 and in contact with the second terminal. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and use. Furthermore, it is not intended to be construed as being bound by any express or implied theory set forth in the foregoing technical field, background art, summary of the invention, or the detailed description below. As used herein, the term module refers to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, a processor (shared, dedicated, or grouped) and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, combinational logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.

[0035] The following detailed description is illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit application or use. Furthermore, it is not intended to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the foregoing technical field, background art, invention summary, or the following detailed description.

[0036] Figure 1 and Figure 2Products that may be lithium-ion batteries according to various variations are shown, along with methods for discharging and charging. Product 100 may include a first electrode 102, such as a cathode, and a first active material 106 on or adjacent to the first electrode 102. For the cathode electrode, the first active material 106 may be deposited on the first electrode 102, having a composition comprising a metal oxide as the active material, one or more conductive additives, and one or more binders. The first active material 106 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2), lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4), lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP), or lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LiNiMnCoO2 or NMC). A second electrode 116, such as an anode, may be provided, and a second active material 112 may be deposited on the second electrode 116. The second active material 112 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of carbon-based materials, such as graphite, silicon, or a combination of both, or lithium metal carbon materials. A separator 108 may be provided between the first electrode 102 and the second electrode 116, and may be configured and arranged to allow lithium ions to move through. Product 100 may also include electrolyte 110. Electrolyte 110 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of LiPF6, LiBF4 or LiClO4 in an organic solvent.

[0037] Refer again Figure 1 When product 100 (battery) is discharging and providing current, such as powering an electric motor in a vehicle, the second electrode 116 (anode) or the second active material 112 releases lithium ions 114 to the first electrode 102 (cathode) or the first active material 106, generating an electron flow 104 from the second electrode 116 (anode) to the first electrode 102 (cathode). See again. Figure 2 When the product 100 (battery) is inserted into a current source, the opposite occurs, causing lithium ions 114 to be released by the first electrode 102 (cathode) or the first active material 106 and received by the second electrode 116 (anode) of the second active material 112.

[0038] Figure 3A product 100, which may be a battery and may include a unit 300, is shown. This unit may include a first electrode 102 (cathode) and a second electrode 116 (anode) and a separator 108 therebetween. Multiple units 300 may be housed in a housing 118, which may be made of a material including, but not limited to, metals (such as, but not limited to, aluminum or steel). A cover 120 may be provided as part of the housing 118 or as a separate component. A first terminal 122 may extend through the cover 120 and may be electrically isolated from the cover 120 by a first electrical insulating material 124. A second terminal 126 may extend through the cover 120 and may be electrically isolated from the cover 120 by a second electrical insulating material 128. A pressure relief vent or electrolyte injection port 130 may be provided in the cover 120.

[0039] Figures 3-5 Several variations are shown, which may include an electrode stack 142, the electrode stack may include a plurality of units 300 (in Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, the first electrode 102 may include a first electrode tab 140, which may be a cathode tab, and the second electrode 116 may include a second electrode tab 144, which may be an anode tab. A first terminal 122 may be directly or indirectly connected to the first electrode tab 140, for example, via a first solder plate 132, which is simultaneously connected to both the first terminal 122 and the first electrode tab 140. A second terminal 126 may be directly or indirectly connected to the second electrode tab 144, for example, via a second solder plate 146. Similarly, the first electrode 102 may be electrically isolated from the cover plate 120 via a first electrical insulating material 124, and the second terminal 126 may be electrically isolated from the cover plate 120 via a second electrical insulating material 128. An internal insert 134 may be provided, including a non-conductive (i.e., not conductive) electrically insulating portion 136. The internal insert 134 may also include a conductive path component 138, which may include a polymer material 306 and a conductive filler 308 (such as...). Figure 5 As shown). Figure 4As shown, the conductive path component 138 can be positioned to provide an electrical connection to the first electrode tab 140 and the cover plate 120. In several variations, the conductive path component 138 can directly contact the cover plate 120. In several variations, the electrically insulating portion 136 can include a first through-hole 312, and the conductive path component 138 can include a first through-hole 310, and the through-holes 310 and 312 can be sized, configured, and arranged to receive at least one of the first terminal 122 or the first solder plate 132. The electrically insulating portion 136 can include a second through-hole 314, which is sized, configured, and arranged to receive at least one of the second terminal 126 or the second solder plate 146. The amount of polymer material 306 and conductive filler 308 in the conductive path component 138 is sufficient to allow current to flow from the first electrode tab 140 to the cover plate 120, so that the cover plate 120 is electrochemically stable and not subject to erosion or degradation by the electrolyte in the product 100 (battery). In several variations, electrochemical stabilization of the cover plate 120 can lead to the growth of a passivation layer on the cover plate 120. In several variations, a passivation layer comprising AlF3 can be grown on the cover plate 120. In several variations, the conductive filler can comprise at least one of glass, metal, or carbon. In several variations, the conductive filler 308 can comprise glass fibers, glass particles, metal fibers, or metal particles. In several variations, the electrically insulating portion 136 of the internal insert 34 can include, but is not limited to, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). In several variations, the conductive path portion 138 of the internal insert 34 can include, but is not limited to, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). In several variations, the conductive filler 308 can be present in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 70% of the polymer material 306 by weight. In several variations, the conductive filler 308 can be present in an amount ranging from about 25% to about 35% of the polymer material 306 by weight. In several variations, the conductive filler 308 can be present in an amount of about 30% of the polymer material 306 by weight. In several variations, the conductive path component may be slightly or sufficiently conductive to allow charge transfer between the terminals and the cover plate, thereby providing electrochemical stability to the cover plate. In several variations, the conductive path component may include a polymer material and sufficient filler, such that the conductive path component can have 10 -10 -10 3 Siemens conductivity in the range of S / m. In several variations, the conductive path components can be semiconductors.

[0040] Alternatively, in several variations, such as from Figure 4 and Figure 6 Understood, conductive path component 138 can be positioned to provide contact with the second electrode tab 144. Figure 4 Electrical connection of ) or to the second terminal 126 ( Figure 6 Electrical connection.

[0041] In several variations, the conductive path component 138 and the electrically insulating portion 136 may be separate pieces. In several variations, the internal insert 134 may be manufactured using a method involving two injection molding processes. This method may include injecting a first material for the electrically insulating portion 136 into a first injection mold and curing the first material, and subsequently injecting a second material for the conductive path component 138 into either the first injection mold or a second injection mold in which the cured first material has been placed. Alternatively, the steps may be reversed, wherein in a first step, the second material for the conductive path component 138 is injected into the first mold and cured, and subsequently the first material for the electrically insulating portion is injected into either the first mold or a second mold in which the cured second material has been placed.

[0042] Figure 5 This may be a schematic diagram including a cover plate 120 having a first terminal 122 extending through the cover plate 120 and a first electrically insulating material 124 electrically isolating the first terminal 122 from the cover plate 120, and a second terminal 126 extending through the cover plate 120 and a second electrically insulating material 128 electrically isolating the second terminal 126 from the cover plate 120. A conductive path component 138 may be provided from the first terminal 122 to the cover plate 120. In various variations, the conductive path component 138 may include a conductive strip. In various variations, for example, Figure 6 As shown, but not limited to, the conductive strip may include any adhesive layer 302 and backing layer 304, the backing layer comprising a polymer material 306 and a conductive filler 308. Figures 5-7 It is understood that many other variations may include conductive path component 138, which is a conductive strip adhered to the first terminal 122 and the cover plate 120 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 7 (as shown in the diagram), and a first welding plate 132 that is welded to the first electrode tab 140 of the first terminal 122 and the electrode of the lithium-ion battery cell.

[0043] Figure 8 Several variations are shown, in which a conductive path 138 may be provided in the first electrical insulation layer 124 and may contact the cover plate 120 and the first terminal 122 and / or the first welding plate 132, or the second terminal 126 and / or the second welding plate 146. Figure 9 This is a top cross-sectional view of the conductive path 138, which can be provided in the first electrical insulation layer 124 and contact the second terminal 126.

[0044] Clause 1. A product comprising: a lithium-ion battery cover comprising a metal; and a conductive path component electrically in contact with the lithium-ion battery cover, wherein the conductive path component may be slightly or sufficiently conductive to allow charge transfer between a terminal and the cover, thereby providing electrochemical stability to the cover.

[0045] Clause 2. The product according to Clause 1, wherein the conductive path component comprises a first polymer material and a conductive filler.

[0046] Clause 3. The product according to Clause 1, wherein the conductive path component includes a conductive strip having an adhesive layer and a backing layer, and wherein the backing layer includes a first polymer material and a conductive filler.

[0047] Clause 4. The product according to Clause 1, wherein the conductive path component is received in the electrically insulating portion of the internal insert, wherein the electrically insulating portion comprises a non-conductive second polymer material.

[0048] Clause 5. The product according to Clause 4, wherein the conductive path component includes a first through-hole sized, constructed and arranged to receive at least one of a first terminal or a first solder plate, and wherein the electrically insulating portion includes a first through-hole sized, constructed and arranged to receive at least one of a first terminal or a first solder plate.

[0049] Clause 6. The product according to Clause 5, wherein the electrically insulating portion includes a second through-hole, the second through-hole being sized, constructed and arranged to receive at least one of a second terminal or a second solder plate.

[0050] Clause 7. The product according to Clause 1 further includes at least one lithium-ion battery cell having at least a first electrode having a first electrode tab, and wherein a conductive path component is electrically connected to the first electrode tab, such that the lithium-ion battery cover is electrochemically stable.

[0051] Clause 8. The product described in Clause 7 further includes a first terminal extending through the lithium-ion battery cover.

[0052] Clause 9. The product described in Clause 8 further includes an insulating material that electrically isolates the first terminal from the lithium-ion battery cover.

[0053] Clause 10. The product as described in Clause 8 further includes a first welding plate welded to the first terminal and the first electrode tab.

[0054] Clause 11. The product according to Clause 3 further includes at least one lithium-ion battery cell having at least a first electrode having a first electrode tab, and wherein conductive path components are slightly or sufficiently conductive to allow charge transfer between terminals and a cover plate, thereby providing electrochemical stability to the cover plate.

[0055] Clause 12. A product comprising: a lithium-ion battery including a plurality of battery cells, wherein each battery cell includes a first electrode and a second electrode, and a separator between the first electrode and the second electrode, and wherein the first electrode includes a first electrode tab; a lithium-ion battery cover including metal; and a conductive path member electrically in contact with the lithium-ion battery cover and the first electrode tab, wherein the conductive path member may be slightly or sufficiently conductive to allow charge transfer between a terminal and the cover, thereby providing electrochemical stability to the cover.

[0056] Clause 13. A method comprising: electrically connecting a lithium-ion battery cover comprising a metal to a conductive path component, wherein the conductive path component makes the lithium-ion battery cover electrochemically stable.

[0057] Clause 14. The method according to Clause 13, wherein the conductive path component comprises a first polymer material and a conductive filler.

[0058] Clause 15. The method according to Clause 13, wherein the conductive path component includes a conductive strip having an adhesive layer and a backing layer, and wherein the backing layer includes a first polymer material and a conductive filler.

[0059] Clause 16. The method according to Clause 13, wherein the conductive path component is received in the electrically insulating portion of the internal insert, wherein the electrically insulating portion comprises a non-conductive second polymer material.

[0060] Clause 17. The method of Clause 16 further includes forming an internal insert using a two-stage injection molding method, the two-stage injection molding method comprising forming a conductive path component by injecting a flowable first polymer material and a conductive filler into a first mold, and curing the flowable first polymer material to form the conductive path component, retaining the conductive path component in the first mold or moving the conductive path component to a second mold, and forming an electrically insulating portion by injecting a flowable second polymer material into the first mold or the second mold, and curing the flowable second polymer material such that the conductive path component and the electrically insulating portion are physically or chemically bonded together at least one of the following.

[0061] Clause 18. The method of Clause 16 further includes forming an internal insert using a two-stage injection molding method, the two-stage injection molding method comprising forming an electrically insulating portion by injecting a flowable second polymer material into a first mold and curing the flowable second polymer material to form the electrically insulating portion, retaining the electrically insulating portion in the first mold or moving the electrically insulating portion to a second mold, forming a conductive path component by injecting a flowable first polymer material and a conductive filler into the first mold or the second mold, and curing the flowable first polymer material to form the conductive path component, and such that the conductive path component and the electrically insulating portion are physically or chemically bonded together at least one of the following.

[0062] Clause 19. The method according to Clause 15, wherein electrically connecting the lithium-ion battery cover to the conductive path component includes adhering a conductive strip to the first terminal and the lithium-ion battery cover.

[0063] Clause 20. The method according to Clause 19 further includes a first electrode tab electrically connecting a first terminal to a first electrode of a semiconductor lithium-ion battery cell, such that the lithium-ion battery cover is electrochemically stable.

[0064] While at least illustrative variations have been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that numerous variations exist. It should also be understood that one or more variations are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of this disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing one or more variations. It should be understood that various changes can be made to the function and arrangement of the elements without departing from the scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A product comprising: Lithium-ion battery covers, including those made of metal; as well as A conductive path component that is in electrical contact with the lithium-ion battery cover, wherein the conductive path component is slightly or sufficiently conductive to allow charge transfer between the terminal and the cover, thereby providing electrochemical stability to the cover.

2. The product according to claim 1, wherein, The conductive path component includes a first polymer material and a conductive filler.

3. The product according to claim 1, wherein, The conductive path component includes a conductive strip having an adhesive layer and a backing layer, wherein the backing layer includes a first polymer material and a conductive filler.

4. The product according to claim 1, wherein, The conductive path component is received in the electrically insulating portion of the internal insert, wherein the electrically insulating portion comprises a non-conductive second polymer material.

5. The product according to claim 4, wherein, The conductive path component includes a first through-hole, the first through-hole being sized, constructed, and arranged to receive at least one of a first terminal or a first solder plate, and wherein the electrically insulating portion includes a first through-hole, the first through-hole being sized, constructed, and arranged to receive at least one of the first terminal or the first solder plate.

6. The product according to claim 5, wherein, The electrical insulation portion includes a second through-hole, which is sized, constructed, and arranged to receive at least one of a second terminal or a second welding plate.

7. The product of claim 1, further comprising at least one lithium-ion battery cell, said lithium-ion battery cell having at least a first electrode having a first electrode tab, and wherein, The conductive path component is electrically connected to the first electrode tab, making the lithium-ion battery cover electrochemically stable.

8. The product of claim 7, further comprising a first terminal extending through the lithium-ion battery cover.

9. The product of claim 8, further comprising an insulating material for electrically isolating the first terminal from the lithium-ion battery cover.

10. A product comprising: A lithium-ion battery, the lithium-ion battery comprising a plurality of battery cells, wherein each battery cell includes a first electrode and a second electrode, and a separator between the first electrode and the second electrode, and wherein the first electrode includes a first electrode tab; Including metal lithium-ion battery covers; and A conductive path component that is in electrical contact with the lithium-ion battery cover and the first electrode tab, wherein the conductive path component is slightly or sufficiently conductive to allow charge transfer between the terminal and the cover, thereby providing electrochemical stability to the cover.

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