Battery cell having separator including connection end

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery cell having a separator including joining ends. A battery cell includes: C cathode electrodes each including a cathode active material disposed on a cathode current collector; a anode electrodes each including an anode active material disposed on an anode current collector; and S separators. C, A and S are integers greater than 1. The S dividers include a first end and a second end. First and second ends of the S separators extend from opposite sides of the C cathode electrodes and the A anode electrodes. The first and second ends of the S dividers are joined together using hot pressing, hot knife, polymer bath, or ultrasonic welding.

Description

[0001] introduction

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of this disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the works of the currently attributed inventors and aspects of the description that may not constitute prior art at the time of filing are neither explicitly nor implicitly considered to be prior art of this disclosure. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to battery cells, and more particularly to battery cells including separators having connecting ends. Background Technology

[0004] Electric vehicles (EVs), such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid electric vehicles, and / or fuel cell vehicles, include one or more electric motors and a battery system including one or more battery cells, battery modules, and / or battery packs. A power control system is used to control the charging and / or discharging of the battery system during charging and / or driving.

[0005] The battery cell includes a cathode electrode, an anode electrode, and a separator. The cathode electrode includes a layer of cathode active material disposed on a cathode current collector. The anode electrode includes a layer of anode active material disposed on an anode current collector. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A battery cell includes: C cathode electrodes, each including a cathode active material disposed on a cathode current collector; A anode electrodes, each including an anode active material disposed on an anode current collector; and S separators. C, A, and S are integers greater than 1. The S separators include a first end and a second end. The first and second ends of the S separators extend from opposite sides of the C cathode electrodes and the A anode electrodes. The first ends of the S separators are connected together.

[0007] Among other features, the second ends of the S separators are joined together. The first and second ends of the S separators are joined together using a hot press. The first and second ends of the S separators are joined together using a hot knife.

[0008] Among other features, the first and second ends of the S separators are connected together using a polymer connector. The polymer connector is formed by immersing the first and second ends of the S separators in a polymer bath.

[0009] Among other features, the first and second ends of the S separators are joined together using ultrasonic welding.

[0010] Among other features, the strip extends over at least a portion of the first and second ends of the S separators. The strip is located at discrete positions spaced apart in the longitudinal direction.

[0011] A vehicle includes a battery module comprising multiple battery cells.

[0012] A method for manufacturing a battery cell includes arranging C cathode electrodes, A anode electrodes, and S separators in a battery cell stack. Each of the C cathode electrodes includes cathode active material disposed on a cathode current collector, and each of the A anode electrodes includes anode active material disposed on an anode current collector. C, A, and S are integers greater than 1.

[0013] The S separators each include a first end and a second end. The first and second ends of the S separators extend from opposite sides of the C cathode electrodes and the A anode electrodes. The method includes connecting the first ends of the S separators together.

[0014] Among other features, the method includes joining the second ends of the S separators together. The first and second ends of the S separators are joined together using a hot press. The first and second ends of the S separators are joined together using a hot knife.

[0015] Among other features, the first and second ends of the S separators are connected together using polymer connectors. The method includes immersing the first and second ends of the S separators in a polymer bath to form a first polymer connector connecting the first ends and a second polymer connector connecting the second ends.

[0016] Among other features, the first and second ends of the S separators are joined together using ultrasonic welding.

[0017] Among other features, the method includes wrapping at least a portion of the first and second ends of the S separators with a strip. The strip is located at discrete positions spaced apart along the battery cells in the longitudinal direction.

[0018] Among other features, the method includes arranging multiple battery cells in a battery module and arranging the battery module in a vehicle.

[0019] The present invention provides the following technical solutions.

[0020] Technical Solution 1. A battery cell, comprising:

[0021] C cathode electrodes, each comprising cathode active material arranged on a cathode current collector;

[0022] A plurality of anode electrodes, each comprising an anode active material disposed on an anode current collector; and

[0023] There are S separators, where C, A, and S are integers greater than 1.

[0024] The S separators include a first end and a second end.

[0025] The first and second ends of the S separators extend from opposite sides of the C cathode electrodes and the A anode electrodes.

[0026] The first ends of the S separators are connected together.

[0027] Technical solution 2. The battery cell according to technical solution 1, wherein the second ends of the S separators are connected together.

[0028] Technical solution 3. The battery cell according to technical solution 2, wherein the first end and the second end of the S separators are connected together using a hot press.

[0029] Technical Solution 4. The battery cell according to Technical Solution 2, wherein the first end and the second end of the S separators are connected together using a hot knife.

[0030] Technical Solution 5. The battery cell according to Technical Solution 2, wherein the first end and the second end of the S separators are connected together using a polymer connector.

[0031] Technical Solution 6. The battery cell according to Technical Solution 5, wherein the polymer connector is formed by immersing the first end and the second end of the S separators in a polymer bath.

[0032] Technical Solution 7. The battery cell according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the first end and the second end of the S separators are connected together by ultrasonic welding.

[0033] Technical solution 8. The battery cell according to technical solution 2 further includes strips extending on at least a portion of the first end and the second end of the S separators.

[0034] Technical Solution 9. The battery cell according to Technical Solution 8, wherein the strips are located at discrete positions spaced apart in the longitudinal direction.

[0035] Technical Solution 10. A vehicle including a battery module, the battery module including a plurality of battery cells according to Technical Solution 1.

[0036] Technical Solution 11. A method for manufacturing a battery cell, comprising:

[0037] In a battery cell stack, C cathode electrodes, A anode electrodes, and S separators are arranged. Each of the C cathode electrodes includes cathode active material disposed on a cathode current collector, and each of the A anode electrodes includes anode active material disposed on an anode current collector. C, A, and S are integers greater than 1.

[0038] The S separators include a first end and a second end.

[0039] Wherein, the first end and the second end of the S separators extend from opposite sides of the C cathode electrodes and the A anode electrodes; and

[0040] Connect the first ends of the S separators together.

[0041] Technical solution 12. The method according to technical solution 11 further includes connecting the second ends of the S separators together.

[0042] Technical Solution 13. The method according to Technical Solution 12, wherein the first end and the second end of the S separators are connected together using a hot press.

[0043] Technical Solution 14. The method according to Technical Solution 12, wherein the first end and the second end of the S separators are connected together using a hot knife.

[0044] Technical Solution 15. The method according to Technical Solution 12, wherein the first end and the second end of the S separators are connected together using a polymer connector.

[0045] Technical Solution 16. The method according to Technical Solution 12 further includes immersing the first end and the second end of the S separators in a polymer bath to form a first polymer connector connecting the first end and a second polymer connector connecting the second end.

[0046] Technical Solution 17. The method according to Technical Solution 11, wherein the first end and the second end of the S separators are connected together by ultrasonic welding.

[0047] Technical Solution 18. The method according to Technical Solution 12 further includes wrapping at least a portion of the first end and the second end of the S separators with a strip.

[0048] Technical Solution 19. The method according to Technical Solution 18, wherein the strip is located at discrete positions spaced apart along the battery cells in the longitudinal direction.

[0049] Technical solution 20. The method according to technical solution 11 further includes:

[0050] The plurality of said battery cells are arranged in the battery module; and

[0051] The battery module is placed in the vehicle.

[0052] Further applications of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0053] This disclosure will be understood more fully from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0054] Figure 1 This is a side sectional view of an example of a battery cell according to the present disclosure, the battery cell including C cathode electrodes, A anode electrodes and S spacers arranged in a battery cell stack;

[0055] Figure 2A This is a side sectional view of an example battery cell, which includes S separators extending from its side and strips wrapped around the battery cell;

[0056] Figure 2B and Figure 2C This is a perspective view of an example of a battery cell, including strips wrapped around the battery cell.

[0057] Figure 3A This is a side sectional view of an example of a battery cell according to the present disclosure, the battery cell including S separators extending from the side of the battery cell and connected by immersing the ends of the S separators in a polymer bath.

[0058] Figure 3B It is according to this disclosure after bonding using a polymer adhesive. Figure 3A A side sectional view of an example battery cell;

[0059] Figure 4A This is a side sectional view of an example of a battery cell during connection using a hot press according to the present disclosure, the battery cell including S separators extending from its side.

[0060] Figure 4B This is based on the present disclosure after connection using a hot press. Figure 4A A side sectional view of an example battery cell;

[0061] Figure 5AThis is a side sectional view of an example of a battery cell during hot knife connection according to the present disclosure, the battery cell including S separators extending from its side.

[0062] Figure 5B This is based on the present disclosure after using a hot knife connection. Figure 5A A side sectional view of an example battery cell;

[0063] Figure 6A This is a side sectional view of an example battery cell during connection using an ultrasonic welding machine according to the present disclosure, the battery cell including S separators extending from the side; and

[0064] Figure 6B This is based on the present disclosure regarding the connection after using an ultrasonic welding machine. Figure 6A A side sectional view of an example battery cell.

[0065] In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals may be reused to identify similar and / or identical elements. Detailed Implementation

[0066] Although the battery cell according to this disclosure is shown in the context of an electric vehicle, the battery cell can be used in stationary applications and / or other applications.

[0067] A battery cell includes an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and a separator disposed between the anode and cathode electrodes. Pulling back or folding the separator can cause a soft short circuit after manufacturing. This disclosure relates to connecting the ends of the separators after lamination and stacking to prevent separator delamination after manufacturing. By connecting the ends of all separators together on each side, the risk of pulling back or folding one or more separators is reduced, and the possibility of a soft short circuit is decreased.

[0068] According to this disclosure, the edges of the separators are joined using various methods such as polymer adhesives, hot pressing, hot knife / melting, and / or ultrasonic welding. In some examples, the joining brings all the separators on each side together toward the center of the cell, making the separators near the stack edges less prone to being pulled back or folded. In some examples, strips are not used, which reduces costs. In other examples, strips are optionally applied after joining to provide additional support.

[0069] Now for reference Figure 1 Examples of battery cells 10 include C cathode electrodes 20, A anode electrodes 40, and S separators 32 arranged in a predetermined order within a battery cell stack 12, where C, S, and A are integers greater than zero. In some examples, vehicle 11 includes a battery module (or battery pack 13) that includes battery cells 10.

[0070] The battery cell stack 12 is arranged in the housing 50. Additional battery cells 10 can be combined to form battery modules and / or battery stacks. C cathode electrodes 20-1, 20-2, ... and 20-C include a cathode active material layer 24 on one or both sides of the cathode current collector 26. A anode electrodes 40-1, 40-2, ... and 40-A include an anode active material layer 42 arranged on the anode current collector 46.

[0071] In some examples, A anode electrodes 40 and C cathode electrodes 20 exchange lithium ions during charging and discharging. In some examples, the cathode active material layer 24 and / or the anode active material layer 42 include a coating comprising one or more active materials applied to the current collector, a solid electrolyte (for solid and semi-solid battery cells), one or more conductive additives or fillers, and / or one or more binder materials.

[0072] In some examples, the cathode current collector 26 comprises metal foil, metal mesh, perforated metal, three-dimensional (3D) metal foam, and / or expanded metal. In some examples, the current collector is made of one or more foil materials selected from the group consisting of copper, stainless steel, aluminum, alloys thereof, or other suitable materials. External tabs 28 and 48 are connected to the current collectors of the cathode and anode electrodes, respectively, and may be arranged on the same or different sides of the battery cell stack 12. External tabs 28 and 48 are connected to the terminals of the battery cells.

[0073] Now for reference Figures 2A to 2C The battery cell 100 includes a battery cell stack 112, which includes C cathode electrodes 20, A anode electrodes 40, and S separators 132. The ends 134 of the S separators 132 extend from opposite sides of the battery cell 100. After lamination and stacking, strips 140 are used to provide additional support to hold the battery cell stack 112 together. The strips 140 are wound around selected portions of the battery cell stack 112 to provide additional support.

[0074] exist Figure 2B In this method, strips 140 can be applied along the longitudinal edge of the battery cell 100. However, this method requires a large number of expensive strips. Figure 2C In this configuration, stripes 140 can be applied at one or more discrete locations in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction to reduce costs (within which there are stripe-free regions 150). In some examples, the stripes 140 meet and overlap in the middle of the battery cell 100. In other examples, the stripes 140 do not overlap in the middle.

[0075] Strip 140 is connected to the ends 134 of the S separators 132. Although in Figure 2B and Figure 2CAn example of the pattern of strip 140 is shown, but other strip patterns can be used. When strip 140 covers only a portion of the C cathode electrodes 20 and A anode electrodes 40, there is a higher risk of the S separators 132 being pulled back or folded in the unstripped location 150. Soft short circuits typically occur due to the S separators 132 being pulled back or folded.

[0076] Now for reference Figure 3A and Figure 3B The battery cell 200 includes a battery cell stack 212, which includes C cathode electrodes 20, A anode electrodes 40, and S separators 232. The ends 234 of the S separators 232 extend from the sides of the battery cell stack 212.

[0077] The ends 234 of the S separators 232 are immersed in the bath 210, such as Figure 3A As shown in the diagram. Bath 210 includes an adhesive such as polymer material 220 in a liquid or molten state. The S separators 232 typically include components that allow the polymer material 220 to bind the S separators together to form a shape such as... Figure 3B The polymer component of the polymer connector 230 shown.

[0078] Now for reference Figure 4A and Figure 4B The battery cell 300 includes a battery cell stack 312, which includes C cathode electrodes 20, A anode electrodes 40, and S separators 332. The S separators 332 include end portions 334 extending from the side of the battery stack 312.

[0079] exist Figure 4A In the middle, the ends 334 are arranged between the hot-pressing members 340. The actuator 342 moves the hot-pressing members 340 together to contact the ends 334 of the S separators 332. After the ends 334 of the S separators 332 are pressed and heated together using the hot-pressing members 340, the ends 334 of the S separators 332 are joined together to form a shape as shown in the figure. Figure 4B The connection 350 is shown. After assembly, the ends of the S separators 332 can be trimmed as needed.

[0080] Now for reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B The battery cell 400 includes a battery cell stack 412, which includes C cathode electrodes 20, A anode electrodes 40, and S separators 432. The S separators 432 include end portions 434 extending from the sides of the battery stack 412.

[0081] exist Figure 5AIn this configuration, the ends 434 of the S separators 432 are heated and cut by one or more hot blade members 440 (e.g., between two hot blade members or between a hot blade member and a flat surface). The actuator 442 moves the hot blade members 440 to heat, join, and cut the ends 434 of the S separators 432 to form a connection 450.

[0082] Now for reference Figure 6A and Figure 6B The battery cell 500 includes a battery cell stack 512, which includes C cathode electrodes 20, A anode electrodes 40, and S separators 532. The S separators 532 include end portions 534 extending from the sides of the battery stack 512.

[0083] exist Figure 6A In this configuration, the ends 534 of the S separators 532 are positioned between the welding head 540 and the anvil 541 of the ultrasonic welding machine 542. An actuator 544 causes the welding head 540 and the anvil 541 of the ultrasonic welding machine 542 to move together around the ends 534 of the S separators 532. The S separators 532 are welded together using ultrasonic vibration to form a connection 550.

[0084] By connecting the ends of all the separators together on each side, the risk of one or more separators of the battery cell according to this disclosure being pulled back or folded is reduced. As a result, the reliability of the battery cell is improved due to the reduced possibility of soft short circuits. Furthermore, some examples of the battery cell eliminate the use of strips, which reduces costs.

[0085] The preceding description is illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. The broad teachings of this disclosure can be implemented in many forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes specific examples, its true scope should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent upon examination of the drawings, specification, and appended claims. It should be understood that one or more steps in the method may be performed in different orders (or simultaneously) without altering the principles of this disclosure. Furthermore, although each of the embodiments is described above as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of this disclosure may be implemented and / or combined with features of any other embodiment, even if such combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and the arrangement of one or more embodiments with respect to each other remains within the scope of this disclosure.

[0086] Spatial and functional relationships between components (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including “connected,” “joined,” “linked,” “adjacent,” “right next to,” “on top of,” “above,” “below,” and “set on.” Unless explicitly described as “direct,” when describing the relationship between the first and second components in the foregoing disclosure, the relationship can be a direct relationship in which no other intermediate components exist between the first and second components, or an indirect relationship (spatial or functional) in which one or more intermediate components exist between the first and second components. As used herein, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” should be interpreted as indicating logic using the non-exclusive logic “OR” (A or B or C) and should not be interpreted as indicating “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.”

Claims

1. A battery cell, comprising: C cathode electrodes, each comprising cathode active material arranged on a cathode current collector; A plurality of anode electrodes, each comprising an anode active material disposed on an anode current collector; and There are S separators, where C, A, and S are integers greater than 1. The S separators include a first end and a second end. The first and second ends of the S separators extend from opposite sides of the C cathode electrodes and the A anode electrodes. The first ends of the S separators are connected together.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The second ends of the S separators are connected together.

3. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein, The first and second ends of the S separators are connected together using a hot press.

4. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein, The first and second ends of the S separators are connected together using a hot knife.

5. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein, The first and second ends of the S separators are connected together using a polymer connector.

6. The battery cell according to claim 5, wherein, The polymer connector is formed by immersing the first and second ends of the S separators in a polymer bath.

7. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The first and second ends of the S separators are joined together by ultrasonic welding.

8. The battery cell of claim 2, further comprising strips extending over at least a portion of the first end and the second end of the S separators.

9. A vehicle including a battery module, the battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells according to claim 1.

10. A method for manufacturing a battery cell, comprising: In a battery cell stack, C cathode electrodes, A anode electrodes, and S separators are arranged. Each of the C cathode electrodes includes cathode active material disposed on a cathode current collector, and each of the A anode electrodes includes anode active material disposed on an anode current collector. C, A, and S are integers greater than 1. The S separators include a first end and a second end. Wherein, the first end and the second end of the S separators extend from opposite sides of the C cathode electrodes and the A anode electrodes; and Connect the first ends of the S separators together.

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