Systems and methods for rapid fluid component venting from battery cells

Abstract

Systems and methods for rapid fluid component discharge from a battery cell include first and second piercing elements for forming first and second holes in the battery cell, with respective first and second channels extending through the piercing elements; a first pressure source connected to the first channel; a discharge manifold; and a second pressure source connected to the manifold inlet. The discharge manifold has a housing enclosing a plenum, a manifold inlet and outlet formed in the housing, a through-hole formed in the housing between the manifold inlet and outlet, a conduit connected to the through-hole and terminating within the plenum downstream of the main end, and a one-way valve disposed adjacent the conduit termination. The through-hole is aligned with the second channel, and fluid component is caused to flow through the second hole, the second channel, and the conduit and out the manifold outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for rapidly discharging fluid components from battery cells. Background Technology

[0002] Battery cells (such as lithium-ion batteries used in hybrid and electric vehicles) are typically sealed after they are filled with electrolyte. Over time, various gaseous and liquid byproducts may also accumulate inside the battery cells.

[0003] When a battery cell reaches the end of its lifespan, it may be desirable to remove the fluid contents sealed inside for recycling or other purposes. Currently, the only way to remove the fluid contents is to cut open the battery cell and allow the contents to drain, but this is a slow and abrupt process. Furthermore, there are no known methods for rapidly draining electrolytes and fluid byproducts from such sealed battery cells. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one embodiment, a system for rapidly discharging fluid components from a battery cell includes: (i) a first piercing element configured to contact and pierce a first surface of the battery cell to form a first hole through the first surface and having a first channel extending through the first piercing element; (ii) a second piercing element configured to contact and pierce a second surface of the battery cell to form a second hole through the second surface and having a second channel extending through the second piercing element; (iii) a first pressure source in fluid communication with the first channel via a first conduit and configured to induce a first fluid flow through the first conduit and the first channel; and (iv) a discharge manifold having: an encapsulated pressurization chamber (pl The manifold comprises: a housing of a manifold (enum); a manifold inlet and a manifold outlet, each formed in the housing and in fluid communication with the pressurization chamber, wherein a downstream direction is defined from the manifold inlet to the manifold outlet; a through-hole formed in the housing between the manifold inlet and the manifold outlet; a second conduit having a main end in fluid communication with the through-hole and a secondary end terminating downstream of the main end in the pressurization chamber; a one-way valve disposed adjacent to the secondary end of the second conduit and configured to move between a closed position preventing flow through the second conduit and an open position allowing flow through the second conduit; and (v) a second pressure source in fluid communication with the manifold inlet via a third conduit and configured to induce a second fluid flow through the third conduit and the pressurization chamber and out of the manifold outlet. The discharge manifold is configured to engage with the second puncture element such that the through-hole is positioned in fluid communication with the second channel, and the first and second fluid flows cause the fluid components to flow through the second hole, the second channel, and the second conduit and out of the manifold outlet.

[0005] The battery cell can be a prismatic battery cell or a cylindrical battery cell.

[0006] The first surface can be the top surface of the battery cell, and the second surface can be the bottom surface of the battery cell. Alternatively, the first and second surfaces can be located on the bottom surface of the battery cell.

[0007] At least one of the first puncture element and the second puncture element may be carried by or incorporated into the exhaust manifold.

[0008] The system may also include a retaining frame having a top plate configured to engage with a top portion of the battery cell and a bottom plate configured to engage with a bottom portion of the battery cell, wherein the top plate and the bottom plate are configured to cooperate together to secure the battery cell to prevent movement.

[0009] The first piercing element may be carried by or incorporated into the top pressure plate, and the second piercing element may be carried by or incorporated into the bottom pressure plate.

[0010] The system may also include a vibrating member supported or incorporated therein by at least one of a top pressure plate and a bottom pressure plate, and configured to vibrate the battery cell.

[0011] The system may further include: a first seal carried by a first piercing element and configured to seal against a first surface to prevent leakage between the first piercing element and the first surface when the first piercing element pierces the first surface; and a second seal carried by a second piercing element and configured to seal against a second surface to prevent leakage between the second piercing element and the second surface when the second piercing element pierces the second surface.

[0012] The system may also include an accumulator / splitter for receiving fluid components from the manifold outlet and separating the fluid components into gaseous and non-gase components.

[0013] The first fluid flow from the first pressure source may include at least one of an inert gas and a non-reactive gas, the non-reactive gas not reacting with the fluid components or any internal component of the battery cell.

[0014] The system may also include an inlet valve disposed in the first fluid flow and configured for at least one of a dynamically variable flow and a pulsed flow.

[0015] The first surface and the second surface may be located on the bottom wall of the battery cell, wherein the battery cell includes a first internal channel that extends along the bottom wall in a first branch tube from a first closed end adjacent to the first surface to a first side wall of the battery cell, and extends upward along the first side wall in a second branch tube to a first open end adjacent to the top wall of the battery cell, wherein a first hole is in fluid communication with the first internal channel.

[0016] The battery cell may include a second internal channel extending along the bottom wall from a second open end at a starting point adjacent to a second sidewall substantially opposite to the first sidewall to a second closed end at an end point inside the second sidewall, and a second hole may be in fluid communication with the second internal channel.

[0017] The second piercing element may include: (a) a tube having an upper wall, a lower wall, a first end wall at a first end of the tube (defining a forward direction), and a second end wall at a second end of the tube (defining a backward direction), wherein the tube is substantially sealed except for a tube inlet formed at the first end, a tube outlet formed in the lower wall, and a groove formed in the upper wall; and (b) a wedge that is sealably and slidably disposed within the tube between a forward position and a backward position, wherein the intermediate position is between the forward and backward positions, and the wedge having a substantially forward-facing orientation. (a) a first wedge-shaped surface and an upwardly inclined ramp surface generally facing the rearward direction, wherein a cavity is defined within the tube between a first end wall and a first wedge-shaped surface; (b) a generally vertical blade having an upper blade portion and a lower blade portion, wherein the lower blade portion is supported on the ramp surface and is slidable upward along the ramp surface; (c) a piston that is sealably and slidably disposed within the tube and located behind the wedge; (d) a biasing member disposed between the blade and the piston; and (e) a third pressure source in fluid communication with the tube inlet.

[0018] In the forward position, a first pressure may exist in the chamber, a first wedge surface may be positioned in front of the tube outlet, and the upper blade portion may extend to a first height above the groove.

[0019] Between the forward position and the intermediate position, a third pressure source can create a second pressure in the chamber that is higher than the first pressure, thereby actuating the wedge backward while the piston remains stationary and compresses the biasing member, thus causing the upper blade portion to extend to a second height above the slot that is greater than the first height, wherein the surface of the first wedge remains positioned in front of the tube outlet.

[0020] Between the intermediate position and the rearward position, a third pressure source can create a third pressure in the chamber that is higher than the second pressure, thereby actuating the wedge and piston rearward while the upper blade portion remains at the second height until the wedge is actuated to the rearward position, wherein the surface of the first wedge is positioned behind the tube outlet.

[0021] According to another embodiment, a system for rapidly discharging fluid components from a battery cell includes: (i) a first piercing element configured to contact and pierce a first surface of the battery cell to form a first hole through the first surface and having a first channel extending through the first piercing element; (ii) a second piercing element configured to contact and pierce a second surface of the battery cell to form a second hole through the second surface and having a second channel extending through the second piercing element; (iii) a first pressure source in fluid communication with the first channel via a first conduit and configured to induce a first fluid flow through the first conduit and the first channel; and (iv) a discharge manifold. The device comprises: a housing enclosing a pressurization chamber; a manifold inlet and a manifold outlet, each formed in the housing and in fluid communication with the pressurization chamber, wherein a downstream direction is defined from the manifold inlet to the manifold outlet; a through-hole formed in the housing between the manifold inlet and the manifold outlet; a second conduit having a main end in fluid communication with the through-hole and a secondary end terminating downstream of the main end within the pressurization chamber; a check valve disposed adjacent to the secondary end of the second conduit and configured to move between a closed position preventing flow through the second conduit and an open position allowing flow through the second conduit; and (v) a second pressure source in fluid communication with the manifold inlet via a third conduit and configured to induce a second fluid flow through the third conduit and the pressurization chamber and out of the manifold outlet. The second piercing element may include: (a) a tube having an upper wall, a lower wall, a first end wall at a first end of the tube (defining a forward direction), and a second end wall at a second end of the tube (defining a backward direction), wherein the tube is substantially sealed except for a tube inlet formed at the first end, a tube outlet formed in the lower wall, and a groove formed in the upper wall; and (b) a wedge that is sealably and slidably disposed within the tube between a forward position and a backward position, wherein the intermediate position is between the forward and backward positions, and the wedge having a substantially forward-facing orientation. (a) a first wedge-shaped surface and an upwardly inclined ramp surface generally facing the rearward direction, wherein a cavity is defined within the tube between a first end wall and a first wedge-shaped surface; (b) a generally vertical blade having an upper blade portion and a lower blade portion, wherein the lower blade portion is supported on the ramp surface and is slidable upward along the ramp surface; (c) a piston that is sealably and slidably disposed within the tube and located behind the wedge; (d) a biasing member disposed between the blade and the piston; and (e) a third pressure source in fluid communication with the tube inlet.

[0022] In the forward position, a first pressure exists in the chamber, the surface of the first wedge is positioned in front of the pipe outlet, and the upper blade portion extends to a first height above the slot. Between the forward and intermediate positions, a third pressure source can create a second pressure in the chamber higher than the first pressure, thereby actuating the wedge backward while the piston remains stationary and compresses the biasing member, thus causing the upper blade portion to extend to a second height above the slot greater than the first height, wherein the surface of the first wedge remains positioned in front of the pipe outlet. Furthermore, between the intermediate and backward positions, the third pressure source creates a third pressure in the chamber higher than the second pressure, thereby actuating the wedge and piston backward while the upper blade portion remains at the second height until the wedge is actuated to the backward position, wherein the surface of the first wedge is positioned behind the pipe outlet.

[0023] In this embodiment, the discharge manifold is configured to connect with the second piercing element such that the through-hole is positioned in fluid communication with the second channel, and the first and second fluid flows cause fluid components to flow through the second hole, the second channel, and the second conduit and out of the manifold outlet.

[0024] According to yet another embodiment, a method for rapidly discharging fluid components from a battery cell includes: (i) piercing a first surface of the battery cell with a first piercing element having a first channel extending therethrough to form a first hole through the first surface; (ii) piercing a second surface of the battery cell with a second piercing element having a second channel extending therethrough to form a second hole through the second surface; and (iii) connecting a discharge manifold having a housing in which a through-hole is formed to the second piercing element such that the through-hole is positioned in fluid communication with the second channel, wherein the housing encloses a pressurization chamber, and the discharge manifold has a manifold inlet and a manifold outlet, each formed in the housing and communicating with the pressurization chamber. The method includes a fluid connection, wherein a downstream direction is defined from the manifold inlet to the manifold outlet, and wherein a through-hole is provided between the manifold inlet and the manifold outlet; a second conduit having a main end in fluid communication with the through-hole and a secondary end terminating downstream of the main end in a pressurization chamber; and a one-way valve disposed adjacent to the secondary end of the second conduit and configured to move between a closed position preventing flow through the second conduit and an open position allowing flow through the second conduit; (iv) inducing a first fluid flow through the first channel by using a first pressure source having a first conduit in fluid communication with the first channel; and (v) inducing a second fluid flow through the pressurization chamber and out of the manifold outlet by using a second pressure source having a third conduit in fluid communication with the manifold inlet. In this method, the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow cause fluid components to flow through the second orifice, the second channel, and the second conduit and out of the manifold outlet.

[0025] The method may also include flushing the battery cell with a liquid that does not react with the fluid components or any internal parts of the battery cell. Flushing the battery cell may include passing the liquid through a first puncture element, the battery cell, a second puncture element, and a drain manifold.

[0026] The method may further include vibrating the battery cell by using a vibrating member supported or incorporated therein by at least one of a top plate and a bottom plate of a retaining frame, wherein the top plate is configured to engage with a top portion of the battery cell and the bottom plate is configured to engage with a bottom portion of the battery cell, wherein the top plate and the bottom plate are configured to cooperate together to secure the battery cell to prevent movement.

[0027] The present invention also includes the following technical solutions.

[0028] Option 1. A system for rapidly discharging fluid components from a battery cell, comprising: A first piercing element is configured to contact and pierce a first surface of the battery cell to form a first hole through the first surface, and has a first channel extending through the first piercing element. The second piercing element is configured to contact and pierce the second surface of the battery cell to form a second hole through the second surface, and has a second channel extending through the second piercing element; A first pressure source is in fluid communication with the first channel via a first conduit and is configured to cause a first fluid flow through the first conduit and the first channel; An exhaust manifold comprising: a housing enclosing a booster chamber; a manifold inlet and a manifold outlet, each formed in the housing and in fluid communication with the booster chamber, wherein a downstream direction is defined from the manifold inlet to the manifold outlet; a through-hole formed in the housing between the manifold inlet and the manifold outlet; a second conduit having a main end in fluid communication with the through-hole and a secondary end terminating downstream of the main end within the booster chamber; and a one-way valve disposed adjacent to the secondary end of the second conduit and configured to move between a closed position preventing flow through the second conduit and an open position allowing flow through the second conduit; and A second pressure source is in fluid communication with the manifold inlet via a third conduit and is configured to cause a second fluid flow through the third conduit and the pressurization chamber and out of the manifold outlet; The discharge manifold is configured to connect with the second puncture element, such that the through-hole is positioned in fluid communication with the second channel; and The first fluid flow and the second fluid flow cause the fluid component to flow through the second orifice, the second channel and the second conduit and out of the manifold outlet.

[0029] Option 2. The system according to Option 1, wherein the battery cell is a prismatic battery cell or a cylindrical battery cell.

[0030] Option 3. The system according to Option 1, wherein the first surface is the top surface of the battery cell, and the second surface is the bottom surface of the battery cell.

[0031] Option 4. The system according to Option 1, wherein the first surface and the second surface are located on the bottom surface of the battery cell.

[0032] Option 5. The system according to Option 1, wherein at least one of the first puncture element and the second puncture element is carried by or incorporated into the exhaust manifold.

[0033] Option 6. The system according to Option 1 further includes: A retaining frame having a top plate configured to engage with a top portion of the battery cell and a bottom plate configured to engage with a bottom portion of the battery cell, wherein the top plate and the bottom plate are configured to cooperate together to secure the battery cell to prevent movement.

[0034] Option 7. The system according to Option 6, wherein the first piercing element is carried by or attached to the top pressure plate, and the second piercing element is carried by or attached to the bottom pressure plate.

[0035] Option 8. The system according to Option 6 further includes: A vibrating member, which is supported or incorporated therein by at least one of the top pressure plate and the bottom pressure plate, and is configured to vibrate the battery cell.

[0036] Option 9. The system according to Option 1 further includes: A first seal, carried by the first piercing element and configured to seal against the first surface, prevents leakage between the first piercing element and the first surface when the first piercing element pierces the first surface; and The second seal is carried by the second piercing element and is configured to seal against the second surface to prevent leakage between the second piercing element and the second surface when the second piercing element pierces the second surface.

[0037] Option 10. The system according to Option 1 further includes: An accumulator / splitter for receiving fluid components from the manifold outlet and for separating the fluid components into gaseous and non-gase components.

[0038] Option 11. The system according to Option 1, wherein the first fluid flow from the first pressure source includes at least one of an inert gas and a non-reactive gas, the non-reactive gas not reacting with the fluid components or any internal components of the battery cell.

[0039] Option 12. The system according to Option 1 further includes: An inlet valve is disposed in the first fluid flow and configured for at least one of dynamic variable flow and pulsed flow.

[0040] Option 13. The system according to Option 1, wherein the first surface and the second surface are located on the bottom wall of the battery cell, wherein the battery cell includes a first internal channel extending along the bottom wall in a first branch tube from a first closed end adjacent to the first surface to a first sidewall of the battery cell, and extending along the first sidewall in a second branch tube to a first open end adjacent to a top wall of the battery cell, and wherein the first hole is in fluid communication with the first internal channel.

[0041] Option 14. The system according to Option 13, wherein the battery cell includes a second internal channel extending along the bottom wall from a second open end adjacent to a second sidewall substantially opposite to the first sidewall to a second closed end inside the second sidewall, and wherein the second hole is in fluid communication with the second internal channel.

[0042] Option 15. The system according to Option 1, wherein the second piercing element comprises: A tube having an upper wall, a lower wall, a first end wall defining a forward direction at a first end of the tube, and a second end wall defining a backward direction at a second end of the tube, wherein the tube is substantially sealed except for a tube inlet formed on the first end, a tube outlet formed in the lower wall, and a groove formed in the upper wall. A wedge-shaped member, which is sealably and slidably disposed within the tube between a forward position and a backward position, having an intermediate position between the forward position and the backward position, the wedge-shaped member having a first wedge-shaped surface generally facing the forward direction and an upwardly inclined ramp surface generally facing the backward direction, wherein a cavity is defined within the tube between the first end wall and the first wedge-shaped surface; A generally vertical blade has an upper blade portion and a lower blade portion, wherein the lower blade portion is supported on the slope surface and is capable of sliding upward along the slope surface; A piston, which is sealably and slidably disposed within the tube and located behind the wedge; A biasing member disposed between the blade and the piston; and A third pressure source in fluid communication with the pipe inlet; In the forward position, a first pressure exists in the chamber, the surface of the first wedge is disposed in front of the tube outlet, and the upper blade portion extends to a first height above the groove; Between the forward position and the intermediate position, a second pressure higher than the first pressure is generated in the tube chamber by the third pressure source, thereby pushing the wedge backward while the piston remains stationary and compresses the biasing member. This causes the upper blade portion to extend above the groove to a second height greater than the first height, wherein the surface of the first wedge remains positioned in front of the tube outlet; and Between the intermediate position and the rearward position, a third pressure higher than the second pressure is formed in the tube chamber by the third pressure source, thereby actuating the wedge and the piston backward, while the upper blade portion maintains the second height until the wedge is actuated to the rearward position, wherein the surface of the first wedge is disposed behind the tube outlet.

[0043] Option 16. A system for rapidly discharging fluid components from a battery cell, comprising: A first piercing element is configured to contact and pierce a first surface of the battery cell to form a first hole through the first surface, and has a first channel extending through the first piercing element. The second piercing element is configured to contact and pierce the second surface of the battery cell to form a second hole through the second surface, and has a second channel extending through the second piercing element; A first pressure source is in fluid communication with the first channel via a first conduit and is configured to cause a first fluid flow through the first conduit and the first channel; An exhaust manifold comprising: a housing enclosing a booster chamber; a manifold inlet and a manifold outlet, each formed in the housing and in fluid communication with the booster chamber, wherein a downstream direction is defined from the manifold inlet to the manifold outlet; a through-hole formed in the housing between the manifold inlet and the manifold outlet; a second conduit having a main end in fluid communication with the through-hole and a secondary end terminating downstream of the main end within the booster chamber; and a one-way valve disposed adjacent to the secondary end of the second conduit and configured to move between a closed position preventing flow through the second conduit and an open position allowing flow through the second conduit; and A second pressure source is in fluid communication with the manifold inlet via a third conduit and is configured to cause a second fluid flow through the third conduit and the pressurization chamber and out of the manifold outlet; The second piercing element includes: A tube having an upper wall, a lower wall, a first end wall defining a forward direction at a first end of the tube, and a second end wall defining a backward direction at a second end of the tube, wherein the tube is substantially sealed except for a tube inlet formed on the first end, a tube outlet formed in the lower wall, and a groove formed in the upper wall. A wedge-shaped member, which is sealably and slidably disposed within the tube between a forward position and a backward position, having an intermediate position between the forward position and the backward position, the wedge-shaped member having a first wedge-shaped surface generally facing the forward direction and an upwardly inclined ramp surface generally facing the backward direction, wherein a cavity is defined within the tube between the first end wall and the first wedge-shaped surface; A generally vertical blade has an upper blade portion and a lower blade portion, wherein the lower blade portion is supported on the slope surface and is capable of sliding upward along the slope surface; A piston, which is sealably and slidably disposed within the tube and located behind the wedge; A biasing member disposed between the blade and the piston; and A third pressure source in fluid communication with the pipe inlet; Wherein, (i) in the forward position, a first pressure exists in the chamber, the surface of the first wedge is disposed in front of the pipe outlet, and the upper blade portion extends to a first height above the groove; (ii) between the forward position and the intermediate position, a second pressure higher than the first pressure is formed in the chamber by the third pressure source, thereby actuating the wedge backward, while the piston remains stationary and compresses the biasing member, thereby causing the upper blade portion to extend to a second height greater than the first height above the groove, wherein the surface of the first wedge remains disposed in front of the pipe outlet; and (iii) between the intermediate position and the rearward position, a third pressure higher than the second pressure is formed in the chamber by the third pressure source, thereby actuating the wedge and the piston backward, while the upper blade portion remains at the second height until the wedge is actuated to the rearward position, wherein the surface of the first wedge is disposed behind the pipe outlet; The discharge manifold is configured to connect with the second puncture element, such that the through-hole is positioned in fluid communication with the second channel; and The first fluid flow and the second fluid flow cause the fluid component to flow through the second orifice, the second channel and the second conduit and out of the manifold outlet.

[0044] Option 17. A method for rapidly discharging fluid components from a battery cell, comprising: The first surface of the battery cell is pierced by a first piercing element to form a first hole through the first surface, the first piercing element having a first channel extending through it; The second surface of the battery cell is pierced by a second piercing element to form a second hole through the second surface, the second piercing element having a second channel extending through it; The discharge manifold is connected to the second puncture element. The discharge manifold has a housing in which a through-hole is formed, such that the through-hole is positioned in fluid communication with the second channel. The housing encloses a pressurization chamber, and the discharge manifold has: a manifold inlet and a manifold outlet, each formed in the housing and in fluid communication with the pressurization chamber, wherein a downstream direction is defined from the manifold inlet to the manifold outlet, and wherein the through-hole is disposed between the manifold inlet and the manifold outlet; a second conduit having a main end in fluid communication with the through-hole and a secondary end terminating downstream of the main end within the pressurization chamber; and a one-way valve disposed adjacent to the secondary end of the second conduit and configured to move between a closed position that prevents flow through the second conduit and an open position that allows flow through the second conduit. By using a first pressure source having a first conduit in fluid communication with the first channel, a first fluid flow is caused through the first channel; and By using a second pressure source having a third conduit in fluid communication with the manifold inlet, a second fluid flow is generated through the pressurization chamber and out of the manifold outlet; The first fluid flow and the second fluid flow cause the fluid component to flow through the second orifice, the second channel and the second conduit and out of the manifold outlet.

[0045] Option 18. The method according to Option 17 further includes: The battery cell is rinsed with a liquid that does not react with the fluid components or any internal components of the battery cell.

[0046] Option 19. The method according to Option 18, wherein the flushing of the battery cell includes passing the liquid through the first puncture element, the battery cell, the second puncture element, and the discharge manifold.

[0047] Option 20. The method according to Option 17 further includes: The battery cell is vibrated by using a vibrating member, which is supported or incorporated therein by at least one of a top pressure plate and a bottom pressure plate of a retaining frame, wherein the top pressure plate is configured to engage with the top portion of the battery cell and the bottom pressure plate is configured to engage with the bottom portion of the battery cell, wherein the top pressure plate and the bottom pressure plate are configured to cooperate together to secure the battery cell to prevent movement.

[0048] The foregoing features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages, of this teaching will be apparent when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, based on the following detailed description of some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out this teaching as defined in the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Figure 1-2 Correspondingly, schematic cross-sectional vertical projection views of the battery cell before and after the battery cell is punctured.

[0050] Figure 3 It is a schematic cross-sectional vertical projection of a replacement battery cell.

[0051] Figure 4 It is a block diagram of the fluid composition inside a battery cell.

[0052] Figure 5 This is a schematic exploded cross-sectional view of a system for rapidly discharging fluid components from a battery cell.

[0053] Figure 6 It is about adding an energy storage device. Figure 5 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional assembly of the system.

[0054] Figure 7 This is a schematic exploded cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the system.

[0055] Figure 8 This is a schematic exploded cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the system.

[0056] Figure 9-10 The images are taken along section AA and the shapes of the circular and rectangular tubes are illustrated accordingly. Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view of the tube.

[0057] Figure 11-13 It is a schematic cross-sectional vertical projection view of a second piercing element with a tube having a sliding wedge, wherein the wedge is shown accordingly in the front, middle and rear positions.

[0058] Figure 14-16 Correspondingly, schematic perspective views of the top and bottom pressure plates of the retaining frames in the first, second, and third constructions.

[0059] Figure 17 This is a block diagram of a system for rapidly discharging fluid components from a battery cell.

[0060] Figure 18 This is a flowchart of a method for rapidly discharging fluid components from a battery cell. Detailed Implementation

[0061] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same parts in several views, a system 40 and a method 100 for rapidly discharging fluid components 33 from a battery cell 10 are shown and described herein.

[0062] The system 40 and method 100 can be used to puncture holes in the battery cell 10 and to rapidly remove fluid components 33 from the punctured battery cell 10.

[0063] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional vertical projection view of the battery cell 10 before it is punctured is shown, and Figure 2 The same view is shown after the battery cell 10 has been punctured. Relatedly, Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the alternative battery cell 10 after it has been punctured is shown. (Note the...) Figure 1-3 In the diagram, the positive and negative terminals are not shown, and... Figure 3 In, with Figure 1-2In comparison, some internal components 22 have been omitted to make room for additional reference numerals.

[0064] The battery cell 10 can be cylindrical or prismatic in shape, thus having a top wall 13 at the top portion 11, a bottom wall 14 at the bottom portion 12, and one or more side walls 15. For example, a cylindrical battery cell 10 may have one continuous side wall 15, while a prismatic battery cell 10 may have four side walls 15 (i.e., a front wall, a rear wall, a left wall, and a right wall). Figure 1-3 The view shown is a cross-sectional view, so the battery cell 10 shown can be cylindrical or prismatic in shape; therefore, if the battery cell 10 is cylindrical, the cross-section of the side wall 15 shown as the first side wall 16 and the second side wall 17 can be the same single wall, or if the battery cell 10 is prismatic, they can be two different side walls 15 opposite to each other.

[0065] The top wall 13 has a top surface 18, and the bottom wall 14 has a bottom surface 19. Similarly, each side wall 15 has a corresponding side surface 20. The top wall, bottom wall, and side walls 13, 14, 15 enclose and define an interior 21 within the battery cell 10, which may contain a solid, liquid, or gel-like electrolyte and various solid internal components 22 (e.g., charging plates, baffles, membranes, etc.).

[0066] like Figure 1-2 As shown, the first surface 23 or region may be located on the top surface 18, and the second surface 24 or region may be located on the bottom surface 19. However, in other arrangements, both the first and second surfaces 23, 24, or regions may be located on the same monolithic surface, for example... Figure 3 Similarly, both the first and second surfaces 23 and 24 are located on the bottom surface 19. In either case, each of the first surface 23 and the second surface 24 can be a target area or location that is part of (and therefore smaller than) the overall surface on which each of the first surface 23 and the second surface 24 is located. For example, in Figure 1-2 In this context, the first surface 23 may be a small portion of the entire top surface 18, and the second surface 24 may be a small portion of the entire bottom surface 19. Similarly, in... Figure 3 In the middle, both the first and second surfaces 23 and 24 are located on the bottom surface 19. The first surface 23 may be a small first part of the entire bottom surface 19, and the second surface 24 may be a small second part of the entire bottom surface 19 that is different from the first part.

[0067] Figure 4A block diagram is shown of various fluid components 33 that may be found within the battery cell 10. The fluid components 33 may include one or more gaseous components 34 and one or more non-gaseous components 35, namely one or more liquid components and / or one or more solid components, wherein the non-gaseous components 35 include one or more electrolytes 36 (in solid, liquid or gel form) and / or other particulate matter 37 (e.g., solid debris, corrosion, etc. from internal components 22).

[0068] The positions of the first and second surfaces 23 and 24 are carefully chosen to provide sufficient space for the first piercing element 41 to contact the first surface 23 and for the second piercing element 45 to contact the second surface 24. Therefore, for Figure 1-2 In the battery cell structure shown, the first piercing element 41 can be connected to the first surface 23 on the top wall 13 or top surface 18 of the battery cell 10, and the second piercing element 45 can be connected to the second surface 24 on the bottom wall 14 or bottom surface 19 of the battery cell 10. Figure 3 In the battery cell configuration shown, both the first and second piercing elements 41 and 45 can be contacted with corresponding first and second surfaces 23 and 24 on the bottom wall 14 or bottom surface 19 of the battery cell 10. As described in more detail below, the first and second piercing elements 41 and 45 are contacted with their associated first and second surfaces 23 and 24 to create corresponding first and second holes 23h and 24h through the wall of the battery cell 10 at the associated first and second surfaces 23 and 24.

[0069] Figure 5-6 Accordingly, exploded and assembled views of a system 40 for rapidly discharging fluid component 33 from battery cell 10 are shown. System 40 includes the aforementioned first and second puncture elements 41, 45, along with methods for promoting fluid flow. F 1 , F 3 The first and second pressure sources 49 and 61 pass through each of the puncture elements 41 and 45, and the discharge manifold 52 is connected to the second puncture element 45.

[0070] like Figure 5-6 As shown, the first piercing element 41 is configured to contact and pierce the first surface 23 of the battery cell 10 to form a first hole 23h that passes through the first surface 23 and also through the top wall 13. Similarly, the second piercing element 45 is configured to contact and pierce the second surface 24 of the battery cell 10 to form a second hole 24h that passes through the second surface 24 and also through the bottom wall 14.

[0071] Note that, as used herein, the term "pierce" may include the terms penetration, puncture, cut, slice, open, pass through, enter, etc. Various types and constructions of piercing or cutting devices may be used as part of the first and second piercing elements 41, 45 to form the corresponding first hole 23h and second hole 24h. As used herein, the term "hole" may include the terms cut, slit, aperture, intrusion, etc.

[0072] The first piercing element 41 may optionally include a first tip 42 mounted on the first mounting base 43 or carrier; similarly, the second piercing element 45 may optionally include a second tip 46 mounted on the second mounting base 47 or carrier. For example, each of the first and second tips 42, 46 may be shaped as a cone or a truncated cone with a relatively sharp tip end adapted to pierce the wall of the battery cell 10 at the first and second surfaces 23, 24. It may be noted that some battery cells 10 may include a filling port through which electrolyte can be poured into the battery cell 10. After filling, these ports may be sealed with a metal foil layer thinner than the battery cell wall, thereby making these locations ideal first and second surfaces 23, 24 through which first and second holes 23h, 24h can be formed.

[0073] Optionally, the first seal 90 may be carried by the first piercing element 41 (e.g., on the first mounting base 43 around the first tip 42), wherein the first seal 90 is configured to seal against the first surface 23 to prevent leakage between the first piercing element 41 and the first surface 23 when the first piercing element 41 pierces the first surface 23. Similarly, the second seal 91 may be carried by the second piercing element 45 (e.g., on the second mounting base 47 around the second tip 46), wherein the second seal 91 is configured to seal against the second surface 24 to prevent leakage between the second piercing element 45 and the second surface 24 when the second piercing element 45 pierces the second surface 24.

[0074] A first channel 44 extends through a first piercing element 41, and a second channel 48 extends through a second piercing element 45. For example, the first channel 44 may extend through a first mounting base 43 and a first tip 42, and the second channel 48 may extend through a second mounting base 47 and a second tip 46.

[0075] A first pressure source 49 is positioned in fluid communication with a first channel 44 via a first conduit 50. The first conduit 50 has a first conduit lumen 51 extending therethrough, which is positioned in fluid communication with the first channel 44 when the first conduit 50 is sealably connected to the first puncture element 41. The first pressure source 49 is configured to apply liquid and / or gaseous fluid pressure to cause a first fluid flow. F 1The fluid passes through the first conduit 50 and the first channel 44. For example, the fluid pressure applied by the first pressure source 49 may come from a pressurized gas, such as an inert gas 38 (e.g., argon, xenon) or a non-reactive gas 39 (e.g., nitrogen) that does not react with the fluid component 33 or any internal component 22 of the battery cell 10. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid pressure applied by the first pressure source 49 may come from a pressurized liquid, such as a flushing fluid like dimethyl carbonate.

[0076] The first piercing element 41 and the second piercing element 45 are in contact with the first surface 23 and the second surface 24 and pierce the first hole 23h and the second hole 24h, and the first pressure source 49 provides a first fluid flow through the first conduit 50 and the first channel 44. F 1 In the case of the first fluid flow F 1 This causes the fluid component 33 inside the interior 21 of the battery cell 10 to flow out through the second hole 24h.

[0077] To facilitate the discharge of fluid component 33 through the second orifice 24h, a discharge manifold 52 is provided, which provides suction to the second orifice 24h. The discharge manifold 52 has: a housing 53 enclosing a pressurization chamber 54; a manifold inlet 55 and a manifold outlet 56, each formed in the housing 53 and in fluid communication with the pressurization chamber 54; and a through-hole 57 formed in the housing 53 between the manifold inlet 55 and the manifold outlet 56. The downstream direction within the pressurization chamber 54 is defined as the flow direction from the manifold inlet 55 to the manifold outlet 56, as shown in... Figure 5-8 As observed, the flow direction is from left to right. Therefore, the through-hole 57 is located downstream of the manifold inlet 55, and the manifold outlet 56 is located downstream of both the manifold inlet 55 and the through-hole 57.

[0078] A second conduit 58 is disposed within the discharge manifold 52, wherein the main end 58p of the second conduit 58 is positioned in fluid communication with the through-hole 57, and the secondary end 58s of the second conduit 58 terminates in a pressurization chamber 54 downstream of the through-hole 57 and the main end 58p. A second conduit cavity 59 extends within the second conduit 58 between the main end 58p and the secondary end 58s. Additionally, a one-way valve 60 is disposed adjacent to the secondary end 58s of the second conduit 58 and is configured to prevent flow through the second conduit 58 in a closed position CP (e.g., ...). Figure 5 and Figure 7 (as shown in the diagram) and the open position OP that allows flow through the second conduit 58 (as shown in the diagram) Figure 6 and Figure 8The valve 60 can move between the two positions shown in the diagram. For example, the one-way valve 60 can be a spring-loaded check valve that can pivot upward and away from the secondary end 58s and enter the open position OP when there is downstream fluid flow in the pressurization chamber 54, and can pivot downward and against the secondary end 58s to the closed position CP when there is no downstream fluid flow in the pressurization chamber 54.

[0079] The second pressure source 61 is positioned in fluid communication with the manifold inlet 55 via a third conduit 62 having a third conduit lumen 63. The second pressure source 61 is configured to cause a second fluid flow. F 2 The fluid flows through the third conduit 62 and the manifold inlet 55, downstream from the manifold inlet 55 through the pressurization chamber 54 to the manifold outlet 56, and exits from the manifold outlet 56. This downstream second fluid flow... F 2 This can be caused by a second pressure source 61 that releases pressurized liquid or gas through a third conduit 62 and a pressurization chamber 54; this causes the check valve 60 to switch from the closed position CP to the open position OP, and also generates a Venturi effect through the pressurization chamber 54, thereby applying suction to the open second conduit 58, which causes fluid component 33 to flow through the second orifice 24h, the second channel 48 and the optional auxiliary conduit 64, the second conduit 58 and out of the manifold outlet 56.

[0080] The discharge manifold 52 is configured to connect with the second piercing element 45 such that the through-hole 57 is aligned or positioned in fluid communication with the second channel 48 within the second piercing element 45. This can be achieved by utilizing an auxiliary conduit 64 between the second piercing element 45 and the discharge manifold 52, such as... Figure 5 As shown, or the second puncture element 45 and the exhaust manifold 52 are positioned in direct contact with each other, as illustrated. Figure 6 As shown in the diagram. The auxiliary catheter 64 may have an auxiliary catheter lumen 65 for receiving auxiliary fluid flow through it. F a .

[0081] like Figure 6 As shown, system 40 may further include an accumulator / separator 99 for receiving fluid component 33 from manifold outlet 56 and for separating fluid component 33 into gaseous component 34 and non-gase component 35. Optionally, the accumulator / separator 99 may also be configured to dry or dehumidify at least some of the fluid component 33 during and / or after the separation of fluid component 33 into gaseous component 34 and non-gase component 35.

[0082] System 40 may also include a first fluid flow F 1 In or along the first fluid flow F 1The inlet valve 92 is set. For example, as shown... Figure 5 As shown, the inlet valve 92 may be positioned linearly with the first conduit 50, while in other configurations, the inlet valve 92 may be located within the first piercing element 41, for example, within the first mounting base 43. The inlet valve 92 may be configured for at least one of dynamic variable flow and pulsed flow, wherein the dynamic variable flow provides a continuous flow that fluctuates between or in between two or more different pressures (e.g., varying sinusoidally between high and low pressures), while the pulsed flow provides an intermittent or discontinuous flow. The flow surge from lower to higher pressure in the dynamic variable flow, and / or the pulsed or “hammering” effect of the pulsed flow, can help remove any loose or loose particles from the interior 21 of the battery cell 10.

[0083] Figure 7 An alternative embodiment of system 40 is shown, which is similar to, for example Figure 3 The alternative battery cell 10 shown in the diagram cooperates with the battery cell shown in the diagram. In this arrangement, the first surface 23 and the second surface 24 may be located on the bottom wall 14 of the battery cell 10, wherein the battery cell 10 includes a first internal channel 25 and a second internal channel 30. As shown in the figures, the first internal channel 25 extends horizontally outward along the bottom wall 14 in the first branch 28, from a first closed end 25c near the starting point 26 of the first surface 23 to the first sidewall 16 of the battery cell 10, and vertically upward along the first sidewall 16 in the second branch 29 to a first open end 25o near the ending point 27 of the top wall 13 of the battery cell 10. The second internal channel 30 extends along the bottom wall 14 from a second open end 30o near the starting point 31 of the second sidewall 17 (generally opposite the first sidewall 16) to a second closed end 30c inside the second sidewall 17. Note that... Figure 3 In the middle, the first and second internal passages 25 and 30 are close to each other but spaced apart, while... Figure 7 In the middle, the first and second internal channels 25 and 30 are adjacent to each other. In either case, the starting point 26 of the first internal channel 25 and the starting point 31 of the second internal channel 30 are positioned such that when the first and second holes 23h and 24h pierce the bottom wall 14, the first hole 23h is positioned in fluid communication with the first internal channel 25 and the second hole 24h is positioned in fluid communication with the second internal channel 30.

[0084] exist Figure 7Note that the first and second piercing elements 41, 45 are combined or integrated into a single unit, wherein the separate first and second tips 42, 46 are supported on a single combined mounting base 43, 47. This combined arrangement of the first and second piercing elements 41, 45 may be particularly convenient when used with an alternative battery cell 10 having a first internal channel 25 and a second internal channel 30 arranged along the bottom wall 14 within the interior 21. Regardless of whether the first and second piercing elements 41, 45 are... Figure 7 Whether the fluid is combined into a single unit or divided into two separate units, as shown, the fluid flow is injected into the battery cell 10 through the first orifice 23h and drawn out of the battery cell 10 through the second orifice 24h. For example, in Figure 7 In a specific case, the first pressure source 49 injects fluid through the first hole 23h, which then travels into the first internal channel 25, exits the first open end 25o of the first internal channel 25 at the termination point 27, passes through the interior 21 of the battery cell 10 from the top portion 11 to the bottom portion 12, enters the second open end 30o of the second internal channel 30, and then passes through the second hole 24h; at the same time, through the combined action of the second pressure source 61 and the discharge manifold 52, the fluid is also drawn out from the battery cell 10 through the second hole 24h.

[0085] Figure 8-13 Various views of another alternative embodiment of system 40 are shown. Here, battery cell 10 has a... Figure 1-2 and Figure 5-6 The battery cell 10 shown is of the same form, but the second puncture element 45 has an alternative form that differs from the previously shown form. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the second piercing element 45 includes an elongated tube 67 having an upper wall 68, a lower wall 69, a first end wall 71 at a first end 72 of the tube 67 (defining a forward direction FWD), and a second end wall 73 at a second end 74 of the tube 67 (defining a backward direction RWD). The tube 67 is generally sealable except for a tube inlet 85 formed at the first end 72 (e.g., formed in the first end wall 71 or in the front portion of the upper or lower walls 68, 69), a tube outlet 86 formed in the lower wall 69, and a groove 84 formed in the upper wall 68.

[0086] Figure 9-10 It shows along Figure 8 Schematic sectional views of tube 67 in both circular and rectangular shapes are observed and illustrated accordingly in section AA. Figure 9 In the circular cross-sectional shape, tube 67 is shown to have a top wall 68 and a bottom wall 69, while... Figure 10 In the rectangular cross-section, tube 67 is shown to have a top wall 68, a bottom wall 69, and two opposing side walls 70. Regarding... Figure 9Although the sidewalls are not explicitly marked in the figure, the areas where the top wall 68 and the bottom wall 69 meet on the left and right sides of the attached figure can be considered as sidewalls. Note that although only circular and rectangular tube shapes are shown, other cross-sectional shapes are also possible, such as hexagons, etc.

[0087] Now return to Figure 8 As can be seen, the wedge 75 is sealably and slidably disposed within the tube 67. The wedge 75 has a top wedge surface 78 that slides in contact with the inner surface of the upper wall 68, a bottom wedge surface 79 that slides in contact with the inner surface of the lower wall 69, a first wedge surface 76 generally facing the forward direction (FWD), and an upwardly sloping ramp surface 77 generally facing the rearward direction (RWD). The wedge 75 can slide within the tube 67 between a forward position 81 and a rearward position 82, wherein an intermediate position 83 is located between the forward position 81 and the rearward position 82. A cavity 80 is defined within the tube 67 between a first end wall 71 and the first wedge surface 76. The volume of the cavity 80 increases as the wedge 75 moves from the forward position to the intermediate position 83, and further increases as the wedge 75 moves from the intermediate position 83 to the rearward position 82.

[0088] The second piercing element 45 includes a generally vertically oriented blade 66 having an upper blade portion 66 U and the lower blade section 66 L Lower blade section 66 L The tube 67 is shaped and arranged to support itself on the ramp surface 77 and is slidable upward along the ramp surface 77. Additionally, the piston 88 is sealably and slidably disposed within the tube 67 and behind the wedge 75, with a biasing member 87 disposed between the blade 66 and the piston 88. Furthermore, a third pressure source 89 is in fluid communication with the tube inlet 85.

[0089] Figure 11-13 A schematic cross-sectional view of the tubular second piercing element 45 is shown, wherein the wedge 75 is shown accordingly in the forward position 81, the intermediate position 83 and the rearward position 82.

[0090] exist Figure 11 In the middle, the wedge 75 is located in the forward position 81, and a first pressure exists in the cavity 80. P 1 The first pressure P 1 It can be normal atmospheric pressure, or it can be slightly higher or lower than normal atmospheric pressure. First pressure. P 1This pressure can be generated by a third pressure source 89. In this first position 81, the first wedge surface 76 is positioned in front of the pipe outlet 86, preventing any fluid flow from exiting through the pipe outlet 86. Optionally, as shown, the piston 88 can be positioned to close the pipe outlet 86 to prevent fluid leakage through it. Also in this first position 81, the lower blade portion 66... L It rests on the lower part of the slope surface 77, wherein the upper blade portion 66 U Extends above slot 84 or at a first height relative to slot 84 H 1 If the upper blade section is 66 U Positioning it flush with slot 84, then the first height H 1 It will be zero, and if the upper blade portion is 66 U If the positioning is below slot 84, then the first height H 1 The value will be negative. In this first position 81, the blade 66 can be considered to be in the retracted position.

[0091] exist Figure 12 In the middle, the wedge 75 is located at the intermediate position 83. This is achieved by increasing the pressure in the chamber 80 to above the first pressure. P 1 Second pressure P 2 (For example, via a third pressure source 89), the wedge 75 moves from the forward position 81 to the intermediate position 83. The wedge 75 and piston 88 can be shaped and sized, made of suitable materials, and have corresponding sliding fits with the inner surfaces of the upper, lower, and side walls 68, 69, 70 of the tube 67, such that the piston 88 resists sliding movement more than the wedge 75. Therefore, the pressure in the chamber 80 is transferred from the first pressure... P 1 Increase to the second pressure P 2 This causes the wedge 75 to move rearward while the piston 88 remains substantially stationary, thereby compressing the biasing member 87 between the wedge 75 and the piston 88. The blade 66 is positioned such that the lower blade portion 66... L It is placed on an upwardly sloping surface 77, and the upper blade portion 66 U Confined to remaining upright (e.g., by extending through and abutting the side of slot 84), the rearward movement of the wedge 75 causes the lower blade portion 66 to... L Slide obliquely upwards along the slope surface 77, and make the upper blade portion 66 U Extending to a height greater than the first height H 1 The second height above slot 84 H2 Note that in this second position 83, the surface 76 of the first wedge remains in front of the pipe outlet 86.

[0092] exist Figure 13 In the middle, the wedge 75 is located in the rearward position 82. This is achieved by increasing the pressure in the lumen 80 to above the second pressure. P 2 The third pressure P 3 The wedge 75 moves from the intermediate position 83 to the rearward position 82. This increase in pressure causes both the wedge 75 and the piston 88 to move rearward, while the biasing member 87 remains compressed. During this movement from the intermediate position 83 to the rearward position 82, the upper blade portion 66... U Maintain the second altitude H 2 When the wedge 75 moves to the rearward position 82, the first wedge surface 76 is positioned behind the pipe outlet 86 to allow fluid to flow through the pipe outlet.

[0093] At least one of the first puncture element 41 and the second puncture element 45 may be carried by or incorporated into the exhaust manifold 52.

[0094] Figure 14-16 Accordingly, first, second, and third configurations of the retaining frame 94 with opposing top pressure plate 95 and bottom pressure plate 96 are shown. Figure 14 The first configuration is configured to be connected to a single cylindrical battery cell 10 (not shown). Figure 15 The second configuration is configured to connect with four cylindrical battery cells 10 (not shown), and Figure 16 The third configuration is configured to be connected to a single prismatic battery cell 10 (not shown).

[0095] A top pressure plate 95 is configured to engage with the top portion 11 of one or more battery cells 10, while a bottom pressure plate 96 is configured to engage with the bottom portion 12 of the battery cell 10, for example by utilizing recesses 97 formed in the top and bottom pressure plates 95 and 96. The top and bottom pressure plates 95 and 96 are configured to cooperate to hold and secure the battery cell 10 against movement, for example by guiding the top and bottom pressure plates 95 and 96 using vertically oriented linear guides and a hydraulically operated pressure plate press. A first piercing element 41 may be carried by or incorporated into the top pressure plate 95, and a second piercing element 45 may be carried by or incorporated into the bottom pressure plate 96. Various alignment features 98, such as holes, pins, telescopic shafts, etc., may be provided in the top and bottom pressure plates 95 and 96. The vibrating member 93 configured for vibrating the battery cell 10 may be carried or combined therewith by one or both of the top pressure plate 95 and the bottom pressure plate 96.

[0096] Figure 17 A block diagram of system 40 is shown. As shown, system 40 includes: (i) a first puncture element 41 connected to a first pressure source 49 for supplying a fluid flow into a first hole 23h in battery cell 10; (ii) a second puncture element 45 (optionally connected to a third pressure source 89) for receiving or drawing in fluid component 33 from battery cell 10 through a second hole 24h in battery cell 10; and (iii) a discharge manifold 52 for applying suction to battery cell 10 through the second puncture element 45 and for rapidly discharging fluid component 33 from battery cell 10. An optional accumulator / splitter 99 may receive fluid component 33 from discharge manifold 52 and may separate fluid component 33 into gaseous component 34 and non-gase component 35.

[0097] Figure 18 A flowchart of a method 100 for rapidly discharging fluid component 33 from battery cell 10 is shown. This method 100 can be performed using the system 40 described above.

[0098] At block 110, a first piercing element 41 having a first channel 44 extending through it pierces the first surface 23 of the battery cell 10 to form a first hole 23h through the first surface 23.

[0099] At block 120, a second piercing element 45 having a first channel 48 extending through it pierces the second surface 24 of the battery cell 10 to form a second hole 24h through the second surface 24.

[0100] At block 130, a discharge manifold 52 having a housing 53 in which a through-hole 57 is formed is connected to or mated with a second piercing element 45 such that the through-hole 57 is positioned in fluid communication with a second channel 48. Here, the housing 53 encloses a pressurization chamber 54, and the discharge manifold 52 has a manifold inlet 55 and a manifold outlet 56 formed in the housing 53 and in fluid communication with the pressurization chamber 54. A downstream direction is defined from the manifold inlet 55 to the manifold outlet 56, wherein the through-hole 57 is located between the manifold inlet 55 and the manifold outlet 56. The discharge manifold 52 includes a second conduit 58 having a main end 58p in fluid communication with the through-hole 57 and a secondary end 58s terminating downstream of the main end 58p within the pressurization chamber 54. The discharge manifold 52 also includes a one-way valve 60 disposed adjacent to the secondary end 58s of the second conduit 58 and configured to move between a closed position CP (which prevents flow through the second conduit 58) and an open position OP (which allows flow through the second conduit 58).

[0101] At block 140, a first fluid flow is induced through the first channel 44 by using a first pressure source 49 having a first conduit 50 in fluid communication with the first channel 44.F 1 .

[0102] Furthermore, at block 150, a second fluid flow is induced through the pressurization chamber 54 and exiting the manifold outlet 56 by using a second pressure source 61 having a third conduit 62 in fluid communication with the manifold inlet 55. F 2 .

[0103] In method 100, the first fluid flow F 1 Second fluid flow F 2 The fluid component 33 in the battery cell 10 flows through the second hole 24h, the second channel 48 and the second conduit 58 and flows out of the manifold outlet 56.

[0104] Optionally, method 100 may further include: at block 160, vibrating the battery cell 10 by using a vibrating member 93 carried or coupled thereto by at least one of the top pressure plate 95 and the bottom pressure plate 96 of the retaining frame 94. Here, the top pressure plate 95 is configured to engage with the top portion 11 of the battery cell 10, and the bottom pressure plate 96 is configured to engage with the bottom portion 12 of the battery cell 10, wherein the top pressure plate 95 and the bottom pressure plate 96 are configured to cooperate together to secure the battery cell 10 to prevent movement.

[0105] Method 100 may further include rinsing the battery cell 10 at block 170 with a liquid that does not react with the fluid component 33 or any internal component 22 of the battery cell 10. Rinsing the battery cell 10 may include passing the liquid through a first puncture element 41, the battery cell 10, a second puncture element 45, and a drain manifold 52. As described above, the liquid used for rinsing the battery cell 10 may include dimethyl carbonate or other suitable liquids.

[0106] Various configurations and embodiments of the system 40 and method 100 presented herein can be implemented in a wide range of different applications and use cases, including for use with electric or hybrid vehicles. For example, the system 40 and method 100 can be implemented on such vehicles, or they can be implemented outside such vehicles, or some parts can be implemented on a vehicle while others can be implemented outside the vehicle.

[0107] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the system 40 and method 100 of this disclosure can be presented or arranged in a variety of different configurations and embodiments.

[0108] According to one embodiment, a system 40 for rapidly discharging fluid component 33 from a battery cell 10 includes: (i) a first piercing element 41 configured to contact and pierce a first surface 23 of the battery cell 10 to form a first hole 23h through the first surface 23, and having a first channel 44 extending through the first piercing element 41; (ii) a second piercing element 45 configured to contact and pierce a second surface 24 of the battery cell 10 to form a second hole 24h through the second surface 24, and having a second channel 48 extending through the second piercing element 45; and (iii) a first pressure source 49 in fluid communication with the first channel 44 via a first conduit 50, and configured to induce a first fluid flow through the first conduit 50 and the first channel 44. F 1 (iv) A discharge manifold 52 having: a housing 53 enclosing a pressurization chamber 54; a manifold inlet 55 and a manifold outlet 56, each formed in the housing 53 and in fluid communication with the pressurization chamber 54, wherein a downstream direction is defined from the manifold inlet 55 to the manifold outlet 56; a through-hole 57 formed in the housing 53 between the manifold inlet 55 and the manifold outlet 56; a second conduit 58 having a main end 58p in fluid communication with the through-hole 57 and a secondary end 58s terminating downstream of the main end 58p within the pressurization chamber 54; and a check valve 60 disposed adjacent to the secondary end 58s of the second conduit 58 and configured to move between a closed position CP that prevents flow through the second conduit 58 and an open position OP that allows flow through the second conduit 58; and (v) a second pressure source 61 in fluid communication with the manifold inlet 55 via a third conduit 62 and configured to induce a second fluid flow through the third conduit 62 and the pressurization chamber 54 and out of the manifold outlet 56. F 2 The discharge manifold 52 is configured to connect with the second piercing element 45, such that the through-hole 57 is positioned in fluid communication with the second channel 48, and the first and second fluid flows... F 1 , F 2 Fluid component 33 flows through the second hole 24h, the second channel 48, and the second conduit 58 and flows out of the manifold outlet 56.

[0109] The battery cell 10 can be a prismatic battery cell or a cylindrical battery cell.

[0110] The first surface 23 may be the top surface 18 of the battery cell 10, and the second surface 24 may be the bottom surface 19 of the battery cell 10. Alternatively, the first surface 23 and the second surface 24 may be located on the bottom surface 19 of the battery cell 10.

[0111] At least one of the first puncture element 41 and the second puncture element 45 may be carried by or incorporated into the exhaust manifold 52.

[0112] The system 40 may also include a retaining frame 94 having a top plate 95 configured to engage with the top portion 11 of the battery cell 10 and a bottom plate 96 configured to engage with the bottom portion 12 of the battery cell 10, wherein the top plate 95 and the bottom plate 96 are configured to cooperate together to secure the battery cell 10 to prevent movement.

[0113] The first piercing element 41 may be carried by or incorporated into the top pressure plate 95, and the second piercing element 45 may be carried by or incorporated into the bottom pressure plate 96.

[0114] The system 40 may also include a vibration member 93, which is carried or incorporated therein by at least one of a top pressure plate 95 and a bottom pressure plate 96, and is configured to vibrate the battery cell 10.

[0115] System 40 may further include: a first seal 90 carried by a first piercing element 41 and configured to seal against a first surface 23 to prevent leakage between the first piercing element 41 and the first surface 23 when the first piercing element 41 pierces the first surface 23; and a second seal 91 carried by a second piercing element 45 and configured to seal against a second surface 24 to prevent leakage between the second piercing element 45 and the second surface 24 when the second piercing element 45 pierces the second surface 24.

[0116] System 40 may also include an accumulator / splitter 99 for receiving fluid component 33 from manifold outlet 56 and separating fluid component 33 into gas component 34 and non-gas component 35.

[0117] First fluid flow from first pressure source 49 F 1 It may include at least one of an inert gas 38 and a non-reactive gas 39, the non-reactive gas 39 not reacting with the fluid component 33 or any internal component 22 of the battery cell 10.

[0118] System 40 may also include an inlet valve 92, which is disposed in the first fluid flow F 1 It is also configured for use with at least one of dynamic variable flow and pulse flow.

[0119] The first surface 23 and the second surface 24 may be located on the bottom wall 14 of the battery cell 10, wherein the battery cell 10 includes a first internal channel 25, which extends along the bottom wall 14 in a first branch tube 28 from a first closed end 25c adjacent to the first surface 23 to a first side wall 16 of the battery cell 10, and in a second branch tube 29 extends upward along the first side wall 16 to a first open end 25o adjacent to the end point 27 of the top wall 13 of the battery cell 10, wherein a first hole 23h is in fluid communication with the first internal channel 25.

[0120] The battery cell 10 may include a second internal channel 30 extending along the bottom wall 14 from a second open end 30o at a starting point 31 adjacent to a second sidewall 17 generally opposite to the first sidewall 16 to a second closed end 30c at an end point 32 inside the second sidewall 17, and a second hole 24h is in fluid communication with the second internal channel 30.

[0121] The second piercing element 45 may include: (a) a tube 67 having an upper wall 68, a lower wall 69, a first end wall 71 (defining a forward direction FWD) at a first end 72 of the tube 67, and a second end wall 73 (defining a backward direction RWD) at a second end 74 of the tube 67, wherein the tube 67 is substantially sealed except for a tube inlet 85 formed on the first end 72, a tube outlet 86 formed in the lower wall 69, and a groove 84 formed in the upper wall 68; and (b) a wedge 75, which is sealable. And slidably disposed within the tube 67 between a forward position 81 and a rearward position 82, wherein an intermediate position 83 is located between the forward position 81 and the rearward position 82, the wedge 75 having a first wedge surface 76 generally facing the forward direction FWD and an upwardly inclined ramp surface 77 generally facing the rearward direction RWD, wherein the tube chamber 80 is defined within the tube 67 between the first end wall 71 and the first wedge surface 76; (c) a generally vertical blade 66 having an upper blade portion 66 U and the lower blade section 66 L Among them, the lower blade section 66 L (d) A piston 88, which is sealably and slidably disposed within the tube 67 and located behind the wedge 75; (e) a biasing member 87 disposed between the blade 66 and the piston 88; and (f) a third pressure source 89 in fluid communication with the tube inlet 85.

[0122] In the forward position 81, a first pressure may exist in the lumen 80. P 1 The first wedge-shaped surface 76 can be disposed in front of the tube outlet 86, and the upper blade portion 66 U The first height that can extend above slot 84H 1 .

[0123] Between the forward position 81 and the intermediate position 83, the third pressure source 89 can create a pressure higher than the first pressure in the cavity 80. P 1 Second pressure P 2 This causes the wedge 75 to move backward, while the piston 88 remains stationary and compresses the biasing member 87, thus causing the upper blade portion 66 to... U The height extending above slot 84 is greater than the first height. H 1 Second height H 2 The first wedge-shaped surface 76 is positioned in front of the pipe outlet 86.

[0124] Between the intermediate position 83 and the rearward position 82, the third pressure source 89 can create a pressure higher than the second pressure in the lumen chamber 80. P 2 The third pressure P 3 This causes the wedge 75 and piston 88 to move backward, while the upper blade portion 66... U Maintain the second altitude H 2 Until the wedge 75 is actuated to the rearward position 82, wherein the first wedge surface 76 is disposed behind the pipe outlet 86.

[0125] According to another embodiment, a system 40 for rapidly discharging fluid component 33 from battery cell 10 includes: (i) a first piercing element 41 configured to contact and pierce a first surface 23 of battery cell 10 to form a first hole 23h through the first surface 23, and having a first channel 44 extending through the first piercing element 41; (ii) a second piercing element 45 configured to contact and pierce a second surface 24 of battery cell 10 to form a second hole 24h through the second surface 24, and having a second channel 48 extending through the second piercing element 45; and (iii) a first pressure source 49 in fluid communication with the first channel 44 via a first conduit 50, and configured to induce a first fluid flow through the first conduit 50 and the first channel 44. F 1(iv) A discharge manifold 52 having: a housing 53 enclosing a pressurization chamber 54; a manifold inlet 55 and a manifold outlet 56, each formed in the housing 53 and in fluid communication with the pressurization chamber 54, wherein a downstream direction is defined from the manifold inlet 55 to the manifold outlet 56; a through-hole 57 formed in the housing 53 between the manifold inlet 55 and the manifold outlet 56; a second conduit 58 having a main end 58p in fluid communication with the through-hole 57 and a secondary end 58s terminating downstream of the main end 58p within the pressurization chamber 54; and a check valve 60 disposed adjacent to the secondary end 58s of the second conduit 58 and configured to move between a closed position CP that prevents flow through the second conduit 58 and an open position OP that allows flow through the second conduit 58; and (v) a second pressure source 61 in fluid communication with the manifold inlet 55 via a third conduit 62 and configured to induce a second fluid flow through the third conduit 62 and the pressurization chamber 54 and out of the manifold outlet 56. F 2 The second piercing element 45 may include: (a) a tube 67 having an upper wall 68, a lower wall 69, a first end wall 71 (defining a forward direction FWD) at a first end 72 of the tube 67, and a second end wall 73 (defining a backward direction RWD) at a second end 74 of the tube 67, wherein the tube 67 is substantially sealed except for a tube inlet 85 formed on the first end 72, a tube outlet 86 formed in the lower wall 69, and a groove 84 formed in the upper wall 68; and (b) a wedge 75 capable of sealing. And slidably disposed within the tube 67 between a forward position 81 and a rearward position 82, wherein an intermediate position 83 is located between the forward position 81 and the rearward position 82, the wedge 75 having a first wedge surface 76 generally facing the forward direction FWD and an upwardly inclined ramp surface 77 generally facing the rearward direction RWD, wherein the tube chamber 80 is defined within the tube 67 between the first end wall 71 and the first wedge surface 76; (c) a generally vertical blade 66 having an upper blade portion 66 U and the lower blade section 66 L Among them, the lower blade section 66 L (d) A piston 88, which is sealably and slidably disposed within the tube 67 and located behind the wedge 75; (e) a biasing member 87 disposed between the blade 66 and the piston 88; and (f) a third pressure source 89 in fluid communication with the tube inlet 85.

[0126] In the forward position 81, a first pressure exists in the lumen 80. P 1 The first wedge-shaped surface 76 is disposed in front of the tube outlet 86, and the upper blade portion 66 U The first height extending above slot 84 H 1Between the forward position 81 and the intermediate position 83, the third pressure source 89 can create a pressure higher than the first pressure in the cavity 80. P 1 Second pressure P 2 This causes the wedge 75 to move backward, while the piston 88 remains stationary and compresses the biasing member 87, thus causing the upper blade portion 66 to... U The height extending above slot 84 is greater than the first height. H 1 Second height H 2 The first wedge-shaped surface 76 remains positioned in front of the pipe outlet 86. Furthermore, between the intermediate position 83 and the rearward position 82, the third pressure source 89 creates a pressure higher than the second pressure within the pipe chamber 80. P 2 The third pressure P 3 This causes the wedge 75 and piston 88 to move backward, while the upper blade portion 66... U Maintain the second altitude H 2 Until the wedge 75 is actuated to the rearward position 82, wherein the first wedge surface 76 is disposed behind the pipe outlet 86.

[0127] In this embodiment, the discharge manifold 52 is configured to connect with the second piercing element 45, such that the through-hole 57 is positioned in fluid communication with the second channel 48, and the first and second fluid flows... F 1 , F 2 Fluid component 33 flows through the second hole 24h, the second channel 48, and the second conduit 58 and flows out of the manifold outlet 56.

[0128] According to yet another embodiment, a method 100 for rapidly discharging fluid component 33 from a battery cell 10 includes: (i) piercing a first surface 23 of the battery cell 10 with a first piercing element 41 having a first channel 44 extending therethrough to form a first hole 23h through the first surface 23; (ii) piercing a second surface 24 of the battery cell 10 with a second piercing element 45 having a second channel 48 extending therethrough to form a second hole 24h through the second surface 24; and (iii) engaging a discharge manifold 52 having a housing 53 in which a through hole 57 is formed with the second piercing element 45 such that the through hole 57 is positioned in fluid communication with the second channel 48, wherein the housing 53 encloses a pressurization chamber 54, and the discharge manifold 52 has a manifold inlet 55 and a manifold. The manifold inlet 55 and manifold outlet 56 are each formed in the housing 53 and in fluid communication with the pressurization chamber 54, wherein a downstream direction is defined from the manifold inlet 55 to the manifold outlet 56, and wherein a through-hole 57 is provided between the manifold inlet 55 and the manifold outlet 56; a second conduit 58 having a main end 58p in fluid communication with the through-hole 57 and a secondary end 58s terminating downstream of the main end in the pressurization chamber 54; and a one-way valve 60 disposed adjacent to the secondary end 58s of the second conduit 58 and configured to move between a closed position CP that prevents flow through the second conduit 58 and an open position OP that allows flow through the second conduit 58; (iv) by using a first pressure source 49 having a first conduit 50 in fluid communication with the first channel 44, causing a first fluid flow through the first channel 44. F 1 ; and (v) by using a second pressure source 61 having a third conduit 62 in fluid communication with the manifold inlet 55, a second fluid flow is caused through the pressurization chamber 54 and out of the manifold outlet 56. F 2 In method 100, the first fluid flow F 1 Second fluid flow F 2 Fluid component 33 flows through the second hole 24h, the second channel 48, and the second conduit 58 and flows out of the manifold outlet 56.

[0129] Method 100 may also include flushing the battery cell 10 with a liquid that does not react with the fluid component 33 or any internal component 22 of the battery cell 10. Flushing the battery cell 10 may include passing the liquid through the first puncture element 41, the battery cell 10, the second puncture element 45, and the drain manifold 52.

[0130] Method 100 may further include vibrating the battery cell 10 by using a vibrating member 93, the vibrating member 93 being carried or coupled thereto by at least one of a top pressure plate 95 and a bottom pressure plate 96 of a retaining frame 94, wherein the top pressure plate 95 is configured to engage with the top portion 11 of the battery cell 10 and the bottom pressure plate 96 is configured to engage with the bottom portion 12 of the battery cell 10, wherein the top pressure plate 95 and the bottom pressure plate 96 are configured to cooperate together to secure the battery cell 10 to prevent movement.

[0131] Although the individual steps of method 100 have been described as separate blocks, and the individual functions of system 40 have been described as separate modules or elements, it is noteworthy that two or more steps may be combined into fewer blocks, and two or more functions may be combined into fewer modules or elements. Similarly, some steps described as a single block may be divided into two or more blocks, and some functions described as a single module or element may be divided into two or more modules or elements. Furthermore, the order of the steps or blocks described herein may be rearranged in one or more different orders, and the arrangement of these functions, modules, and elements may be rearranged into one or more different arrangements.

[0132] (As used herein, a “module” may include hardware and / or software, thereby including executable instructions for receiving one or more inputs, processing one or more inputs, and providing one or more corresponding outputs. It should also be noted that at some points throughout this disclosure, a single input, output, element, etc. may be referred to, while at other points, a plurality of inputs, outputs, elements, etc. may be referred to. Therefore, one should not consider whether inputs, outputs, elements, etc. are used in singular or plural form at any particular point in this disclosure, as the singular and plural usages of these words should be considered interchangeable unless the specific context otherwise requires.)

[0133] The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to be illustrative, they are by no means restrictive and are exemplary embodiments. In the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., are used merely as labelling and are not intended to impose numerical or positional requirements on the objects thereto. For the purposes of this specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, the use of the singular includes the plural, and vice versa. Furthermore, the phrases “at least one of A and B” and “A and / or B” should each be understood to mean “only A,” only B, or both A and B.”

[0134] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the terms “including,” “contains,” “comprises,” “has,” etc., shall mean “including, but not limited to,” and embodiments that include one or more elements having a particular property may include one or more additional such elements that do not have that property. And when broad descriptive adverbs such as “substantially” and “generally” are used herein to modify terms or phrases, these adverbs mean “most,” “mainly,” “largely,” “to a considerable degree,” “to a great extent,” and / or “at least 51% to 99% of the possible 100% range,” and do not necessarily mean “perfect,” “complete,” “strictly,” “entirely,” or “100%.” Additionally, approximate terms such as “approximately,” “almost,” and “nearly” may be used herein in the sense of “being, close to, or almost being” or “within 0-5% of it” or “within acceptable manufacturing or production tolerances,” or logical combinations thereof. Furthermore, the term “close to” may be used herein to describe the position of an object or part thereof relative to another object or part thereof, and / or to describe the positional relationship of two objects or their respective parts relative to each other, and may mean “near,” “adjacent,” “close to,” “in the vicinity,” “at,” etc.

[0135] As used herein, a component or module "constructed" to perform a specified function is capable of performing the specified function without alteration, rather than merely having the potential to perform the specified function after further modification. In other words, when explicitly constructed to perform a specified function, the described component or module is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and / or designed for the purpose of performing the specified function.

[0136] According to this disclosure, the written description uses examples including best practices to enable those skilled in the art to manufacture and use apparatus, systems, and material compositions, and to perform methods. The following claims, including equivalents, define the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A system for rapidly discharging fluid components from a battery cell, comprising: A first piercing element is configured to contact and pierce a first surface of the battery cell to form a first hole through the first surface, and has a first channel extending through the first piercing element. The second piercing element is configured to contact and pierce the second surface of the battery cell to form a second hole through the second surface, and has a second channel extending through the second piercing element; A first pressure source is in fluid communication with the first channel via a first conduit and is configured to cause a first fluid flow through the first conduit and the first channel; An exhaust manifold has: a housing enclosing a pressurization chamber; a manifold inlet and a manifold outlet, each formed in the housing and in fluid communication with the pressurization chamber, wherein a downstream direction is defined from the manifold inlet to the manifold outlet; A through-hole is formed in the housing between the manifold inlet and the manifold outlet; A second conduit having a main end in fluid communication with the through-hole and a secondary end terminating downstream of the main end in the pressurization chamber; and a one-way valve disposed adjacent to the secondary end of the second conduit and configured to move between a closed position that prevents flow through the second conduit and an open position that allows flow through the second conduit. as well as A second pressure source is in fluid communication with the manifold inlet via a third conduit and is configured to cause a second fluid flow through the third conduit and the pressurization chamber and out of the manifold outlet; The discharge manifold is configured to connect with the second puncture element, such that the through-hole is positioned in fluid communication with the second channel; and The first fluid flow and the second fluid flow cause the fluid component to flow through the second orifice, the second channel and the second conduit and out of the manifold outlet.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The battery cell is a prismatic battery cell or a cylindrical battery cell.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The first surface is the top surface of the battery cell, and the second surface is the bottom surface of the battery cell.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The first surface and the second surface are located on the bottom surface of the battery cell.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first puncture element and the second puncture element is carried by or incorporated into the exhaust manifold.

6. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: A retaining frame having a top plate configured to engage with a top portion of the battery cell and a bottom plate configured to engage with a bottom portion of the battery cell, wherein the top plate and the bottom plate are configured to cooperate together to secure the battery cell to prevent movement.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein, The first piercing element is carried by or attached to the top pressure plate, and the second piercing element is carried by or attached to the bottom pressure plate.

8. The system according to claim 6, further comprising: A vibrating member, which is supported or incorporated therein by at least one of the top pressure plate and the bottom pressure plate, and is configured to vibrate the battery cell.

9. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: A first seal, carried by the first piercing element and configured to seal against the first surface, so as to prevent leakage between the first piercing element and the first surface when the first piercing element pierces the first surface; as well as The second seal is carried by the second piercing element and is configured to seal against the second surface to prevent leakage between the second piercing element and the second surface when the second piercing element pierces the second surface.

10. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: An accumulator / splitter for receiving fluid components from the manifold outlet and for separating the fluid components into gaseous and non-gase components.

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