Battery cell
A conductive layer formed from a polymer matrix within the battery cell addresses cavity issues by maintaining thermal conductivity and heat dissipation, improving lithium-ion battery performance.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-12
AI Technical Summary
The cavity formation between the metallic battery can and the electrode stack in lithium-ion batteries, caused by incomplete electrolyte filling and electrolyte consumption during manufacturing and aging, leads to reduced thermal conductivity.
A battery cell design that incorporates a conductive layer formed by converting a liquid solution of an organic solvent, crosslinkable polymer, and crosslinking agent into a three-dimensional polymer matrix, which is arranged between the electrode assembly and the battery can, maintaining effective and uniform heat dissipation over the battery's lifetime.
The conductive layer effectively maintains thermal conductivity by preventing electrolyte loss and ensuring uniform heat dissipation, enhancing the performance of lithium-ion batteries in rechargeable energy storage systems.
Smart Images

Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell and the concepts described herein generally relate to electrochemical battery cells, including, but not limited to, prismatic battery cells and cylindrical battery cells with metal casings or “cans” which have heat dissipation paths for effective and uniform heat dissipation over the lifetime of the battery cell.
[0002] A lithium-ion battery is an electrochemical device in which lithium ions are transferred between a negative electrode (or anode) and a positive electrode (or cathode). In most prismatic battery cells, the negative and positive electrodes are generally located on opposite sides of a porous polymer separator, forming an electrode stack. The electrode stack may contain a protective sheath and is housed in a hollow, rectangular, metallic battery casing or "can" and saturated or "wetted" with an electrolyte solution suitable for conducting lithium ions.
[0003] Most cylindrical battery cells use a jelly roll (JR) design. In general, the JR design involves placing an insulating layer, followed by the anode layer, separator layer, and cathode layer to form an electrode stack. This stack is then rolled into a cylinder and placed inside a hollow, metallic, cylindrical casing or battery box, where it is saturated or "wetted" with an electrolyte solution suitable for conducting lithium ions.
[0004] Direct current sources, such as lithium-ion batteries, can be used to store and release electrical energy, which can then be used by a circuit or electrical machine to perform tasks such as communication, display, or propulsion. Heat can be generated during the conversion of electrical energy into chemical potential energy (i.e., when charging the battery) and during the conversion of chemical potential energy back into electrical energy (i.e., when discharging the battery).
[0005] Manufacturing a lithium-ion battery typically involves four steps: electrode production, the construction of an electrode stack / jelly roll (JR), cell assembly, and end-of-line manufacturing conditioning.
[0006] Electrode production generally includes, but is not limited to, mixing slurries, coating, drying, calendering and slotting / cutting.
[0007] The construction of electrode stacks / JR generally involves winding / stacking, but is not limited to it.
[0008] Cell assembly generally includes, but is not limited to, joining tabs and / or connectors, inserting the electrode stack, filling with electrolyte, and sealing.
[0009] End-of-line manufacturing conditioning generally includes, but is not limited to, formation, aging, and electrical testing.
[0010] During the manufacture of the lithium-ion battery cell, more precisely during the insertion of the electrode stack in the cell assembly phase, a metallic battery can may be stiff enough that a cavity is created between the metallic battery can and the electrode stack.
[0011] During the electrolyte filling step in the cell assembly phase, it can happen that the metallic battery can is not completely filled with the electrolyte solution due to a slow wetting process.
[0012] Furthermore, during the cell aging process, some of the electrolyte solution can be consumed through side reactions at the interfaces between the electrodes, i.e., the anodes and the cathodes, and the electrolyte solution.
[0013] Accordingly, electrolyte solution from one part, e.g., the lower part, of the metallic battery can and the electrode stack can migrate into the electrode stack via capillary action to replace the depleted solution. As a result, the cavity between the metallic battery can and the electrode stack can enlarge and fill with gas, which can significantly reduce the thermal conductivity within the battery cell.
[0014] DE 25 48 813 B2 describes a method for fixing plate sets in cells of accumulators, in particular lead-acid accumulators, by injecting a plastic between the cell partitions or block box end walls and the plate sets, wherein a plastic mixture is injected which foams up and hardens after injection.
[0015] DE 10 2022 107 902 A1 describes an electrochemical lithium-ion cell arrangement comprising a first electrode with a first polarity and a first current collector, which forms a first electrically conductive tab at an edge of the first electrode. The first electrically conductive tab is substantially covered by a first insulating material. A second electrode has the first polarity and a second current collector, which forms a second electrically conductive tab at an edge of the second electrode. The second electrically conductive tab is substantially covered by a second insulating material. A weld bead is formed through at least a portion of the first insulating material and the second insulating material, connecting the first electrically conductive tab and the second electrically conductive tab. Methods for manufacturing electrochemical lithium-ion cells are also provided.
[0016] The task can be considered to be to specify a battery cell in which the negative effects of increasing the cavity size are at least reduced.
[0017] This problem is solved according to the invention by a battery cell having the features of claim 1.
[0018] An electrochemical battery cell generally comprises: an electrode assembly, a liquid electrolyte, a metallic battery casing or a “can” containing the electrode assembly and the liquid electrolyte.
[0019] Electrochemical battery cells, including but not limited to prismatic and cylindrical battery cells, may have a cavity between a metallic battery can and an electrode stack contained within the metallic battery can, which is created during a manufacturing process.
[0020] The electrochemical battery cell may also not be completely filled with an electrolyte solution, e.g. because the electrode stack is only slowly "wetted" during the manufacturing process and / or because some of the electrolyte solution is consumed by side reactions at the interfaces between the electrodes and the electrolyte solution during an aging process, which can cause the cavity to become larger and fill with gas.
[0021] According to the invention, a battery cell comprises: an electrode arrangement, a liquid electrolyte, a battery can containing the electrode arrangement and the liquid electrolyte, and a liquid solution. The liquid solution comprises an organic solvent, a crosslinkable polymer, and a crosslinking agent, wherein the liquid solution is converted into a conductive layer arranged between the electrode arrangement and the battery can, and wherein the liquid solution contains an ion-conducting salt.
[0022] In one embodiment, the battery box is a metallic battery box.
[0023] The liquid solution is transformed into a conductive layer by reaction of the crosslinkable polymer and the crosslinking agent of the liquid solution to form a reaction product.
[0024] In one embodiment, the reaction product contains a three-dimensional polymer matrix, and the organic solvent is contained or enclosed within the three-dimensional polymer matrix. The reaction of the crosslinkable polymer and the crosslinking agent involves the application of heat to the liquid solution to convert the liquid solution into the reaction product.
[0025] Since the organic solvent is contained within the three-dimensional polymer matrix and the organic solvent is hydrogen-bound to the three-dimensional polymer matrix, the organic solvent trapped in the conductive layer is not easily consumed during a cell aging process.
[0026] In one embodiment, the ion-conducting salt has a minimum ionic conductivity of 1.0 × 10 -5 S cm -1 at 25°C.
[0027] In one embodiment, the conductive layer is arranged between the electrode assembly and the battery can. The conductive layer can contain the organic solvent present in the reaction product.
[0028] Since the conductive layer does not wear down as easily as the battery cell ages, the conductive layer between the electrode array and the battery can provides a path for heat dissipation that is more effective and uniform over the lifetime of the battery cell, as with battery cells used in a Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS).
[0029] In one embodiment, a conductive layer contains an ion-conducting salt contained in a reaction product.
[0030] In one embodiment, a conductive layer has an outer shape that essentially corresponds to an inner shape of a battery can.
[0031] In one embodiment, the electrode arrangement comprises an electrode stack. The electrode stack comprises at least one separator layer, at least one anode, and at least one cathode. The at least one separator layer is arranged between the at least one anode and the at least one cathode.
[0032] In one embodiment, the at least one anode has a first length and the at least one cathode has a second length that differs from the first length of the at least one anode. The at least one anode is stacked on a first side of the at least one separator layer, and the cathode is stacked on a second side opposite the first side of the separator layer.
[0033] In one embodiment, a first length of the at least one anode is longer than a second length of the at least one cathode, such that the conductive layer is in contact with at least one end section of the at least one anode and at a distance of at least one end section of the at least one cathode.
[0034] In one embodiment, the electrode stack comprises a protective film covering, and the protective film covering has perforations that allow the liquid solution to flow into the protective film covering.
[0035] In one embodiment, the electrode arrangement comprises an electrode stack comprising at least one separator layer, at least one anode stacked on a first side of the at least one separator layer, and at least one cathode stacked on a second side of the at least one separator layer, wherein the second side of the at least one separator layer is opposite the first side of the at least one separator layer.
[0036] In one embodiment, the liquid solution is in contact with the at least one anode and is spaced apart from the at least one cathode.
[0037] In one embodiment, the electrode arrangement comprises a protective film covering with perforations to allow the infusion of the liquid solution. As the liquid solution is converted into the conductive layer, the conductive layer in turn extends through the perforations of the protective film covering into the protective film covering. Fig. Figure 1A is a schematic representation of an example battery cell after electrolyte filling. Fig. Figure 1B is a schematic representation of an example battery cell after sealing. Fig. Figure 1C is a schematic representation of an example battery cell after aging. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an example battery cell before electrolyte filling. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an example battery cell after electrolyte filling. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an example battery cell after sealing. Fig. 4A is a cross-section of a prismatic battery cell. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an example battery cell after aging. Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-section of a cylindrical battery cell. Fig. Figure 7 is a flowchart that describes a process for manufacturing a battery cell.
[0038] With reference to the drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same parts in different views, a battery cell, including a liquid solution converted into a conductive layer, and a method for manufacturing a battery cell, including a liquid solution converted into a conductive layer, are shown and described herein.
[0039] As in Fig. 1A generally represents a battery cell 100 comprising: an electrode assembly 110, a liquid electrolyte 170 and a metallic battery casing or ‘can’ 120 containing the electrode assembly 110 and the liquid electrolyte 170.
[0040] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, the battery cell 100 can have a partial cavity 102 between the battery box 120 and an electrode arrangement 110 inside the battery box 120, which can be created during a manufacturing process, e.g. a cell assembly process.
[0041] It is possible that the battery cell 100 is not completely filled with the liquid electrolyte 170, e.g. due to slow “wetting” of the electrode arrangement 110 during the manufacturing process.
[0042] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1C, some of the liquid electrolyte 170 can also be consumed by side reactions at the interfaces within the electrode arrangement 110 and the liquid electrolyte 170 as the battery cell 100 ages, which can enlarge the partial cavity 102, creating an air gap 112 between the electrode arrangement 110 and the battery can 120.
[0043] As in Fig. 2 generally represented, a battery cell 200 is configured as a lithium-ion battery according to the present disclosure during the manufacture of the battery cell 200 before the liquid electrolyte is added.
[0044] The battery cell 200 generally comprises an electrode arrangement 210, which is arranged in a metallic battery housing or battery can 220. The electrode arrangement 210 comprises an electrode stack 215 with at least one separator layer 230 (e.g., a microporous or nanoporous polymeric separator layer), at least one negative electrode or anode 240, and at least one positive electrode or cathode 250. The at least one separator layer 230 is arranged between the at least one anode 240 and the at least one cathode 250, such that the at least one anode 240 is stacked on a first side 232 of the at least one separator layer 230, and the at least one cathode 250 is stacked on a second side 234 of the at least one separator layer 230, opposite the first side 232.
[0045] On the battery box 220 there is an upper arrangement 224 which contains a filling opening 226.
[0046] A liquid solution 260 is arranged between the electrode assembly 210 and the battery box 220, near a bottom section 280 of the battery box 220. The liquid solution 260 contains: an organic solvent, a crosslinkable polymer, and a crosslinking agent in a free-flowing liquid form, which is converted into a conductive layer 465, as shown in Fig. 4 shown.
[0047] Non-restrictive examples of the organic solvent include, but are not limited to, a 3:7 volume mixture of ethylene carbonate (EC) (CAS No. 96-49-1) and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) (CAS No. 623-53-0); a mixture of at least two of the following: EC, EMC, diethyl carbonate (DEC) (CAS No. 105-58-8), dimethyl carbonate (DMC) (CAS No. 616-38-6), fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) (CAS No. 11443-02-8); or any other solvent other than a carbonate may be selected and mixed, e.g., an ether-based solvent.
[0048] A non-restrictive example of a crosslinkable polymer could be a polyether copolymer with a weight-average molecular weight of 10 5 up to 10 7 includes, but is not limited to, and contains: (A) 3 to 30 mol% of a repeating unit derived from propylene oxide; (B) 96 to 69 mol% of a repeating unit derived from ethylene oxide; and (C) 0.01 to 15 mol% of a repeating unit derived from a monomer with an epoxy group and at least one reactive functional group of formula (I) or formula (2):
[0049] Non-restrictive examples of crosslinking agents or initiators include, but are not limited to, bis(4-tert-butylcyclohexyl)peroxydicarbonate (CAS No. 15520-11-3) and t-hexylperoxy-3-ethylhexanoate (CAS No. 137791-98-1).
[0050] In a non-restrictive embodiment, the electrode stack 215 can comprise a protective film covering 218, which can be wrapped around the electrode stack 215. The protective film covering 218 can have perforations (not shown) to allow the liquid solution 260 to penetrate the protective film covering 218. When the liquid solution 260 enters the Fig. When the conductive layer 465 shown in 4 is converted, the conductive layer 465 can extend through the perforations of the protective film into the protective film 218.
[0051] Again with reference to Fig. 2 The at least one anode 240 comprises a first upper section 242, a first lower section 244, and a first length L1. The at least one cathode 250 comprises a second upper section 252, a second lower section 254, and a second length L2. The first length L1 of the at least one anode 240 is longer than the second length L2 of the at least one cathode 250, such that the first lower section 244 of the at least one anode 240 is in contact with the liquid solution 260, and the second lower section 254 of the at least one cathode 250 is located at a distance D from the liquid solution 260.
[0052] As in Fig. 3 generally represents a battery cell 300, which is configured as a lithium-ion battery according to the present disclosure during the manufacture of the battery cell 300 after electrolyte filling.
[0053] The battery cell 300 comprises an electrode arrangement 310, which is arranged in a metallic battery housing or battery can 320. The electrode arrangement 310 comprises an electrode stack 315 with at least one separator layer 330 (e.g., a microporous or nanoporous polymeric separator layer), at least one negative electrode or anode 340, and at least one positive electrode or cathode 350. The at least one separator layer 330 is arranged between the at least one anode 340 and the at least one cathode 350, such that the at least one anode 340 is stacked on a first side 332 of the at least one separator layer 330, and the at least one cathode 350 is stacked on a second side 334, which faces the first side 332 of the at least one separator layer 330.
[0054] An upper arrangement 324, which includes a filling opening 326, is arranged on the battery box 320.
[0055] A liquid solution 360 is located between the electrode arrangement 310 and the battery housing 320 near a lower section 380 of the battery box 320.
[0056] In one embodiment, the liquid solution 360 contains: an organic solvent, a crosslinkable polymer, and a crosslinking agent that can be converted into a conductive layer 465, as shown in Fig. 4 shown.
[0057] In another embodiment, the liquid solution 360 can comprise: an organic solution, a crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, and an ion-conducting salt, wherein the ion-conducting salt has a minimum ionic conductivity of 1.0 × 10 -5 S cm -1 It can exhibit properties at 25 °C, but is not limited to this. The ion-conducting salt can, for example, but is not limited to, enabling an increase in production speed and / or tighter tolerances.
[0058] The at least one anode 340 comprises a first upper section 342, a first lower section 344, and a first length L1, and the at least one cathode 350 comprises a second upper section 352, a second lower section 354, and a second length L2. The first length L1 of the at least one anode 340 is longer than the second length L2 of the at least one cathode 350, such that the first lower section 344 of the at least one anode 340, including the at least one separator layer 330, is in contact with the liquid solution 360, and the second lower section 354 of the at least one cathode 350 is arranged at a distance D from the liquid solution 360.
[0059] A liquid electrolyte 370 is arranged in the battery box 320, but the electrode stack 315 has not been completely “wetted” by the liquid electrolyte 370.
[0060] As in Fig. As generally shown in Figure 4, a battery cell 400 is configured as a lithium-ion battery according to the present disclosure during its manufacture, after a filling opening 426 contained in an upper arrangement 424 has been sealed with a filling opening insert 428 and a liquid solution 460 has been converted into a conductive layer 465.
[0061] The battery cell 400 comprises an electrode assembly 410 arranged in a metallic battery housing or battery can 420. The electrode assembly 410 comprises an electrode stack 415 with at least one separator layer 430 (e.g., a microporous or nanoporous polymeric separator layer), at least one negative electrode or anode 440, and at least one positive electrode or cathode 450. The at least one separator layer 430 is arranged between the at least one anode 440 and the at least one cathode 450, such that the at least one anode 440 is stacked on a first side 432 of the at least one separator layer 430, and the at least one cathode 450 is stacked on a second side 434, which faces the first side 432 of the at least one separator layer 430.
[0062] The upper assembly 424, including the filling opening 426, is arranged on the battery box 420. The filling opening insert 428 can be temporarily placed in the filling opening 426.
[0063] The liquid solution 460, which is located between the electrode arrangement 410 and the battery box 420 near a bottom section 480 of the battery box 420, contains an organic solvent, a crosslinkable polymer and a crosslinking agent in a free-flowing liquid form.
[0064] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, a method for converting the liquid solution 460 into the conductive layer 465 comprises the reaction of the crosslinkable polymer and the crosslinking agent of the liquid solution 460 to form a reaction product that is not free-flowing, for example, but not limited to, a three-dimensional polymer matrix. Since the organic solvent is contained or enclosed in the reaction product or the three-dimensional polymer matrix and is hydrogen-bound to the three-dimensional polymer matrix, the organic solvent in the three-dimensional polymer matrix is not readily consumed as the cell ages.
[0065] In Fig. Figure 4A shows a cross-section of the battery cell 400. The cross-section of the battery cell 400 includes the electrode assembly 410, which is arranged in the battery housing 420. The electrode assembly 410 comprises the at least one separator layer 430, the at least one anode 440, and the at least one cathode (not shown). The conductive layer 465 is arranged within the battery housing 420 between the electrode assembly 410 and the battery housing 420. The conductive layer 465 has an outer shape 467 that substantially corresponds to an inner shape 427 of the battery housing 420.
[0066] In the embodiment shown, the battery cell 400 is a prismatic battery cell; however, it should be noted that the battery cell 400 can also be a cylindrical battery cell, but is not limited to this; a cross-section of it is shown in Fig. 6 is shown, where the same reference symbols represent the same parts.
[0067] The in Fig. The cross-section of a battery cell 600 shown in Figure 6 is a cylindrical battery cell. The cross-section of the battery cell 600 includes the electrode assembly 610, which is arranged in the battery housing 620. The electrode assembly 610 comprises the at least one separator layer 630, the at least one anode 640, and the at least one cathode (not shown). The conductive layer 665 is arranged within the battery housing 620 between the electrode assembly 610 and the battery housing 620. The conductive layer 665 has an outer shape 667 that substantially corresponds to an inner shape 627 of the battery housing 620.
[0068] Again with reference to Fig. 4. The at least one anode 440 comprises a first upper section 442, a first lower section 444, and a first length L1. The at least one cathode 450 comprises a second upper section 452, a second lower section 454, and a second length L2. The first length L1 of the at least one anode 440 is longer than the second length L2 of the at least one cathode 450, such that the first lower section 444 of the at least one anode 440, including the at least one separator layer 430, is in contact with the liquid solution 460, and the second lower section 454 of the at least one cathode 450 is arranged at a distance D from the liquid solution 460.
[0069] A liquid electrolyte 470 is arranged within the battery housing 420, and the electrode stack 415 is substantially "wetted" by the liquid electrolyte 470, such that the liquid electrolyte 470 is arranged between the at least one anode 440 and the at least one cathode 450 and comes into contact with the at least one separator layer 430, e.g., the liquid electrolyte 470 is arranged in pores of the at least one separator layer 430. The liquid electrolyte 470 can also be present in the at least one anode 440 and the at least one cathode 450, e.g., in their respective pores.
[0070] As in Fig. As generally shown in Figure 5, a battery cell 500 is configured as a lithium-ion battery according to the present disclosure after the manufacture and aging of the battery cell 500.
[0071] The battery cell 500 comprises an electrode arrangement 510, which is arranged in a metallic battery housing or battery can 520. The electrode arrangement 510 comprises an electrode stack with at least one separator layer 530 (e.g., a microporous or nanoporous polymeric separator layer), at least one negative electrode or anode 540, and at least one positive electrode or cathode 550. The at least one separator layer 530 is arranged between the at least one anode 540 and the at least one cathode 550, such that the at least one anode 540 is stacked on a first side 532 of the at least one separator layer 530, and the at least one cathode 550 is stacked on a second side 534 of the at least one separator layer 530, the second side 534 of the at least one separator layer 530 facing the first side 532 of the at least one separator layer 530.
[0072] The upper assembly 524, including the filling opening 526, is arranged on the battery box 520. A filling opening insert 528 can be permanently arranged in the filling opening 526, or the filling opening 526 can be sealed in another way, for example by laser welding.
[0073] A conductive layer 565, arranged between the electrode assembly 510 and the battery housing 520, contains an organic solvent contained in a polymer matrix.
[0074] The at least one anode 540 comprises a first upper section 542, a first lower section 544, and a first length L1, and the at least one cathode 550 comprises a second upper section 552, a second lower section 554, and a second length L2. The first length L1 of the at least one anode 540 is longer than the second length L2 of the at least one cathode 550, such that the first lower section 544 of the at least one anode 540, including the at least one separator layer 530, is in contact with the conductive layer 565, and the second lower section 554 of the at least one cathode 550 is spaced a distance D away from the conductive layer 565.
[0075] Since the conductive layer 565 is in direct contact with the at least one anode 540, including the at least one separator layer 530, the folding of the separator layer 530 in the event of strong acceleration or deceleration of the battery cell 500 during use can be reduced or prevented.
[0076] A liquid electrolyte 570 is located in the battery can 520. As the battery cell 500 ages, some of the liquid electrolyte 570, which is generally located at a lower section 580 of the battery can 520, is consumed by side reactions at the interfaces within the electrode assembly 510 and the liquid electrolyte 570, creating an air gap 512 between the electrode assembly 510 and the battery can 520, which can reduce the thermal conductivity between the electrode assembly 510 and the battery can 520.
[0077] Since the conductive layer 565, which is arranged between the electrode arrangement 510 and the battery can 520, is not easily consumed as the battery cell 500 ages, the conductive layer 565 provides a heat dissipation path 590 between the electrode arrangement 510 and the battery can 520, which is more effective and uniform over the lifetime of the battery cell 500, for example, but not limited to battery cells 500 used in a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS).
[0078] In one embodiment, the heat dissipation path 590 extends from the electrode arrangement 510 through the conductive layer 565 downwards to the battery box 520. However, it should be considered that the heat dissipation path 590 could extend laterally from the electrode arrangement 510 through the conductive layer 565 to the battery box 520 and / or upwards from the electrode arrangement 510 through the conductive layer 565 to the battery box 520, as required by the configuration and / or orientation of the electrode arrangement 510 and the conductive layer 565 within the battery box 520.
[0079] In one embodiment, the electrode arrangement 510 comprises an electrode stack 515, which is typically used in a prismatic battery cell. However, the electrode arrangement 510 can also comprise a jelly roll design (JR design, not shown), which is typically used in cylindrical battery cells.
[0080] In general, the JR design involves applying an insulating substrate, followed by the anode layer, the separator layer, and the cathode layer to form an electrode stack. The electrode stack is then rolled into a cylinder and inserted into a hollow, metallic, cylindrical housing or battery can, and saturated or "wetted" with an electrolyte solution suitable for conducting lithium ions.
[0081] As in Fig. Figure 7 shows that a process for manufacturing a lithium-ion battery 1000 generally comprises four steps: electrode production 2000, construction of an electrode stack / jelly roll (JR) 3000, cell assembly 4000 and end-line conditioning 5000.
[0082] Electrode production 2000 generally includes, but is not limited to, mixing 2100 of a slurry, coating 2200, drying 2300, calendering 2400 and slitting / cutting 2500.
[0083] The construction 3000 of an electrode stack / jelly roll (JR) generally includes, but is not limited to, winding / stacking 3100.
[0084] Cell assembly 4000 generally includes, but is not limited to: joining 4100 tabs and / or terminals, inserting 4200 the electrode stack, filling 4300 with electrolyte, and sealing 4400.
[0085] The end-line conditioning 5000 generally includes, but is not limited to, forming 5100, aging 5200 and electrical testing 5300.
[0086] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a battery cell 400 may comprise: premixing a liquid solution 3110, 4110, wherein the premixing of the liquid solution 4110 may follow the joining of tabs and / or terminals 4100 or may take place before the joining of tabs and / or terminals 4100; arranging the premixed liquid solution within the battery can 4120, wherein the premixed liquid solution comprises an organic solvent, a crosslinkable polymer, and a crosslinking agent, and wherein the premixed liquid solution is arranged within the battery can 4120 prior to the insertion of the electrode stack 4200; preheating a bottom section of the battery can 4210, wherein the preheating of the bottom section of the battery can 4210 follows the insertion of the electrode stack 4200;Transferring the battery box, including the premixed liquid solution, via a heated conveying system 4130, wherein the battery, including the premixed solution, is transferred via the heated conveying system 4130 after the premixed solution is arranged in the battery box 4120 and at least during cell assembly 4000; storing the battery box, including the liquid solution and the electrode assembly, above room temperature 4310, wherein the battery box, including the liquid solution and the electrode assembly, is stored above room temperature 4310 before the liquid electrolyte is arranged inside the battery box 4400; arranging an electrode assembly inside the battery box 4300, wherein the electrode assembly is arranged inside the battery box 4300 before the liquid electrolyte is arranged inside the battery box 4400;Converting the liquid solution into a conductive layer 4320, which is arranged between the electrode assembly and the battery box, wherein the liquid solution is converted into the conductive layer 4320 before the liquid electrolyte is introduced into the battery box 4400; and introducing the liquid electrolyte into the battery box 4400.
[0087] The conversion of the liquid solution into the conductive layer 4320 can include reacting the crosslinkable polymer and the crosslinking agent of the liquid solution to form a reaction product 4322, such that the organic solvent is contained in the reaction product, and wherein the reaction product can be a three-dimensional polymer matrix.
[0088] The reaction of the crosslinkable polymer and the crosslinking agent of the liquid solution to form a reaction product 4322 can also include the gelation of the liquid solution from a free-flowing liquid to a non-free-flowing gel, wherein the organic solvent is contained in the gel.
[0089] The reaction of the crosslinkable polymer and the crosslinking agent of the liquid solution to form the reaction product 4322 may involve the application of heat to the liquid solution 4324.
[0090] Since the conversion of the liquid solution into the conductive layer 4320 begins after the electrode stack is arranged in the battery box 4300, the risk of mechanical damage and / or dimensional change of the electrode stack can be minimized.
[0091] In one embodiment, the electrode stack 215 can be, as in the Fig.Figures 2-6 show that the electrode assembly comprises at least one separator layer 230, at least one anode 240 arranged on one side of the at least one separator layer 230, and at least one cathode 250 arranged on the opposite side of the at least one separator layer 230. The electrode stack 215 can be contained in an electrode arrangement 210.
[0092] The liquid solution 260 can be in contact with the at least one anode 240 and be spaced apart from the at least one cathode 250.
[0093] In a non-restrictive example of the present disclosure, the electrode arrangement 210 may include a protective foil covering 218 with perforations (not shown) to facilitate the infusion of the liquid solution 260.
[0094] In another, non-limiting example of the present disclosure, the liquid solution 260 may contain an ion-conducting salt, e.g., but not limited to, an ion-conducting salt with a minimum ionic conductivity of 1.0 x 10 -5 S cm -1 at 25°C.
Claims
[1] Battery cell (200), comprising: an electrode arrangement (210); a liquid electrolyte (170); a battery box (220) containing the electrode assembly (210) and the liquid electrolyte (170); and a liquid solution (260), comprising: an organic solvent; a crosslinkable polymer; and a crosslinking agent, wherein the liquid solution (260) is converted into a conductive layer (465) which is arranged between the electrode arrangement (210) and the battery box (220), wherein the liquid solution (260) contains an ion-conducting salt. [2] Battery cell (200) according to claim 1, wherein the liquid solution (260) is converted into the conductive layer (465) by reaction of the crosslinkable polymer and the crosslinking agent of the liquid solution (260) to form a reaction product, wherein the organic solvent is contained in the reaction product. [3] Battery cell (200) according to claim 2, wherein the reaction product is a polymer matrix and the organic solvent is contained in the polymer matrix. [4] Battery cell (200) according to claim 1, wherein the electrode arrangement (210) includes an electrode stack (215) comprising: at least one separator layer (230); at least one anode (240) with a first length (L1) stacked on a first side (232) of the at least one separator layer (230); and at least one cathode (250) with a second length (L2) stacked on a second side (234) opposite the first side (232) of the at least one separator layer (230), wherein one of the first length (L1) and the second length (L2) is longer than the other of the first length (L1) and the second length (L2). [5] Battery cell (200) according to claim 4, wherein the conductive layer (465) is in contact with a first lower section (244) of the at least one anode (240) and is spaced apart from a first lower section (254) of the at least one cathode (250). [6] Battery cell (200) according to claim 4, wherein the electrode stack (215) further comprises a protective film covering (218), wherein the protective film covering (218) has perforations. [7] Battery cell (200) according to claim 6, wherein the perforations allow the infusion of the liquid solution (260) into the protective film covering (218). [8] Battery cell (200) according to claim 1, wherein the conductive layer (465) has an outer shape (467) that corresponds to an inner shape (427) of the battery can (220). [9] Battery cell (200) according to claim 1, wherein the ion-conducting salt has a minimum ion conductivity of 1.0 × 10 -5 S cm -1 at 25°C.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
RECHARGEABLE ELECTROCHEMICAL LITHIUM ION CELLS WITH INSULATED TABS AND METHOD FOR THEIR PREPARATION
DE102022107902A1
Lead accumulator plates support - comprises plastic foam pads formed between cell walls and sets of plates
DE2548813A1