INTERNAL THERMAL SWITCHES FOR BATTERY CELL POWER CONTROL

Abstract

A battery cell for a battery pack, wherein the battery cell comprises a casing, a terminal, an electrode stack, a current collector electrically coupled to the electrode stack, and an internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component. The internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component is configured, when it reaches a first temperature that does not meet a temperature threshold, to exhibit a first form that electrically couples the current collector to the terminal, and then, when it reaches a second temperature that meets the temperature threshold, to switch from the first form to a second form that differs from the first form, thereby deactivating the battery cell by electrically disconnecting the current collector from the terminal and electrically coupling the terminal to the casing.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The information provided in this section serves the purpose of providing a general overview of the context of the disclosure. Neither the work of the inventors currently named, to the extent described in this section, nor those aspects of the description that could not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are expressly or implicitly recognized as prior art against the present disclosure.

[0002] Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) contain one or more electric motors and one or more battery packs configured to provide electrical voltages to power the one or more electric motors, or to provide additional electrical voltages used by other vehicle components. Typically, the battery pack contains multiple battery cells.

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to internal thermal switches for battery cell current control.

[0004] DE 10 2012 215 058 A1 discloses a battery cell with a battery cell housing and a temperature switch, which is electrically conductively connected to an electrode of the battery cell, thermally coupled to the battery cell, and configured to open at a temperature above a predefined temperature. JP H06 - 325 751 A discloses a battery with a built-in mechanism for preventing a temperature rise, wherein the built-in mechanism stops the charging or discharging of the battery if a temperature rise occurs due to an abnormal current.DE 10 2014 204 134 A1 discloses a battery system with at least one device for increasing safety during the use of the battery system, wherein the at least one device comprises a first component and a second component, the first component and the second component being independently capable of electrically short-circuiting the battery system depending on a temperature and / or pressure prevailing inside and / or outside the battery system. US 2012 0 251 851 A1 discloses a secondary battery that can induce an internal short circuit in response to a stimulus, such as excessive internal pressure or excessive temperature. CN 205 790 173 U discloses a battery protection device that uses a shutdown device to protect a battery when an anomaly occurs in the battery. SUMMARY

[0005] One aspect of the revelation provides a vehicle that includes an electric motor and a battery pack configured to provide an electrical voltage to supply energy to the electric motor in order to power the vehicle. The battery pack contains multiple battery cells. Each battery cell includes a casing, a terminal, an electrode stack, a current collector electrically coupled to the electrode stack, and an internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component.The internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component is configured such that, when it reaches a first temperature that does not meet a temperature threshold, it assumes a first state that electrically couples the current collector to the terminal. Then, when it reaches a second temperature that meets the temperature threshold, it switches from the first state to a second state that differs from the first, thereby deactivating the battery cell by electrically disconnecting the current collector from the terminal and electrically coupling the terminal to the casing. Each battery cell also contains a second terminal, a second current collector electrically coupled to the electrode stack, and a second internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component.The second internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component is configured such that when it reaches a third temperature that does not meet a second temperature threshold, it takes on a third form, and then when it reaches a fourth temperature that meets the second temperature threshold, it changes from the third form to a fourth form that is different from the third form in order to electrically couple the second connection to the housing.

[0006] Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. According to some implementations, the terminal includes a negative terminal of the battery cell. According to some implementations, the terminal is a negative terminal of the battery cell and the second terminal is a positive terminal of the battery cell. In some examples, the casing is electrically coupled to a second terminal of the battery cell.

[0007] The internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component can contain a shape-memory alloy configured to undergo a phase transformation when the internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component reaches the second temperature that meets the temperature threshold. Alternatively, the internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component can contain a bimetallic strip configured to deflect when the internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component reaches the second temperature that meets the temperature threshold. Alternatively, the internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component can contain a bimetallic strip configured to bend when the internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component reaches the second temperature that meets the temperature threshold.Alternatively, the internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component can contain two subcomponents configured to bend away from each other when the internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component is at the first temperature that does not meet the temperature threshold, and to bend towards each other when the internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component is at the second temperature that meets the temperature threshold.

[0008] According to some implementations, each battery cell also contains a locking mechanism configured to keep the internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component in the second state when the battery cell cools down. In some examples, the battery pack is configured to continue providing electrical voltage or a second electrical voltage while one or more of the battery cells are disabled.

[0009] Another aspect of the revelation provides a battery cell for a battery pack. The battery cell includes a casing, a terminal, an electrode stack, a current collector electrically coupled to the electrode stack, and an internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component. The internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component is configured such that, when it reaches a first temperature that does not meet a temperature threshold, it assumes a first form that electrically couples the current collector to the terminal. Then, when it reaches a second temperature that meets the temperature threshold, it changes from the first form to a second form that differs from the first, thereby deactivating the battery cell by electrically disconnecting the current collector from the terminal and electrically coupling the terminal to the casing.

[0010] Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. According to some implementations, the battery cell also includes a second terminal, a second current collector electrically coupled to the electrode stack, and a second internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component. The second internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component is configured such that when it reaches a third temperature that does not meet a second temperature threshold, it assumes a third shape, and then, when it reaches a fourth temperature that meets the second temperature threshold, it changes from the third shape to a fourth shape that differs from the third shape in order to electrically couple the second terminal to the casing.According to some implementations, the first terminal is the negative terminal of the battery cell, and the second terminal is the positive terminal. In some examples, the casing is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the battery cell. According to some implementations, the battery cell also includes a locking mechanism configured to hold the internal temperature-sensitive, electrically conductive component in the second position when the battery cell cools down.

[0011] Yet another aspect of the revelation provides a battery pack containing multiple battery cells. Each battery cell includes a casing, a terminal, an electrode stack, a current collector electrically coupled to the electrode stack, and an internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component. The internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component is configured so that when it reaches a temperature that meets a temperature threshold, it changes from a first form to a second form different from the first, thereby deactivating the battery cell by electrically disconnecting the current collector from the terminal and electrically coupling the terminal to the casing.

[0012] Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. According to some implementations, each battery cell also includes a second terminal, a second current collector electrically coupled to the electrode stack, and a second internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component. The second internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component is configured such that when it reaches a third temperature that does not meet a second temperature threshold, it assumes a third shape, and then, when it reaches a fourth temperature that meets the second temperature threshold, it changes from the third shape to a fourth shape that differs from the third shape in order to electrically couple the second terminal to the casing.In some examples, the battery pack is configured to provide an electrical voltage while one or more of the battery cells are disabled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The drawings described here serve only to illustrate selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure; they show: Fig. 1 a view of an exemplary vehicle incorporating a propulsion system having a battery pack in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 a schematic view of the tunneling system of Fig. 1; Fig. 3A an exploded view of a section of an example battery cell; Fig. 3B a side cross-sectional view of the section of the battery cell when the battery cell has reached an initial temperature; Fig. 3C a side cross-sectional view of the section of the battery cell when the battery cell has a second temperature; Fig. 4A an exploded view of a section of another example battery cell; Fig. 4B a side cross-sectional view of the section of the battery cell when the battery cell has reached an initial temperature; Fig. 4C a side cross-sectional view of the section of the battery cell when the battery has a second temperature; Fig. 5A-5D exemplary internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive switches, and Fig. 6A-6D Exemplary locking mechanisms for internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive switches.

[0014] In all drawings, corresponding reference symbols denote corresponding parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Exemplary configurations are now described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Exemplary configurations are provided to ensure that this disclosure is thorough and fully conveys the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Specific details such as...

[0016] Examples of specific components, devices, and methods are presented to provide a precise understanding of the configurations of this disclosure. It is evident to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be used, that exemplary configurations can be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and exemplary configurations are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0017] The terminology used here serves only to describe certain exemplary configurations and is not intended to be restrictive. As used here, the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "includes," "contain," and "exhibit" are inclusive and therefore establish the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more further features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.The procedural steps, processes, and operations described herein are not intended to necessarily require their execution in the specific order discussed or illustrated, unless explicitly identified as such. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0018] When an element or layer is described as "attached to," "intervening with," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly attached to, intervening with, connected to, attached to, or coupled to that other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is described as "directly attached to," "directly intervening with," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there need not be any intermediate elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted similarly (e.g., "between" or "directly between," "adjacent" or "directly adjacent," etc.).As used herein, the expression “and / or” includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.

[0019] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., can be used here to describe different elements, components, areas, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, areas, layers, and / or sections are not intended to be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish one element, component, area, layer, or section from another. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply any sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.Thus, a first element, a first component, a first area, a first layer or a first section discussed below can be referred to as a second element, a second component, a second area, a second layer or a second section without deviating from the instructions of the exemplary configurations.

[0020] In this application, including the definitions below, the term "module" may be replaced by the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field-programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or a group) that executes code; a memory (shared, dedicated, or a group) that stores code executed by a processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip, being part of, or containing them.

[0021] The term "code," as used above, can include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and can refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. The term "shared processor" includes a single processor that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor" includes a processor that, in combination with additional processors, executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "shared memory" includes a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory" includes memory that, in combination with additional memory, stores some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "memory" can be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium."The term "computer-readable medium" encompasses non-transient electrical and electromagnetic signals that propagate through a medium and can therefore be considered a physical, non-transient storage medium. Non-restrictive examples of non-transient storage include physical computer-readable media such as non-volatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage.

[0022] The devices and methods described in this application can be partially or completely implemented by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs contain processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transient, computer-readable physical medium. The computer programs may also contain and / or access stored data.

[0023] A software application (i.e., a software resource) can refer to computer software that causes a computing device to perform a task. In some examples, a software application may be called an "application," an "app," or a "program." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0024] Non-transient memory can be physical devices used to store programs (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program state information) on a temporary or permanent basis for use by a computing device. Non-transient memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (which is typically used, for example, for firmware such as boot programs).Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, write / read memory (RAM), dynamic write / read memory (DRAM), static write / read memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and disks or tapes.

[0025] These computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications, or code) contain machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in a high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming language and / or in assembly / machine language. As used here, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to a computer program product, a non-transient computer-readable medium, a device, and / or a device (e.g., magnetic disks, optical disks, memory, programmable logic devices (PLDs)) used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, which includes a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal.The term "machine-readable signal" refers to a signal that is used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0026] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be realized in digital electronics and / or an optical circuit arrangement, an integrated circuit arrangement, specially designed ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include an implementation in one or more computer programs that are executable and / or interpretable in a programmable system comprising at least one programmable processor, which may be specialized or general-purpose and is coupled to receive data and instructions from and send data and instructions to a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0027] The processes and logic operations described in this application can be performed by one or more programmable processors, also referred to as data processing hardware, which execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by working on input data and generating outputs. The processes and logic operations can also be performed by a special-purpose logic circuit arrangement, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). Processors suitable for executing a computer program include, by way of example, general-purpose microprocessors, special-purpose microprocessors, and one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Generally, a processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory and / or read / write memory.The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more storage devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer also includes, or is functionally coupled to, the ability to receive data from and / or send data to one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic, magneto-optical, or optical media. However, a computer does not necessarily have to have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and storage devices, such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices); magnetic media (e.g., internal hard drives or removable media); magneto-optical media; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM media.The processor and memory can be supplemented or incorporated by a logic circuit arrangement for a specific purpose.

[0028] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the disclosure may be implemented in a computer that has a display device, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube), an LCD (liquid crystal display), or a touchscreen for displaying information to the user, and optionally a keyboard and pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, with which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to provide interaction with a user; for example, feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as...Visual, auditory, or haptic feedback; and input can be received from the user in any form, including auditory, verbal, or tactile input. Additionally, a computer can interact with a user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; for example, by sending web pages to an internet browser in a user's client device in response to requests received from the internet browser.

[0029] Unless expressly stated otherwise, the phrase "at least one of A, B or C" is intended to refer to any combination or subset of A, B, C, such as: (1) at least one A alone; (2) at least one B alone; (3) at least one C alone; (4) at least one A with at least one B; (5) at least one A with at least one C; (6) at least one B with at least C; and (7) at least one A with at least one B and at least one C. Furthermore, unless expressly stated otherwise, the phrase "at least one of A, B and C" is intended to refer to any combination or subset of A, B, C, such as:The following are included: (1) at least one A alone; (2) at least one B alone; (3) at least one C alone; (4) at least one A with at least one B; (5) at least one A with at least one C; (6) at least one B with at least one C; and (7) at least one A with at least one B and at least one C. Furthermore, unless expressly stated otherwise, “A or B” is intended to refer to any combination of A and B, such as: (1) only A; (2) only B; and (3) A and B.

[0030] Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) contain one or more electric motors and one or more battery packs configured to provide electrical voltages to power the one or more electric motors and propel the vehicle, or to provide additional electrical voltages used by other vehicle components. Typically, the battery pack contains multiple battery cells. Thermal runaway in a battery pack can occur when an increase in temperature in one battery cell causes an increase in the temperature of one or more other battery cells in the pack. This phenomenon can occur, for example, if a battery cell in the pack experiences an internal short circuit, overcharging, or physical damage.In some cases, the heat can trigger further reactions within the battery cell, causing it to release even more heat. If the temperature of the battery cell continues to rise, neighboring cells can also overheat, causing the battery pack to experience thermal runaway. This can lead to a defect or failure of the battery pack. Therefore, there is a need for improved temperature control of the battery cells within a battery pack to prevent thermal runaway.

[0031] In disclosed configurations, each battery cell of a battery pack contains one or more internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive components configured to change their physical shape when the temperature of a battery cell exceeds a temperature threshold (e.g., a temperature threshold slightly above the onset temperature of a thermal runaway, e.g., in the range of 120°C–150°C) to deactivate the battery cell by disconnecting one or more current collectors and / or one or more electrode stacks of the battery cell and creating a closed circuit by means of a resistive cover or resistive housing of the battery cell. This prevents the battery cell from heating up further and prevents or slows down the heating of adjacent battery cells in the battery pack, thereby preventing the battery pack from experiencing a thermal runaway event.Advantageously, the other battery cells in the battery pack can continue to provide the power needed to propel the vehicle or supply energy to other vehicle components, even while the overheated battery cell is isolated.

[0032] While configurations related to the battery cells of a battery pack for a vehicle (e.g., an automobile, a truck, an aircraft, a train, a motorcycle, etc.) are shown and described here, it is understood that disclosed configurations may be used additionally or alternatively to provide temperature control for battery cells of a battery pack used to power another type of device and / or for another type of rechargeable energy storage system (RESS).

[0033] Specifically referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a vehicle 10 (e.g., a car, truck, airplane, train, motorcycle, etc.) in conjunction with a propulsion system 12 for driving the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 can be, for example, an EV or a HEV. The propulsion system 12 includes a battery pack 20 comprising multiple battery cells 21, 21a-n, one or more electric motors 30, and a battery control unit (BCU) 22 for controlling the battery pack 20 and the one or more electric motors 30 to drive the vehicle 10. The battery cells 21 can be connected in series and / or in parallel. The battery pack 20 can also be used to power other components of the vehicle 10, either additionally or alternatively. The BCU 22 stores machine-readable commands, e.g., B. in memory hardware 24. The instructions can be executed by data processing hardware 26 (e.g. a processor) of the BCU 22 to perform the following operations of the BCU 22.

[0034] Fig. 3A is an exploded view of a section of an exemplary battery cell 300 that can be used to implement the battery cells 21 of the battery pack 20. Fig. Figure 3B is a side cross-sectional view of the section of battery cell 300 when battery cell 300 has an initial temperature that is less than a temperature threshold (e.g., a temperature threshold slightly above an induction temperature of thermal runaway, e.g., in the range of 120°C-150°C). Fig. Figure 3C is a side cross-sectional view of the section of battery cell 300 when the battery cell 300 has a second temperature greater than the temperature threshold and is deactivated. The battery cell 300 contains terminals 302a and 302b, an external insulator and seal component 303, a cover or housing 304, rivets 305, internal insulators 306, a current collector 308, an internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive switch 309 (also referred to here as switch 309), a connector 307 between the rivet 305 and switch 309, and another internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive switch 310 (also referred to here as switch 310). In the illustrated example, terminal 302a is a negative terminal of the battery cell 300, and terminal 302b is a positive terminal of the battery cell 300.However, terminal 302a can be a positive terminal of battery cell 300 and terminal 302b can be a negative terminal of battery cell 300.

[0035] Because in Fig. 3B, if the initial temperature of the battery cell 300 (e.g., the initial temperature of the switch 309) is lower than the temperature threshold, the switch 309 is configured to have an initial shape (e.g., arc-shaped or deflected downwards) that electrically couples the current collector 308 to the terminal 302a. Fig. 3B is the case 304 neutral. However, because in Fig. 3C if a second temperature of the battery cell 300 (e.g., a second temperature of the switch 309) is greater than the temperature threshold, the switch 309 is configured to have a second shape (e.g., arc-shaped or deflected upwards) that differs from the first shape and deactivates the battery cell 300 by electrically disconnecting the current collector 308 from the terminal 302a and electrically coupling the terminal 302a to the housing 304. Fig. 3C is when switch 310 has a third temperature that is greater than the temperature threshold, the switch 310 is configured to have a second form that differs from a first form that is in Fig. As shown in 3B, it is different in order to electrically couple the connection 302b to the housing 304.

[0036] Fig. 4A is an exploded view of a section of another exemplary battery cell 400 that can be used to implement the battery cells 21 of the battery pack 20. Fig. Figure 4B is a side cross-sectional view of the section of battery cell 400 when the battery cell 400 has an initial temperature that is less than a temperature threshold (e.g., a temperature threshold slightly above an induction temperature of thermal runaway, e.g., in the range of 120°C-150°C). Fig. Figure 4C is a side cross-sectional view of the section of battery cell 400 when the battery cell 400 has a second temperature greater than the temperature threshold and is deactivated. The battery cell 400 includes terminals 402a and 402b, an external insulator and seal component 403, a cover or housing 404, rivets 405, an internal insulator 406, a current collector 408, an internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive switch 409 (also referred to here as switch 409), and a connector 407 between the rivet 405 and the switch 409. In the illustrated example, terminal 402a is a negative terminal of the battery cell 400, terminal 402b is a positive terminal of the battery cell 400, and the housing 404 is electrically coupled to terminal 402b.However, terminal 402a can be a positive terminal of battery cell 400 and terminal 402b can be a negative terminal of battery cell 400, with the housing 404 being electrically coupled to the negative terminal.

[0037] Because in Fig. 4B If the initial temperature of battery cell 400 (e.g., the initial temperature of switch 409) is lower than the temperature threshold, switch 409 is configured to have an initial shape (e.g., arc-shaped or deflected downwards) that electrically couples the current collector 408 to terminal 402a. However, because in Fig. 4C, a second temperature of the battery cell 400 (e.g., a second temperature of the switch 409) is greater than the temperature threshold, the switch 409 is configured to have a second shape (e.g., arc-shaped or deflected upwards) that is different from the first shape and that deactivates the battery cell 400 by electrically disconnecting the current collector 408 from the terminal 402a and electrically coupling the terminal 402a to the housing 404.

[0038] Fig. 5A- Fig. Figure 5D illustrates exemplary internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive switches 500, 500a-d (also referred to here as switches 500). The 500a switch from Fig. 5A contains a bimetallic strip 502 configured to change its shape when the temperature of the switch 500a changes. Specifically, the bimetallic strip 502 is configured to be flat when a first temperature of the switch 500a is less than a temperature threshold (e.g., a temperature threshold slightly above a thermal runaway induction temperature, e.g., in the range of 120°C–150°C), and to be curved or deflected upwards when a second temperature of the switch 500a is greater than the temperature threshold.

[0039] The 500b switch from Fig. 5B contains a bimetallic strip 504 configured to change its shape when the temperature of the switch 500b changes. Specifically, the bimetallic strip 504 is configured to bend upwards when a first temperature of the switch 500b is less than a temperature threshold (e.g., a temperature threshold slightly above a thermal runaway induction temperature, e.g., in the range of 120°C–150°C), and to bend downwards when a second temperature of the switch 500b is greater than the temperature threshold.

[0040] The 500c switch from Fig. 5C contains a shape-storage alloy 506 configured to undergo a phase transformation when the temperature of the switch 500c changes. Specifically, the shape-storage alloy 506 is configured to bend downwards when a first temperature of the switch 500c is less than a temperature threshold (e.g., a temperature threshold slightly above a thermal runaway induction temperature, e.g., in the range of 120°C–150°C), and to bend upwards when a second temperature of the switch 500c is greater than the temperature threshold.

[0041] The 500d switch contains a pair of subcomponents, 508 and 510, configured to change their shape when the temperature of the 500d switch changes. Specifically, the subcomponents 508 and 510 are configured to bend or flex away from each other when a first temperature of the 500d switch is less than a temperature threshold (e.g., a temperature threshold slightly above a thermal runaway induction temperature, e.g., in the range of 120°C–150°C), and to bend or flex towards each other when a second temperature of the 500d switch is greater than the temperature threshold.

[0042] Fig. 6A- Fig. Figure 6D illustrates exemplary locking or holding mechanisms for internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive switches 600, 600a-d (also referred to here as switches 600). In the illustrated example of Fig. 6A is then, when the temperature of the switch 600a is greater than a temperature threshold (e.g. a temperature threshold slightly above a thermal runaway initiation temperature, e.g. in the range of 120°C-150°C), a bimetallic strip 602 is configured to be deflected upwards, and a low-melting-point solder 604 is configured to melt to hold or secure the bimetallic strip 602 in the upward position, even after the switch 600a has cooled down, thereby locking a battery cell 21 containing the switch 600a in a disabled state.

[0043] In the illustrated example of Fig. In this process, a bimetallic strip 606 of switch 600b is held or secured in an upward-bent position by low-melting-point solder 608 when the temperature of switch 600b is less than a temperature threshold (e.g., a temperature threshold slightly above a thermal runaway induction temperature, e.g., in the range of 120°C–150°C) to ensure that a battery cell 21 containing switch 600b is in an active state. When the temperature of switch 600b is greater than the temperature threshold, the solder 608 is configured to melt, and the bimetallic strip 606 is configured to bend downward in response to the increased temperature.

[0044] In the illustrated examples of Fig. 6C, when the temperature of the switch 600c is greater than a temperature threshold (e.g., a temperature threshold slightly above a thermal runaway initiation temperature, e.g., in the range of 120°C-150°C), a bimetallic strip 610 is configured to be deflected upwards such that a mechanical feature 612 of the bimetallic strip 610 engages with another mechanical feature 614 of the switch 600c to hold the bimetallic strip 610 in the upward position, even after the switch 600c has cooled down, thus locking a battery cell 21 containing the switch 600c in a disabled state.

[0045] In the illustrated example of Fig.When the temperature of switch 600d is less than a temperature threshold (e.g., a temperature threshold slightly above a thermal runaway initiation temperature, e.g., in the range of 120°C–150°C), a bimetallic strip 616 is held in an upwardly bent position by the engagement of a mechanical feature 618 of the bimetallic strip 616 with another mechanical feature 620 of switch 600d. This ensures that a battery cell 21 containing switch 600d is in an active state. When the temperature of switch 600d is greater than the threshold temperature, the downward bending force of the bimetallic strip 616 releases features 618 and 620.

[0046] Several implementations have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without deviating from the concept and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, further implementations fall within the scope of the following claims.

[0047] The preceding description is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not restricted to that particular configuration but are, where applicable, interchangeable and may be used in any chosen configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. They may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be considered a deviation from the disclosure, and it is intended that all such modifications are included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

[1] Vehicle (10) comprising: an electric motor (30) and a battery pack (20) configured to provide an electrical voltage to supply energy to the electric motor (30) to power the vehicle (10), wherein the battery pack (20) comprises several battery cells (21, 300) and each battery cell (21, 300) comprises: a case (304); a connection (302a); an electrode stack; a current collector (308) that is electrically coupled to the electrode stack; and an internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component that is configured, that when it has a first temperature which does not meet a temperature threshold, it has a first form which electrically couples the current collector (308) to the terminal (302a); and then, when it has a second temperature that meets the temperature threshold, changes from the first form to a second form that is different from the first form in order to deactivate the battery cell (21, 300) by electrically disconnecting the current collector (308) from the terminal (302a) and electrically coupling the terminal (302a) to the housing (304); wherein each battery cell (21, 300) further comprises: a second connection (302b); a second current collector that is electrically coupled to the electrode stack; and a second internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component that is configured, that if it has a third temperature that does not meet a second temperature threshold, it has a third form; and then, when it has a fourth temperature that meets the second temperature threshold, it changes from the third form to a fourth form that is different from the third form in order to electrically couple the second connection to the housing (304). [2] Vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the connection (302a) comprises a negative terminal of the battery cell (21, 300). [3] Vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the terminal (302a) includes a negative terminal of the battery cell (21, 300) and the second terminal (302b) includes a positive terminal of the battery cell (21, 300). [4] Vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the housing (304) is electrically coupled to a second terminal (302b) of the battery cell (21, 300). [5] Vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component comprises a shape memory alloy configured to undergo a phase transformation when the internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component reaches the second temperature that satisfies the temperature threshold. [6] Vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component comprises a bimetallic strip (502, 504) configured to be deflected when the internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component has the second temperature that meets the temperature threshold. [7] Vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component comprises a bimetallic strip (502, 504) configured to bend when the internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component has the second temperature that satisfies the temperature threshold. [8] Vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component comprises two subcomponents (508, 510) configured, then, when the internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component reaches the first temperature that does not meet the temperature threshold, it will bend away from each other; and that is, when the internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component reaches the second temperature that meets the temperature threshold to bend towards each other. [9] Vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein each battery cell (21, 300) further comprises a locking mechanism configured to retain the internal temperature-sensitive electrically conductive component in the second form when the battery cell (21, 300) cools down.

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